Page 101 of Scalebound

My eyes widened, and I shook my head. “No, I don’t.”

“Not only did you find the dragon relic, and a group of people just like you, but you have found yourself. You have learned of your strength and your abilities and have created a path for yourself. I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished in the last ten days. If anyone deserves that crown, it’s you.”

A tear fell freely down my face. I squinted my eyes shut, willing out the remaining of them. “I can’t leave you here,” I said, looking up at the Deathlies behind him, the swirling chaos that I had blocked out, putting my full attention on my father.

He twitched, pain emanating from his eyes. “Dad, what’s wrong?” I begged.

“I love you. You are beautiful and strong, and I am sad that I won’t be able to see how you rule this kingdom. You’d be aremarkable queen,” he said. My heart stopped as he talked about not being with us anymore–about leaving.

“No. No. No,” I said, shaking my head, refusing to let him go.

“You must go now to destroy the nest,” he said, his pale and sickly hand leaving mine as he stepped back from the purple veil. “I know that there’s more magic beyond what I hold keeping that nest alive.” He walked backwards, his steps in slow motion.

“I don’t understand, Father!” I yelled, my body becoming weak, threatening to collapse.

“Remember Scalebound and yamceeii1axuaeii2uama3,” was his only response as he turned around, being engulfed by the Deathlies.

What I saw through the swarm of Deathlies next would haunt me for the rest of my life. His hands shaking and frail, clenched the hilt of the knife that he was holding and jabbed it into his heart. The sickly sound of time frozen still and his heart pumping its last beats rang through my ears. The blood spilled over, creating a quick puddle beneath him.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

An animalistic cry released from my gaping mouth. My screams echoed in the room.

The room filled with Deathlies. Wind and rain poured in after them, following as they circled in the room with their wings and chaos. Their talons scratched into the flowy veil with no success.

I fell to my knees, gasping, crying, and sobbing. What was going on?

If only I could reach him, and let my golden blood touch his skin. But he blocked us out. I was unable to get through.

Magic erupted from his body, showcasing itself in black smoke billowing out of his stomach, soul, and life. It was what forged the Deathlies, gave them life, and continued to give them energy.

My father was the vessel, and he killed the vessel.

He killed the connection.

With his power diminishing, the life from him left his body. The purple shield would also fall within seconds. The Deathlies would have quick and easy access to us.

However, I was frozen in place, unable to move. I felt hands on both of my arms, forcing me up. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the horror. My father laid lifeless on the ground, with the friend that betrayed me right next to him. One soul toEzu4 and the other toHaxnau5.

“We have to go,” Damian said, grabbing my arms, helping me down the hall alongside everyone else. I tasted blood, realizing that I had bitten my lip, my teeth aching from clenching them through my screams.

I glanced at Damian. Numbed. Confused. Terrified.

I thought about his fiancée, and about what he said,“You don’t understand what it’s like to love someone and have them die right in front of you.”

His eyes reached mine, pain etched in them as he watched me almost crumble. “I understand now, Damian.” He stopped in place, giving me a hug.

“I know, my Queen. And it doesn’t get easier, but I am right here alongside you. We will get through this. C’mon. Let’s go back to that nest.”

1.Yamceeii (Yawm-say-ee): (Placed before the verb in a command)

2.Axuaeii (Ah-wah-ee): The verb to use

3.Uama (Wah-ma): Something to have/Theirs/Yours/His/Hers

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