Page 39 of Marked Dragon

Footsteps pounded above us, and dirt sifted through the holes and landed in Vlad’s and Cassidy’s hair.

Vlad placed a finger to his lips, and all of us went quiet.

I could only hope Eva stayed silent in her sleep.

Instead of focusing on the noise above, I listened to her heartbeat and breathing. Neither had slowed more, but I wished she would wake up soon. She was getting heavy.

Let me have her,Thorn connected as he gently took my sister from me and cradled her in his arms the way I had.She’s my sister, too.

My heart warmed, and I stared into his eyes. I thought him touching my sister might bother me, but it didn’t. There was no doubt he was all mine, and he was helping her to take care of me.I love you.

His eyes twinkled, stealing my breath, and my heart skipped a beat.I love you, too.

Every time warriors passed by, the light was blocked for a few seconds. Their footsteps were strong and steady, and more dragons flew overhead. There were a few minutes between the warriors, and as soon as the next group ran past, we would have to make our move.

We had to get to Elliott and Peter before Drake did, or we’d be right back in the situation I’d just escaped. And next time, Drake wouldn’t wait to get what he wanted. He’d kill Thorn, marry me, and make Eva his breeder.

Eva turned her head, and I held my breath. Of course,nowshe’d stir. Hopefully, it was just from being jostled.

When we move, I need you to promise that you’ll keep going, no matter what,Thorn connected, his determination flaring through our bond.

I placed my hands on my hips as my blood heated.What the hell does that mean? I’m staying beside you the entire time.I was done splitting up. The past several days had been horrible, and I refused to go through that again.Just because I did something stupid doesn’t mean it’s your turn.

He pressed his lips into a line, but his shoulders shook gently.I meant if I need to handle one of the dragons.

With my sister in your arms?I scowled, allowing myself to get annoyed with his quiet laughter. At least, he was wise enough to attempt to hide it.

Fair point. I may have to hand her off to Vlad.Carefully, so that my sister wasn’t bothered, he leaned over and kissed my forehead.We all have to get to safety, me, included. If Drake captures me, he’ll use me against you, and that is something I will never allow.

My lungs worked a little easier. He wasn’t planning to sacrifice himself.

The footsteps above quieted, and Vlad moved to the right side of the hole. He placed his feet into the small cement slots I hadn’t noticed and climbed up. He touched the top of the covering and paused, looking down at us. “Is everyone ready?”

We glanced at one another.

Cassidy bit her bottom lip. “Errol, can you climb and run, or do you need more time to let the drugs wear off?”

“I’ll be fine.” Errol stood and placed his feet shoulder-width apart, then lifted his hands, stretching side to side.

That was one of my favorite moves in yoga.

“Wait.” Saphira clenched her hands. “What about Brenton and Tyson? I know Brenton betrayed us, but not Tyson.”

“Don’t worry about them,” Errol said as he gestured for Vlad to open the lid. “We’ve handled it.”

My brows furrowed, but Vlad opened the lid before we could ask more questions.

He stepped out, and Cassidy hurried up and climbed out behind him. Once Saphira and Errol were out, I scurried up the small makeshift ladder. The cement was jagged, likely from not being used much, and my bare feet ached as I climbed.

Thank goodness I hadn’t worn my high heels, or there was no way I would’ve made it.

At the top, I placed my feet on the mulchy ground. I turned to help Thorn out, but he was already gracefully climbing up the awkward cutouts, carrying my sister.

It was a good thing he’d taken her from me. I wasn’t sure I could’ve done that.

Vlad shut the lid, the top looking just like a rock on a slight incline. I never would’ve guessed it wasn’t natural.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed movement.

---