Page 88 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

“Just know that we aren’t happy about you doing this,” Mom said from my left side. “Losing you would be just as painful as Eiric. You’re both our children.”

My chest expanded at knowing how lucky I was to have two sets of parents. I placed a hand on her arm and smiled as we continued to fly toward Tìr na Dràgon. “I know that, and I never thought you wanted me to do this. But we’re going to get Eiric home and take the dragons down.” I had to believe that.

“We need you to know that we wouldn’t be upset with you at all if you decide not to do this,” Dad added from my other side. “It’ll be okay.”

“I’m doing this for me.” I placed a hand over my heart and glanced at both my parents. “The dragons took her because she protected me. I can’t let anything happen to my sister.”

Both of them nodded, though I couldn’t help but notice a tear trailing down Mom’s cheek before she quickly wiped it away.

Land appeared in front of us, and my stomach hardened. This was it.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw one of the volcanoes nestled in the mountains spilling smoke, almost like a warning.

A chill shot down my neck.

Something wasn’t right. I couldn’t explain it, but something felt off.

I opened my mouth to tell Mom and Dad, but then a dragon flew from behind one of the mountaintops and roared.

30

LIRA

Every cell in my body sizzled.

We were still twenty-five yards from Tìr na Dràgon. Tavish was struggling for control, and I started sweating.

I was thankful that my emotions didn’t alarm him more because if he knew why I felt uneasy, he would’ve already grabbed me and whisked me away.

The burnt-orange dragon roared once more, causing four more in their person forms at the edge of the village closest to us to turn in our direction. Luckily, the dragon guards didn’t seem extremely alarmed, probably because they saw only the five of us approaching.

Shouts from the castle could be heard as the dragon circled behind us, the stench of brimstone filling my nose as another gust of smoke billowed from the top of the volcano.

A shiver ran down my spine as my chest seized. Mom and Dad glanced at me, and I could sense their concern. I needed to calm down, or I would do something foolish and wind up getting Eiric harmed. I had made the decision to do this, and I had to deal with the consequences.

The double doors to the front of the castle opened, and two men armed with swords came out, followed by a man and woman I’d never seen before. There was no doubt who they were since they both wore a crown. The dragon king and queen.

Pyralis strolled out right behind his parents.

The royals stood at the bottom of the stairs, and King Ignathor lifted a hand, beckoning us toward them.

Sprite, if he so much as touches you, I will slit his throat in front of everyone,Tavish connected, his rage so hot that it blazed uncomfortably through our bond.

All I need is for Eiric to be free, then I won’t even try to stop you.I understood how hard this situation was for him, but it would all be in vain if we weren’t able to free Eiric. And there was no way in hell I’d leave here without her in tow.

Mom and Dad waited for me to make the first move, so I inhaled deeply and flew toward the royals. As I passed over the land, a dry heat hit my face, no doubt from dragon magic.

Mother and Father remained about ten feet behind us, and the whooshing of the dragon’s wings informed me it was flying directly behind us.

Though we passed by many trees, we were flying so high that the villagers could keep their gazes on us. I tried to ignore the way my skin crawled.

With every flap of my wings, the strain from Tavish increased.

Do you know how blasting hard this is for me?he linked.

I’m sorry.I didn’t care if this meant I owed him because this whole situation wasn’t fair. Eiric should’ve never been taken in the first place.But the fact that you understand why I have to do this means more to me than you’ll ever know.

Be glad you’re already far away, or I’d be carrying you away right now, no matter that you’d wind up resenting me.

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