Page 162 of The Bond That Burns

My gaze rested on the first dragon I saw. Vorago, the red Inferni of House Drakharrow. Carved from red sandstone, the dragon’s surface was rough and raw. Vorago’s eyes seemed to burn even now, flared nostrils capturing a timeless expression of passion and rage.

I turned my attention to the gold dragon, Molindra, the Luminthar of House Orphos. Rodriguez had said this was the dragon he’d have awakened, if he’d had the choice. The veins of golden marble that ran through Molindra’s stone surface seemed to make her shimmer. Her regal face looked down on me, nostrils flaring delicately, mouth curved in what some might call a smile.

Finally, my eyes fell on Alabryss, the Silvrayne dragon of House Mortis. The white dragon’s expression was serene and tranquil. Yet something about that peace was unsettling. A dragon with ice in its breath and battle in its blood had no place looking so calm.

I glanced up as a reverberating rumble rolled across the night’s sky.

Nyxaris. He appeared against the starry backdrop, his dark wings spread wide. Sweeping downwards, he landed with a thunderous boom, his claws scraping against the frost-slick stones.

Here I am.The resentment in his voice was palpable.Why have you called me here?

I told you. It wasn’t me, it was Blake. He has something to tell you. He said it was important.

Nyxaris looked back at me, his gold eyes narrowed.I do not trust this. The air reeks of deceit.

Well, I do,I said firmly.Trust him, I mean.

I thought of what Blake had said about wanting to apologize to Nyxaris. Was it completely naïve to think they might startafresh? Not that Nyxaris had plans to be in my life for long, let alone Blake’s.

The sounds of approaching footsteps sent both our heads swiveling towards the far entrance by the cloisters.

Nyxaris bristled.If this is a trap, know that I will not fall easily.

It’s not,I said hotly.I would never do such a thing to you. Surely you know me better than...

I came to an abrupt stop. Because it wasn’t Blake who stepped out of the shadows. Instead, Professor Rodriguez came forward, followed by Kage Tanaka.

Both men carried crossbows.

My stomach dropped. “Rodriguez? Kage? What the hell are you doing here?”

“Medra,” Rodriguez said, his voice hard. “Step away from the dragon.”

I stayed exactly where I was. “What are you doing here?” I demanded again. “Why are you holding those?”

Nyxaris growled, the sound vibrating through the air. But Rodriguez didn’t even flinch.

If they think to harm me with those piddly instruments, they will be disappointed,Nyxaris said, sounding almost bored.Their bolts will shatter against my scales.

That made me feel a little better. But not much.Are you sure?

I am no hatchling, wingless one. My hide has withstood greater threats than those.

“Medra.” Kage spoke up. “Move. You don’t understand. What we’re doing is necessary. We’re not here to hurt you. We’re protecting you.”

Necessary? A word I have heard before. Usually preceding betrayal, Nyxaris murmured.

“I don’t need your protection. And I think I understand plenty,” I snapped. “You’re threatening Nyxaris.”

I will destroy them both now,Nyxaris said, almost idly.You must move out of the path of the flames.

This was getting out of hand fast.

“We’re saving you,” Rodriguez said firmly, raising his crossbow. “Saving all of us.”

Nyxaris shifted behind me. His wings unfurling.If you do not wish them destroyed, then I will depart.

That seemed like a vastly better idea. I couldn’t believe he was giving me a choice. Then I thought of the statues. Perhaps he didn’t wish to risk destroying them.

---