Page 123 of Royal Captive
I waved a hand to quiet the crowd, thinking hard. What did I want most in the world?
The ache was physical most days. I hadn’t taken another lover or so much as kissed another since Ellis had sacrificed it all.
For me.
For us.
I closed my eyes, and took a deep breath.
To hug Ellis. To show him physically how much he means to me.
The torch snuffed out quickly, but not because of my quick breath. The crowd didn’t know any better, and cheered like I’d just won a tournament.
A scream tore the air.
Nessian whipped around first.
Lyra. Lyra was screaming.
Her figure was still in the sky, plummeting desperately towards us, but not because she was in trouble. She was racing towards a second figure falling without wings or cushion.Hishumanfigure.
Oh my gods. Ellis.
Had my wish killed him?
That was the only thought that went through my head.
Viana pushed herself through the crowd, one hand on her temple and she closed her eyes, concentrating.
Change back. Give yourself wings. Do something.
He was going to hit nothing but the front lawn of the castle and die like a bug being splat on a window.
“GODDAMNIT ELLIS!” Viana screamed, unable to reach him mentally.
Lyra caught his arm and pulled up, straining her wings.
Her touch jolted him and he shifted back in an instant, all golden wings and scales.
“MOVE!” Viana bellowed at the crowd.
Everyone scrambled to get away from the large, out-of-control dragon and Ellis hit the ground hard, rolling about a foot before coming to an abrupt stop.
“Ellis! Are you all right?”
We raced over to him, but he was already rolling back over and growling. I went around to his face and put a hand on his snout. His golden eyes looked pained.
“Are you—” Before I could finish he was suddenly himself again.
Just naked.
Looking older.
And … with abeard.
It was so ridiculous I barked out a laugh before I could help it, slapping my hands over my mouth.
“Everyone away!” I ordered, but most had fled as soon as they’d realized Ellis was naked.
