Page 29 of The Forbidden Dragon King
I suck in my breath. “Woah, what’s this about vampires? I hate Bloods. They murdered my parents. How can you ask that, when they slaughtered the entire Moon Court just a generation ago? I grew up as an orphan because of those monsters.”
Aurelius’ stiff shoulders relax slightly, which looks like it hurts him with how perfect his martial bearing is. “I’m sorry. I’m an orphan too. I lost my brother to the Bloods as well.”
My gaze darts to the shrine. “Is this an interrogation?”
“Can’t it be a chat to get to know each other?”
“It could. This isn’t.”
“A dragon likes to understand the treasures he collects.” When Aurelius leans closer, my gaze drops to the curve of his cruel, soft mouth.
I swallow, deliberately not looking lower than his jaw.
I can sense the hum of his dragon dagger and feel it’s dark whispers searing against my skin.
If I could pickpocket Aurelius’ weapon and slip it into my nest, then at least I wouldn’t be defenseless here.
Yet I’ve never met a Shadow Dragon before. They’re meant to be more powerful than wolves, but what if I’m faster?
This can be a test that I’ll pass off as an accident, if it fails.
My heart speeds up.
“Am I a treasure?” I whisper.
I brush my hand against his dagger, as lightly as a breath of wind.
Instantly, Aurelius snatches my wrist.
I grunt in pain, as he squeezes, shoving me over onto my back and pinning me down. My heart is hammering in my chest, as his shadow bathes me in darkness.
“A thief too.” Aurelius’ expression is shuttered. “Or an assassin.”
“I don’t understand.”
“We both know that you do, Little Wolf.”
“Your dagger is pretty.” I’m breathing too hard. I can’t pull my wrist out of his hard grip. “Does it always whisper like that?”
Finally, he lets go of me in shock.
“You can hear it too?” Aurelius demands.
“Am I not meant to?”
“It’s cursed. It belonged to Emperor Hadrian, my ancestor. No one else has heard…they said that I was inventing…crazy… If you touch the blade, you’ll be turned to ash.”
“I won’t be doing that then.” I study Aurelius’ molten eyes, carefully.
Aurelius pushes himself to his feet, adjusting his armor. “I truly did see you, Spark, and intend to bring you with me to save your life. I wish to protect you. It’s a dragon thing.”
Since I’m apparently in the middle of an enemy camp in their king’s own tent, I nod like I believe him.
It’s safest.
I pull my knees up to my chest and wrap my arm around them. “So, am I a prisoner?”
Aurelius snorts. “My prisoners are in cages. You, on the other hand, are in my tent, living better than I am right now.”
