Page 61 of Burning Heir

I ignored the last part, wiping my brow. “How do I sign up for the Skyfall race?”

Archer pursed his lips together, and that humor dimmed. “No,” he said.

“I wasn’t asking for permission,” I scoffed.

“Your dragon is far too weak for the Skyfall competition.”

Ciaran huffed. “I think Ciaran would disagree.”

He eyed Ciaran down. “I told you she was not ready.”

“But I am ready. I just need some training, andSkiawants to,” I hissed. “You said I’m a natural rider.”

“As your Serpent, I forbid you.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest, and we began a staring game. Eyes of silver held me hostage—until shouting started across the field.

Archer brushed past me, his words causing my throat to tighten. “Someone has fallen.”

A split second of fear came when I turned around to see the auburn hair of the male ly, stilled, as his legs jutted in an unnatural direction.

Everett.

Knox approached the bloodied figure. Then, a distant wail sounded. I couldn’t stop the all-consuming grief. I ran toward Knox, ripping his thrashing hands away from Everett’s broken body. Death, as slow and quick as it could be, knew no bounds, knew how to shake the mountains, and within a second could seize the hearts of not one, but any who bear witness.

Damien widened his eyes and pressed his finger against Everett’s pulse. “He lost his balance and fell.”

Monty shook his head. “Always a shame when an experienced rider falls. One less to claim the title.” He swayed his eyes over the surrounding Day students, including Knox.

His scorpius-blade cried a mournful hum, her head slumping over Everett’s body. I dragged Knox away from Everett. “It’s okay, Knox. Everything will be okay,” I shushed, wrapping my arms around his neck.

Someone behind us said, “Who will be the new Day student leader?”

Knox paled, his chin trembling as he faced me. “You don’t understand, Sev. I—I cared about him… I wanted more time! I deserved more time.”

My throat tightened, tears streaming down my cheeks. I had no words of comfort. “I’m sorry, Knox.”

He shoved my reaching hand away. “I want to be alone.”

Archer threw a shield of shadow around Everett’s body, his eyes slightly glazed as he commanded, “Class is over. Get back to your dorms. Now.”

The crowd of riders began to disappear back to the castle, whispering amongst themselves. Even Monty didn’t stay for his own student.

Antonia’s fingers twitched as she stood pale-faced toward Archer. “Sir…”

A shadow shoved her across the field. “Antonia, leave.”

Damien motioned with two fingers as he called my name.

I crept through the shield of shadows as Damien spoke to Archer. “Should we send a letter home to his parents?” I asked, trying my best not to throw up as I stared at the blood-soaked fields. Everett’s neck was broken, and his arms were pinned unnaturally back.

Damien glanced at Archer, hesitating. “I don’t think that will be necessary.”

“He deserves a proper burial,” I cried. “He deserves to be mourned!”

Damien crouched, his voice lowering. “Myla was dead on the beach. You brought a dead dragon back from the grave after two years. You can save him.”

Archer clenched his jaw. “You can’t be serious. It’s… unnatural.”

I shook my head. “I can’t… I’m not doing that.”

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