Fury Page 14

She chuckled again. Then I guess they just don’t like you.

  You think?

  Most people don’t, so it’s not surprising.

  Enough outta you…

  Glad you guys are doing well…goats aside.

  What about you?

  Where do I start…? She told them about the conversation with her father, the training with Callon, and the black flower she discovered.

  Wow.

  That’s a lot of information to get in fifteen seconds.

  Sorry.

  So, Ashe lent you his strength. Nothing like it, huh?

  Yeah…I felt invincible. Do you do that with Flare?

  In battle. It gives you an edge.

  Even with the strength of a dragon, he could still defeat me.

  Well, Callon is the greatest swordsman ever. Like, literally. General Noose is good too, but I would have beaten him if he hadn’t cheated. Your dragon doesn’t just give you his strength and energy, but his focus and sight. He allows you to navigate your terrain without effort, so you can focus on the battle with even greater detail. Keep practicing because it’s overwhelming at first.

  Ashe only did it so I could really experience battle. Before that, it was just Callon destroying me immediately over and over. It’s helped a lot. I’m a better fighter for it.

  That’s good. But you should still practice anyway.

  We won’t be fused after we speak to the queen—so there’s no point.

  Rush turned quiet for a while. So, it sounds like Tiberius is an ally.

  As much as he can be.

  If only Queen Delwyn were as open-minded.

  I think he’s the only one who is.

  Maybe he can help you change that.

  Yeah, hopefully.

  He say anything else?

  Well… His words echoed back to her, the way he described a fused relationship. I told him about Ashe…and he understood perfectly how that union feels.

  He wasn’t upset? Having a secret dragon in Eden Star is kind of a big deal…

  He didn’t care at all.

  Huh.

  Is it possible…that he’s fused with a dragon?

  Since he’s cool with Ashe, I assume he would be forthcoming about it if that were the case.

  True. But I mean…do elves ever fuse with dragons?

  A long time ago and only for the purpose of communication. That was before he was king, so I highly doubt it.

  Cora looked out the window as she sat at her dining table, her finished dinner in front of her. Starlight was visible in the opening of the trees at the canopy.

  So, you saw an ugly flower?

  I didn’t say it was ugly. Said it was black and metallic…

  That sounds pretty ugly for a flower.

  She chuckled. Yeah, it definitely felt out of place for Eden Star. That’s why I could see it so well. It just stood out. Before I could touch it, Callon yanked me away and sliced it from the stem. He told me it was death.

  Did he say anything else?

  No. And I don’t think he’s going to. Do you know what it is?

  Not a clue. I’ve never seen anything like that before.

  The image of the flower was seared in her brain, the way it contrasted against the stalks of grass, the color of the nearby flowers. Eden Star was a vibrant place of life…so how could death grow there? I also heard a whisper when I came close to it.

  A whisper?

  Rush paused for a bit. What did it say?

  I couldn’t make it out…like it was in another language.

  That’s not creepy at all…

  You must ask your father.

  I think I will…since I have no one else to ask. Wait… An image suddenly flashed into her mind, seeing the flower alive on a shelf, growing out of a small pot near the windows. I’ve seen it before.

  Where?

  Mathilda’s shop…last time I was there.

  Rush gave a loud sigh. Ugh, witches are the worst.

  Why?

  Because you can’t get a straight answer out of them. If you wanted to ask her about it, it would come with a price—a big price.

  A price she hadn’t paid yet.

  I don’t have a clue what it is or what it means, but it’s bad. If Callon doesn’t tell you, then ask Tiberius.

  I think I will.

  And if you see it again…don’t touch it.

  Callon was in the lead, hiking to their training ground as the sun rose over the horizon. His backpack was over his shoulders, his sword on his hip.

  “Callon?”

  “Yes?”

  “Can we go somewhere farther away from Eden Star? Like, really far away…with lots of space?”

  You make it obvious he’s about to meet the most ferocious dragon that ever lived.

  He needs to know the requirements. Last thing we need is for you to be seen.

  Callon halted and slowly turned around. His eyes narrowed, and he asked the question. “Why?”

  “I need to show you something…in private.”

  His shoulders slumped as the annoyance deepened in his features. “It never ends with you, does it?”

  She didn’t know what else to do, so she shook her head.

  He sighed and continued forward again. “We’ll stop at the stream halfway to replenish our canteens. We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”

  This is happening.

  Nervous?

  I’m never nervous.

  Well, I am.

  I have no concerns. He’s shown his loyalty to you.

  Doesn’t mean he’s not gonna be pissed off. Really pissed off.

  They stopped at the stream and refilled their empty bottles and then continued ahead. They were far away from the path, but Callon seemed to know exactly where he was going because he moved with purpose.

  “Callon?”

  His response took a little longer this time. “Yes?”

  “If that flower is death…why does it grow here?”

  The sigh he gave trailed behind him and entered her ears.

  “So, all you have to do is touch it, and you just collapse?”

  He ducked under a low-hanging branch.

  “Why won’t you answer me?”

