Page 86 of Severed Heir

My stomach twisted. “The final trial is in three days?”

“You’re a Serpent,” Malachi said. “Until Archer is released, you lead the Shadows. If the other Serpents see you... they’ll understand why he chose you. It’s worth a shot.”

Amria placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’ve held this place down long enough. I can manage a few more days. Go.”

I nodded. It wasn’t a great plan, but it was the only one I had. Part of me wanted to attend the final trial. The other part, that old, familiar ache needed to do it for my father.

Chapter Sixteen

I stood in the dark fields of Demetria two days later, lifting my palm into the chilled air. This might end horribly, but at least I’d get more practice with fire portaling.

And Gods, did I need the practice. It took three attempts under the falling snow just to spark a single flare on the ground.

Behind me, Naraic’s wings rustled.“Tell me you understand the dangers of fire portals,”he said through the bond.

I rolled my eyes. “I had a crash course in Malvoria.”

“I could fly you,”he offered.“You do recall I have wings.”

“It’ll take too long. The trial is today.” On the fourth try, a circular portal finally sparked to life.

“Poor planning on your part,”he said dryly.

I grunted, holding that rising flame in place. “You could portal with me?”

He huffed. “Gods, no. I’ve only done it twice. Once was when I pulled you from that beast in the iced valley.”

“You never told me you could portal,” I said, glancing over my shoulder. “When was the first time?”

“My first rider gave me flame. I can only portal through fire. Just as Ciaran can only travel through shadow.”

The portal hummed, taut as a pulled thread. I couldn’t hold it open much longer. But this was the first time he had mentioned anything about Veravine, and I desperately wanted to know more about her.

“Was the first time with Veravine?” I asked softly.

His violet gaze flickered.“I don’t wish to speak of Vera.”

“Why? Is that some sacred dragon vow of silence?”

He paused, staring into the whirling portal for a moment.“It’s too painful,”he said at last.“Even dragons aren’t immune to grief.”

“I’d love to hear about her one day.”

His wings shifted, brushing air behind me.“Step through. Or you’ll burn out.”

“We were having a moment, Naraic.”

“The moment is over. Shall I roar to instill fear or headbutt you into the fire?”

I smiled. “Tell me about her sometime. When you’re ready.” Then I drew a breath and plunged my hand into the flame.

“You’re exactly alike,”he murmured.“I don’t need to tell you anything. Her flame will always protect you. Even guide you while you portal.”

“Guide me?”

“Yes. Veravine was a master of her quell. You only need to ask it—and it will lead.”

It wasn’t the fire that burned first, it was his words. Then came the heat, sharp and crawling up my arm like claws. The portal yanked me forward, light twisting the world into a blur. I pictured the Academy. Maybe it was her flame that carried me. I hit the sand hard, knees first, and the fire vanished. But I rose,no longer a cindered mess this time.

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