Page 135 of Haunted

Once Ahnalyn is ready to embrace her powers, we’ll rule together as father and daughter.

I’ll begin hatching dragons, and my arm will spread far.

Far enough to rival the empress’s might.

93

I follow Aneirin’s busy, traipsing glow of light all across the country. I already know he took Ahnalyn to the Eilian village, where she gave birth, and I’m fine with her believing she’s safe while she recovers. They’ll find Seren in due time.

When Aneirin enters Talfryn and meets with King Sieffre, I realize he knows my plans to invade Talfryn. This, and Ahnalyn must have wanted to inform Sieffre about his new grandnephew.

Either way, my army must move out. Travel is slow by horse; another reason I desire an army of dragons. A month will pass before my men reach the borders of Sieffre’s realm.

I should have reacquired Ahnalyn by then.

After a day of visiting in Talfryn, Aneirin’s on his way back to Ahnalyn. The travel takes him all day on his dragon.

What’s he planning next? I pace my study while I discern him.

Time doesn’t pass long before his light and Ahnalyn’s light moves toward Seren’s prison.

They leave Ahnalyn’s baby behind. I see his meek light trail. Someone in the village must be minding him so Ahnalyn can go on her so-called rescue mission.

Just as I hoped. They worked out where Seren is. Ahnalyn most likely gave in and used her dragon bond. She’s using her power.

Perfect.

I saddle my horse and begin my journey to Seren’s cave. I’ll meet them just in time.

94

They fly into the cave while I’m concealed outside the entrance. I creep forward as they call out for Seren. They’ve entered the cave, but they won’t be flying out.

A magical barrier holds Seren in the rear, and unless Aneirin is powerful enough to dissolve the magic, she’s not going anywhere. I bank on his inexperience. He’s not yet a century old. Although I do remember Niawen telling me she trained with him plenty. I’ll have to inflict some damage to assure he weakens.

I step into the cave’s opening. Aneirin has cast a meek light, which pushes back the darkness.

He takes two eager steps toward Seren, away from Ahnalyn and his dragon, and I lift my hands. The dark power hums in my fingertips, and I release it with pleasure.

The deafening crack as the energy hits Aneirin and throws him across the cave almost shocks me.

As his body crumbles to the ground, his light snuffs out and plunges the cave into darkness.

A deep growl rumbles from Aneirin’s dragon. He’ll flame, but I’m prepared. As the cave lights up, I block his inferno with an energy shield.

Ahnalyn peers over the dragon’s tail. Her emerald eyes are fierce and wide in the fire light. Hatred cascades off her heart-center. Unharmed, I hold my ground until Cephias draws breath.

The cave falls once again into darkness. No one moves.

Panic fills all three conscious companions. The emotion is strong and lashes at me.

I hold back a snarky laugh.

“Surprise!” I toss a lighted orb into the air to part the blackness. “You’re so predictable. Fools!”

Cephias rushes me.

With a ripple of energy, I shove him against the cave wall and pin him.

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