Page 54 of The White Dragon's Dilemma

“We have no need of the Green Dragon,” Mei said silkily.“It would simply cause chaos and get in the way.”

Illarion’s face started to purple.

Jahara added coolly, “If the Green Dragon does not think it should be part of eliminating evil then so be it.The public will judge it for itsabsence.”

Tez’s lips were curled into a cat-like smile.“Or perhaps he is simplyafraidof Humans First.You know, go after them here then the ones in his country may rebel more and--”

“I am not afraid!”Illarion seethed.

Kaila shook her head.“If you stay hunkered inside the castle, people will think you are.So you’d best come and help us smoke out our enemies.”

With that, Kaila raced through the doors out onto the courtyard, shifted in mid-step and took off into the skies. Tez grasped Esme’s hand and the two of them raced after her, laughing as they did so.They shifted and took flight.Jahara was the next to go.Her Wise Women bowed low before she strode outside and with a wave of her hand shifted.Mei tipped her head to Valerius before she too went outside, shifting elegantly, before lifting herself into the air with powerful flaps of her wings.

Illarion was glowering.Through clenched teeth, he hissed, “You willoweme for this, Valerius!”

Then with large strides, he ran outdoors and the titanic Green Dragon appeared.It gave one evil-eyed glance back at Valerius before lifting off. Valerius turned back to the people still in the throne room.

“Chione, keep me apprised if Landry sends you anything else,” Valerius said.“Though I am guessing they will have made her dump her phone so they cannot be traced.”

“Yes, I fear you are right, but I will monitor just in case,” Chione answered with a bow of her head.

He turned towards the Bryces, Rose and Wally.“Caden is now out as the White Dragon Shifter.Everything is going to change.You’ll have to do some media today.”

“Today?!”Ellen put a hand over the center of her chest.

Grant took it and laced their fingers together.“We wish to try and keep a modicum of privacy.If that’s possible...”

“Cool!We’re going to be on TV!”Tilly jumped up and down.

Rose patted her shoulder.“You’re going to be a star, Tilly.”

Wally looked a little crestfallen.“I bet my shop would be jam packed full of people wanting to buy merch from Caden right about now.”

“I don’t think you or Caden are going to be able to work at the shop anymore, Wally,” Rose said.“You’re Caden’s Councillor now.”

“And so are you!”Wally pointed out.

Rat and Swarm Shifters as Councillors.Caden is truly going to shake things up,Valerius realized not for the first time.

“Chione, please set up those interviews and prepare everyone,” Valerius told his Councillor.She would figure out a way to give the Brycessomeprivacy while still feeding the starving beast that was the press.“Now, I will be back.”

Valerius saw Raziel already had its wings spread in the mirror.Valerius spun on his heel, took massive leaping steps out onto the courtyard before human gave way to Dragon and they were in the air.With two powerful thrusts of his wings, they were away from High Reach and on their way towards Caden.

He glanced right and left to see the other Dragon Shifters fanning out to various parts of Reach.In a way, he wanted to be the one to take out whatever was in those locations.He did want to grind Jasper Hawes beneath his claws.But it was better to show that the Dragon Shifters were as one against this threat.They were united with no daylight between them.It would make good press. But, more importantly, by trusting them--even Illarion--to seek out this foe, he had united them once more.And they had proven to him that they were willing to work under his leadership.He was sure that Chione was proud.

He looked back at where Caden and Anwar were in the center of a massive circle of press and public.It was clear that the Claw was being stretched thin just keeping the crime scene from being trampled.Caden’s heroic actions and appearance were causing a feeding frenzy that had never been seen before.He could feel Caden’s anxiety though ease at the sight of him.

I am coming, Caden!Valerius sent to him as he began to circle down.

Thank God!I don’t think the Claw can hold them back!Caden confessed as he mentally embraced Valerius.

The helicopters that had been hovering over the scene quickly moved out of his way.Raziel sent a spout of fire into the center of the space that had them darting away, even if it meant losing the shot.

We cannot land, Raziel.We’ll need to shift or we’ll crush the buildings, Valerius told his Spirit.

The Black Dragon Spirit was so very anxious to reach Caden and Iolaire that Raziel had been increasing their speed instead of decreasing it.

If we must!Raziel muttered.

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