Page 72 of Stone Heart
“Rhodack,” she snapped, sensing other demons stalking toward them. She’d lost track of her father in the melee. The gargoyles and Fae warriors were in the middle of the battle, and she refused to scream for help.
She’d fight to the death to protect Rhodack.
The female gargoyle went on the attack, slashing the air with her claws. Rina dodged the gesture and narrowed her eyes on the demon. She continued to outstep her, as the other demons grew closer.
She had to wait for the perfect moment.
“Fight me!” the female shouted, frustration evident in her face when Rina continued to flash around her.
She flashed again, coming up behind her. She spun and landed a kick into the beast-woman’s abdomen, sending her flying in the direction of three demons who ran toward them.
Now.
She pulled her powers from within and threw her hands toward the creatures. A bright light shined from her hands, sending the demons flying back a few hundred feet.
The ground rumbled as Rhodack stood. His roar echoed through the air, and his wings flashed behind him. Her eyes widened at the magnificent sight of her mate’s head thrown back as he roared his mighty war cry.
His chest rose and fell hard, and she was sure he was now one hundred percent back to his normal self.
“Stay behind me,” he demanded.
Their foes stood from the ground and charged toward them. He grabbed her arm and pushed her behind him.
“No, beside you,” she snapped, pulling her arm free and moving to his side. She ignored his glare and faced the charging demons, her gaze set on the female as she drew near.
This female thought she would take Rhodack from her?
Not a chance.
He belonged to her.
The woman didn’t realize how powerful Rina was. Her body slammed into Rina’s. Her feet slid back, but she didn’t lose her balance. Rina gripped the female’s shoulders and used her strength to flip the she-creature over and toss her to the ground.
Rhodack fought the three other demons. His face was focused on the fight, and Rina knew she’d have to handle this female once and for all.
“You think my masters will let you go?” the female hissed and rolled to her knees and hopped back on her feet.
“I plan to leave of my own free will,” Rina said.
The female charged again.
This time Rina would end this fight.
She caught the woman and wrapped her arm around her neck, tightening her grip as her opponent struggled. Her gaze connected with a dragon flying overhead, and she flashed her and the demon away.
The female screamed as they appeared on the back of the dragon.
“Where are you taking me?” the woman hollered and struggled against Rina.
Rina murmured in the ancient language of the elves and guided the dragon higher in the sky, its scales smooth and leathery underneath her fingertips.
“For a little ride,” Rina said.
The dragon tore through the darkness, taking them higher into the clouds where the bodies on the ground resembled tiny ants. The female ceased her struggles, maybe realizing the altitude they were reaching.
“I surrender. Please don’t kill me,” she begged. Her claws dug into Rina’s skin as she tried to hold on to her.
“Oh no. You don’t get to change your tune,” Rina said. The dragon coasted and leveled itself. “You’ve been so loyal to your masters, see if they’ll save you now!”
