Page 8 of Centaur Bolt

I took a step toward him, but the Dragon shifter moved between us.

“What have you done to him?” I demanded.

“He has been given a dose of poison,” the Dragon shifter said. “Once you are safely back where you belong, the Bellatis will administer the antidote. The Dragons will then use the gate to get him back to the Richin market.”

While I glowered at him, the beast inside me shrieked and clawed. When thunder shook the very air around us, many of the Bellatis looked up.

I didn’t. I was too busy fighting back the rage. Because Iskar was right. If I lost it here, my father would die.

“How do I know that you’ll keep your word?” I spoke through clenched teeth.

The Dragon shrugged. “You don’t.”

Insist the Bellatis swear.Iskar said.They may be corrupted, but they are still Bellatis. Their word is their bond.

“Who has the antidote?” I asked.

The bronze Dragon gestured to one of the Bellatis, and he revealed the syringe in his hand.

I locked gazes with him. “Do I have your word that my father will recover, and ensure that he gets safely to the market?”

The Bellati’s silver eyes flashed, but he straightened. “You have my word.”

“Happy, now?” The Dragon didn’t sound amused.

“You poisoned my father,” I snarled the words. “I should shred you for that.”

Lightning lit the sky overhead as the bronze Dragon’s eyes narrowed. “Quit with the attitude, or your father dies.”

I vibrated with rage.Breathe, Marcus.Iskar’s desperation ran beneath the words.

I needed to get this done. “Take me to Isobel,” I growled.

“Not just yet.” He gestured to one of the Bellatis, who stepped forward. The now familiar half-collar was in his hands.

With a crack that shook the ground, lightning struck the tree just beyond the old castle walls. The Bellatis and Dragons alike ducked as it lit up with sparks and fire.

I didn’t even flinch. Compared to what awaited me, a lightning strike was nothing. I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing. When I opened them again, the Bellati was standing in front of me. Did I detect a hint of empathy in his silver gaze?

Doubtful. They were far too loyal to Isobel.

“Turn around, and lift your hair,” he said.

I’m barely holding on,Iskar stated.I don’t think we have any choice. Do it, Marcus. Your father is what matters.

The crystals hanging around my neck glowed—Iskar was pulling power like crazy. I stifled the desire to plow my fist into the Bellati’s face.

“I’ll take those crystals,” he said.

Iskar hissed through my brain. I swallowed, and then removed the cord from around my neck. The Bellati took them and handed them to another, while I turned around, and lifted my hair.

At first, the metal was icy cold as it slid against my skin, and then it warmed as it molded itself—my only warning before the diabolical tendrils shot into my brain.

I couldn’t prevent the cry that escaped me, and I almost fell to my knees. I viewed the Bellati through a red haze as the blood energy swirled around and through me. Pain pulsed along every nerve.

Move this along, Marcus.Iskar’s mental voice mimicked speaking through clenched teeth.

I managed to straighten and looked past the Bellati to the Dragon shifter. “Let’s get this over with,” I snarled. My gaze slid to the Bellati with the antidote. “Remember, I have your word.”

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