by Sarah Noffke
Sophia shook her head and headed for the Castle’s entrance. “Lunis and I will be ready to go in ten minutes. Be there, or I’ll have Quiet delete your room from the Castle.”
Evan’s feet made a shuffling noise on the floor as he dragged them behind him. “Fine, I’m coming. But you owe me so big.”
“I believe you’re still paying me back for saving your ass all those times.” Sophia turned around and walked backward. “Not that I’m not keeping count or anything.”
Chapter Forty-Six
According to Lunis, Simi was on the far side of the island where the demon dragonriders were keeping Wilder prisoner. They hadn’t spotted the white dragon yet, and her disguise as an old boat was still intact. The Rogue Riders had been able to take Wilder’s off somehow, which was how he was spotted and captured.
Wilder and Simi were outnumbered, which was why she had laid low, kept an eye on things, and alerted Lunis to the problem. Sophia and Evan would have to get the lay of the land before determining a plan of action.
They were outnumbered too, but hopefully, they could rely on the fact that they were more skilled and strategic. The Rogue Riders seemed to be very reactionary. Their fresh bout of power had inflated their egos, which meant they overestimated themselves—something the Dragon Elite could use to their advantage.
Sophia tensed as Lunis set off at a fast run and paid close attention to his strides to determine if his leg was still an issue for him. He hadn’t said anything when she inquired, which was almost worse than if he said it was still an issue. She had hoped that his time at the Gullington would have healed him completely, but according to Mahkah, it could take a while since the injury was so severe.
Sophia felt her dragon slightly hesitate when she made the intention for them to lift off the ground and into the air for takeoff, Evan and Coral in the lead ahead of them. They had already passed through the Barrier. The other dragonrider would think that was because he was such a better rider and faster than her and Lunis.
Whatever he needed to think. Lunis leapt into the air, his wings working double-time to make up for the near miss in takeoff. His belly grazed the grass of the Expanse, and his claws caught the ground and skidded slightly. However, Lunis made it into the air despite the rocky start, to Sophia’s relief.
Once he was up, all the blue dragon had to rely on was his wings and his rider's strength until landing. Thankfully, that would be on the soft beach sand or in the water, which was much more forgiving than the Gullington’s hard and rocky ground.
Sophia knew that Lunis didn’t want her to say anything. She also knew that he was well aware that she was conscious of the near miss on the takeoff. It was better at this point if she simply helped him to take his mind off things, like he often did for her when she was in a dangerous situation, facing a villain, or a challenge.
Did you settle on a name for your dragon dating app? Sophia asked her dragon in his head.
I’m thinking of calling it Winging It, Lunis stated with an atypical edge to his voice.
That’s a name, Sophia teased.
Yeah. He sounded defeated. Probably won’t work because all the angel dragonettes already know each other since they all live at the Gullington. But that was specifically the problem.
Well, that won’t always be the case, Sophia reasoned. Soon some of them will fly away to magnetize to riders.
Or sometimes they simply want to explore, Lunis added. I keep telling them that the world out there is a wonderful place full of soft fluffy clouds that they should explore.
Sophia laughed. That doesn’t sound like something you’d say at all.
Yeah, that’s what they all said, and caught on that I was trying to get rid of them, Lunis muttered bitterly.
Well, maybe Quiet can find you a new cave that’s your very own.
They’ll follow me wherever I go, Lunis complained. The dragonettes don’t want to be in the Cave with the Elders, and I don’t blame them, which was why I moved into the Nest.
The young dragons want to be around you because you’re the hip, cool one, right?
I guess. But I’m about to become a grumpy stick in the mud if they don’t get out from under my tail. Red chews with her mouth open and Greenie Face has a staring problem. Every time I look at him, he’s watching me.
Sophia laughed again. He’s studying you. That’s flattering.
It’s stalking.
Most dragon’s names weren’t known until they magnetized to a rider because that was the final test to the whole thing. If the rider was right for the dragon, then they instinctively knew their name, which was usually related to the element associated with the dragon.
