Falling. Falling. Falling.
Then I reseal its tomb with ice and snow.
I lower my arms, turn to Cyrus and take his hand.
He swears as I bite down but encourages me to drink deeply nonetheless.
With each delicious mouthful, I feel myself calming. I feel my control returning and the darkness being pushed down by his Fae blood.
Below, the armies are freed from my shields. My power withdraws.
And the air fills with the cheers and chants of the victorious soldiers below.
I release him, and he wipes the blood from my lips.
‘Sorry,’ I whisper.
‘Don’t ever be.’
‘What are they saying?’ I ask, my head fuzzy and ears ringing as I recover from what I just did.
‘They are saying, Hail the winged Goddess,’ Cyrus replies. ‘I guess seeing you use a dragon to defeat their enemies has impressed them. Do you need more blood? Are you okay?’
‘I’m okay. I feel fine.’
He lifts my hand, and no doubt sees my lie over my skin.
‘I just feel… angry. Not out of control, just…’
‘A little monstrous?’
‘I’m fine.’
Cyrus turns as wings descend and feet land in the snow.
I hear the withdrawal of swords.
‘Now that’s what I call an entrance, Pup.’
‘Lucca!’ I step forwards, so glad to hear his voice. But Cyrus grabs my wrist and holds me back.
‘He’s pointing his sword at you.’
‘I’m pointing my sword at you, dick face,’ Lucca snarls back. ‘Get your hands off her, or I’ll fucking cut them off.’
Cyrus’s hands tighten even more.
‘Guys. There’s no-’
‘Why are her eyes covered like that?’ Lucca demands.
‘Put your sword down before you hurt yourself,’ Cyrus snipes back.
‘Please. Both of you-’
Another lands.
‘Well, look at this,’ Lucca scoffs. ‘Two arseholes. Don’t see that very often.’