Page 61 of Caress of Fire
Henron scoffed with surprise, but easily kept pace with Fedryc. “That only partially explains why you’re in this mood.” He frowned.
“I found your scouts,” Fedryc growled at his friend. “They’re dead. That feral burned them to a crisp.”
Henron stopped, and after another step, Fedryc did the same. He turned to his Captain of the Guard to see him staring back with a skeptical, confused look on his face.
“You found nothing else?”
“What else should I have found?” Fedryc paused, not bothering to hide his annoyance. He wanted to reach Marielle, and every second she was away from him was another one of torture. “As if we need the threat of a feral dragon on our territory.”
“I heard reports of civilians, mostly humans, fleeing Virhot and passing through the desert.”
This wasn’t good. Not good at all. The feral dragon wouldn’t differentiate between a group of unarmed civilians and soldiers. He would kill them all on sight for trespassing on his territory.
“Humans are fleeing Anion for Aalstad? This is new information to me.”
“That is why I sent the scouts.” Henron shrugged. “There are more reports of refugees trying to flee Virhot.”
“You have to send more scouts, then.” Just like that, his anger fell flat. Henron was like him, trying to swim in a nest of vipers without getting bitten. It was impossible and, sooner rather than later, they would have to fight.
The feral dragon was yet another problem he would have to deal with.
“There has been no word from Lord Anion since he killed all those people at the border.” Fedryc shook his head, looking at the empty patch of sky where Nyra had disappeared. “He’s preparing something.”
“I did some research on him.” Henron lifted his brows. “His family has always made Draekon matches. Only Draekon matches, never even a Delradon one. He rejected a human woman who was compatible with him a few years ago. Didn’t even meet with her.”
Fedryc grew still.
Yes, this made perfect sense.
“He wants Aalstad.” Fedryc grew stiff with a murderous rage.
“And Marielle is all that stands in his way.”
Chapter 20
Marielle stood over Rela as the girl drifted back into her artificial slumber. The bruises on her face had taken a nasty turn—dark blue, almost purplish, yellowing at the edges like a spilled beverage. Her shoulder, where the mark had been burned into her flesh, was healing nicely, but Rela would never be free of the hateful symbol that marked her very existence as impure, blasphemous even.
A cold hatred coiled in Marielle’s stomach as she pulled the edge of Rela’s medical gown back up over her ruined shoulder.
“You should let me take care of the girl, Lady Marielle.” Dr. Ylco came to stand beside her. “You must be tired by now.”
“I’m doing fine,” Marielle answered coldly. “I’m the only person Rela has who’s close to family now.”
She insisted on the name. The Delradon doctor still had to call Rela by her name instead using the termgirl, orpatient. It tugged on Marielle’s nerves each time, and this was one time too many.
“Of course,” Dr. Ylco answered, his usually soothing voice just a bit sharper. “But I’m afraid Rela will sleep for many hours.”
Marielle grunted, turning her back to the doctor. She knew she shouldn’t take her frustration out on him, that he had been nothing but helpful since Rela came into his care. He’d saved Rela’s life, working tirelessly on her for a day and a half, without sleeping or eating. Marielle shook her head and glanced to the side as Dr. Ylco walked away, his back straight and his head held stiffly high.
The door to the medical room opened to reveal a familiar, tall, well-built form.
“Fedryc!” Marielle got to her feet and ran, landing straight in Fedryc’s arms. “I was so worried! When did you come back?”
“I just landed.” He smiled at her but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“What is it?” Marielle frowned, and when he looked away, she pulled out of his embrace. “No!”
Fedryc looked back at her, surprise on his features.
