Page 115 of Oath of Rebellion

Knox swooped down toward the trees, and Eirwyn admired his iridescent green scales as they shone in the sunlight.

Knox beat his wings, pushing wind down on the treetops that burned with a red glow. Eirwyn felt his intent and flew behind him, pushing wind to swirl into a vortex.

Together they worked to suffocate the fire, but it wasn't enough. Eirwyn swirled the wind, but the air just created a fire tornado that began to rip through the trees again.

"Knox, use your breath," Eirwyn screamed, pointing to the tornado.

Knox blew green gas on the fire, and Eirwyn shifted the wind to give it the most impact. The toxic fumes began to suffocate the fire, and they moved to the next section. Tree by tree, they poured green smoke onto the fire while Eirwyn took away the air, suffocating it one by one.

Eirwyn's arms began to shake from the effort to stay aloft. She'd been flying for so long, and it was only her first day with wings. She'd gotten a burst of energy when they'd kissed, but she was already running low in her magical well.

Exhaustion crept up. Her stomach knotted. They were almost done. She could make it.

The last of the fire was finally out, and Eirwyn glided down to the edge of the burnt forest. She hit the ground and rolled to a stop.

She groaned, laying on her back as the last light faded. The ground shook beside her, then Knox' big dragon head peered down at her.

She smiled and reached up a hand to trace his nozzle. "I'm fine," she said. "Just tired."

He snorted. Yeah, it's been a big day, hasn't it?

She chuckled as he nuzzled her. "Yes, but we're both alright now."

I thought I lost you.

Tears burned her eyes as she replied, "Me? I thought I'd lost you when you went over that roof. Don't scare me like that again."

He huffed, and the hot wind of his green breath made her giggle and her body perk in awareness.

I won't if you won't. Don't push yourself into the Beyond again. Or the Edge either. Deal?

She grinned and stroked his scales. "Maybe. Are you going to spank me if I do?"

He snorted a laugh, and a scream rang out from the castle. Knox the dragon tensed, his tail raising with barbs out. His head swung up to stare at the castle.

"Gastone," Eirwyn whispered, burying her face against the warmth of his scaly neck.

I need to defeat him. We can't let the people suffer under his rule anymore.

Tears fell and a weight settled on her chest. "I know, but he's still my brother, my only family. Maybe if we can bind his magic we can get him some help?"

Eirwyn. Knox shimmered and magic swirled in a green haze. Then he stood before her in his pants and boots. He pulled her into a tight hug and sighed.

"Eirwyn, I have to tell you before anything else happens. He's the one who had your parents killed."

Her chest tightened, and she reared back. His emerald eyes burned with emotion, and his arms dropped to his side as he ran a hand over the side of his head.

"There was a vampire assassin there. Your parents... were already gone, but he couldn't touch you, an innocent babe."

Eirwyn shook her head, her hands covering her mouth. "No, it couldn't have been Gastone. He always said Glathen hired the assassin. He was only a teenager. I–it was an accident."

Knox shook his head slowly, reaching out for her. She stiffened and danced away from him, her mind whirling.

"I'm sorry, Eirwyn, but it wasn't. Your brother admitted to it when we were fighting."

Eirwyn's head ached and tears streaked down her cheeks. Her chest was too tight, and she couldn't catch her breath. She fell to her knees and buried her face in her hands.

"No, it can't–he–" she choked on a sob, then Knox' arms came around her. He sat down behind her and pulled her onto his lap, rocking her gently.

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