Page 74 of Guardian's Dilemma

He turned to Conley and snarled, “Chase him out of the territory. If you catch him, tear him to pieces. It will serve as good practice for your new duties.”

I met Conley’s eyes and saw the fear in his face. But it was fear of Lord Somerville, not of me. Conley had never believed that I was strong enough to be the Guardian because I was smaller than him. It never occurred to him that there was more to the duty than being big and vicious.

His teeth lengthened as I watched and he ripped out of his shirt, his claws leaving shredded material behind.

Ok, it looked like he was actually going to try and tear me to pieces.

On the basis I was afraid of Lord Somerville and I didn’t fancy my chances against a dragon elder, not without back-up at least, I turned and fled. Once I was out of the territory, I’d be able to think.

Chapter 26: Glimmer

Iran as fast as I could, trying to get out of the castle before there could be bloodshed. I didn’t want any of my clan hurt.

My ex-clan, I reminded myself.

My dragon snorted inside me. It didn’t like that idea. It didn’t believe me when I thought it. As far as my dragon was concerned, this was my clan and they needed me.

That didn’t mean I was going to stay and let Conley tear me to pieces.

Or try to. No way would he manage it.

Lord Somerville, though? He might manage it, unless I could escape. Every flap of my wings hurt my shoulder where that spear of icy magic had thrust through it, but I ignored the pain.

I flew across the territory and it was only as I neared the boundary that I realised that I was heading for Kingsley and our cottage.

Stupid. Stupid idea. I didn’t want Conley to see him or sense him.

I changed direction and that’s what slowed me down.

Before I was even at the edge of the territory, I heard Conley behind me. He was screeching with the thrill of the chase. His instinct was so different from mine, which was to be quiet and strike from the edges.

I glanced behind and saw him. Judged the distance. Judged his speed against mine.

I’d get out before he could reach me.

I faced forward again and flew as fast as I could, eyes on the boundary. Once I was out, I’d be safe and then I could assess.

My own magic pressed against me as I reached the edges of our land. It was so familiar that I almost sent out a fresh wave of protections, just another little layer to add to the ones already in place. I didn’t though. I flew straight through them.

As soon as I was outside, I landed in a large, overgrown field. I’d have to go out of my way to circle round and get to the cottage from another direction without anyone seeing me.

Above me, Conley screeched again and dropped down from the sky like a rock.

Still in my dragon form, I rolled to the side and my tail lashed out, striking him across the face as he punched into the earth.

He rounded on me and we tussled for a moment before I broke away. We circled each other. I didn’t want to fight him.

Shifting back to my human form, I left myself exposed but it was the only way I could talk.

“Conley, we’re outside the territory.”

His jaw opened and he lunged for me, huge teeth glinting in the sunlight.

I was too fast and slipped out of his reach. He bit and clawed at me but I managed to avoid him by rolling and dodging.

Eventually, he seemed to realise that I wasn’t attacking him back and he shifted.

“I’m going to kill you, Glimmer.”

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