  He spun back around. “Because I told you everything you need to know.”

  “If that were true, I wouldn’t have questions.”

  His eyebrows furrowed together, flashing his signature look of annoyance. “I suspect today is going to be enough as it is. Give it a rest.”

  He’s hiding something.

  I think so too.

  We shall ask King Tiberius.

  Callon faced forward once again and powered through the forest, his armor, weapons, and backpack having no impact on his speed.

  They continued that way for hours, getting farther away from the center of Eden Star than she’d ever been. It was midday when they arrived in a large clearing of trees, in a valley somewhere deep in the forest.

  This will work.

  It was much bigger than the glade near the stream, but it came at a heavy price. She dropped her backpack and took a seat, needing water and a small snack.

  Callon glanced around the area before he did the same.

  “How do you know the forest so well? I mean, it’s so big.”

  “I’ve lived a very long life.”

  “And that life was spent out here?”

  “As the General of Eden Star, it was my job to protect the entire forest, not just Eden Star proper. I know this forest better than anyone.”

  “Do any elves live away from Eden Star?”

  “Some.”

  “Like, alone?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why would they want to do that?”

  He drank his water then turned the cap back into place. “Because as you say, they’re ‘old and grouchy.’”

  “Even on my worst day, I’d rather be with people than be alone.”

  “Company is for the young. Solitude is for the old.” He stored his things
back in his pack then got to his feet. “What is it, Cora?”

  Here we go.

  He’s going to be in shock.

  And mesmerized by my brute strength and glorious beauty.

  Okay…so Flare’s not the only one that does it.

  Does what?

  Nevermind.

  She got to her feet and brushed off her trousers before she faced him. “Alright, well…yeah.”

  His eyes narrowed.

  “You’re going to be upset—”

  “What is it, Cora?”

  “I just need you to be calm—”

  “I’m always calm.”

  “Well, you don’t look calm right now.”

  He stepped closer to her, his dark eyes vicious. “You’re my Sor-lei, so you’ve never seen me as anything else but calm.”

  She took a slow breath, unsure if she should start at the beginning or just cut right to the chase. “When I found the dragons, I met their king. Ashe, King of Dragons.”

  His expression remained hard like the blunt end of an ax. The hatred for their race was so deep in his blood that he couldn’t feel an ounce of awe. He was a still lake, never changing, raindrops only disturbing the surface but not affecting anything underneath.

  “He, along with others, wish to free their kin. But they can’t do it alone. They need allies—they need the elves.”

  His arms remained at his sides, the only movement of his body his slightly shifting eyes.

  “I knew there was no way I could convince Queen Delwyn to agree by myself. I thought it would be best if she spoke to him herself. King to queen. Ruler to ruler.”

  His eyes narrowed, just slightly.

  “So…I brought him with me.”

  The reaction was so slight, but it was there. A subtle tightening of his jaw. A slight turn of his head. The tightening of the cords in his neck. And the eyes…glazed over like a fog of mist rolled in.

  Cora took several steps back, putting twenty feet between them.

  Callon wore the same expression.

  Cora felt Ashe take over, felt her body become devoured by his. She was suddenly high in the air, looking down at Callon below. Her claws punctured the earth. Her belly felt hot with the eternal fire that filled her lungs with every breath. No longer small and insignificant, she was the most fearsome dragon that ever flew across these skies.

  Cora was herself once again, the enormous black dragon somehow deep inside her.

  Callon still hadn’t spoken.

  She gave him plenty of time to speak first, but no words were forthcoming. I think he’s in shock.

  I don’t know what he is.

  “Callon?”

  His clipped response was immediate. “What do you expect of me? A sworn enemy has been hiding among us, unknown to Queen Delwyn and General Aldon, and is now intimately acquainted with Eden Star. Now I must carry the burden of this treasonous secret.”

  “He’s not your enemy—”

  “But he’s ours.” The anger started to burn, his eyes on fire, his jaw so tight his teeth were about to crack. “My wife…my son…dead because of him. Countless other elves who should have lived so long, they ended their lives themselves…gone. Because of him. Because of his stupidity. You shouldn’t have brought him here. You bring Riverglade Clan shame. You’ve brought us nothing but shame since you got here.”

  This…this was a bad idea.

  He speaks in anger. Not truth.

  Callon marched off, snatched his pack, and departed the clearing.

  “Cal-lon?” Her voice broke before she could finish saying his name.

  He didn’t look back.

  Cora, it’ll be okay.

  He just left me here…

  I know the way.

  But…he doesn’t know that.

  18

  The Black Curse

  She lay in the middle of the clearing with her pack as a pillow. It was a warm night, so her skin didn’t erupt with bumps without a blanket. There was enough food in her pack to last until morning, and there was a nearby stream that Ashe had picked up on with his remarkable hearing.

  We all say things in anger, Cora.

  He’s never said anything like that before.

  He’s a hot coal. Even when the fire is gone, it’ll still glow red-hot. But give it time…and you’ll be able to touch it again.

  He was just proud of me a couple days ago.

  And still is.

