Page 45 of To Spark a Dragon's Love
I ignored my dragon as I took a step forward, also ignoring the panic that squeezed at my chest.
The girl was so fragile in his large hands. One wrong move and she’d be dead. A human life snuffed out like it was nothing. Like all the others.
So many others.
I couldn’t save them all.
But I could protect this one. For Willow. For the little girl who stood there, counting on me.
“Release her!” I roared so loud the stone walls groaned under the weight of it. My beast thrashed within, demanding to be heard.
I saw the moment Cain realized what would truly happen. He chose his course of action. Despite his brother’s blood coating the floor, he was no fool. He had leverage. It was the only way he’d escape.
I needed a new plan.
“He said to let me go!” Harper screamed and bit into the palm of his hand.
And Earth chose that moment to shake. Cracks on the walls began to form as the structure above swayed and creaked.
I didn’t hesitate.
“Harper, run!” Lucan was a blur behind me as I slammed into Cain’s side.
“Come here.” Kieran’s voice barely registered as he scooped her up.
Cain’s fingers formed talons as he ripped into my shoulder. His wings knocked me backwards as I tried to bury in closer, forcing him to tear apart my back.
I smashed my head into his nose.
Cain roared as he tried to complete the shift, lifting us airborne. Lucan was beneath us, yanking Cain back down by his scaled feet.
My fangs extended.
Blood filled my mouth as I bit into skin and then bone, ripping flesh and scales away as I roared.
Cain’s body fell to the floor with his throat torn out.
“Goddess,” my brother whispered.
I checked him over, noting the superficial scratches, and avoided looking him directly in the eye. I knew I must’ve looked like a bloodied monster. My skin tightened as it knit itself back together.
“Let me go,” Harper cried.
I turned, chest heaving, as I searched for another threat.
It was Kieran she struggled to get away from.
And I realized she was probably terrified of me.
Monster. Evil. Unworthy.
I stood there covered in blood and guts, wondering if I’d be in the girl’s nightmares for the rest of her life.
Harper broke free and started running.
Lucan kneeled with his arms outstretched. “It’s okay, sweetling. You’re safe.”
She bypassed him and ran straight to—
