Page 114 of Beautiful Beast

A ripple went through the dragons above us. Fluttering wings, hissed smoke, and smothered flames. It hit the rest of the crowd a moment later. I searched for the source, instincts leaping into action to protect my mate and brothers.

When I found the source, my stomach twisted. I dared not look at my sire or any of the other Elders. Whatever game they played, they had not revealed this hand.

Heirs, Varreo called, echoing in every dragon’s mind. Come forward with your mate, so that we may congratulate you on your bond and offer you a gift.

I glanced at Zovai, who didn’t look or feel any happier than I did. We strode toward the center of the circlet, and our mate, as Relkym shoved Soza and Siolli to their knees.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

________

KATALENA

Sirrus pulled me firmly against his body. All three of my mates felt like taut bowstrings inside. A second later, I saw why.

Before the Elders, Soza was on her knees, glaring hatred at me. I didn’t even notice Sirrus walking us forward together until Soza saw the marks on my skin. Her eyes went wide, and she blew fire straight in my direction.

Relkym moved, striking her across the face so quickly I gasped. “What is she doing here?”

“Nothing good,” Zovai muttered.

The older female on her knees beside Soza looked just like her. Her mother? Siolli?

Sirrus’s voice echoed in my head. What gift is this, Sire?

The large dragon rustled his wings, and at the sound Varí was suddenly with me again, curling beneath my hair.

A gift and a lesson, Cieso thundered. A gift of revenge in honor of your mate. And a lesson. He looked out over every creature assembled, and it felt like his gaze fell on each of us in turn. If you come to us with knowledge, be absolutely sure of what you speak.

Apprehension flowed through my mating bonds. Soza had already been punished, and though she still clearly wanted me dead, I wasn’t the same. The vow I took in front of the Elders wasn’t one I planned on breaking.

All the same, I saw through the charade just as my mates did. Soza came here trying to force their hand. Reporting that my mates were taken with nothing but a human. And when I’d failed to die, they’d been humiliated in front of most of their court.

Only a day after meeting them, I knew the Elders didn’t like being humiliated.

Eloith inclined her elegant head, nodding at the four of us clustered together. Would you carry out her sentence?

No. Endre’s voice was final. Her punishment is clear. I wasn’t sure how I knew, but it felt like the next words were directed outward at the crowd. In Skalisméra this dragon attempted to trick us and our mate. I won’t dignify it with words. Her wings have been clipped, and you see the scar she now bears. For our part, her punishment is complete.

A snarl came from the direction of the Elders. Cieso. Rage pulsed from his direction like a living thing, and Endre’s emotions allowed me to understand. Nothing was more vile to Cieso than the fact that his offspring would show mercy.

Given what I now knew about Endre’s past, it made sense.

And I hated this dragon for it.

What will you say for yourself? Aeghi asked the kneeling dragon.

Soza lifted her chin. Nothing but the truth. They didn’t know they were mated, and it should have worked. We would all be better off if she were in pieces.

Stunned silence fell. Maybe I had more allies than I thought in the crowd? Or perhaps it was shock that she would say something so blatant after we were already mated?

Siolli didn’t look up. Her eyes were fixed on the ground. Mizyn turned their eyes on her. And you, Siolli?

Her shoulders rose and fell. I stand with my offspring.

No admission of guilt or remorse. She knew it was already too late, and with Doro Eche watching, she wanted to be remembered as loyal, no matter what.

Very well.

---