Page 40 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
The only natural light came from several tall, narrow windows that allowed airflow when open. All of them were firmly closed and locked now. They’d also pushed back all the furniture to provide them with plenty of space, which they’d need.
She couldn’t help her nervous jitters, though they’d been planning and preparing for weeks. Today, she’d do something she’d never done before, and it would be dangerous on many levels. None of her previous missions could compare.
Xanath and Kade had finally acquired all the rare stones and ingredients necessary for a complicated spell to transport her to where she needed to go without having to fly through enemy territory for over a thousand miles. She hoped to Zorya it would be worth leaving her daughter and risking her life. Though she had doubts, she dared not reveal them to the others. They counted on her to succeed. Failure would likely mean thedeaths of everyone, and that helped keep her motivated—no matter the risks.
Skylar stepped forward with a large, green camrium backpack. “I squeezed in all the supplies I thought you might need, along with dried meat and other food for the times when you can’t hunt. There is also an invisibility potion that will last four hours if you need it.”
She bet Thatcher had made it. He was a fifty-year-old sorcerer who’d been with the Taugud his whole life, specializing in defensive spells and the occasional potion. No one saw him much since he preferred to keep to himself.
“Thank you,” Ozara said, taking it from her. The pack straps were designed to extend to fit her dragon form, and it wouldn’t burn when she shifted. “It’s perfect.”
“I hope I’m as brave as you someday,” the young sorceress said with a tremulous smile.
She patted her shoulder. “From what I’ve seen, you will be.”
Ozara had a way of seeing people that others didn’t, and Skylar showed true promise. It was good Aidan had taken over the toriq. He would encourage the young woman to nurture and foster her powers for the benefit of everyone instead of suppressing the sorceress as the previous pendragons had done. She was among the few with great offensive magic.
“Is there anything else I can do?” Skylar asked, worrying her lip. “I wish I could help even more, considering what you must do.”
“Keep an eye out for my daughter,” she said, attempting to keep her expression stoic. It had been difficult saying goodbyeto Leilany an hour ago, and she’d barely held back her tears. May the dragon goddess be with her so she can return to her family safely.
“I can absolutely do that.”
The pendragon entered the chamber—his powerful aura filling the space. She caught his solemn features as he stalked toward her, and to her surprise, Aidan pulled her into a tight hug. For a second, she stiffened in shock before forcing herself to relax.
Ozara could manage her emotions well, but her mate’s brother had never embraced her before. Something about it touched her deeply and made the gravity of her mission even more real. While she understood her value to their toriq, no other leader had made her feel vital and precious the way he did. She had no doubt he cared for her as a person, not only for her talents.
He pulled away. “You have my deep gratitude for doing this despite the danger. If anyone else stood a chance of pulling this off, I would have asked them instead, but you are our best hope. I have complete faith in you.”
“I know, milord.” She lifted her chin. “It’s important, and I’m more than willing.”
She’d conducted many risky missions, but this one had the highest probability of her not returning. Despite that, she couldn’t refuse or let him see her doubts. It would be worth it if she got what they needed.
His expression tightened. “Come back alive. I hope you’re successful, but the most important part is that you return to us. Your daughter and my sister need you. Not only that, but we all love you and will miss you while you’re gone.”
A lump rose in her throat, and she had to force it down. She really mattered to him.
“Of course,” she said in a whisper.
Kade cleared his throat. “Ahem. We’re ready.”
The older shifter had a compassionate look on his face.
“May Zorya be with you,” Aidan said, moving to stand near the chamber door.
She pulled the pack over her shoulders as four sorcerers—Kade, Xanath, Skylar, and Morgan—surrounded her. Each held a different colored stone in their right palm and closed their eyes. They began chanting. She had no idea what the words meant, but she could feel the energy of their power stirring the air.
One by one, with their left hands, they tossed a mixture of herbs at a circular symbol drawn on the floor directly in front of her. Steam rose from it, taking shape in the air. It tickled her nose, smelling of earth and magic.
The sun was setting—the precise time of day the spell had to be cast—and they’d had to wait for a full moon. So many factors had to be considered for this to work. Nervous anticipation thrummed through her, but she made herself stand perfectly still. She was a professional.
A minute passed as the steam coalesced into a perfect circle before her.
The sorcerers took a step closer, stopping several paces from her. They began swaying, and their chanting grew louder. Her skin hummed as the magic grew more potent by the second, with sparks flashing around the room.
Right when she thought they couldn’t chant any louder, they let out a shout and then stopped. Within the circle of steam, a dark hole appeared. She couldn’t see anything beyond it. They’d told her what to expect beforehand, but taking the two steps required to enter the black void was hard. Ozara hesitated for a moment. No one spoke or urged her to pass into it, but she knew they waited expectantly.
She had to draw on every ounce of her courage and trust they’d gotten the spell right.
