Page 65 of Dragon Blood

“I wish I knew for certain, Bayn,” Astred said, throat tight.

Joey drew their attention back to the tablet screen. “If Zadora figures out how to open the vault without the seal, your mother’s life will be even further at risk. The seals are a sort of fail-safe to ensure proper rituals are in place for the transfer during the awakening.”

“More than just to keep the peace between the dragon clans?” Bayn leaned in.

“So much more. They represent the creation of dragonkind. The merging of dragon, human and djinn.”

“Djinn? You’re shitting me!” It was Aaron’s turn to gape at Jolena Kane.

“Afraid not. During a previous cycle, a very long time ago. At the height of the Ascension, dragonkind were created to protect the earth against invasions from the other world.”

Astred’s thoughts flicked back to the remnants.

They’d be just the beginning.

Aaron picked up his forgotten glass of wine and gulped it down.

“The legends are true. Odson’s stories?” Kai whispered.

Joey’s expression softened. “I’m afraid so. Listen. Aaron, I need you on that flight tonight to meet with the rest of the team. The planning for the raid is almost complete and you’re an essential part of it. We have to get the timing right. Astred, I can arrange a flight for you to meet with Bayn’s clan to collect the stone. But just get in and get back to Aeleftheria. You need to claim ownership of the vault before Zadora does. If you don’t, the Mother’s essence will consume Regina in her weakened state if the proper rituals are not in place.”

“Consume? I don’t understand any of this—,”

“You don’t need to right now, but it’s important you trust me, as your mother did. My only motivation is to protect this earth. Regina and the Dragon Mother’s security is imperative to that mission.”

“Protect the earth from what?” Kai accepted another glass of wine from Aaron, who was determined to empty the bottle he’d brought…

“I told you. From the other world. With each Ascension, we never know what and who will come through the veil. The dragons are our greatest protection.”

“And the Consortium’s role in all of this?” Kai’s usually tanned face paled.

“Do what they always do, find ways to exploit everyone and everything. The thinning of the veil and the opening between worlds is always a power boon for them. Access to more resources.”

“So, if they control the dragon mother, they control everything?”

“Essentially, yes.”

“But, this is Zadora. What will she do with the Dragon Mother?”

“That’s the biggest question, Astred. I don’t know.” Joey’s expression turned pained.

“How can she possibly access the vault if it’s supposed to be aligned to the royal bloodline?” Bayn leaned down to peer at the screen.

“Zadora is descended from the royal line.” Joey’s voice was tight. “She was removed from succession after the accident.”

“Accident?” Kai asked, incredulous. “This all sounds unbelievable.”

“She was too close to a meteor strike that altered her genetics, which created the Steelscale line.”

“Insane.” Kai breathed. “Insane.”

Joey shrugged.

“Is that what this is about, then? Zadora wants the throne? Why now? She’s had millennia to challenge my mother—my grandmother, for dragonsake!” Astred was on her feet again.

“I wish I knew.” Joey’s voice softened. “But for now, we have enough to act on the menagerie while you retrieve the stone. It will have to go to Kolina. Zadora may have no intention of awakening the Mother. But if she does, then, well, there will be consequences we can’t reverse.”

Chapter 21

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