Well, hopefully they’ll decide to spread their wings and fly from the Nest soon, Sophia offered.
Yeah, but the relief will be short-lived because they’ll invariably come back, Lunis said.
Then we’ll have to find you a place that’s all your own that they don’t know about. Leave it up to me. I’ll work with Quiet on it.
I have a few requests. Lunis sounded mischievous now.
WiFi, right? Sophia guessed.
Obvi, Lunis replied. But also I want hardwoods. No more of these damp cave floors. Carpet won’t do at all because we all know that’s hiding all the dust and dirt.
Wall-to-wall ignorance is bliss, Sophia joked.
Oh, and I need high ceilings or otherwise I feel trapped, Lunis continued as they soared over the lush green of Scotland below.
Cathedral ceilings, Sophia agreed. Only the best for my dragon. What else do you need?
Not much, Lunis answered. Sonus speakers for the home theater system, smart home features so I don’t have to get up to turn off the lights, and heated floors.
Is that all?
No, I haven’t gotten to the kitchen yet, Lunis replied. Oh, and a large bathtub. Like, I’ll lose square footage for that amenity.
This is quite the upgrade you’re asking for, Sophia said while enjoying being in the air. They’d been grounded for what felt like forever.
I’m worth it, Lunis stated with confidence.
Sophia patted her dragon’s side and smiled. That you are. That you are.
After passing through the portal to the Hawaiian islands where the Rogue Riders were stealing land and holding Wilder, Sophia and Lunis sped up to fly next to Evan. She cloaked them both so that the demon dragonriders wouldn’t easily spot them.
Sophia wordlessly pointed to the island where Simi and Wilder were, and indicated where the white dragon was stationed.
Evan nodded, pure determination on his face as she and Lunis pulled ahead to lead the way.
Chapter Forty-Seven
The ocean waters obscured Lunis’ landing as he coasted across the waves and arrived on the beach like a boat pulling up to the shore. Sophia still felt his unease but knew that his ego was preserved, which was the hardest part for him.
She slid out of the saddle once they were on firm ground and looked around for signs of Simi. Thankfully, that area of the island wasn’t inhabited since it was overgrown with jungle.
“So this is where those newbie evildoers are calling home.” Evan looked around and grimaced. “I mean, beach life would be nice for a vacation, but the sand gets old fast. For my next wedding, I think I’ll honeymoon someplace tropical.”
“Already planning the next one, huh?” Sophia asked. “Have you done the paperwork for getting rid of the first marriage?”
“Tiff says she’s handling it because apparently, she doesn’t trust me to do it. That was part of the problem. There was no trust.”
Sophia laughed as they strode for the trees while looking for Simi. “That was the problem? You sure it wasn’t that there was no love or foundation?”
“You saw her in the end,” Evan replied. “She was falling and hard.”
Sophia scratched her head. “Still trying to understand that.”
“Still, it never would have worked,” Evan continued. “Tiff was one of those people wh
o said things like, ‘I’m not a big drinker’ or ‘I don’t really watch television.’”
“Those things are problems?”
“Heck yeah, they are,” Evan answered. “I mean only a goody-two-shoes brags that she isn’t that big of a drinker while implying that the rest of us get hammered all the time.”
“Don’t you?” Sophia questioned.
“Of course,” Evan stated. “I’m tipsy as we speak.”
“Oh good,” Sophia said dryly. “So happy you were my only option for this mission.”
“You’re welcome. Seriously, no one cares that someone isn’t a big drinker. Just like we don’t need to know that people are vegans.”
“Wilder is thinking of becoming a vegan,” Sophia added, remembering their conversation before she left him on the island.
“He would,” Evan said. “That’s fine. It will leave more of the good stuff for us.”
Sophia nodded. “I thought it was a good thing too. I don’t like to share my nachos because most people don’t know how to eat them right.”
“You won’t touch his strawberry ice cream made from almond milk and sadness,” Evan offered.
