Page 77 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

“I don’t. Do you?” I didn’t understand why he’d ask that, so I glanced at Finola, who had her hand on the hilt of her sword as if she’d sensed the same urgency that I had. Yet, she didn’t move forward, instead remaining rigid beside me.

“No, but from the way you’re antsy, I thought I missed something. What’s worrying you?”

Blighted abyss. Even my own guards could tell that I was distracted. I needed to brush away my frustration because, if I didn’t, then Lira could be in even more danger than I wanted to consider.

“Don’t be a fool.” Finnian snorted from the other side of Struan. “We know what’s causing our dear king to be distracted. It begins with a Li- and ends with a -ra.”

Annoyance flared inside me, and I clasped my hands to keep from punching the thornling. We had to be careful. We were about five thousand feet over the surface of the water that hit the dragon border. I’d rolled darkness in over the past few hours, making it appear like clouds until we were finally able to get this close. We also made sure that we stayed where the wind blew at us, not risking our scent drifting below.

The dragons had excellent senses of hearing, smell, and sight, so we had to be careful to not alert them to our presence, and I had to keep my magic steady so they wouldn’t sense fae magic either. Any aggravation I wanted to take out on Finnian would have to happen later.

Hestia and Brenin ignored us. They stayed close together on the other side of Finola while they watched not only the castle but also the surrounding areas, trying to discern where Eiric might be. I hoped that maybe we could locate Eiric and retrieve her so Lira never had to be put at risk.

As if Fate wanted to answer my unspoken wish, one of the double doors opened, and Pyralis stepped out of the castle and hurried down the stairs.

My chest tightened and every cell in my body blazed. My illusion magic spun inside me, and the darkness clung to me more.

This was the man who wanted to take my mate away from me. He wanted to impregnate her and use her as a means to make the dragons indestructible. There was one way to ensure it never happened—killing the ashbreath.

Wind hit my face as my wings pumped, pushing me toward him. I hadn’t even realized I’d started moving.

This wasn’t a thought-out plan, which meant that if I did this, Eiric could get hurt. Lira would never forgive me.

I gritted my teeth and stopped, though it went against every instinct. The last twelve years had taught me to kill any threats, and he posed a great risk to the most important person in my life.

Hands gripped my arms, yanking me back.

“I understand you’re upset, but we can’t be rash,” Brenin gritted out from my right side.

Hestia squeezed my other side tightly as she arched a stern brow. “Our eldest daughter is down there in Fate knows whatsort of condition. Don’t you think we’re struggling just as much as you are, staying up here and hiding when she’s so close?”

Although I understood they loved Lira, what they felt for her didn’t even come close to my love for her. Lira had thawed my heart after twelve years of it being frozen, and I wouldn’t want to survive in a realm that didn’t have her in it. “I stopped myself.” I hated that I’d lost control, but when something risked Lira, I saw black. “I didn’t realize what I was doing at first, but I barely flew ten feet.”

“We have to be sure.” Brenin kept his hold firm. “If we release you, are you going to do anything reckless that could compromise one or both of our daughters?”

For some reason, his calling Lira his daughter eased some of my disquiet. Despite returning to Ardanos and the four of them regaining their memories, they still loved Lira as their own. They wouldn’t risk her for Eiric. They wanted both of them safe.

Pyralis headed around the castle, taking his time. He held a plate in his hands, and he kept stopping and turning around before continuing. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was trying to decide on something.

Is everything okay?Lira’s voice entered my head, her fear pronounced within me.

Eyes locked on the ashbreath, I took a deep breath, trying to settle my anger and magic. I didn’t need her to get worried and then do something foolish, like fly out here to check on us. The thought of her getting close to this island had the edges of my vision darkening.Yes, the ashbreath just exited the castle, and the urge to kill him nearly took over.

Tavish!she exclaimed, her emotions constricting our connection.If you do that—

I know. I saidnearlytook over. I caught myself in time. Besides, your parents were right on my wings the entire time.I exhaled, but still, the anger the dragon bestirred in me stole mybreath. I had only hated one person as much as him, and Lira had taken care of his death.

To be clear, it’s not only Eiric I’m worried about. I’m sure the dragons wouldn’t mind making you their prisoner either if the opportunity presents itself. I can’t lose you, not now… not ever. However, I can’t stay safe and allow Eiric to die for protecting me either.

Caring about others made Lira different and had drawn me to her in the first place.I understand. That’s why I’m keeping watch and going along with this plan. If you’re going to hand yourself over, I’m going to do my best to ensure that you remain safe and that I will always be able to locate you.

I know, and I love you for it.Her end of the connection began cooling like she was getting sleepy.Will you be coming here when you’re done or heading straight back to Cuil Dorcha?

That question had one side of my mouth lifting.Sprite, wherever you are, is where my first stop will be. I plan to gather you in my arms and take you home… right where you should be.The image of her in my arms once more had my wings feeling lighter.

Sounds perfect,she murmured.I love you.

I love you too.Words I never imagined I’d say after the death of my parents. Yet I would never tire of saying them to her.Get some rest.

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