Page 46 of The Forbidden Dragon King
Maximinus pales. “Legate, execute the criminal.”
War grabs me by the wing.
No one but my bonded Omega should ever touch me there…
I twist in disgust that War has dared to touch my raven wing, but she doesn’t let go. Instead, she hauls me toward the altar.
The ranks of soldiers are chanting now, low and droning, to the Shadow Gods. They clank their swords on their shields in triumph and victory, eager for my blood sacrifice.
Aurelius doesn’t even have the respect to look at me, as I glance back over my shoulder at him. My breathing is too fast, but I struggle not to fight. When these Dracarians talk about the capture and sacrifice of the Shadow Fae King, I won’t let them tell tales about my terror and cowardice.
I steady myself, blanking my expression. Then I shake War off, walking myself to the altar. She shoves me over it, stretching me onto my back.
I lie staring up at the thunderous night sky.
I wish that I could see the moon one last time, but it’s hidden behind the clouds that I summoned.
I stretch out my own wings to match the altar.
War snatches my manacled wrists and ties them above my head, stretching me further, until it’s hard to breathe.
My lungs burn.
War slides out her sword, resting it inches above my neck, as if to check the placement. Then she raises it.
The edge glistens, razor sharp in the rain.
This is it.
I blink the tears from my eyes.
I’ll be joining my friends. My brethren. My fallen people.
The fight is finally over.
My eyes slip closed.
I find that I don’t want to see death as it comes for me at last.
“Wait,” Aurelius’ icy voice commands.
Startled, my eyes snap open.
Aurelius is standing over me.
When he cups my cheek, thumbing along my cheekbone, I startle. His scent of leather and smoke is overwhelming. Dominant pheromones surge from him in waves, making my own rise up in answer.
War respectfully steps back.
My wide gaze meets Aurelius’ cold one.
This is cruel, even for him. If I’m to be his sacrifice, won’t he just let the blade fall?
Let me go.
“I want Daire as my war trophy,” Aurelius drawls. “I will take him onto my personal staff. He’s an excellent strategist. I am certain that he will in time learn to work as an adviser at my shoulder.”
What…?
