Chapter 90
GRAESON
In the seconds in which Domitius placed the mask around Kalisandre’s jaw, sealing her mouth shut, Graeson wished he could redo everything.
He regretted not listening to his instincts when he had heard the chains rattling.
He regretted not being strong enough to escape the chains.
But most of all, Graeson regretted leading them to Domitius and falling into his trap.
His gaze flew across the landscape, trying to find a way out. Trying to figure out how they could make it out alive. But all Graeson saw were the encroaching soldiers, their weapons drawn.
He looked at Kalisandre, the woman he cherished above all else. Graeson would have burned down the entire world for her. He would have set it all ablaze if it meant that the two of them could escape alive.
Even from afar, he could see the tears coating Kalisandre’s blue eyes, dulling their shine and the fire that had previously burned within them.
Her hair was strewn across her face haphazardly, and her soft features were speckled with blood from the gruesome battle in the streets.
But it was her muffled screams that made his skin crawl the most, that set every nerve-ending on fire.
Kage thought he could still control her? Kalisandre was his soul bond, and Graeson would be damned if he let Domitius take her power away.
Graeson strained against the unyielding chains. The iron dug into his sides, piercing his scales. He scraped his claws against the earth, turning up the soil. He would dig his way out of this if he had to.
A low rumble sounded, and the leaves in the trees trembled, making him pause.
Inhaling, Graeson’s nostrils flared. Before he could make sense of the familiar scent, a river of fire sliced across the sky like a lightning bolt.
The guards spun around, searching the sky. The burst of fire was too large for one of the drakonises to have produced. But if one of them hadn’t done it, then who had? In preparation for whatever enemy lurked in the shadows of the darkening sky, a soldier nocked an arrow back.
A dark shadow, even larger than Graeson’s menacing form, burst through the flames. Two bright orbs blinked, poking holes in the surrounding darkness. A pair of silver eyes as bright as the moon locked onto Graeson. The dragon roared.
A disgrace, Barinthian said, the god’s voice filling Graeson’s head. Is this all my son is good for?
Graeson snarled. What the fuck are you doing here?
That’s a strange way to say thank you, Barinthian snapped.
Graeson tugged against the chains. Thank you!? Do you know how many people have died? How many lives have been lost? You could have ended this!
As could you have. But don’t worry. I’ll leave a few for you.
Barinthian flattened his wings to his sides and dove. The guards screamed as the massive dragon rushed toward them. Those lucky enough to have wings took off, fleeing. But those on the ground weren’t as lucky. Barinthian scorched them, his fire bright-white and merciless.
He flew over Graeson, snatching the chain that lay over Graeson’s snout. Barinthian’s back claws wrapped around the iron, nicking Graeson’s nose. He tugged. Once, twice, three times.
Graeson felt the chain’s absence immediately. He snapped at Barinthian’s tail, but narrowly missed it.
Next time, don’t let a mortal overpower you.
There won’t be a next time, Graeson growled back.
A sound akin to a snort came from the god.
Graeson struggled against the remaining chains.
Even with his head free, the weight of the iron pressed his body flat against the ground.
He tried to use his wings to force them off, but his muscles shook from the strain.
He growled in frustration. When he was about to admit defeat and call out to his father, three winged guards charged toward the god.
Behind you! Graeson roared.
Barinthian barely reacted. He swept past the guards, his speed unmatched. As he passed them, Barinthian flicked his tail, striking two of the men in the chest as if they were no more than gnats.
The third guard dodged the attack, dropping beneath the god’s tail.
The guard dove toward the dragon’s belly, finding the softer skin.
Sword in hand, the guard went to strike, but Barinthian was quick.
In seconds, the god was on him, spinning around faster than he should have been able.
Fire spewed from Barinthian’s mouth. Ash and embers poured from the sky.
Graeson sighed in relief, but nearly choked when he turned his gaze back to the ground. Domitius was holding his sword to Kalisandre’s throat.