Page 207 of The Kingdom's Reckoning
The flap fell behind them, closing out the world. The smell of sweat saturated the small space. Carefully, Myra set the bucket down, afraid to wake Dani, who lay with her hand over her eyes. Dani’s face and neck sparkled with moisture. Beads of sweat rolled down the contours of her brown cheeks and down her collarbone.
"Danisinia," Theenah called out.
Dani groaned.
The healer held out her hand, and Myra handed her the wet rag. "I’ve brought someone who might be able to help."
Dani peeled her hand away from her eyes an inch and squinted. Her dull eyes flicked around the tent until they landed on Myra. Anger flashed across her face, but pain quickly consumed it before she could act on it.
Theenah waved Myra over. Hesitantly, Myra sat on the other side of Dani. Without Dani’s permission, though, she maintained her distant.
"Danisinia," the healer beckoned, sensing Dani’s trepidation. She placed the wet rag on Dani’s forehead. "I’ll be here the whole time."
Agony seeped from Dani’s pores and soaked the earth, tainting the ground.
Myra chewed on her bottom lip, nervous. If Dani refused her help, would the healer force her to use her gift anyway?
Myra did not want to violate Dani’s wishes, but how long could she maintain this state? If they didn’t do something, Myra feared what would happen to Dani and the child.
Dani squinted at Myra, grimacing. But then she plopped her hand down, resting it beside Myra’s knee, palm up. "Do it," she whispered, her voice raw.
Myra gingerly took Dani’s hand in her own, cradling it. With a deep breath, Myra gently squeezed Dani’s hand as the bright pain flooded her senses.
Chapter 87
KALLIE
Kallie pressedher stomach against Graeson’s spine as he flew over the capital.
For a heartbeat, the clang of clashing metal ceased. Pontian, Tetrian, and Frenzian soldiers gawked at the enormous dragon, dark as midnight, sweeping across the sky. The dragons were supposed to be gone, but today the people would learn the truth.
As Graeson barreled toward the castle, Nyrri was the only one smart enough to keep her distance. The other drakonises and winged soldiers were not as lucky. The force of Graeson’s wings sent soldiers tumbling through the sky like a tower of cards. Even those on the ground couldn’t withstand his power and were knocked over.
The Tetrian and Pontian forces, who had been smart enough to brace themselves, took the opportunity presented to them and struck. Spears ripped through the air. Steel met steel.
But their advantage was fleeting. The enemy troops recovered quickly, driven by their need to eliminate their foes.
It was as if seeing a dragon was an everyday occurrence for them, which could only mean one thing. Graeson was right. Theywere under Domitius' control. Nothing else could explain their unwavering resolve.
Kallie’s heart sank even further when Graeson flew higher and she finally saw the full extent of the enemy’s forces. Soldiers wearing Frenzian steel swarmed the streets, their armor blazing in the golden sunlight like flames across the battlefield.
Even though a section of the allied forces had broken away to flank the enemy, Kallie feared it would be too late. Drakonises continued to ravage the capital, their hunger for blood insatiable.
As Kallie and Graeson reached the castle’s gates, the beasts pounced. Graeson roared, and fire poured from his mouth.
Kallie immediately shut her eyes as they flew into the embers. One ember landed on her hand, and she hissed as it singed her skin. But she didn’t dare let go, only clenched her jaw and held on tighter.
As if noticing his mistake, Graeson pivoted and soared higher, shielding her from the next wave of sparks.
Kallie opened her eyes when he suddenly dove. Struggling to see against the pounding wind, she squinted. Through her blurry vision, though, she spotted Domitius.
As Graeson’s shadow fell over him, Domitius looked back. Although Kallie could not see his expression beneath the mask, she could almost taste his panic. He snapped the reins, pushing his horse to run faster.
Kallie leaned forward, and Graeson flew harder, his wings striking the air.
Kage would not escape this time.
Kallie braced as they approached the castle’s stone walls. She briefly wondered if they were as impenetrable as the rumors claimed, or if Graeson could tear them down if necessary. Before she could dwell on it, though, Graeson spun. His paws slammedagainst the stone steps with a thunderous crash. Rocks crumbled beneath Graeson’s feet as his claws dug into the steps.
