I writhe in agony as my body burns. Time ceases to exist in my mind. Every second is a thousand years, with no end to my pain in sight. My thoughts shatter as my blood boils, and I convulse on the ground under Siri’s claws.
In the shadows, I see a gleaming smile as Ekard approaches us. So, you’ve become the abomination, hmm? I wondered how long it would take. The crimson dragon slithers through the tall grass, his deep rumbling laugh causing the ground to shake. “I wasn’t sure how much longer we could continue feeding you these false visions. It’s been quite a drain on our powers.”
“False visions?” Siri wheels to face Ekard, baring her teeth in a rage, “So you’re to blame for all of this?”
“Healing powers,” I question feebly, recalling the day when Ekard and Drake saved my life.
“Drake’s gift, not mine. I’m the one who can toy with your visions. Didn’t you know that the strongest Ddraigs can have special abilities too? Oh, I guess you wouldn’t know that, would you—Siri doesn’t have one,” Ekard taunts, cackling in triumph. “But no matter. Once the rest of the Ddraigs find out that you are Vibría, they will disown you. I’ll challenge Suryc, but with his beloved exiled, he won’t be much of a fight. Then I will finally take control of the Ddraigs.”
“All for power,” I whimper through my clenched jaw, grinding my teeth so hard I worry that they will break.
“I have the nomads on my side. We have the numbers to fight. There’s no reason we can’t attack the border patrol station right now, but you’ve been too afraid to fight. You don’t have the skills to win this war; I do. It’s for the best interest of the Ddraigs that you just disappear,” Ekard explains, looking smug as he towers over Siri.
“Don’t hurt Suryc,” Siri pleads, flexing her long claws as if she’s fighting the urge to split open Ekard’s neck. “He’ll give up his right to rule as soon as he discovers—” Siri’s voice fades in and out as her body begins to shift. Light appears overhead, flickering in time with her heartbeat. My body trembles, suddenly feeling as light as a leaf fluttering down to the earth on a gentle wind.
“The transformation is almost done,” Ekard announces gleefully, slipping back into the shadows, calling over his shoulder. “I’ll just go and inform Cyrus of your decision to become Vibría. It will give you both some time to adjust to your new forms.”
All for nothing, I cry as my mind grows heavy and my consciousness fades. I became Vibría on the basis of a lie, betraying everyone I’ve loved in the process. It is cruel; I’m sorry, Siri, I mumble, unable to keep myself awake.
A deafening roar bursts through the silence, overwhelming my senses until I curl up in a ball on the ground and cower. The light flashes so brightly that I must clench my eyes tight. “I love you, Iris,” Siri cries as the light begins to fade.
“Siri!? Where are you?” I cry, temporarily blinded by the bright light.
“Oh, Iris.” I hear Cyrus’s broken voice somewhere in the dark expanse on my left side. “What have you done?”
***End of Book 3***
Don’t miss Book 4, The Nameless, coming soon!
Maggie Claire is the author of House of Vultures, Pack of Wolves, and Attila the Hummer. When she is not writing, she is working in children’s ministry or spoiling her two dogs and cat. She lives near Waco, TX.
Table of Contents
Prelude (From Pack of Wolves)
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Brood of Vipers Page 25
