Page 153 of Iron Hearts and Dragon Magic

“Naia!” At least some relief in his tone. “We’re in a room down in the Iron Citadel. Our magic is mostly blocked and we can’t leave. It was a trap.”

Her father was staring at her in curiosity, and she gestured to him again to wait, then sent a thought to Fel. “I can try to find you.”

“No. If you get here, your magic will be blocked. Leah has just arrived, and she can’t do much either. River is saying you should try to find his sister—”

“Ancients, I mean, white fae can’t get into Ironhold.”

“I know. He means she might be able to help you. There is a way for the Ancient City to contact the dragon council. You’ll need to tell them.”

Naia shook her head. “Fel, you think Cynon is going to sit around that long?”

“We’re trying to find a way out. There has to be one, Naia. We’re alive and unharmed, so don’t worry about us.”

An idea came to her mind. “You think it’s Cynon’s magic keeping you there?”

“Likely.”

There was a solution. “Fel, I’m going to get you out.”

“Naia, don’t come here.”

“Not there. Give me some time and then try to talk to me again. I’m going to do something that might help.”

“What are you—”

“Fel, I need to focus. Give me some fifteen minutes.”

Naia stared at her father. “You can get into the Iron Citadel, right?”

“Yes, why—”

“I need you to trust me, just this one time. I can’t explain it all because it’s very complicated, but I need to find King Harold and kill him.”

Azir frowned. “I can kill him.”

“No. It’s a special way to kill him, only an ironbringer can do it. Just get me close to him.”

He sighed. “It’s dangerous to carry someone across—”

“The hollow, yes.” She pointed at the Frostlake queen, still standing in a corner. “Looks like you did it just fine. And the thing is, you always said you can’t transport someone who doesn’t have the magic to go through the hollow, but I have it.”

“Naia…” He said it slowly, apologetically. “You’re not a deathbringer.”

“I know! I’m a dragon.”

He grimaced. “You what?”

“Too complicated to explain. I swear, it’s a matter of life and death. Fel’s life.” She almost mentioned Leah as well, but then again thought it would be too complicated and invite unnecessary questions. It would also make the queen worried, and calming her down would be another unnecessary complication. “Trust me. Take me to King Harold. It’s not really him, but an evil creature. If you want to help, protect me. But let me kill him. Please. This is the biggest and most important favor I’m asking—”

“Naia, for you I’ll do anything. I’m just worried.”

“Then trust my power. This time only. Please.”

He nodded slowly, then turned to the Frostlake queen. “I’ll arrange—”

“Go,” she said. “I’m fine here. I’ll wait.”

“Let’s go,” her father said, then held her hands.

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