Page 32 of The Lost Prince
But I was alive.
“Z. Let me up. Z. Please.”
I tried. My body was burned into the protective position over M. Trying to move only brought more pain.
“M, don’t. It hurts. Let someone help—”
My words ended in a ragged scream as M pried my arms open and pushed off my body to free himself. My breaths came in choked gasps, the only thing I could force my brain to focus on beside the overwhelming white-hot pain.
In. Out. In. Out.
I collapsed back to the ground, unable to move my limbs from where they fell. I was too scared to look at myself. Too afraid to see the damage.
Footsteps pounded away, cracking glass on the floor and kicking up small bits towards my face.
At least one of us could go for help. It would be ok. It would be fine.
I was so thankful I had spent years cultivating an alliance with M. It would serve me well now, as M ran to get help. They’d take me to the infirmary, the primas would drug me up, and all this could become a bad dream …
It was quiet again.
Tears would have leaked from my eyes if they could, but it felt like every spare drop of moisture in my body was gone. The glass window was an open sore as hot wind seeped through the hole and rustled every loose piece of parchment in the archives. The crackling of flames grew closer and closer.
“Hello? Is someone in there? Zephyr?’
Zephyr… no one called me Zephyr except for Vession,and that wasn’t his voice.
Polished sandals came into my field of vision, and I closed my eyes in relief. M had run out to get me help. The Fireguards were here!
“L?” I croaked out, finally recognizing this Fireguard.
His jaw dropped when he saw the open window.
“Oh gods. The dragon—”
“Yes,” I managed.
L put a hand in his hair, breathing out and closing his eyes. When he opened them, it was with steely determination.
“All right. Give me a minute to fetch help. It won’t take long.”
That was fine by me. He could take as long as wanted—I was going to pass out and take a nap.
So I did.
ChapterNine
My eyes cracked open in the darkness of my room. Sticky poultices and wraps covered every inch of my body except for my lips, nose, and eyes.
But I was alive.
I wonder how many people who took dragon heat at close range could boast the same.
And M had gotten me help. L had gotten me help. It felt strange and odd. I never thought of myself as having friends before, but it felt … nice.
Almost like having a family again.
Footsteps shuffled outside my door and the door creaked open slightly. M’s wide, dark eyes peered in at me.
