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  “So, if you still reigned…you would consider an alliance?”

  Tiberius turned his head away, regarding the statue that captured his essence in life. “You can do your best to prepare for a battle you might win—or you can ignore it and wait for it to slaughter you and everyone you love.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “Ashe made a decision to the detriment of us all. But let’s not forget—we are not innocent ourselves.”

  Cora’s eyes narrowed.

  Callon looked forward again.

  “Yes,” Tiberius said. “I would do everything necessary to defeat King Lux once and for all. I would forge an alliance with anyone who would have me. I would sacrifice my life and the lives of those I love for a chance for peace. It’s them or us—and it’ll be us unless we do something.”

  Callon said goodbye and dismissed himself. He disappeared through the haze, but Cora suspected he stopped at Weila’s grave to visit. Even if he couldn’t speak to her, her presence was both depressing and addictive.

  Once his brother was gone, Tiberius turned his attention on Cora. “Have you spoken to Queen Delwyn?”

  “No. I’m sorry.”

  “I’m sure she’s occupied with regal obligations.” He looked forward again, but his disappointment couldn’t be sheathed in his voice.

  “Actually…I thought it was best if I wait.”

  “Why is that?”

  “She won’t be happy when she knows I can do this.”

  He dropped his chin slightly, his eyes on his own grave.

  “But I will. I promise.”

  “When it’s meant to happen, it’ll happen.”

  “Can you keep a secret?”

  His head turned her way, slow and purposeful. “The dead are the greatest secret-keepers. But even if I were living, your secrets would die with me.”

  King Tiberius is an honorable man.

  I know he is.

  Just like his brother.

  I’m proud to be a Riverglade.

  Yes.

  I’m going to tell him about you…if that’s okay.

  The response was immediate. Yes.

  “Speak your truth, Cora Riverglade.”

  “I’ve…I’ve never heard my full name before.”

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

  She nodded. “When King Lux overtook Anastille, some dragons escaped. Ashe flew them to safety on Mist Isle, an island far away from here. Another sacrificed himself so others could live…Obsidian.”

  He had no expression, so if he showed surprise, it was invisible. “How do you know this?”

  “Because I found the island.”

  He remained still. “That’s quite the feat, Cora.”

  “Well, it wasn’t me, exactly. More like we…me and my friends.”

  “They must be pretty powerful friends.”

  Will you tell him?

  No…I don’t think I can do it.

  “And what did you discover?” Tiberius asked.

  “Ashe, King of Dragons, continues his reign. I asked him for his aid, and after several months of discussion, he agreed. But it’s conditional.”

  “On the participation of the elves.”

  “Yes.”

  He gave a nod. “Cora…I have no words. You accomplished something that would have been impossible for anyone else. The dragons would be wise to remain on their hidden island rather than risk what they have left when the odds are stacked against them. How did you convince them otherwise?”

  “Honestly, I don’t know…”

  “Remarkable.”

  “But I think convincing Ashe is going to be much easier than Queen Delwyn and the elves.”

  “You’re right, unfortunately.”

  “Even Callon…he thinks the dragons deserve their eternal suffering.”

  “He doesn’t mean that. He’s just bitter.”

  “And the rest of the elves?”

  “Also bitter and angry. My death must have been the end of their resistance. It’s easier to hide in the serenity of the forest and forget what lies across the desert. I understand the temptation.”

  “I have to change that…or we’ll all die.”

  “You and I are in agreement, Cora.”

  This would be so much easier if he were still here.

  Yes.

  “How many dragons have pledged their fight?”

  “Twelve, but I hope we can get more.”

  “Dragons are the most powerful beings in existence. Just one is enough to tip the scales of war.”

  “But they have more dragons than us.”

  “You will find a way, Cora.”

  She stared at his outline, wishing she could see the eyes identical to her own. “Why do you say that?”

  “You’ve made it this far—farther than anyone else.”

  Her eyes dropped, her stomach warm. “I could always use the wisdom of a king. Will you help me?”

  “Always.”

  “I wish the others felt the same way. You’re the only person I’ve met who didn’t need to be persuaded.”

  “Because I want the elves to persevere. And that can’t happen while evil invades this land. We can’t turn away. We can’t ignore it. If we don’t knock on their front door, they’ll knock on ours. Elves view time differently, experience it so slowly, so as long as nothing has challenged the border of their forest, they will continue to hide behind it—and leave the others to be damned.”

  She gave a nod.

  “Not that I don’t have great empathy for my people. They’ve lost so much. There are others just like Callon—lost without their loved ones.”

  “Yeah…”

  “But if we don’t fight now, we’ll be slaughtered later.”

  “There’s something I need to tell Callon, but I fear his reaction.”

  “In what way?”

  “He’s done so much for me up until this point. But since this is treasonous…I’m afraid it’ll be too much.”

