Page 99 of Destiny of the Dragons

“You noticed something was amiss, I’m sure. The Head of the Ruby Dragon clan taking orders from a vampire?” Cassius smirked again. “I have her in so deep, she will do everything I say. You’re free to connect with your Treasure.”

Mia shook her head. This was all too much, too fast.

“I couldn’t have planned you falling in love with dragons and becoming stronger if I had tried.” Cassius still looked so pleased with himself.

“Stronger.”

Somewhere in the back of her mind, she was screaming, but right now she just had to get her and her dragons out of this. They were so close to their happy ending.

Cassius nodded at the blood pooling out from Mother. Mia’s stomach flip-flopped and for a moment she was certain she was going to be sick.

She bit her lip and swallowed hard. “I don’t know what you’re asking for.”

Cassius raised an eyebrow. He glanced and Jace and Smoke who still looked like they were ready to tear him apart.

“Don’t be coy, Mia. One blood spell. From your house book.”

Mia’s stomach flipped again, and her cheeks got hot.

“Surely you didn’t think you could keep it from them forever?” Cassius chuckled.

“Shut up,” Jace snarled.

Cassius stepped back, making a grand gesture at Mother’s body. “As soon as she performs one small spell.”

“You’re not going to hurt her." Smoke went still.

“This spell is well within her power,” Cassius looked at her. “Especially bonded to two powerful dragons like she is.”

Mia shook her head. “No, I can’t.” She couldn’t look at Smoke or Jace, and the only emotions she got through their bond was their concern.

They would never look at her the same. They were worried about Cassius now but then the revulsion would come.

They wouldn’t want her anymore, and what good was winning her freedom if she lost them in the process.

Mia stepped back. “No.”

Cassius cocked his head. “You’re not helping yourself, sweetheart. Do the spell, or you all die.”

Jace snarled, but before he could even move, Cassius held his hand up.

Power slapped her in the face. Jace and Smoke rose into the air, suspended. They struggled to move, growling.

“Just do the spell, Mia. One spell. Link yourself to your House and I’ll let all of you go.”

“It’s okay, Mia,” Jace panted. “We’re okay.”

Mia inhaled. She had to finish this now before something worse happened. Cassius wasn’t patient, she’d known him too long.

Mia glanced at Cassius. “Your word. I do this spell, and you’ll leave us alone.”

“Scout’s honor,” Cassius said, holding up his hand. “I only ever wanted you to realize your true potential.”

“Release them first.”

Cassius lowered Jace and Smoke.

Mia knelt down in front of her mother. She should feel sorrow or regret over what should have been, but she was just numb.

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