Page 97 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

As if that weren’t bad enough, I could feel Lira’s fear spike through our connection. My heart turned cold as I reached a spot between the dragons and their heads turned to face one another. I could feel the flames lick my hands, their power almost completely overtaking mine, and I pushed my wings to fly me higher.

They raised their heads, following me, so like before, I dropped. The dragons didn’t expect it, and I free-fell as I swung my sword toward the violet dragon. The blade plunged through its head.

The violet dragon’s eyes rolled back, and I yanked out the blade just as the indigo dragon’s flames warmed my body. I closed my eyes, waiting for pain to engulf me, but suddenly, the heat stopped, followed by a sickening splat.

I opened my eyes to find Caelan, Sorcha, Lorne, and Finnian glaring at me.

“You took on five dragons by yourself?” Finnian snapped and rolled his eyes. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Now isn’t the time.” Caelan shook his head. “We need to end this battle before even more people die on both sides.”

I was focused on one thing. My breath caught.Sprite, are you okay?

It’s Eiric. She’s slowing down, and I don’t know what to do.

I didn’t understand what was going on, but I knew I needed to reach her.Where are you? I’ll come to you.

Relief emanated from her.We’re behind the fighting, about thirty feet out.

I moved forward when Sorcha got in my way. “Where do you think you’re going? I was told to ensure that your wings don’t get burned since you’re the last living Unseelie royal.”

“Finding my mate,” I snarled, harnessing all the hatred I had building deep inside me. “And if you try to stop me, I’ll kill you myself. She needs help.”

Sorcha’s brows lifted. “How do you know that?”

“Because she mind-linked and told me.” I shoved past her, not allowing her to waste more time, when my power suddenly depleted so low that I could feel the cloak I had around Lira give out.

No.

Take Eiric and leave. My magic isn’t covering you anymore.My heart pounded as fear took over.I’m on my way, but don’t wait for me. I’ll catch up.

Okay, I’ll try.I could sense her desperation.

I dodged through the fighting, trying to fly a straight line to her. A dragon lunged into my way, forcing me to stop. Its beige scales glistened as it prepared to envelop me in flames.

I gripped my sword, prepared to battle, when Struan appeared by my side, covered in blood. He rasped, “Go, save Lira. I’ll take care of this one.”

Before I could respond, Lira connected,Tavish, Pyralis caught us.

The realm tilted.

The dragon prince had already located her.

I was done fighting defense. It was time to force the dragons to their knees.

33

LIRA

Even as the cold tendrils of the cloak Tavish had wrapped around us faded away, I didn’t understand how Pyralis had tracked us. He was like Nightbane when he hunted for me, almost as if he could feel the pulse of our magic, but that would be impossible with the number of fae fighting all around us.

Maybe he’d been able to smell us. That was the only thing that made sense, but how, when there was so much chaos, scents, and blood?

He flew in front of us, cutting off our path. His amber eyes looked freaky in dragon form, contrasting with his scales, and I had the urge to scream, though all that would do was alert more dragons to our location.

“Thank Fate,” Eiric sighed. “We need your help.”

I stared at her. She had truly lost her marbles. Why would she believe that the dragon who planned to wed me would help us? I couldn’t fathom what she must have experienced during her time as his prisoner to derange her so badly.

---