Dragon Fire Academy 2: Second Term

by Rachel Jonas

  The expression brightened her face even more. “Nothing. I’m just astonished by how good queendom looks on you. You wear it well.”

  Warmth spread through me, hearing her say such a thing. Being honest, I hadn’t felt like much of a queen lately.

  More like a monster.

  “Thanks,” I said shyly, turning to face the water where the hives’ children all swam.

  “So, tell us how it’s been,” Kalea inquired. “Anything … interesting to share? Like, maybe how you and the Omegas were the first hives ever to break protocol?”

  The three laughed and I felt a little embarrassed that they knew, but I guessed there weren’t many secrets among them.

  “Yeah, about that …” I could feel my cheeks turning red, if the heat that flashed through them was any indication.

  “Relax. Kalea’s just giving you a hard time,” Lehua cut in. “We can see how your generation might think it archaic for there to be an order in which a queen ought to give herself to her dragons.”

  Hearing her speak of my generation reminded me of our age difference. Looking at the four of us seated together, you never could guess we hadn’t been born within a few years of one another. Youthful, sun-kissed skin held their secrets, hid that they had centuries of wisdom locked inside them.

  “Trust us. There are many traditions this island has upheld far too long,” Lehua went on to say. “It’s our prayer that, when the day comes for Kai to assume the role of chief, our change will finally come.”

  There was a sense of heaviness I hadn’t felt from them before. It was also the first time I heard them say anything even remotely negative of the island.

  A surge of boldness struck, and it sparked a question in my thoughts. Although, it may have just been that I’d held it in far too long, and simply couldn’t anymore.

  “Is … the lottery one of those things you hope will change?”

  Three sets of eyes found me, and I guessed they had just been made aware of my knowledge of their island’s dark secret.

  Nayeli’s shoulders rose and fell when she drew a deep breath. “I see the guys told you.”

  “They didn’t,” I confessed. “I snuck to the Firelight Celebration, and the performance told me all I needed to know.”

  All turned away, except one—Lehua.

  “The lottery is one of our beautiful island’s ugly truths. And, yes, it’s one of those things many of us would like to change.”

  “Then why hasn’t anyone done that? Our guys are among the most powerful, most revered dragons in the world. Why haven’t they done … something?”

  I hadn’t meant to sound so harsh, so judgmental, but I was certain that’s exactly what the queens detected.

  “Because it’s not that simple, Noelle,” Kalea chimed in. “Yes, it’s an outdated tradition and, yes, it’s tragic. However, you’re leaving out one very important detail.”

  “What’s that?” I sighed.

  “That it’s worked,” she stated. “So, try being the one to tell a mass of terrified citizens that you’re going to outlaw the one ritual that’s kept them at least remotely safe. Not only would you have a mutiny on your hands, there would be hell to pay once The Darkness realizes we’ve taken it upon ourselves not to uphold our end of the bargain. What you’ve seen of it so far is what it’s like when it’s tame, sated. Trust us, you don’t want to see what it’s like when it’s angry.” She paused and shook her head. “So, you’re asking the wrong questions.”

  My eyes darted toward her. “Then what’s the right question?”

  She peered up, and there was grave conviction in her stare. “The right question is: What can we do to stop The Darkness? We need a new solution,” she added. “Gone are the days of simply appeasing this great evil. It has to be destroyed. And until we figure out how that’s to be done, we’ll continue losing people. If not by way of the lottery, then it’ll happen when The Darkness begins to spread again.”

  Tension creased my brow. “What do you mean again? It grows?”

  Lehua nodded. “The territory it occupies has nearly doubled in the last decade, consuming some of our sacred burial ground, the ruins. Hence the rise of a new hive of Firekeepers.”

  “Four men from the Sigo bloodline, no less,” Kalea cut in. “They’re direct lineage from the first tribesman called by Spirit.”