  “You do not have ill will toward our people—so it is not treasonous. Trust him with your secrets as you trust me.” With his head turned her way, he regarded her. “What is it, Cora?”

  “Ashe, King of Dragons, is here in Eden Star…”

  Silence. Stillness.

  “Because we’re fused.”

  A long stretch of time passed, full of silent intensity, a long moment of reflection.

  She waited for something to be said.

  “Ashe must trust you deeply to agree to that arrangement.”

  “It’s not permanent. It’s just until we can speak to Queen Delwyn. Once our mission is complete, our separation will be permanent.”

  “Their race has been enslaved by cruel men who have turned them into flying horses. Ashe has had to watch every one of his subjects become an object to somebody else. Immortality. Power. Fire. They’re all gifts that are too valuable to part with. You could do the same to him—but he believes you won’t.”

  “Because I would never…” Just the thought made her eyes tear.

  “If I were in his place, I wouldn’t have taken the risk.”

  “He knows I would never do that. That goes against everything I’m fighting for. Plus…I simply have no interest.”

  He turned quiet again. “No interest? You’re bonded with someone in a way that you’ll never be bonded with anyone else. Even if you have children, that bond will never compare. A passionate relationship with your spouse will not either. You share your entire soul with this other being, every thought, even feelings you wish to hide. There is nothing like it…and you could just let that go without reservation?”

  He speaks like he understands.

  You’re right. “It’s a special relationship. It’s been short-lived, but so potent. To feel this connected to another person…is indescribable. Yes, I will miss that once it’s gone, but…we will still have this closeness even when we separate.”

  “You’ll never be able to communicate with him again, Cora.
”

  “Actually, I can.”

  The air grew heavy. The mist cold. The energy changed between them. “How?”

  “I…I don’t know.”

  He continued to stare, his invisible eyes piercing her face.

  “I have a feeling I’ll never know.”

  17

  King of Dragons

  Callon disarmed her with an effortless flick of his wrist. “Come on, Sor-lei.”

  She stepped back, her arm falling to her side because all of her muscles screamed from holding the weight of the sword.

  Callon continued to circle her, his green sword in his grasp. “Show me that fire.”

  I have to tell him the truth.

  You would deny him that pride?

  Ugh.

  I’ve shown you the flow of battle. You know the way.

  I just don’t have the strength—

  But you have the speed. Do it, Cora.

  “I just need a second…”

  Callon remained light on his toes, his eyes eager for the swing of her sword.

  She took a drink, caught her breath, and rubbed the kink in her neck.

  He spun his sword around his wrist again and approached.

  “Alright.” She gripped her sword with both hands, held it at the ready, and did her best to disconnect her mind from her body, to ignore the fatigue, the aches and pains.

  Focus.

  She drew breath then moved.

  Their swords came together in a loud clank, steel sliding across scales, sparks flying. The air was sliced with a whoosh as Callon’s sword made a swoop toward her torso. When her performance improved, so did his.

  She ducked before the blade hit her armor, her hair flying past from the speed of the wind. She stood upright again, taking advantage of the opening to slam her blade down on his arm.

  He caught it in his vambraces and pushed it back.

  The blade toppled from her hand to the grass.

  Don’t stop.

  Cora continued the flow by pushing down his sword arm and punching him square in the mouth.

  Yes.

  She rolled away and grabbed her sword from the ground and jumped to her feet, knowing he was right on her with his sword aimed for her neck.

  But he was where she’d left him, his mouth bloody. He sucked the liquid into his mouth before he spat on the ground, a noticeable pool of blood staining the grass. His teeth glimmered with the red liquid.

  Oh man…I feel so bad.

  Don’t.

  Why?

  Callon looked at her, raised his sword, and grinned.

  That’s why.

  “Very good, Sor-lei.”

  You did that on your own. I did not help you.

  That was a very small victory…

  With perseverance, small victories can become big victories.

  Their empty bowls sat beside them on the grass as they faced the passing stream. The red cardinal joined them, enjoying the extra berries she brought just for him. When the sun was the brightest overhead, the outline of fish were visible, swimming in the water.

  Callon was as still as the statue next to her.

  “I’m ready whenever you are.”

  “We’ll meditate first.”

  “I don’t think meditation is going to win battles.”

  “Not for me. But it might for you.” His eyes remained on the stream, speaking slow and easy, relaxed despite the soreness he felt in his mouth. “Let’s not forget that your mind is your most powerful asset. Use it to your advantage.”

  I agree.

  His hands rested on his thighs, and he closed his eyes. “Besides…it’s good for your soul.”

  It took her a while to settle down because she was eager to train, eager to get better, to feel worthy of the pride her uncle had shown her. But eventually, she did, and she pushed her mind out, feeling the heart of the forest at the center and the veins that stretched to the border.

  She could feel the presence of the life in the trees, the elves throughout the forest, the magic that couldn’t be touched or conjured, only felt. Every time she felt it, it brought her peace in a way nothing else ever had. It was the same relaxation of sleep, but in a conscious experience.

