Page 60 of Dragons' Future

“No,” Salazar roars, catching Geoffrey’s body as it falls.

All the warriors have their sword out now, facing off against the blight’s hoard.

“Grieve later,” Cyril shouts to Salazar. “Close the rift now.”

I turn to see a massive shadow looming on the other side of the window into the Gloom. Whatever is trying to come through next is bigger, more dangerous than anything that has come thus far.

Panic flushes over Salazar’s face as he watches the spinecrawler’s venom corrode the remains of Geoffrey’s belly.

“I can’t close it,” Salazar shouts. “You idiots killed my priests! The rift will close when it closes. Just hold the line until then. If any of these creatures escape into the capital it's on your heads.” Turning on his heels, the would-be king of Massa’eve sprints to the door behind the throne.

And I follow.

CHAPTER 35

Kit

No one stops me as I sprint toward the door Salazar just fled through, everyone being too busy either fighting or fleeing.

What are you doing? Tavias demands in my mind. He and Cyril are still trying to magic-patch the rift, while Quinton guards the unconscious Hauck. But it’s a lost cause. Three dragons cannot hold the line indefinitely, not without help. And most of Salazar’s people—including what remains of Geoffrey’s pack—are running for safety.

My power is spent, I send back to Tavias. I’m going to find cover until I can rejoin the fight.

Tell me where in the rutting hell you are actually going, Tavias snarls into my mind.

I really need to learn to lie better.

You’ll know if it works. The irony of running from my pack isn’t lost on me as I slingshot around the throne to stay on Salazar’s heels. If we live through this, you can take me over your knee again.

I can feel him huffing through the bond, but know he is too busy to stop me just now. Another dozen steps and I’m at the door.

A familiar scream cuts through the air and I turn to find Bianca backed against the wall, a piranha snapping its teeth inches from her leg. No weapons, no immortality to keep her alive. It's a fitting end for her. One monster slain by another.

So I don’t know what has me reaching for the precious dregs of magic I have left and launching a small spark of flame into the piranha’s side. My fire can’t kill the creature—I don’t have the power for that—but it’s enough to distract it for a few moments. The piranha rears back in fury and I use the reprieve to throw Bianca out the open door before rushing through myself.

I slam the door closed and gasp for breath.

"You," she snarls at me. Good to see that all her delightful personality has come through the ordeal unharmed.

"If that's your way of saying ‘thank you’, I'll take it.” Pushing off the wall, I leave her behind and take off at a run. The first exit I come to spills me outside the east wing of the palace. Not as close to the front as I was hoping to end up, but at least I have my bearings now. Keeping the palace at my side I rush toward the main courtyard where the crowd of onlookers watched us enter. The crowd that I’m betting is still there.

It is.

But so is Salazar.

Standing tall at the top of the stairs ascending toward the palace doors, Salazar raises his arms to get the attention of the crowd gathered below. He is tall and regal and dignified. Completely put together. Even his gaudy tunic is perfectly intact. And his face… It’s somehow grave and serene at the same time. It’s perfect. Like the rest of him.

And me? I’m a panting, bloody mess still wearing the same clothes I’d trudged into the sea with. Bits of piranha that landed on me during the melee still cling to my shirt. Not to mention that I smell like a sewer.

“My people,” Salazar tells the now settled crowd. “I have news. Less than an hour ago, princes Cyril, Tavias and their pack entered the royal palace to bring us devastating news of King Ettienne’s death, and to deliver the late king’s final decree. In his last minutes of life, our beloved ruler issued his final order, passing the Massa’eve crown to his brother. To me. The princes are understandably disappointed and have requested that we honor their privacy as they process their father’s decision and grieve his loss.”

“You are a lying coward,” I bellow, rushing toward Salazar as I send the pitiful remains of my power at him. It’s just enough spark to land on the hem of his fine coat and set the embroidery on fire. “Ettienne passed the crown to Cyril. And the princes aren’t grieving, they are fighting off the blight monsters you’ve let loose in the palace.”

Two guards step into my path, halting me at the edge of the steps. The stench of piranha on me makes them recoil in disgust, buying me the momentary pause I need to refill my lungs and address the people directly.

“I am Kitterny, the dragon dame and mate to the royal dragon pack,” I shout. “The royal pack that is currently fighting to keep you safe, while this coward pours lies into your ears.” I point at Salazar, who is growling as he pats out the flame on his jacket. “He has opened a rift into the blight. My pack is there, holding the line—but we are losing. We need help. Your help. We need your magic and your swords to stand beside ours.”

The guard beside me backhands me across the face. He is huge and the force of his blow knocks me off my feet. I don’t fight it. Instead, I let the momentum carry me down the steps. Closer to the people whose choice will mean everything.

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