Page 173 of The Bond That Burns

I pressed my hands harder against the wound, but blood seeped through no matter how much pressure I applied. “Stay with me. You’re not dying, Florence. You’re not allowed to die. Just keep breathing.”

You waste time.Orcades’s voice broke into my thoughts, sharp, insistent, unwanted.I know you care for her but the wound is deep. You can do nothing. Act before it’s too late for all of you.

I am acting,I hissed back at her.Iwillsave her.

You’re wasting time,she insisted.The fight isn’t here. It’s there. They’ll kill you all if you sit idle. Even Florence. Don’t you see? The golden one. She’sawake.

My head snapped up, my pulse roaring in my ears as I looked across the courtyard.

My mother was right. The Luminthar... She’d come back to life.

But this... This wasn’t how I’d expected to see her.

Molindra’s scales were faded gold stained with black. Her eyes glowed in a strange, unfocused way, full of rage but with none of Nyxaris’s fierce intelligence or wisdom.

Kage was attacking the Luminthar’s hindquarters, still in his wolf form. His huge sharp canines tore at the dragon’s scales, though it seemed to have little effect. Still, he snarled as he jumped and clawed at the beast, trying to scrape her hide, grasping for purchase.

I glanced over at Blake. He crouched beside Rodriguez, the professor’s crossbow in one hand, as he rifled through the professor’s satchel with his other. He must have been searching for more bolts. My heart leaped with hope. If he found one that was tipped with whatever toxin had affected Nyxaris earlier, we might just stand a chance.

Whatever he was going to do, I hoped he’d do it fast.

A low rumble shook the ground. Molindra lurched forward unsteadily, straight towards Nyxaris.

The realization hit me like a blow. Catherine and Marcus didn’t just want Molindra. They wanted her to destroy Nyxaris while they had the chance.

I looked over at Nyxaris. His wings twitched as he tried to rise fully to his feet. He wasn’t ready for this. He could hardly even stand up.

“Get up,” I whispered under my breath.Nyxaris, get up. She’s going to kill you. You have to move.

I cannot,he growled.The poison still lingers. My strength returns but slowly. Get the fledgling away. Save yourselves.

Is this the great Nyxaris I’m talking to or some weakling imposter?I snarled, refusing to give him any leeway.You’re too stubborn to give up this easily. Don’t youdarefucking die on me here. You’re going to let two bolts bring you down when you spent a century trapped in stone? No. You’re better than that. You’re stronger than that. Now prove it. Show them all.

Nyxaris gave a weak rumble, but I could sense him bristling under the challenge. I’d wounded his pride.

You’ve never let anyone best you before, Nyxaris. Don’t let her be the first,I goaded him.

He groaned—aloud, audibly, and I quivered.She was once the best of us. Beautiful. Wise.

I could feel his pain, his horror at what they’d done to Molindra.There will be time for sorrow later. We’ll destroy them for what they’ve done to your friend. But first, you need to get on your godsdamned feet this instant.

His claws scraped against the stone as he struggled, his wings spreading, shaking off their sluggishness.

Slowly, he staggered to his feet.

Pride surged through me as his immense black body swayed upright.

That’s it,I encouraged.You’re the fiercest dragon in all of Sangratha, remember?

Don’t forget the most beautiful,he replied testily.You may cease your empty platitudes now.

I grinned through my tears. He could be as cranky as he wanted after this. As long as he lived. I glanced down at Florence. As long as theybothlived.

She’s about to strike,Nyxaris snapped suddenly.Brace yourselves.

Then, with a roar that echoed through the Dragon Court, he snapped his wings outwards, the force of the movement sending debris flying everywhere.

Across from him, Molindra snarled, her jaws parting as she unleashed a wave of fire. Instinctively, I threw myself over Florence, bracing for the flames as I shielded her. Theo had crouched down, too. I felt his arms go around me as we formed a ring, protecting her.

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