  She pushed her mind further out, exceeding the border into the wildlands.

  “Your presence is…immense.”

  Her mind floated in space, her breathing so deep and slow.

  “I have never felt it at this magnitude.”

  The trance ended, and her eyes opened.

  Callon stared at her.

  She met his look.

  He may sense me.

  Can elves do that?

  They can feel—but not discern.

  Callon watched her. “You continue to grow in many ways, Sor-lei.”

  When will you tell him?

  I don’t know. Maybe tomorrow. Cora walked behind Callon on the trail, taking the long trek from their secret training grounds and back into the heart of the forest.

  You’re worried.

  Can you blame me? You should have seen the way he looked at Flare…

  I’m much bigger than Flare.

  Exactly. He’s going to lose his mind.

  When your mind is attached to your body, you can’t lose it.

  You know what I mean.

  Your father is right, so there’s nothing to fear.

  He may keep our secret, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to like it. Her eyes took in the scenery around them, the wildness of the lands. There was always a bird in a nearby branch, always a rabbit hopping across their path, completely unafraid. Wild flowers were in abundance, something she’d never seen in her travels across Anastille.

  Black as the darkest night, it contrasted against the evergreen, the colors of the flowers.

  She stopped in her tracks.

  What is it?

  She’d never seen something so out of place in her life.

  Sunlight reflected off the black petals. Metallic in sheen, the surface was covered in a substance that caused a glint so bright, it was like a glare in the steel of a sword. With vines made of thorns as thick as the width of a blade, it was untouchable.

  She left the path and stepped onto the grass, approaching the black flower that hardly protruded from the grass. If it were any other color, she would have walked right by without a second glance.

  She kneeled, bringing herself closer.

  Birds sang their song in the trees, the breeze moved through her hair, life bustled around her.

  But she felt nothing from this little flower.

  Then there was a faint whisper.

  A whisper she couldn’t decipher.

  Her hand instinctively reached out to swipe her finger across the petal, as if she hoped to catch a streak of dust from a forgotten heirloom.

  Cora. No.

  She reached for it anyway.

  A hand grasped her by the arm and yanked her away.

  Her fingers missed contact by just a stalk of grass.

  She fell on top of her backpack, uncomfortable like a turtle flipped onto his shell.

  Callon swiped his sword through the stem, right where the stalk met the earth, and it tipped over. When the breeze caught it, it began to roll away, slowly migrating deeper in the brush of the forest.

  He sheathed his sword then stood over her—looking more pissed off than ever before.

  She rolled over and got to her feet. “What was that?”

  “Don’t touch it. Ever.”

  “Okay…but what is it?”

  “You see one again, kill it.”

  He marched away, the conversation dismissed.

  She turned to look at the flower once more, but it was gone. “Callon?” She returned to the path, catching up to his heels. “Are you not going to tell me what that was?”

  He looked straight ahead—like she wasn’t even there.

  “I’ve never seen a flower like that.” She came to his side, holding his stride even when he moved faster. “Wh
y does it grow here? When I came close to it…I heard a whisper.”

  He halted.

  She did too—a second later.

  His nostrils flared with the deep breaths he took, and he was maniacal. “It’s death, Cora.”

  Her eyes shifted back and forth as she looked into his.

  “Death.”

  Flare? You there? She pushed her mind out, finding his front door easily because he was much closer than he’d been at Mist Isle. Hello?

  His majestic voice spoke. I’m here, Pretty.

  How are things?

  Not so good.

  Everything okay?

  Everyone is fine. But we were attacked by goats yesterday.

  Goats?

  Mountain goats.

  Oh…that sounds a bit hilarious.

  It is. It’s especially hilarious because it wouldn’t have happened if Rush had listened to me.

  Typical Rush.

  You get it, Pretty.

  She smiled, picturing all of his sharp teeth as he showed his form of a grin. You made it to the mountains, then?

  Yes. But we’re lost.

  I thought you had a map?

  Even with the map, we’re lost.

  Oh no.

  We’ll figure it out. Always do. What about you?

  Just exhausted.

  General Callon is training you well?

  He’s trying.

  You’ll get there, Pretty. I have no doubt.

  I’ve gotten a lot better. Pushed my body in ways I didn’t think were possible.

  And you’ll continue to do so. How’s Ashe, King of Dragons?

  He’s helping me out a lot too.

  Kingly.

  Can Rush join us? I have news.

  Was hoping to keep you to myself… One moment.

  Rush’s deep voice came a moment later. He told you about the goats, didn’t he?

  She chuckled out loud as well as in her head. Yeah…he mentioned it.

  They’re like the frogs—but with horns.

  At least they aren’t venomous.

  Their looks sure are. And they’ve got horns…big horns.

  Just be nice to them, and they won’t attack you.

  You think we haven’t tried that? Gave them the last of my bread…and they still mauled me down.