Page 28 of The Court of Truth

“Of course she did,” I muse. “But I’m trying to figure out the key part of your story,” I admit, glancing at him with a mixture of wonder and confusion.

“I came here to follow in my father’s footsteps. I came here to make a difference, but none of that is possible without you. It took me an embarrassing amount of time to realize that, but the moment I truly acknowledged the pull you have on me, everything shifted, everything made sense. I don’t have the answers to free our kingdom from Clementine’s threats, but I’m here with you every step of the way to help any way I can to make it possible.”

My heart warms at his support and ability to see strength in everything, and I sigh, leaning my head against his shoulder until our moment of solitude is interrupted by a deathly cackle.

“Well, well, and here I was thinking I had a positive impact on everyone. Now you’re truly painting me as the villain. You should consider where you’re pointing those fingers when you’re not so wholesome yourselves.”

My body stills as I gape at the figure standing a few yards away, hands on her hips as she sneers in our direction.

Fuck.

“Clementine.”

16

ADRIANNA

I’m on my feet, lunging through the air with rage at the mere sound of her voice. Magic surges through me, spiraling in the air in a vortex of fire and water.

Complete opposites.

Yin and yang.

But both focused on the same goal.

The enemy.

My vision is as crimson as the flames that lick through the air, and my breath hitches as I watch the force of my magic collide with Clementine.

I don’t feel a sense of relief.

No joy bubbles through my veins.

No ripples of euphoria undulate over my skin.

Because no sooner do they blast her do they also run right through her very existence. She disappears, an abyss in the night sky, before reappearing before my very eyes.

“What the fuck?”

My gaze snaps to Kryll, who stands a few feet behind, gaping at the spectacle before me as confused as I am.

“What’s the matter, dragon prince? Never seen true magic before?” Clementine goads, brushing her hands down her dress, which only serves to confuse me more.

“I’ve seen magic. I’ve just never seen a witch in real life. I was certain they were folklore, yet here you are.”

She swoops across the ground, eliminating the distance between her and Kryll in a heartbeat.

“You! Know! Nothing! About! Me!”

Every word is thunderous, certain to wake the City of Harrows in the distance, but her focus is solely set onmydragon.

My. Dragon.

My magic thrums, ready to take aim once more, but with Kryll standing on the other side of her, I don’t want to risk another attack that slips right through her only to hurt him.

Fuck.

Taking slow, measured steps, I work my way around so Kryll is no longer in my direct line of sight, but seeing her so close, so threatening in whatever fucking existence this is, my need to attack dissolves, the magic fizzling to nothing as my protective instincts take over.

---