Page 89 of Heat of the Everflame

She sagged, her expression tortured.

“What’s going on?” Luther demanded. His eyes darted between us. “What command?”

Taran caught up to us carrying my bag and my weapons. I turned to him with a fierce stare.

“The King is coming, but Alixe and I have a plan. I need you to trust me and go with her, Taran. She’ll tell you what to do when you’re there.”

He frowned but nodded, handing off my broadsword. Alixe gave me a hard look, then jerked her head toward the border, and the two of them took off running.

“Diem—” Luther started.

I faced him and curved a palm beneath his jaw. “Go with them. Please, Luther. Do this for me, I’m begging you.”

“Do what? Where are they going?”

“To Umbros. I ordered Alixe to save herself and Taran.” Fury tore across his features. I pressed a finger to his lips before he could protest. “They’ll only die if they stay. They can’t help me without magic, and neither can you. Luther, please, let the King take me—”

“Never,” he snarled, clutching my hand. “Never.”

I knew my pleas were futile. As long as he drew breath, Luther would fight the gods themselves to stay at my side.

It didn’t matter—our time was up.

The King of Ignios had arrived.

The Ignios gryvern’smassive shadow passed over us as it flew low across the beach, the flames engulfing me fluttering in its wake. I gritted my teeth and pushed against the strange fieryurges, managing to win my body back and contain them in a circle at my feet.

Luther pulled his scimitar as we watched the King’s descent. Four guards sat behind him on the gryvern’s back, while the three from the watchpoint ran to join them.

Dismal odds. Deadly odds.

The gryvern slammed onto the beach with a spray of sand and seafoam. It whipped its dark-scaled head toward the sky, sending the golden chain at its neck jangling before it released an ear-splitting howl.

Its yellow eyes cut to me. The glow of dragonfyre built in its throat, smoke unfurling between its fangs as a rumble rolled from its chest.

It was a terrifying display—and a warning.

That it would defend its King. That ithadto defend its King. Whether it wanted to or not.

And that was... curious.

The King leapt off the gryvern’s back, followed by his guards. Luther and I raised our blades.

“I’ve been looking for you,” the King drawled. “Many people have been looking for you.”

“I was captured by the Guardians during the attack on the island,” I called out. “I escaped, and they chased me into your realm. I assure you, I’m not here by choice.”

“What a dreadful story. How lucky that youescaped.” There was a serpentine edge to his voice, like poison given sound. “Why did you not ask for my assistance?”

“Under normal circumstances, a visit from another Crown would be unwelcome.”

“Indeed. But these are not normal circumstances.” His gaze lowered to the flames at my feet. “And you’re not just another Crown, are you?”

I swallowed.

He stroked a hand along his dark beard. “Why don’t you return with me to my palace, and we can discuss this further?”

Luther moved closer, his shoulder edging just slightly in front of mine.

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