Page 80 of To Spark a Dragon's Love
It wasn’t the first time I’d cursed Earth when called to duty, but after leaving Willow worried and alone at the lodge, it was the first time I’d truly meant it.
Fire burst from my maw as I shot flame into the night sky, demanding Earth respond to me.
Entry after entry point was empty.
The quiet abandonment was a new sort of hell.
I refused to believe what I was seeing. Refused to give in this easily. Not after the centuries and the life I’d given Her.
The further I flew from my territory, the stronger the pull in my chest. Not Earth’s call. The mating bond pulled tight. I muted it as best I could so Willow would rest and not stress as I searched.
But I slowed when I realized how futile this was becoming. I was flying blind. My wings were stretched too thin. Musclesshuddered and my back ached as my dragon perched on a low-lying hill, catching his breath.
I’d flown throughout most of the night. The sense of dread grew with every aimless mile. How was I supposed to help Her when I didn’t know where to go?
We don’t.
My animalistic instincts knew the truth I couldn’t bring myself to face because there had to be a way.
I wasn’t done yet. I could still be of service.
All I needed was a sign. Some direction on where I had to be.
Listen.My dragon cocked his head to the side, picking up the faint sounds in the distance.
And that’s when I heard their screams.
29
Willow
Nightmares
The snow flew in all directions, a blinding white sheet, as the windshield wipers tried to keep up. “Purple People Eater” blasted through the speakers. I wanted to turn it down, but I couldn’t take my hands off the wheel when the weather was like this—especially not with Harper in the back seat.
The car seat was turned the wrong way, facing backwards, an infant car seat. I frowned. She was still a little baby. Malachy sat next to her. His turquoise eyes filled the rearview mirror.
I smiled at him. “Is she okay?”
“He’s fine.” Malachy’s deep voice rumbled.
I stomped on the brakes.
Snow spun in a flurry as I wrenched open the door. A little boy dragon with scales on his knuckles sucked his thumb as he stared at me from the infant car seat. Malachy was gone. Wings beat overhead in the desert night sky, scattering the falling snow.
A roar of pain filled my ears.
The snow melted as it touched the burning earth that groaned and shook around the car.
“Where’s Harper?” I cried, spinning in a circle.
“She’s with me,”that voice said.“Come to us.”
It was still early when I tore myself from the dream, waking up to Harper’s octopus limbs wrapped around my neck and stomach. I breathed in her scent for a moment before extracting myself from the tangle.
The clock flashed 5:55 am.
It’d be an awful day if I woke her up this early, especially with how late she’d stayed up last night. Once the earthquake passed, it took a few hours to get Harper to sleep.