  “Our men are doing all they can to keep it tamed,” Nayeli said next, “and the Council’s contribution to the effort has been to host the two annual sacrifices, by way of a random lottery. But still, with all that’s done to stop the dark entity, it’s not enough.” She peered up at me once more. “It’s easy to judge what you don’t understand, Noelle. It isn’t a light decision to choose to sacrifice the few to ensure the survival of many. Our forefathers enacted the lottery, and no one’s name is exempt, including those of us here today, our children,” she added.

  “The reason we haven’t broken tradition isn’t because it’s been the easy thing to do,” Kalea interjected. “We haven’t broken it because—as ugly as it is—it works.” She surprised me when she reached for my hand. “If you’ve been thinking your guys—or ours, for that matter—condone this practice, you’re sadly mistaken. Their silence in the matter is only because they know it would only do more damage to revolt, than it would to ride this thing out until we find another viable solution.”

  “One that saves lives rather than ending them.” Lehua’s gaze was warm and understanding, probably knowing this was no easy pill to swallow. However, they achieved their goal.

  They made me think deeper, made me look at this all from a different perspective.

  “I hear you,” I said quietly, turning toward the water again as I zoned out.

  “You’re troubled,” Nayeli said with a sigh. “And for good reason, but talking about this won’t change anything. Not yet anyway.” She turned to face me. “May we take a look at your mark?”

  Usually, I did my best to forget about mine being different whenever possible, but I knew this was her way of changing the subject, which I appreciated. There didn’t seem to be a point in discussing the lottery further anyway.

  “Sure,” I agreed, lifting my hair to reveal the odd symbol.

  A finger traced the outline of the anomaly.

  “Does it scare you?” Nayeli asked.

  I shrugged. “Some days more than others.”

  A flashback of Blythe and I in the basement came to mind, but I didn’t share the memory out loud.

  “Don’t be frightened,” she said sweetly, lowering my hair back to my shoulder. “There’s always a challenge when you first accept your calling. This peculiar ordeal is simply your test, Spirit’s way of strengthening you for life’s journey.”

  “As Spirit is my witness,” Lehua cut in, “I believe you’ll come through this with a stronger sense of who you really are, and confirmation of what your true calling in life will be.”

  “And we know you have friends, but don’t forget Spirit has given you three sisters, too,” Kalea reminded me, making sure I knew that she and the other queens had my back.

  “I appreciate that,” I said with a smile, knowing she truly meant every word. Their love and patience was more than I expected, but exactly what I needed.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Noelle

  The party livened up even more once the food was served and the sun had set. Torches kept the property lit, and loud music had most on their feet dancing. Even my friends.

  Toni had gotten cozy with Caleb—a son of the Eros hive. He, like myself, was a newly shifted dragon, and from where I stood at the foot of the dock, he was super into her, too. The song changed to something slow, and while they weren’t quite grinding on each other, it was close enough and I was two seconds from throwing a condom at them just for laughs.

  “Dance with me.”

  I peered up to find Ori towering over me, and his eyes shifted to my lips just as a slow breath passed between them. I hadn’t heard him approaching, but i
t didn’t matter because I was done running from him, the others.

  Speaking with the queens had planted a seed, one that grew throughout the day. They opened my eyes to the bigger picture, all that the Omegas had riding on their shoulders, and even that they were just as likely to be selected in the lottery as anyone else. This further drove my desire to find a way to bring change to Sanluuk.

  I stood in place as Ori’s large hand snaked its way around my waist, pressing flat against my stomach as he inched closer to my back. Warm air moved across my ear and down the side of my neck when he breathed against it. In response, my lashes fluttered over my eyes, threatening to close.

  “Dance with me,” he repeated.

  The statement was neither a question nor a command, but something in between, making it impossible to find words to deny him. It was as if he knew he owned me—mind, body, soul—knew I had the hardest time resisting.

  Before an answer could leave my mouth, he turned me slowly to face him and I didn’t fight. As if I hadn’t spent weeks putting space between us, I slipped both arms up over his shoulders, and then locked my fingers around his neck.