Sophia grimaced. “No, because I like my life and eat real desserts. Chocolate ice cream with fudge brownie and syrup.”
Evan nodded and gave her a proud look. “You know, for being awful and a total pain, you’re not so bad.”
Sophia batted her eyes and pretended to be flattered. “Why, thank you so much. I can tell you really mean that.”
“Anytime,” Evan chirped. “Speaking of awful, yeah, Tiff didn’t have television because she said that it rotted your brain. Like she’d know.”
“Her specialty was in psychoanalysis…of the brain,” Sophia supplied.
“Problem numero tres,” Evan stated. “Like I need someone analyzing my every move. I don’t know why I do half the stuff I do. The last thing I need is someone else trying to figure it out.”
“No, what you need is an exceedingly tolerant person. Someone who can see past all your many, many flaws, and love you anyway.”
“Not everyone is as fortunate as you, though,” Evan teased. “Sometimes I wonder if Wilder’s vision is going.”
Sophia couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, I wish you the best in your endeavors to find romance. I don’t really care if you’re happy or not, but it would be cool if you had someone to spend time with so you weren’t hanging around all the time and smelling up the Castle.”
Evan smiled at her fondly. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I think we both know that I’d be around the Castle a lot more if things worked out.”
She winked at him, enjoying that they were discreetly referring to Trin. Sophia hadn’t seen that one coming and didn’t know if it could work out, but it made perfect sense. She knew that the housekeeper was constantly challenged by the fact that she was forever a cyborg and would never be normal. No one seemed to care about that as little as Evan, who had embraced his cyborg dog NO10JO from the beginning, loving the animal because of what it was and not despite it.
That was the thing about love. It wasn’t about overlooking another person’s flaws. It was about embracing them. Everyone was flawed after all, and it was those shortcomings that caused growth and evolution. What was the point in living this life if not to grow?
Sophia’s eyes took a moment to adjust to the dark jungle when they entered. They only walked a few paces before she found what they were looking for.
“Oh, now that’s where I keep my boat,” Evan remarked, not seeing past the glamour Sophia had put on Simi. That’s why he started and nearly tripped on his feet when the mass of the old ship suddenly swung to the side and breathed fire in his direction.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Sophia doubled over laughing as she pulled the glamour off Simi before Evan responded with an attack. It wasn’t like the white dragon to play pranks so she must not have realized who they were at first when they approached, having been on guard with Wilder captured.
“Oh, it’s you.” Evan’s chest rose and fell as he collected himself. “Pink Princess, you could have told me that you’d disguised Simi as a boat.”
Still laughing, Sophia shook her head. “Where would the fun be in that?”
“You’re not invited to my next wedding now,” Evan threatened.
“I bet you’ll change your mind when you need an officiant,” Sophia teased.
“Nope,” Evan chirped. “You only got to marry me one time.”
Sophia strode over to Simi, who still appeared unnerved, and offered her a tame smile. “Are you okay? Have you been able to find food here?”
“I’m fine.” The dragon suddenly looked dignified. “That shouldn’t be your concern.”
“Sophia is used to having to wipe her dragon’s behind, so she thinks to ask about these things,” Evan remarked.
“Be careful. Your dragon might hear you making a joke and vomit,” Sophia fired back. “You know how Coral is allergic to humor.”
“Ha-ha. She has a refined sense of humor and doesn’t resort to fart jokes like Lunis,” Evan teased.
“If you two would focus, I’d like to rescue Wilder,” Simi said with her head high in the air and almost poking out of the canopy of trees.
“Yes, of course,” Sophia said at once, feeling ashamed that they were joking when Wilder was a captive. “Is he okay?”
The white dragon nodded. “Yes, as far as I can tell, although I’m not sure he’d tell me otherwise. He asked me not to move locations since he figured the Rogue Riders are looking for me. They recognized him as a Dragon Elite and will be searching for his dragon.”
Sophia nodded. “That was smart. Where do they have him?”
