Page 210 of The Kingdom's Reckoning
Domitius pressed a blade against Kallie’s back. "I didn’t think the chains would work when Sebastian showed them to me. But he claimed his ancestors used them to bring down the dragons that once graced these lands. For centuries, the Dronias family has housed them in the depths of the dungeons, keeping them in case the dragons ever returned." Domitius hummed in admiration. "I knew the son of a god and seer would be special, but this is superb."
Kallie’s fearful gaze locked onto Graeson. But he wasn’t done fighting. He screeched, the sound piercing and blood curling. His tail whipped around, knocking several guards over. A stream of fire poured from his mouth. Those in its path went up in flames in an instant, leaving behind only a pile of ash in their wake.
"So, is this how you will stop my army? By burning them to ash?" Domitius laughed. "Yet you think I am the monster?"
Kallie jerked in his hold, but Domitius pressed the tip of the sword between her shoulders. The blade pierced through the leather fabric and pinched her skin. With his other hand, he patted her cheek, and the metal mask bit into Kallie’s flesh. "Now, now, Kalisandre. We’re just getting started."
Chapter 88
MYRA
The moans of the dying,the quakes of the explosions, and the screeches of the beasts slipped inside the tent. The sounds of war pounded against Myra’s ears. As she tried to block them out, Dani’s screams and cries pierced her eardrums, flooding her senses.
Myra felt like she was drowning. The creatures of the sea were grabbing her by the ankles and pulling her down, down,down.
Myra’s palms were slick with sweat, and she struggled to maintain her grip around Dani’s hand as the fears crept in.
Was Laurince still alive?
Was Kallie still fighting?
Was the battle almost over?
Would it ever end?
The cries of war shook her to her core. But as Myra looked at Dani’s pale face, at the sweat dripping down it and coating her hair, Myra knew she had to keep trying. She pushed the questions and fears away as best as she could. Instead, she rummaged for the good memories that were housed deep within her mind. The sweet memories.
She thought of Laurince and the moments they shared. She thought of the tavern, of dancing together. The way his dimple showed when he laughed. How he gave away smiles like they were nothing.
She recalled his last words to her and repeated them in her mind like a mantra.
I’ll come back to you.
I’ll come back to you.
I’ll come back to you.
Chapter 89
MYRA
Theenah dabbed a cold,wet cloth against Myra’s forehead.
"You need to take a break," Theenah whispered.
Myra didn’t know how much time had passed since she had sat down beside Dani. Her back and knees ached from kneeling for so long, but she didn’t dare voice a complaint. Not when Dani was lying on the ground, her body still covered in sweat as she fought against the encroaching fever.
Myra poured drop after drop of her power into Dani, doing whatever she could to quell her pain. But pain was the hardest emotion to dull, and Dani’s was endless.
"I’m fine," Myra said.
"Have you eaten anything? I haven’t even seen you drink water. You will be no help to her if you pass out," Theenah warned.
When Myra still didn’t move, the healer groaned. "Do not make me drag you out of this tent."
Dropping her shoulders in defeat, Myra uncurled her fingers from around Dani’s hand. She had been holding it for so long that her knuckles cracked from the movement. Flexing herfingers, she stood, her knees creaking. Myra wobbled, her legs weak, and the healer quickly caught her by the elbow.
"Come on," Theenah urged. "Let’s get you something to eat. Danisinia is resting. You should too."