  I didn’t find it hard to look him in his eyes tonight, which was the opposite of how it had been lately. Although I’d been in my mates’ presence, it still felt like we’d been apart for weeks. Which I can admit was all on me. However, based on the way he looked at me now—like I could do no wrong—I knew he didn’t hold a grudge.

  “I’m … sorry.” The words tumbled from my mouth, and they’d barely reached his ears when a kiss landed on my lips. If I hadn’t already been over my misguided frustration, this would have done the trick.

  He pulled away, and my mouth formed a smile. “You didn’t even let me tell you what I did that warranted an apology.”

  Broad shoulders shrugged and I moved my hands down to them. “Because it doesn’t matter.”

  “But I’ve been a huge dick to you guys for weeks. And I—”

  “Doesn’t matter,” he repeated, cutting in. “Having you here, in my arms, that’s all I care about.”

  He’d become so sweet—gentle toward me, and yet maintaining his image as a stone-cold warrior when he faced the world. The idea of me—the girl he wanted to strangle when we first met—now being his soft spot, it made me kind of crazy for him.

  “Today’s been good,” he shared, bringing me closer as our bodies swayed in sync with the slow melody.

  I let my cheek press to his chest before nodding against the soft cotton of his shirt. “It has. Then again, any day that ends with us together is a good day.”

  I’d missed this—the closeness, being vulnerable with my guys. Hardening my heart toward them was something I found easy to do in the past, but since our world had shifted on its axis, they were a part of me.

  Still reveling in the feel of Ori’s large arms engulfing my waist, my eyes opened slightly. For a second, I thought I heard something near the tree line, but from what I could see, there was nothing.

  Then, I heard it again—the sound of twigs and underbrush being trampled as someone, or several someones, trudged through the rainforest.

  Headed straight for us.

  “Someone’s coming,” I whispered. “Do you hear it?”

  Ori followed my gaze to the trees, and his body stiffened against mine. “No, but your hearing is keener than mine.”

  It was, apparently, my wolf that detected the quiet commotion, but I knew I wasn’t mistaken.

  “Have you spoken with Rayen tonight?”

  The strange timing of Ori’s question made my eyes dart up toward his. “No. And why is that relevant right now?”

  Ori’s chest swelled when he breathed deeply, passing a sympathetic gaze toward me. “Hurry and find him,” he instructed. “I’ll buy you two as much time as I can.”

  Confused, I didn’t even know what questions to ask. His arms freed me suddenly, and he nodded toward the house as he took steps in the opposite direction.

  Toward what sounded like an entire army making their way toward the bungalow.

  I was nearly frantic when I burst through the front door, shifting my gaze in every direction until I caught Rayen’s scent. My wolf led me straight to him.

  I didn’t bother knocking on the door when I found him in his bedroom, seated on the edge of his bed, deep in thought. He peered up when I burst in, beyond curious why he’d be hidden in here while everyone else celebrated outside.

  “Someone’s coming and Ori said I should come find you,” I panted, full of worry. “What’s wrong?”

  It only alarmed me more that he didn’t seem surprised by what I shared. Now, all I could think about was how he’d tried more than once to tell me something today. Something important.

  “What’s going on?” I pressed when he hadn’t answered my first question.

  He stood and came close, reaching for both my hands. He was way too relaxed about all this. Meanwhile, I was lightweight freaking out.

  “I met with the Council last week,” he began. “In order to atone for breaking protocol, I was required to give a public, formal apology to Ori. Well, I did that,” he added with a sigh.

  My brow tensed, my heart raced. “And? That’s still not telling me anything.”

  “I made atonement with Spirit, but my apology didn’t renew my good-standing within the tribe. So, they’re detaining me until further notice.”

  “Until further notice? Rayen, that’s … that’s insane!” I was pacing and trying to keep my thoughts straight, but it grew harder by the second. “We did nothing wrong.”