“It’s in the center of the village on the other side of the island,” Simi answered. “They have him in a pit reinforced by magic. Apparently, that’s where they keep their dragons when they’re punishing them.”
Evan grimaced with disgust. “Punish their dragons?”
Simi nodded, sharing the sentiment. “Yes, their partnerships are very different from what I’ve observed when viewing through Wilder’s perception. They have him heavily guarded with at least three or four dragonriders at any given time.”
“It sounds like they’re expecting us,” Sophia muttered while thinking.
“They probably think we’ll use a tactic similar to theirs,” Evan offered bitterly. “Charge in all guns blazing.”
Sophia nodded. “Which means we’re going to employ strategy.”
“What do you have in mind?” Evan asked.
A smile lit up Sophia’s face. “We’re going to use a distraction.”
He sighed. “That’s the oldest trick in the book, and they’ll expect it. Probably know what we’re up to.”
“I’ll remind you that the oldest tricks are usually that for a reason,” Sophia stated. “They work and this one will too because we’re going to use a diversion that they won’t be able to ignore and will require a lot of dragon power to address.”
Evan clapped his hands together and looked excited. “Sounds intriguing. What are we going to do?”
Sophia’s grin widened. “You mean, what are you going to do?”
Chapter Forty-Nine
“Well, it’s official,” Evan said after hearing Sophia’s plan. “You’ve lost your damn mind.”
“It will work,” Sophia argued.
“Are you sure you didn’t get bit by one of those swans, and the poison went to your head?” He looked at her sideways as though trying to decide if she was ill.
“I’m fine. Seriously, give the plan a chance.”
“What I’m worried about,” Evan began and started to pace, “is that the plan will lead to my funeral.”
“Which I’ll attend although you won’t allow me at your next wedding,” Sophia joked.
“I think the plan has merit,” Simi offered in a neutral tone.
“That’s because it’s not you who has to be a sitting duck for angry d
ragonriders to pick off,” Evan complained.
“You’re not going to get picked off,” Sophia argued. “You’re going to create a diversion they can’t ignore and draw them away from Wilder. Then Lunis, Simi, and I can swoop in and save him.”
Evan stopped pacing to think about it for a moment, then reluctantly nodded. “Fine, I’ll do it, but you all better hurry.”
Sophia gave him a challenging look. “You’re not worried about what those newbie demon dragonriders will do, are you? I thought their skills were no match for you.”
Evan shook his head, suddenly serious. “Sometimes it’s not about skill, Pink Princess. In their case, it’s about not caring for boundaries. We both know that there are certain things you and I would never do in battle. It’s the rules of war, which we as the Dragon Elite respect. It sounds as though these dragonriders, who punish their dragons who are supposed to be their equal partners, don’t care for such things—which makes them incredibly dangerous.”
Sophia nodded. She knew exactly what Evan meant. They fought fairly. The Dragon Elite would never hit an enemy in the back or kill a man when they were down. That was simply a moral ground that they didn’t cross. The Rogue Riders wouldn’t have the same moral compass directing their way.
“Remember that we don’t compromise who we are based on what others do,” Sophia advised, slipping into her role as leader when in the field. It felt like second nature, and she was grateful for that as she spoke to the much older dragonrider. “It’s their karma how they behave. Fight fair no matter what and I believe we’ll be successful in the end.”
Evan drew in a breath with a solemn expression. “Okay. I hope you’re right.”
Chapter Fifty
The Dragon Elite guy that they’d captured had put up a pretty impressive fight but hadn’t been a match for the Rogue Riders when overwhelmed.
Tanner had liked watching the guy with dark brown hair and a conceited smile get the tar knocked out of him. His name was Wilder, and he’d gone after Nathaniel before, trying to get him to come to the Gullington. Since that hadn’t worked, the guy had apparently followed them to the island they were taking. Since then, he’d resorted to mouthing off quite a bit after being locked in the pit—goading the others, trying to turn them against each other.
