Page 93 of His Greatest Treasure

“Her son, Alexander, was killed. He was a golden dragon, too. He discovered what he was, what made him great. The hag drew his power out of him, praised him, made him bold and proud. He was not wary enough. When our clan was attacked, he thought he could fight alone. He was killed, and our clan was nearly wiped out trying to retrieve his body. We couldn’t let the hunters have it. The power it contained. That is what they’d come for.”

Alfie spoke quietly. “Is that why you’d never tell me anything about him?”

“Yes. It was forbidden. Your father did not want you to know that you might be special.”

“Do I have to fight? What if I just want to stay here with Blaze?”

“You will need to fortify the defences, if that is what you wish. Once word gets out that a golden dragon lives, they will come.”

“But nobody knows! Can’t we just keep it secret?”

Silvia shook her head. “The witches will know, soon enough. They can tell when a golden dragon has come into their power. You will need to learn how to shift, how to fight and how to use your magic.”

Regina found her voice again. She leaned forward, looking Alfie in the eyes, and said, “You must flee, Alfie. Our borders are breached and our territory is unprotected. You have to get to safety before the hag gets back.”

“But—”

“Fly to the Hoskins territory. Morgan is obliged by blood to protect you. His elder will take in a golden dragon. The rest of us will protect you on your flight. We’ll protect you with our lives and you’ll make it to safety.”

From the way she was talking, it seemed she didn’t think the rest of them would make it to safety. It was like she expected them all to sacrifice themselves to keep Alfie safe.

I knew I’d do that in a heartbeat, if I had to. And I expected Alfie’s clan would do it, too. But didn’t she think any of them would make it there alive?

I had to ask.

“Why don’t you think all of you can make it to safety?”

“The hag’s army killed Alexander. He was a golden dragon. He was strong. Stronger than anyone.”

Alfie squirmed, and I wanted to wrap him in my flames completely to protect him.

“I’m sorry, Mother, but I don’t want to go.”

“You must, Alfie! You must get to safety.”

He squirmed again. He wasn’t used to standing up to any of his family, but he was doing it.

“I don’t want to.” This time, he sounded more resolute. “I’m going to stay here.”

“The border—”

“Aunt Silvia said I could learn to build it. I want to do that. My dragon doesn’t like the idea of leaving the territory. It doesn’t think it can protect you all out there.”

“It doesn’t matter what happens tous. The importantthing is that you are safe.”

This time, Alfie spoke with authority. The sound of his voice made me shiver slightly. “No, that’s wrong. Itdoesmatter what happens to you all. You’re my clan. I’m going to protect you. You’re all staying here with me; I don’t want you spreading out across the borders where you might get hurt.”

“I’ll stay with you, my darling.”

Alfie grabbed my hand and smiled, as though I’d said something funny.

“Of course you’ll stay with me. I’m not letting you go anywhere you might get hurt.”

That made me smile, too. I nodded.

“How long do you think we’ll have until the hag comes back? I presume they’ll attack here again, since the protections are broken here.”

Alfie looked along the borders uncertainly. “Do you think the protections are weak all along it?”

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