Page 19 of Crown of Betrayal and Blood

“My son. My beloved son.”

The words resonate, a haunting lament threading through my veins.

“Break the world. Save the world.”

Fear seizes my heart in a vice grip. I need to get out of here.

Determined to do just that, I glance down at my legs to break free and instead drown in horror. The shadows seeped into my skin, leaving behind two black, rotting stumps.

I jolt awake to find the predawn gloom blanketing the morning. Sterling stirs in his sleep and mumbles before rolling onto his side.

My heartrate takes its sweet time returning to a healthy rate. What a terrible dream. I only pray it’s not a sign from the gods regarding our upcoming trip.

I sneak out of Sterling’s bed and return to my chamber. Agnar is nowhere to be seen, so I skip breakfast and sling my pack over my shoulders before heading for the fire paddock.

I walk over dew-laden pavers to where Bastian, Leesa, Agnar, and Blair are gathered, next to the high stone wall that surrounds the paddock and protects the rest of the courtyard from any stray dragonfire or embers. The Tirenese men all have their wings out, marking my sister as the only outsider. But we’re all armed and dressed in practical riding clothes.

A squadron all set to fly.

“Morning, everyone.” I smile at the group before addressing my sister. “Are you ready to ride a dragon?”

Despite my encouraging smile, she seems a little green around the gills. I don’t know whether it’s due to her acting a little off last night or the fact that the last time she was up close and personal with dragons, they nearly incinerated her.

Given her experience, an alicorn would have served as a more comfortable mount, but there are no alicorns to spare. Stable cough hit the palace and the animal healer restricted them from flying.

Returning my smile, she lifts her chin. “Can’t wait.”

Together, we go through the gate to cross the sand and crushed stone of the paddock grounds. Eight dragons loiter inside, a few of which are sleeping like mountains of muscle and scales.

In my mind, I reach out, wordlessly communicating our plans.

Dame and Chirean don’t respond, which is no surprise. The soon-to-be parents are undoubtedly with their clutch in the cavern and can’t be bothered. Before any of the others respond, Kaida lifts his head.

Through his emotions, he communicates his interest in heading north. His giant ebony head shifts, and he stares at Bastian, most likely recognizing him as a dragonrider already, before his gaze settles on Leesa.

“Looks like we have a volunteer.” I don’t need to point to who her mount will be as Kaida continues to rise, showing off his blue throat and underbelly, which I could easily walk underneath.

Kaida maneuvers around a sunbathing green dragon named Tanwen—the one Sterling often rides—and approaches Leesa. Her lips twitch into a reluctant smile, a silent thanks shining in her eyes.

“Remember not to make direct eye contact. Not until he’s used to you, anyway,” Bastian softly reminds her from his place at the edge of the paddock.

Leesa takes heed, making sure to show no fear. Kaida lowers his head and chuffs at Leesa, blasting her braid back with each exhalation.

Bastian checks Kaida to ensure our bags are properly loaded and strapped down for the journey ahead. He then steadies Leesa as she scales the dragon’s lowered foreleg. Her arms shake, and I’m not sure it’s all from the physical strain.

“Easy there.” Bastian keeps his voice reassuring. “Kaida will take care of you.”

I flex my wings, testing their strength, before stepping closer and offering Leesa an encouraging nod. “And we’ll be right here with you the whole time.”

“Lark, you’re still not used to flying long distances with any real weight.” Blair hands me a filled water bag and shows me where to connect it to my flight harness so it’s available while flying. “If you get too tired, let us know. I can help you carry your kit to give you a break. And remember to ride?—”

“Ride the thermals every chance I get in order to conserve my energy.” I nod along. “Dame likes to remind me of that too. Getting trained by a brooding dragon is chock-full of safety precautions.”

Blair stifles a laugh. “She’s worse than Sterling.”

“Oh, trust me.” I level him with ayou don’t know the half of itlook. “She’s not. Sterling’s program here includes trying to fly while dodging inanimate objects big enough to crush my skull or fending off elemental magic. Back at Flighthaven, he made me muck out alicorn stalls until my hands were covered in blisters. Said it was part of the training. I could go on, but we don’t have all day.”

Leesa gapes at me but doesn’t say a word.

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