Page 46 of Bound in Blood

Alexandros blinks. “Elpis is here too?”

She would not allow me to leave the netherworld without her.Anikêtos snorts, and smoke unfurls from his nostrils.

Alexandros reaches out, and Anikêtos drops his head low, allowing him to rest a hand on his nose. The tenderness between the two of them has tears burning behind my eyes.Thank you, old friend.

I told you that whenever you truly needed me, I would be here. This seemed like such an occasion, Dragon Whisperer.

Is it safe for the boys to leave now?I ask, eager for them to get away from Giorgios and be with us.Safe for them to leave Giorgios behind?

Alexandros growls at the mention of his brother’s name.It is a pity Elpis cannot burn him to ash.

You know she cannot. And he is not fool enough to give her any cause to,Anikêtos replies.

It is for the best, Alexandros concedes.That would deny me the pleasure of looking him in the eye whilst I take his head.

I have no idea how much Alexandros knows about what his brother has done these past few weeks, and there’s no time to discuss it right now. “The boys? Is it safe for them to leave?”I ask again.

Alexandros nods. “Giorgios would not be fool enough to transport here and risk meeting me when I am at full strength, and especially not with Anikêtos at our sides. Tell them to leave immediately with Elpis.”

“And head where? We’re not staying here, are we?”

He shakes his head. “That would be too dangerous.”

“Montridge?” I suggest, wanting nothing more than to go back home.

“Even more so, little one. We have no idea who our enemies are, but all of them will anticipate a return to Montridge. Anikêtos will direct Elpis to where we are going as soon as Ifigure out where that will be. Tell them to trust her, and we will give them further information as soon as we have it. In the meantime, I will feed.”

I glance at the four unconscious men. “Will they be okay? Are you…?” I stop speaking because the answer is obvious. Alexandros needs to feed, and human blood is the quickest and surest way to nourish him and renew his strength.

He brushes his knuckles over my cheek. “I will feed and leave them sleeping when I am done, little one. They will not come to any lasting harm.”

I press my cheek into his touch, craving more contact. “I know. I’ll speak to the guys and let them know you’re okay and it’s safe to leave.” I reluctantly step away from him so he can feed.

I easily find all three of the boys.I have him. He’s safe. You can leave now. Ani will tell Elpis where to go.

Their combined exclamations of joy and relief fill up my head and make me smile.We’re on our way, Cupcake.

Be there as soon as we can, princess.

How rough is it riding a dragon, sweet girl?

I glance at Anikêtos, who’s staring at me with his dazzling emerald eyes. Unblinking.

Terrifying if he weren’t such a sweetie deep down. Like deep, deep down.It’s actually very comfortable. I’m not sure I want to travel any other way now.

After telling them to be careful and that I can’t wait to see them, I sit on a rock beside Anikêtos and take a deep breath. It feels like the first one I’ve consciously taken since we left Tibet. The fresh summer air fills my lungs, and I listen to the sound of the wind rustling the leaves of the trees.

Lucian was here, Ani. Did you see him leave the cave?

I have not seen anyone but the two of you.

A shiver runs down my spine. All my interactions with Lucian thus far have been surprising. While I can sense the darkness in him, I can’t deny that he’s done nothing but help me. First with the blue poppy, then with figuring out how to use my power to free his father. Perhaps his motives are less than pure, but until we find out for sure, I can’t help but feel grateful to him.I didn’t see him when we left.

There are many caves and tunnels within the mountain. Many layers which have to be explored before we can see the fullness of the picture before us.

I nod my agreement but can’t help thinking Ani is no longer talking about the mountain. Lucian Drakos may have been a monster in the past, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s the villain of my story.

Chapter

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