Page 86 of Beautiful Beast

“Resting.”

A soft giggle came out of me. “That’s not a place.”

Prying my eyes open, I took in the soft, open fields of grass beneath a moon that seemed impossibly bright and near. Mountains were in the distance, but it seemed like an entirely different world. Even dark under the light of the moon I’d never seen anything so lush. “Beautiful.”

“You’ll see it in the daylight, Princess.”

“Promise?”

“Yes. I promise.”

The last thing I remembered was being laid down on grass which was much softer than dragon scales, and warm, strong arms around me.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

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ENDRE

Lena’s bright hair looked like spilled blood under the light of the moon. No matter how much I wished it away, the comparison would not leave my mind.

Idroal had wandered a ways away into the field, their green body blending in with the tall grasses swaying in the night wind. I knew the dragon had retreated to give us some privacy, as we had yet to have a true moment alone since we encountered Relkym on the beach.

How long have you known? Zovai asked.

My brother remained in his dragon form, keeping watch. There were few things in these lands that could pose a threat to the three of us, but we would take no chances. Especially with Lena on our backs.

Known what?

Sparks floated upwards in the darkness. That the Elders aimed to drive mankind to extinction.

I didn’t know. I suspected.

His annoyance seethed beneath his thoughts. You’re going to make that distinction? Really? I feel like a fool, Endre. How long have you known?

I pulled Lena closer, turning her toward my body, hoping my natural heat would keep her warm against the sweeping winds of these plains. She was so, so fragile.

A while.

Sirrus sat with his back turned to us, observing in a different direction. And why not say something?

He was calm, but Zovai wasn’t. Not just something. Why not say anything? All this time, Endre, I have known your punishment to be unjust. And though I did not agree with it, in a way I understood the Elder’s view of why. To teach the three of us the importance of loyalty at all costs, despite the callousness. To prove to the rest of dragonkind they could control and command their Heirs. Not this. So why?

I looked back at him. The weight on my shoulders felt heavy tonight. It had felt heavier since Lena crashed into our lives like she was one of the Fallen themselves, knowing what I suspected, and since Relkym appeared, it seemed like the entire weight of Skalisméra sat upon my wings and pinned me to the dirt. Why would it matter?

Why would it matter? Everything about the question was laced with grief. Do you truly believe I’m not worth knowing the truth? After all this time?

Of course not, I snapped. That is not what I meant and despite your anger, you know that. Be fucking angry with me. You have every right. But don’t accuse me of that simply because you’re in pain.

Brutal silence filled the connection between our minds.

Smoke blew over Lena and me in a gentle breath. You’re right. I’m sorry.

I looked at him again. I mean it did not matter because there’s nothing that can be done. You both know the Elders as well as I do. Sirrus was still included in this conversation, silent as he was. It was the way of things to harden as they aged, and dragons were no exception. The longer they lived the less they understood the world. The more they looked to the things which only concerned them.

That the humans betrayal had been more than three hundred years ago meant nothing to them. As soon as the choice had been made, humans were no longer of value, and they were something temporary. A fading obstacle.

Nor did it matter that the rash decision of a few vile humans was not the measure of a race or culture. They believed what they wished.

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