Page 45 of Song of Her Siren

“Mission accomplished,” I muttered, then frowned down at my wide skirts. “I don’t think I can fly in this dress.”

Helian’s gaze drifted across my body before he crooked a smile. “You look like you’re wearing a lampshade.”

I gritted my teeth. “Thanks.”

He pulled a blade out of his pocket. “I can fix that.” After guiding me to turn around, he sliced open my bodice and helped me out of the ugly hoop beneath my dress, discarding it behind some bushes. I wished I could dispose of my flimsy slippers, but they were better than nothing. He helped me cinch my bodice, which hung loosely over one shoulder after he’d ripped it. I didn’t care. I planned on burning every garment Malvolia had given me, anyway.

Helian kissed my cheek, then picked up Ember. “Race you there!”

Before I could stop him, Helian had managed to climb up Radnor’s side with Ember clinging to his back. I was pretty sure my heart fell to the pit of my stomach while watching her swing from his neck until he positioned her in front of him, giving her safety instructions while tying a rope around her waist. To think, just last month, I’d flown in that same spot.

Isa lowered her neck toward the ground.I’m ready, Goddess.

I picked up Aurora and summoned a wind, using it to catapult both of us into the saddle. Our dresses bunched as we sat, hiking up to our knees and exposing our stockinged legs. Our evening gowns certainly didn’t make the best riding dresses, and we’d probably wish we’d worn jackets once we took off, but we’d delayed long enough. We had to find Ash. Helian tossed me extra rope, and I tied Aurora to a hook in the saddle. I hoped my knot was as secure as his, but before I could test it, the dragons lifted into the sky.

The girls squealed their delight, screaming “higher” and “faster,” proving they were definitely meant to be dragon riders. I clung to Aurora, the draft from Isa’s wings blowing back my hair and sending chills skittering across my body. We flew over a wooded area surrounding the castle that veered off into a narrow strip of trees that cut through the city.

Where is he?I projected to Helian while scanning the ground.

He pointed to where a dark shadow darted between a row of trees.Down there.

Isa and Radnor flew wingtip to wingtip with Triss flying above us, making happy grunts to remind us she was still there. I sure hoped the hatchling had mastered control of her bodily functions. I certainly didn’t want to be victim to a dragon rain shower—or worse.

We followed the path of trees that took a detour and skirted around the town. The dragons’ wings flapped slowly while they kept pace with my shifter mate, who plowed through brush and tree branches as if he hadn’t a care for his safety. My heart twisted and pitched. I hadn’t seen Ash this angry since the time he’d attacked Finn on the island of Thesan. He had to have been covered in cuts and welts by now, and yet he kept running. It was then I finally understood the gravity of my actions. I had allowed Malvolia to upset me and risked my life and all our lives. No doubt, my aunt had been waiting for an excuse to kill me, either to lash out after losing Mortimus or because she wanted Helian for herself—or both. What a fool I’d been.

Is he okay?I asked Helian through thought.

He’s fine.

I wasn’t reassured by Helian’s easy manner.He won’t look up at us.

He’s angry.

I bit my lip, worried when I lost him for a moment, only releasing a breath when I spied his shadow once more.I owe him an apology, don’t I?

What do you think?

I cut him a glare at the hardness in his words. Was Helian mad at me too?

“Look at all the treehouses!” Aurora squealed.

I’d been so focused on below, I hadn’t noticed the scenery above. I squeezed her tight while she pointed to tall, narrow turrets that resembled broken shards of glass jutting into the sky. A few did look like treehouses with wide platforms. One had a dome top, and firemages flew in and out of it, reminding me of birds visiting a nest.

“Neat, aren’t they?” I hollered into the wind.

Aurora vigorously nodded. “What are they for?”

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly.

They’re mostly taverns and meeting places for firemages, Helian answered through thought.

Can we go in one?I asked.

Ravini males are particular about who goes into their taverns.The warning in Helian’s words meant the Ravini wouldn’t be particularly pleased if three dragons and a Sidhe prince crashed their party.But I have another fun place to visit.

I scanned the ground again, panic slicing through my veins when I no longer saw the shadowy beast darting in and out of trees.Oh no! We lost Ash!

Don’t worry, Helian reassured me.Radnor is scenting him.

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