  “I couldn’t agree with you more, but there are rules.”

  “That may be, but you’re not going anywhere.”

  He seemed surprised I’d make such a sure statement.

  “Noelle, there’s nothing we—”

  “You’re not … going anywhere.”

  Our stares were locked on one another, and Rayen’s grew more sympathetic by the second. As if he knew I would be sorely disappointed in a moment, when he was hauled away to wherever it was he was headed. The thought of it made my eyes well with tears of frustration. My fist swiped one from my cheek when it fell.

  “This doesn’t make any sense,” I choked out. When I blinked, more tears slid down my face.

  Seeing me break down over this, Rayen pulled me closer and my forehead pressed into his curls, both arms tightening around him.

  “It’s temporary,” he promised. “If I know Chief, he just wants to prove a point, show me he isn’t afraid to assert his authority, then he’ll release me.”

  My eyes fell shut, imagining him in some dark, dank cell. “I’m not letting them take you,” I reiterated, meaning every single word.

  They were on the dock now, their heavy steps trudging this way. With each foot that landed on the wood slats, rage multiplied within me. So intensely my skin burned as heat blazed just beneath the surface.

  It wasn’t until Rayen said my name that I reopened my eyes and saw the gleam of turquoise radiating off his white shirt. It came from me, from the symbols glowing all over.

  Each breath that entered and left my lungs came quicker than the last. I was nearly beside myself with fury, practically blinded by it.

  Concern spread in Rayen’s expression like wildfire. I made myself back away because I’d seen more than once what I was capable of in this state, and I wouldn’t have him caught in the crossfire.

  “Stay back,” I warned, hearing the crackle of fire as my hands lit with blue flames without me willing them to.

  “Noelle, you have to relax.”

  I heard the false sense of calmness in Rayen’s tone, and it did nothing to settle me. Authoritative steps stormed down the hallway, and my gaze darted there, bringing my wolf front and center with a deep, warning growl. Somehow, all three of my supernatural identities had come forth at once to protect my mate. Before now, I hadn’t even known that was possible, but the proof was staring right back at me.

  I’d caught sight of myse
lf in the mirror—skin alight with sigils as my eyes turned dark, my dragon’s fire surging from both hands like torches, the outline of my wolf fading in, defined by blue flames.

  There was a loaded moment of silence that caused my breaths to come and go quickly. Then, as if they predicted I’d be waiting for them, fully prepared to unleash all hell if it came to that, Rayen’s door burst open.

  Chief Makana hung back, instead of leading the charge. A trio of witches rushed in—two with hands outstretched toward me, one aiming her palms toward Rayen. The sound of his pained groan forced a growl to rip from my throat.

  “Don’t touch him!” I yelled.

  Chief responded with a brazen command to the witches. “Subdue her!”

  A surge of magic swirled around me when they obeyed, but didn’t render me completely paralyzed, like I’m sure they believed. But I played it off, letting them think they succeeded.

  “Let him go,” I screamed. My voice was my own, but … not. There was another laced with it, one deep and terrifying. Hearing the odd tone that left my mouth, Chief’s eyes gleamed with intrigue, while Rayen’s told of his growing concern.

  Keeping both hands locked behind his back, Chief finally took a step into Rayen’s bedroom.

  “I see your instructors’ reports haven’t been exaggerated,” he said, causing anger to spike within me. “You’re at least as unstable as they’ve expressed.” His tongue clicked several times, patronizing me from a distance. “Such a shame. All that strength, all that potential gone to waste.”

  His steps carried him toward me then, and I tensed, unsure what he intended to do once he reached me.

  “Chief, I swear, if you—”

  “Shut him up,” Chief Makana ordered, and again, the witches did his bidding.

  Another groan flew from Rayen’s mouth as his knees buckled beneath him. Even when he cried out in agony, his brothers didn’t rush in, which didn’t seem possible. Not to mention, none from the other hives had come either. It was only Rayen and I, alone with Chief Makana and the witches.