  What if he tells Queen Delwyn?

  He won’t.

  But what if he does—

  He. Won’t.

  I thought you would be upset…because of all the things he said.

  I can’t be upset when it’s the truth. I can’t be upset when I’ve seen firsthand how my mistake has impacted others. To watch this honorable man grieve for what he’s lost…it breaks me. He’s entitled to his anger. He’s entitled to his sorrow. Ashe drifted away, curling up in her mind, like he wished to speak no more.

  Her eyes remained on the stars, feeling more alone than she had before.

  She reached out her mind and felt the door. She pressed into it, her hand knocking on the surface.

  His answer was instant. Pretty.

  Hey…is Rush around?

  There was a long pause before he spoke, like he could hear all her pain in just the tone of her voice. I’ll get him.

  He arrived an instant later. I’m here. No jokes. No taunts. Just himself. Talk to me.

  With her eyes on the stars and the grass cushioning her back, it was easy to pretend he was right beside her, admiring the same sky at the same time. Whenever the breeze brushed over her face, it took her to a different time, a time when everything felt right, even if it was short-lived. I told Callon about Ashe.

  A long, heavy sigh. He’ll come around. If he can let me live, then he’ll accept this too.

  I hope so.

  He will. I know he will.

  The tears bubbled from her eyes and streaked down her cheeks. As much as she tried to restrain them from entering her voice, they broke through. He said I’ve brought him shame…that I’ve brought him nothing but shame since I got here.

  Treasure, please don’t cry…

  He was proud of me a few days ago. And now…I feel like I’ve lost him.

  You didn’t. He’s like everyone else—says things he doesn’t mean when he’s upset.

  I don’t know… I’ve never seen him like this.

  It was a lot to take in. Just remember that.

  I just don’t want to lose what we have.

  Impossible. I see the way he loves you—unconditionally.

  She continued to cry.

  I know you’re scared, Cora. But he’s not going to abandon you. He’s not going to leave you outside a gate and walk away.

  Her arms folded over her chest, and she gave a nod.

  I promise.

  Cora.

  What?

  She sat under the shade of a tree with her empty bowl beside her, the last of her rations. When she lifted her chin, she saw him across the clearing.

  His shiny forehead glinted in the morning sun. His wide chest rose and fell in quick intervals—like he’d run the whole way there. Frantic eyes swept across the clearing, unable to see her in the shady spot under the tree.

  She got to her feet and stepped into the sun.

  His eyes immediately spotted her, and a long, deep breath followed. His eyes closed briefly, all the tightness of his face disappearing. He let his pack drop behind him before he ran to her.

  Her eyes watered when she saw the look on his face.

  She thought she’d never see it again.

  His arm circled her waist, his other hand cupping the back of her head as he drew her close. His chin rested on her head as he gave her a tight squeeze, his breaths still labored and strained. “Sor-lei. You’re okay.”

  “I’m fine.”

  He held on for another moment before he pulled away, his palm still cupping the back of her head. He gave her a once-over
before he pressed a kiss to her forehead and released her entirely. “I went to your home this morning…and my heart dropped into my stomach.”

  “I’m totally fine—”

  “I’m sorry—for everything.”

  “It’s okay…”

  He dropped his head and averted his gaze. “I just—”

  “You don’t have to explain, Tor-lei. I understand…”

  His eyes remained down for a moment before they rose once more. “Doesn’t excuse my behavior. Or the things I said.”

  “Did you…mean what you said?”

  He winced, like a blade pierced his stomach. “No, Sor-lei. I’m the one who’s brought our family shame.”

  “Not true.”

  “What would your father think if he knew I abandoned you out here…alone?”

  “I wasn’t alone.”

  His eyes remained soft.

  “And I’m very capable, Callon. All I had to do was feel the heart of Eden Star—and follow it home.”

  After a breath, he gave a slight nod. “You’re right.”

  “Let’s just forget about it, okay?” Her hand reached for his arm and gave it a squeeze.

  His hand pressed over hers, gave it a squeeze in return, and then he stepped away. “Thank you, Sor-lei.”

  I wish to speak with him.

  Is now the best time?

  Yes.

  “Um…Ashe would like to speak with you.”

  The softness in his features instantly disappeared. His eyes were guarded. He was cold. But he wasn’t livid like he was before.

  “I’ll speak his words for him.”

  Not a day goes by that I don’t carry these regrets. If I could go back in time, I would ban them from our lands—and annihilate them if they refused. Our time of peace and prosperity was destroyed by my naïveté. This doesn’t mean much, doesn’t erase what you’ve lost, but you have my remorse.

  Callon’s face was a solid wall—with the exception of an occasional blink.

  I understand if you don’t accept my apology.

  “I don’t.”

  We’re all on borrowed time—all the free folk that remain. The elves are the biggest threat to King Lux—so you’ll be the first to go. It took a very long time for Cora to convince me that this alliance is necessary, that this war is worth risking what we have left. I hope we can put the past aside temporarily to join our forces and do what must be done. Because without each other, we have no chance to prevail.