Page 57 of Dragon Rivals of New York

“I do,” I say, grateful I saw Finley’s transformation only a few days ago. I get the impression there are typically preparations to this that we’re skipping, but the ceremony of it seems the same. And having just witnessed it, I feel at least a little prepared.

“Do you vow to abide by the rulings of this throne and the laws of our horde until death, on penalty of death?”

Adrianna works quickly through the rest of the questions. Each time, I answer the same way. “I do.”

“Kyro, do you acknowledge Sora as your mate?”

“I do.”

“Jethro, do you?”

“I do.”

“Do you each pledge your loyaltyand love to each other and to this horde until death, and on penalty of death?”

“We do,” we all three say.

“You may enter the pool.” She looks around. “Quickly.”

Holding hands, we step into the swirl of silver and red liquid.

And scream.

Chapter 27

Kyro

I’mastepbehindJethro and Sora. That’s all. One step. But it’s enough. Sora cries out in pain as her foot hits the pool. Her eyes roll back, and she falls just as Jethro stumbles. It all happens so fast. Our only saving grace is that we’re holding hands. With enough force to almost dislocate her shoulder, I yank Sora out of the pool. But she can’t keep hold of Jethro. He’s still falling and screaming in agony. The jackass is trying to die on me twice in one night!

I jump into the pool, grabbing him just before he goes all the way under and lugging him up. The pain is excruciating torture, and I have to hold my breath to keep from screaming. My claws drill into his flesh, heels digging into the step to pull back his momentum. He’s unconscious, and a heavy fucker. I heave and we both tumble out of the pool backwards, collapsing. “Don’t you fucking die!”

Sora crawls to us. I grab her in one arm and clutch Jethro with the other. I don’t realize I’m sobbing until she’s wiping the tears from my cheeks.

“What the hell happened?” Someone yells.

My skin stings. Sora’s foot is bright red. Half of Jethro’s body is blistered from where it touched the silver pool.

“Water!” Adrianna yells. “Get them clean.”

Buckets of water are thrown over us, washing away the remnants of silver.

“Wake up, jackass!” I shake Jethro. If he doesn’t regain consciousness right this minute, I’ll kill him myself. The fucker can’t do this to me.

His eyes flutter open, and he gives me a weak smile. “You love me.”

I ignore his accusation. “I thought I told you to never fucking scare me like that again!”

“What was that?” Sora asks.

“Oh, baby.” I pull her into a kiss. “Are you alright?” I was so occupied with Jethro, I neglected my mate.Fuck!

“I’m fine.” She’s shaking, but her voice is strong.

“You’re not fine.” Finley says from behind us. “Lookat your foot.”

“They poisoned the pool.” Adrianna has her hand over her mouth. I’ve never seen her look so pale.

“How?” Cyrus kneels beside his mate, pulling Finley into his arms. “The pools are sacred.”

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