Page 101 of Court of Secrets and Flames

“What could possibly scare them like that? You were wild with fear. Dragons in their prime don’t just panic for no reason.”

I nod, a frown etching my brow as I consider the possibilities. “Is Jasper involved? With him on the throne, who knows what schemes are brewing.”

“Jasper wouldn’t dare do anything to the dragons.” Sterling shakes his head, his fingers slowly warming up again now that he’s released his magic. It had been a brilliant tactic, using his cold to snap me out of my dragon-induced hysteria. “Should we report this?”

“No.” I slash my hand, emphasizing my answer. “He didn’t believe me about the alicorns. You think he’ll believe me about something as big as the entire flock of dragons? I think we should investigate this ourselves. You know I’m not one to lean on others, but with your status, doors open that would otherwise be barred to me.”

“Then it’s settled.” He nods like a prince ready to defy expectations for the sake of his kingdom. “We’ll find out what’s going on together.”

I glance at the sun, as if its movement might speed up at any moment. That growing sense of urgency from the last severaldays intensifies. “Whatever is happening, it’s building, growing like a beast in the shadows. And when it strikes…”

The very air itself feels charged, as if anticipating the upcoming explosion. Arguments break out among soldiers training in the fields, their shouts faint echoes carried aloft.

“We’ll be ready.” Sterling tries to assure me, but the uncertainty in his voice mirrors my own doubts.

It’s tough to prepare for danger against a still unknown threat.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Since we need to locate whatever’s scaring the dragons away and they aren’t providing any helpful images, Sterling and I decide to kick off our investigation back at the fire paddock.

The midday sun casts a stark light over the sand and stone expanse where dragons usually lounge and train. The dragontenders have already smoothed the paddock, so not even a furrow remains.

Before we even land, I know that whatever it is isn’t there. “We should check the buildings. Whatever spooked them could be hiding inside.”

“Agreed.” Sterling lands beside me, his gaze sharp as we navigate through the familiar terrain, which is now eerily silent without the usual cacophony of draconic roars and the clatter of claws on stone.

“Something spooked them.” I scan the area for anything out of place. “All at once.”

I step into the cool shadows of the building where meat is butchered to supplement the dragons’ hunts, reasoning that if anything chased off the dragons, it would most likely be aiming for their food supply.

A parasite is the only thing that makes sense to me. Or contaminated food. “Could the fighting between Aclaris and Tirene have devolved into poisoning the dragons? After all, someone did poison my food.”

“Possibly. They could have fled because they smelled something wrong with their meat. And don’t forget, we never found the man who tried to abduct you in the gardens.”

“All valid points. Maybe?—”

He holds a finger to his lips, hushing me.

Brushing a lock of hair out of his eyes, he leans toward the door of the cold spring room that stores the butchered meat before its fed to the dragons.

Then I hear it.

A repetitive, slithering staccato. Like a heavy creature pulling its way across the ground.

Crouching, I focus on the dirt floor, making sure nothing dangerous leaps out to attack.

Rhythmic tapping alternates with the sliding.

The creature’s jaw hitting something as it chews meat?

Sterling eases out his sword, holding the sheath to mute the sound. I follow suit and draw the short sword at my hip.

Weapon at the ready, I call on my magic, summoning the heat that lives in my blood. Though it may be overkill, I’m not leaving anything to chance. Fire dances along my palms, lying in wait to devour this unknown enemy. Stone walls topped by a brick ceiling form the room. The only part crafted from wood is the door. With Sterling able to seal the door with ice, I can create an inferno without fear of the flames spreading.

The memory of the dragons’ overwhelming terror and dread rings in my mind. Whatever’s in this room might not be…human. A groan trickles through the door, and somehow I know it’s the sound of hunger.

Blowing out a breath, I step away from the entrance and ready myself. As soon as the door opens, I’ll transform the room into a kiln. Anything of value stored in here can be replaced.

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