Chapter 15 Adele #2
Ready? His voice filled my mind, warm and reassuring.
I am.
He launched skyward, and my stomach dropped in that thrilling way it always did. We rose fast, the cliff dwellings shrinking below us. Higher than we’d flown before, the air growing noticeably colder.
We’re going to stop at three different elevations, he said. I’ll hold us steady while you take your samples. But you need to tell me immediately if you start feeling sick. Altitude sickness isn’t something we can ignore.
I will.
I mean it, Adele. Your lips start turning blue, I’m getting you down whether you’ve finished or not.
The protectiveness in his tone made my chest warm despite the freezing air. Yes, Your Majesty.
His laugh rumbled through our connection. Wish I could kiss you now.
My heart seized. I wish you could too.
At the first stop, level with the highest dwellings, I pulled out my collection kit and began testing, infusing magic into my instruments to ensure accuracy.
Temperature, humidity, air pressure. I used magic to detect different compounds, noting each and filing the information in my notebook.
The wind here was light, carrying the sharp scent of snow and stone.
Anything? Raoul asked, keeping his wings steady.
Some particulates, but nothing excessive. I finished my notes. Next level.
We rose higher. The air thinned noticeably, each breath requiring more effort. Cold bit through my clothes, and I pressed closer to Raoul’s warm scales. The dragonfire ring he’d given me flamed, sending heat across my body, much like a warm blanket. I soaked in the warmth.
Are you alright? His concern was a palpable thing in my mind.
I’m fine. Keep going.
The second stop showed similar results. Frustrated, I stared at my notes. There had to be something, a variable I was missing.
“One more,” I said. “The peak.”
Are you sure? You’re breathing harder.
I need to see if it’s different far from their homes.
We climbed again, and this time the cold sunk through the ring’s warmth, reaching for my bones. Each breath burned in my lungs, and spots danced at the edges of my vision. But as we broke through the last layer of thin clouds, the view stole what little breath I had left.
An ancient shrine rose from the mountain peak, carved from ice and stone that glowed with inner light. Dragon forms twisted through the architecture, protective guardians frozen in time. It was beautiful. Sacred. Humbling.
Raoul held position, his wings working hard in the thin air. I forced myself to focus, pulling out my equipment with fingers that were going numb, casting my spells.
Did you find anything? he asked.
Not yet. My words slurred, the altitude was getting to me.
We’re done here.
“Just one more—”
Now, Adele.
“Stubborn dragon.” But my hands were shaking too badly to collect another sample anyway.
Hold on. He swooped down close to the shrine and shifted, his body transforming from dragon to his usual faster than I could blink. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me against his warm chest.
“Better?” he asked, his breath fogging in the freezing air.
My teeth were chattering too hard to answer, but I managed to nod. He held me while I finished securing the samples with clumsy fingers, his body heat seeping into me.
“Done,” I finally said.
“Good.” He tipped my chin up, studying my face with worried eyes. “Your lips are purple.”
“Romantic.”
“Terrifying.” But he kissed me anyway, his mouth warm against mine, pouring heat back into me. When he pulled back, his eyes were soft. “You’re brilliant. And stubborn. And brilliant.”
“You said brilliant twice.”
“Because it’s doubly true.” He shifted us, preparing to change back to dragon form. “Let’s get you down before you pass out and I have to carry your unconscious body. Very undignified for a queen.”
“Truly undignified,” I said, but I was smiling.
The flight down was a blur. I pressed close to him, exhausted and cold but eager to study what I’d collected.
We landed to find Queen Mortiven and a few of the villagers waiting in the courtyard. Their expressions remained hopeful.
“Well?” Queen Mortiven asked. “Did you find who’s poisoning our children?”
I slid off Raoul’s back, and he shifted to his usual form. “I still need to gather evidence at Goldwing Court since they also have sneezing children. Once I’ve studied everything, I hope I’ll be able to tell you what’s happening.”
“Why should we trust Emberforge’s witch?” A man in the crowd called out, his voice hard with suspicion.
Raoul’s hand found mine, presenting a united front. I squeezed back, silently thanking him for the support.
“Adele flew through thin air to the sacred peaks to find a way to save your children,” Raoul said, his voice carrying across the courtyard. “She’s smart, and she cares. Do not disrespect my wife.”
My breath caught at the strength and devotion in his words.
This was dangerous territory. This was falling.
Mortiven studied us both, her sharp eyes taking in our joined hands and the way we leaned toward each other. Her expression shifted, and the barest hint of a smile touched her lips.
A young mother stepped forward from the crowd, her baby clutched to her chest. “Will you be able to help our children?”
I met her desperate gaze. “I won’t stop until I do.”
We gathered our belongings quickly.
Mortiven joined us in the courtyard. “Thank you. I…I appreciate you coming to my clan and looking into this. We’re tired. Stressed. This has been horrible for us.”
“I understand,” I said. “We’ll let you know what we discover at Goldwing.”
She gave me a curt nod and turned, striding through an archway in the cliff face.
Raoul shifted again, and I climbed onto his back. My body was exhausted, my lungs still burning from the altitude, but my mind raced with theories and calculations.
Raoul spread his wings. Let’s go.
Yes. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can discover at Goldwing.
We launched into the sky, leaving Silvervale’s silver cliffs behind. Ahead lay another court.
And I hoped answers.