Page 92 of Of Scale and Blood

“There are many sorts of evil in this world, young woman, and sometimes it takes the form of a king who believes there is nothing more divine in these lands than his right to rule.”

Which was basic confirmation that Aricwasbehind whatever was going on with Damon. “My mother’s visions suggest it involves Damon’s sisters as much as his father—do you deny that?”

“I neither deny nor confirm. It is not my place.”

“But what harm can there be in at least joining the dots?—”

“There will be no dots connected onmywatch. As I have said, it is for Damon to tell you, and he is not likely to do so until the problem has been sorted, one way or another. Now, you should close your eyes and get more rest, while you still can. Darkness comes, and you must be prepared to fight.”

“I can’t fight without fire.”

“You are more than your flame, young woman, and you jump to conclusions that are far from reality just yet. As I said, the spell appears to be successful, but it will take time for body and soul to heal. Only then will you and the drakkons be able to access old skills and new. Now, go to sleep.”

Though I was desperate to question her further, her magic obviously still lingered within the circle, because my eyes closed, and I was soon fast asleep.

When I next awoke, Kaia’s thoughts were alive in mine. Even though I’d sensed her the first time I woke, the relief that swept me was so fierce tears stung my eyes. I’d lost the other drakkons—and likely my ability to talk to any other animal, including Desta and my grey hawk, Veri—but at least I still had Kaia.

No feel fire, she said.

“Nor I. The witches believe it will take a little time for our bodies to recover.”

Feel no heat within.

“I can’t either, but it’ll come.” I had to believe that. Had to believe the risks we’d all taken were not for nothing. “Can you still talk to the other drakkons?”

Yes. They not happy. No fire.

I laughed softly but didn’t reply as the Prioress returned. She didn’t say anything, nor did she look at us. She stopped inches away from the circle, a knife held loosely in one hand and her other raised. After sprinkling what looked to be more herbs onto the ground, she began to spell. As the power lingering within the circle pulsed in time to the rhythm of her words, she raised the knife and sliced open the tip of her finger. Once the steel had been bloodied, she bent and dragged the point through the line of herbs and jewels. The power remaining within the circle bled through the fine gap she’d created, and the air seemed suddenly colder.

She straightened and wiped her blade clean on a cloth. “You may both leave the circle now, but try not to do anything too strenuous for the next twenty-four hours. As I have said, your essences need time to embrace the abilities we have cross-pollinated.”

I climbed from Kaia’s claws and walked a little unsteadily toward her. “Do we have to stay here? Or can we return to Esan?”

“I do not think any of us want to remain here longer than necessary. Besides, we will need your guidance back through the tunnels.”

I stepped past her, heading for my clothes. Behind me, Kaia rose and stretched.Am hungry.

So was I. Famished, in fact.She said not to hunt.

Am queen. Others hunt for me.

Can you order them to hunt for Yara and Rua too? They need to rest as well.

Will.They want flame. Won’t risk losing.

I shivered my way into my clothes, then tugged on my boots, an exercise that left me exhausted and panting. Walking down the mountain would likely be a nightmare. As I laced up my coat, I met the Prioress’s gaze and said, “I got the distinct impression from Damon that coming into Esan was not something you’d planned.”

“You have more riders and drakkons to magic, do you not?”

“Well, yes, but?—”

“Young lady, I am old. I need my comforts—bath, hot food, good conversation. There is none of those things to be found here.”

For drakkons, perfect,Kaia commented.Go now, see Gria.

She rose and, moving at a far more cautious pace than normal, left the upper aerie. As Yara and Rua followed, I spotted Kele and Hannity getting dressed.

I slowly headed over, nodding at the two younger witches as they walked past to join the Prioress. Both looked pale and drawn, their faces almost skeletal. It suggested the Prioress hadn’t stepped in for them, and I couldn’t help but wonder again why she’d done so for Damon. There was something other than Kaia’s size behind it; of that, I was sure.

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