Page 69 of Sea and Sky
Instead of freedom, burning pressure snared at Kyler’s gut, then pain bloomed worse than he’d ever experienced. He smacked against the side of the ship instead of falling into the water as he planned.
He lost the dagger, but kept the stone. His confused brain didn’t want to comprehend the harpoon sticking from him. Kyler blinked up at the dragons. A pair. Silver with violet and blue. Golden brown. Gavin. Damon.
Kyler laughed at his fortune. He dangled by a harpoon line as the man he was trying to return to came to him. He wondered if he’d live to see the prince again.
The dragons screamed again. Liquid fire poured over the sides, thankfully not touching Kyler. But the flames licked at the rope holding him prisoner.
The rope snapped, and finally the sea took him in one last time.
Chapter 33
Somethingfellintothewater that wasn’t a part of the burning ship. Dragon wanted to follow. The evil pirates had been destroyed. Dragon watched the other dragon eat the big man onboard. Good. That man hurt someone Dragon loved. But who?
A pretty blond. With a smile that lit up Dragon’s world. Or were they just a dream?
The ship crackled below him. The screams had died off. He had to wonder what he was forgetting.
A bright golden flash from below blinded him, and he bellowed out his annoyance.
He couldn’t help blowing another few streams of fire, for good measure.
A familiar scent floated over the burning and jogged his memory. Sweet, delightful.
Kyler.
Oh skies, had he killed Kyler? Being dragon had nearly stolen Gavin of his purpose, but it had been the only way to reach Kyler. And now—
Skies above sea below.
Kyler floated, unmoving as mer. His golden hair haloed his head. A peaceful look rested on his face. If Gavin hadn’t known better, he’d think Kyler was just asleep, but his gills didn’t flutter.
No.
Gavin cried out. His body shifted without permission and he plummeted into the sea. He clawed at the water, fighting to make it to the surface. To Kyler.
He gathered the merman in his arms. Kyler’s skin was surprisingly warm. A glow emanated from him now Gavin was closer. It was subtle, coming from Kyler’s heart.
Gavin clung to him. “I love you, Kyler. Don’t leave me. Please.” He pressed his lips to Kyler’s, hoping and willing fairytales came true. That a kiss could wake him.
But nothing.
Gavin squeezed him closer, as if he could hold him in his own soul.
He didn’t know how long he clung to Kyler, refusing to give him up. Gavin’s body had gone numb. But something fluttered against his cheek and he looked into the face of the man he’d lost.
Kyler’s gills worked, dragging water in. Hope sparked in Gavin.
“Kyler?” he whispered.
“Gavin?” Slowly, Kyler’s beautiful blue eyes opened.
“Oh skies.” Gavin blinked, sending tears down his cheeks. “I thought you were—” he cut himself off, not willing to say the words.
“I’m alive?” Kyler’s voice croaked, but it was the most magical sound in the world to Gavin.
“You are.”
“You’re not a dream?”
