Page 14 of Marked Dragon

I looked pretty much the same, but somehow…more. I still had long, golden hair but with more volume, and the same fair skin but with a faint golden glow. My light gray eyes glistened with unshed tears, but the hurt reflecting in my irises, as if they were a mirror image of my soul, had me doing a double take.

Even when Mom had passed, I hadn’t looked dead inside.

So, I did the one thing that would make me feel better. I closed my eyes and pulled the image of Thorn’s face into my mind.

His eyes were the first thing I recalled. That sky blue shade, with flecks of what could only be described as diamonds, had captivated me. When I’d first gone to find Drake at his fancy bar to bargain for Eva’s freedom, those breathtaking eyes had stopped me in my tracks, and I’d almost forgotten why I’d gone there.

Then, the day Thorn had kidnapped me, he’d shifted back into human form and reappeared shirtless. I imagined his gorgeous, smooth, tan skin and his medium-brown hair hanging in his eyes. He was perfection, and with his chiseled features and muscular body, he could easily be a model.

And he wasmine.

A soft knock sounded on the bedroom door, followed by Uther mumbling, “Drake is heading this way.”

My arms gave out, and I fell onto my knees, the broken person I’d seen in the mirror taking control. Now that the vision of Thorn was gone, it hurt to breathe. I missed Thorn so damn much, and I’d give anything for him to be here with me.

Ev, what’s wrong?

I didn’t want to put pressure on him, but I couldn’t lie. Not to him. Not anymore.I miss you so much that my heart feels like it’s been stabbed repeatedly. And Thorn, I’m scared.My eyes burned, and I blinked to hold the tears at bay.Eva’s here, and I don’t know how to protect her, and I don’t know what to do.

Trust me, I understand, and I will get you both out of there,he replied.We’re drawing a map of the chateau and dragon lands while trying to get a solid estimate of warrior numbers based on what Cassidy, Saphira, and Vlad know. But if you need me to stay connected with you—

I took a deep breath.No, keep planning. That’s what I need you all to do. I’ll let you know what I glean here. I’ve seen only one side of the chateau, so far.

That side is intended for the prince, once he marries,Thorn explained, his emotions icy.But he shouldn’t stay there until he’s wed, according to a long-standing tradition that every single dragon shifter knows.

I clung to the hope that Drake wouldn’t live here with Eva and me.Pay attention to the conversation with them. Hopefully, you can find a way to get Eva and me out.

Panic slammed into me, then eased. He answered,I do need to focus. So far, our options aren’t promising, but I’m here, whenever you need me.

With shaky hands, I quickly put on makeup, going for a natural look since I was low on time. As I finished with my mascara and painted my lips a rosy pink, the back door to the house opened.

Throat dry, I took one last look in the mirror. This would have to do.

I spun on my heel and rushed into the bedroom. I shook Eva and said, “You need to get up. I’m leaving.” I didn’t feel safe leaving her asleep with a stranger nearby.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she touched her forehead. “Everly, I had the worst nightmare.” Then her face drained of color.

“I’m sorry.” I brushed my fingers through her hair. “It wasn’t a nightmare.”

Footsteps pounded down the hallway, and Uther said, “Sire, she’s not in there.”

Drake snarled, “What do you mean she’s notin there?”

“She’s in this room with her sister,” Uther answered uncomfortably.

I heard a huff, then Drake’s heavy footfalls heading our way.

Eva’s mouth opened and closed.

“Stay in here while I’m gone.” I kissed her forehead. “Be safe.” I stood straight and marched to the door.

As I reached it, it opened, and Drake stepped in, coming face-to-face with me.

The hard glint in his eyes vanished, and his head jerked back. “You’re ready.”

That broken girl in the mirror flashed through my mind. That was what he wanted, which meant that was exactly what I couldn’t become. He’d hoped I wouldn’t be ready, so I batted my eyelashes, oozing innocence. “You asked me to be, so I set an alarm to ensure I wouldn’t disappoint you.”

Uther exhaled.

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