Page 76 of Beneath Scales and Shadows
“For now, we have an arrangement,” Ignis decided, extending his hand. “But know this—my patience extends exactly as far as your usefulness.”
The prince clasped his hand, wincing slightly at the heat of Ignis’s scales but maintaining his grip. “Understood.”
As they left the chamber, Ignis signaled the replacement guards to resume their post. Once they were alone in the corridor, he turned to Sora.
“Your thoughts?”
“He’s desperate,” she said, meeting his gaze. “But desperation can drive men to unexpected acts of courage—or betrayal.”
Through their bond, he sensed her unspoken question: was this alliance worth the risk?
“We’ll use him,” Ignis decided, wrapping his wing around her as they walked. “But we’ll verify everything he tells us before we act.”
The mountain trembled slightly beneath their feet—a reminder of the deep geothermal forces that kept the caverns warm. It matched the simmering rage Ignis still carried, the promise of vengeance burning just beneath his scales.
It was as if his own land demanded justice. Or perhaps a sign that the magic was indeed slowly returning now that he had an omega… now that his Luna’s soul was tied to his own.
“Tell me,” Sora said suddenly, her hand finding his. “What happens now? With Coal, with the prince, with... us?”
The question held layers—political, tactical, personal. He squeezed her hand gently, marveling at how naturally their fingers intertwined despite their different forms—and how his engulfed hers.
Ruby and silver—bold and bright—struck a perfect balance, fierce and elegant all at once.
“Now,” he said, “we prepare. Late this afternoon we’ll meet with the council, including going over any news about our allies from neighboring territories. We formulate a plan to rescue Coal and end the Celestorian threat.” His voice deepened. “And as for us—”
A scout rushed around the corner, interrupting whatever he’d been about to say. The young beta dragon skidded to a halt, bowing hastily.
“My king! A message has arrived—carried by enchanted falcon from the castle.”
“From Coal?” Ember had materialized at their side, her shoulder freshly bandaged, eyes bright with desperate hope.
The scout shook his head. “From the royal family.” He extended a sealed parchment, the royal crest gleaming in the crystal light.
Ignis took the message, breaking the seal with a talon. As he read, his scales darkened with fury, heat radiating from him in waves that made the air shimmer.
“What is it?” Sora asked, stepping closer.
Without a word, he handed her the parchment. The elegant script carried a simple message:
For the return of your spy, deliver the twice-born Luna to the southern waterfall at midnight three days hence—when the white moon is at its fullest. Come alone, or watch as we extract every drop of essence from his body. The choice is yours, Dragon King.
Sora’s fingers tightened on the parchment, causing it to crumple at the edges. “It’s another trap,” she said quietly.
“Of course it is,” Ignis growled, smoke curling from his nostrils. “But this time, we’re not going to play by their rules.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
SORA
Sora smoothed her tunic, adjusting the silver clasps designed to accommodate the scales spreading across her collarbones. She hadn’t planned to visit her family today, but with everything happening—the impending council meeting, the message from Celestoria, the growing heat within her body—she might not get another chance before leaving to finish what Ignis had been trying to end all his life.
And to save Coal—along with whoever else they had for prisoners.
“You’re sure about this?” she asked, glancing at Ignis who strode beside her, his crimson scales catching the glowstone light.
He nodded, wings swaying against his back with each step. “The council won’t assemble until the evening meal. We have time.”
Their steps echoed against stone as they descended deeper into the mountain, following winding passages illuminated by the pulsing light of crystal formations embedded in the walls and glowstone baskets. Unlike the upper reaches designed for winged clan members, these lower guest quarters accommodated those without flight.
