Page 15 of Fire's Storm
I guide her toward what appears to be solid rock face, unremarkable except to those who know what to look for. Small crystal formations embedded in the stone glow faintly blue in response to my approach. Ancient dragon script pulses with recognition of my blood.
As we approach the hidden entrance, I wrap my energy around Phoenix like a second skin. Electricity crackles visibly between us, blue-white sparks dancing across our joined bodies as I extend my protective field.
The barrier shimmers, semi-translucent energy rippling like heat waves across the seemingly solid rock face. I feel Phoenix'ssharp intake of breath against my chest as the impossible becomes visible to her enhanced senses.
"Breathe through it," I instruct, tightening my hold as I step forward, bringing her through the barrier with me. "Focus on me. Only on me."
The barrier resistance hits us both like a physical wall—ancient magic testing, probing for weakness, for deception. It recognizes my dragon signature instantly, allowing my energy through unimpeded. But it recoils at Phoenix's hybrid nature, magic lashing against my protective field.
Her body convulses against mine as pain penetrates my shield. Her strangled cry against my chest sends protective rage coursing through my system. Scales erupt fully along my arms, back, and face as my dragon responds to her distress.
"RECOGNIZE HER!" I roar in the ancient dragon tongue, voice completely inhuman now, the command backed by bloodline authority that makes the barrier magic recoil. "SHE BELONGS WITH ME!"
The declaration—one I haven't consciously decided to make—resonates through the magical field with undeniable power. The barrier retreats, parting like water, allowing us passage.
As we emerge on the other side, Phoenix sags against me, physically drained by the crossing. Without hesitation, I lift her against my chest, one arm supporting her back, the other beneath her knees.
The sight of her in my arms, vulnerable and depending on my protection, triggers another surge of satisfaction. I cradle her closer, adjusting my gait to minimize jostling, my body automatically angling to shield her from view as we move deeper into the Fire Clan’s sanctuary.
The tunnel beyond the barrier opens into the outer chambers of Emberhold—vast caverns illuminated by crystal formationsthat respond to dragon energy. The blue-white light intensifies as we pass, reacting to the electrical signature of storm dragons.
I carry Phoenix deeper into the sanctuary, midnight-blue scales now fully visible along my forearms, neck, and jawline. I've dropped all pretense of humanity, no longer concerned with maintaining human appearance.
The first dragons we encounter scatter at our approach, eyes widening at the sight of Phoenix in my arms. Some hiss warnings, others flee to alert security.
I ignore their reactions, focusing only on getting Phoenix to safety before the clan's security forces arrive. But we don't make it far.
A warrior approaches from a side passage, scales midnight-black with silver streaking, claws extended in a clear threat display—an enforcer of clan law. His silver eyes narrow dangerously.
"Have you lost your mind?" he demands, blocking our path. His wings partially extend behind him, making his already imposing form appear larger. "Bringing a human to the sanctuary is punishable by exile.”
My lip curls back, revealing elongated canines as electricity crackles visibly around my form. Temperature drops suddenly as I pull moisture from the air, storm energy responding to my anger. I shift Phoenix in my arms, angling her away from the enforcer, my body positioning to shield her from potential attack.
"She carries dragon blood," I growl, the sound reverberating against stone walls. "Tempestlineage."
"Oh, another one," the enforcer scoffs, though uncertainty crosses his features as he scents the air, detecting the changing markers in Phoenix's biochemistry. "You are bolder than most, thinking the Tempest claim will save her."
"It’s true," I counter, shifting Phoenix higher against my chest as she begins stirring. "Now move aside or be moved."
The confrontation has drawn others—curious dragons peering from adjoining passages, whispering as they observe the standoff. News will spread quickly through the telepathic community channels. The clan leader will know within minutes, if he doesn't already.
"The council will hear of this," the enforcer warns, reluctantly stepping aside.
"I'm counting on it," I respond. “Take us to them immediately.”
Phoenix stirs against my chest, eyes fluttering open. The electric blue spark in her irises has intensified since the barrier crossing, amber rings surrounding storm-blue centers. Her gaze meets mine, confusion giving way to remembrance.
"Did I pass out?" she asks, voice hoarse.
"Barrier crossing," I explain, reluctantly setting her on her feet as she squirms to be released, her independence reasserting itself. "Your body is still adjusting to your dragon genetics."
She sways slightly as she stands, one hand automatically grasping my forearm for support. The contact sends another jolt of electricity between us, visible sparks dancing across our joined skin. She doesn't pull away despite the visible evidence of our abnormal connection.
Instead, she studies the phenomenon with scientific curiosity, watching blue-white energy arc between her fingers and my scaled arm. "This isn't just static electricity, is it?"
"No," I confirm, my own gaze fixed on the point of contact. "It's the energy finding resonance between compatible carriers. Between us."
She nods slowly, accepting the explanation with remarkable composure.
