Page 3 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

Tavish, no,Lira cried through our bond.

Just as I got traction to head back for her, Pyralis doused Finnian in flames. Finnian dropped like Lorne had, then hit the water and sank.

No. I had to save him, but Lira was being taken. I was torn.

Save Finnian,Lira shouted.Otherwise, he could die. Struan and a few other guards you trust are coming to help you.

My chest tightened, and the dragon prince flew quicker now, getting away.

I’d failed Lira.

Again.

But at least I could rescue Finnian before he died. Then I’d regroup with the guards who were loyal to me and bring my mate back home.

I was able to catch air and rush back to the spot where Finnian went under. My wings ached, but I managed to reach the site just as four others caught up.

Inhaling deeply, I dove back in, searching for Finnian. The water was clear and easy to see through, but Finnian was nowhere in sight.

I turned toward the shoreline, hoping he was swimming back that way, but all I saw were fish swimming in the opposite direction, trying to get away from me.

And then I looked down and spotted Finnian halfway to the bottom.

My lungs were already aching, but I didn’t have time to resurface for a quick breath. Not with him being submerged as long as he’d been. I pushed myself to swim faster.

Pressure built in my ears, and my lungs screamed, but I finally reached him. His face was charred along with his clothes, which were blackened and stuck as if molded to his skin. There wasn’t a healed place for me to touch, so I wrapped an arm around his waist and kicked my feet and wings upward.

Thankfully, more guards were already swimming toward me.

Struan took one side of Finnian while one of the female guards took the other, and I relinquished my hold, needing to get above water. They’d be able to bring Finnian to the surface quicker than I could. And I needed to ensure the fighting had stopped so we could get Finnian to his bedchamber as quickly as possible.

Please tell me you’re okay,Lira asked, her worry flowing into mine.

You’re gone,I answered.Of course I’m not okay.I freed myself from the water and darted back to the ruined land.I wasn’t sure what I’d see, given my people were fighting one another. My wings ached, my heart hurt, and fury still thrummed inside me from losing Lira.

Thorn, I haven’t gone anywhere.

Communicating through our fated-mate connection wasn’t the same as having Lira in my arms and at my side. However, I didn’t want to burden her further. And I refused to let him keep her for long.

If Eldrin had a way to free her before it was too late, then I’d allow him to breathe.

I made it back to the kingdom to find the fighting had stopped. Dead bodies lay everywhere, but Caelan had managed to remove Eldrin from the street.

I had to speak to the people and make them see, once and for all, that I was their king. Then throw everyone who’d risen against me into prison, though I didn’t relish the thought. Still, it had to be done because they’d proven their allegiance to Eldrin.

Which meant there were fewer people to help me fight the dragons to get Lira back.

Eiric and Nightbane stood with Isla by the double doors of the castle. My heart grew heavy, knowing Eiric would blame me for Lira’s capture and be desperate to get her back.

Eiric’s dark-brown curls blew in the breeze as she placed a hand on her chest. “Tavish,” she said brokenly.

I landed before her, ready to appease her and ask for her help, when she ran forward and buried herself in my arms.

My body buzzed against hers, causing me to step back in surprise. Even though the contact felt right, she wasn’t the woman I loved.

What the blast had Eldrin done?

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