by E. L. Todd
He stood no chance.
He said no.
Try again.
Trust me—his answer is final.
Then we better unfuse.
No.
Rush released his own growl, and if he’d had fire in his lungs, smoke would leave his nostrils. “Flare refuses to unfuse—and I won’t let you hurt my dragon.” Like a father with his son, he possessed a crazed protectiveness, irrational and violent.
A cloud of smoke rose up from Ashe’s nostrils.
“You have every right to hate me. I’ve done a lot of shit I’m not proud of. But remember, I’m not asking you for forgiveness, because I’m the first one to admit that I don’t deserve it.”
What the hell are you doing?
Ashe’s eyes narrowed.
“I’m asking you to help me redeem myself. Because you need to redeem yourself too.”
A big cloud of smoke left the dragon’s nostrils along with a growl.
You’re going to get us all killed.
We’re dead anyway.
“I have no allegiance to King Lux, and I’ll behead him with my own sword if I’m given the opportunity. My allegiance is to Flare—the person I love most in this world. He’s my best friend. He’s my family. I will avenge his suffering. I will free the dragons. I will restore Anastille to the peaceful place it was before we destroyed it. I speak nothing but the truth. And when this is all over, I will unfuse from Flare—and pass on.”
No.
“I can’t rest in peace until I fix this. Help me fix this.”
He doesn’t believe you.
Rush clenched his jaw in irritation. “You really think I would risk my neck by stepping foot on this island instead of just returning to King Lux straight away? The second we pierced the fog, Flare could feel your presence. That makes no sense.”
Ashe growled.
Even if he believed you, he wouldn’t help you.
“Coward.”
Bridged grimaced. “Yep. Gonna burn alive…”
Knock it off, Rush.
Ashe immediately crouched down, as if he was preparing to pounce on him.
Rush stepped forward. “They’re there because of you. Flare suffered because of you. Take responsibility for your kin, and do the right thing. I will give you my sword and my life. I will do anything to serve this cause—”
A voice deeper than the caves under the mountain hit his mind, powerful as a winter storm, furious as an inferno. I will burn you now.
“Burn me, and you deny the dragons their only chance at freedom. If you want to hide on your island and ignore your duty, then fine. But don’t take away their only chance. I know High Castle better than anyone. I know how things are run. And when I have enough allies, I will storm it, burn it to the ground, and give back the power to the rightful owners.”
The smoke continued to rise to the sky, but the flames never left Ashe’s snout.
“I speak the truth.”
Why?
Rush faltered, his anger dimming instantaneously. “Why what?”
Why have you had such a profound change of heart? His eyes narrowed to slits as he studied Rush, scanning him for a lie.
Put on the spot, Rush didn’t know what to say. “Because I love him.” It was an insufficient answer, but the simplest one he could convey. “And love can change anyone…even someone like me.”
Ashe straightened once more, returning to his height.
“I was born into the institution. I inherited cruelty and power. I knew nothing else…until I was fused with Flare. I did unspeakable things to command his obedience. There was no connection between us for a very long time. Then I saw the way my father treated my mother, and I took a long look at myself. I didn’t want to be that anymore—and it made me sick to my stomach to see that I treated Flare the same way. We enslaved the most beautiful beings who opened their lands to us, and the shame was too much… It still is.” He inhaled a deep breath and closed his eyes. “I’ve killed dragons who refused to fuse, and I tortured ones that did.” He dropped his chin and remained that way, the sun hitting his face like a spotlight, the tears locked away behind his eyes because he refused to let them come to the surface. “Please…help me fix this.”
Give me your mind.
Rush opened his eyes. “I…I don’t understand.”
Flare’s voice came next. He’s asking permission to invade your mind. Same technique that you used to break in to my mind.
“Despite what I’ve done…you still ask for permission.”
Ashe returned. I will never exhibit your cruelty—even if you deserve it. That’s the difference between dragons and men, between kings and pawns, between good and evil.
That was the hardest insult he’d ever had to swallow. “You have my permission.”
The probe was instant, like a hook entering his brain and tugging on memories to lift from the flesh. Rush winced because it was physically painful, Ashe’s touch almost a physical manifestation even if it was mental. He held his ground, closed his eyes, and forced himself to drop his guard, to let Ashe have full entrance into his mind.
When Ashe found what he sought, the memory played in Rush’s mind as well as the dragon’s.
His boots tapped against the stone of the stairway, descending underground, deep into the structure they’d excavated to house the dragons that refused to bend to King Lux.
Hurry.
Going as fast as I can. Do you sense anyone?
No.
He made it to the bottom and approached the large cages. Three dragons were housed separately, each a different and distinct color. Their scales lost their shine long ago, caked with dirt, rusty like old steel. Injuries that had never healed had physically deformed them and changed their appearance, their scales permanently losing their luster. They each stilled when Rush approached, and every single one moved deeper into the back of the cage, shifting as far away as possible.
Rush pulled out the keys and inserted one into the first lock. It came free, and he pulled the enormous door to the side, sliding it on its wheels.
What if they attack me?
They might.
That’s reassuring… He went to the next two cages and did exactly the same.
None of them left. They stared at Rush with eyes full of abuse.
Rush whistled then patted his thighs with his hands. “Come on.” He clicked his tongue.
They aren’t dogs.
Well, we’re short on time, alright? “I’m here to get you guys out of here. Let’s move.”
None of them moved.
They don’t trust you—and I don’t blame them.
Then talk to them.
Flare went silent, and Rush waited.
Minutes passed.
We don’t have time for this.
They think it’s a trap.
“It’s not a trap. Flare and I are leaving for good, and we’re trying to take as many dragons as we can. We’ll flee, then return for the others, alright?”
Someone approaches.
They must have felt it too because their eyes flicked up to the door.
“Come on. What are they going to do against four dragons? We’ll burn them to the ground.”
The blue one in the first cage stepped out first.
“Yes! Come on, let’s hustle.” Rush ran up the steep incline made of stone that rose all the way to the surface.
They’re following.
“Good.” Rush ignored the fatigue in his entire body and reached the sliding door. With all his strength, he pulled it open from the inside, letting the dragons see the nighttime sky for the first time.
Rush transitioned and turned into the fire-breathing dragon with blood pumping with rage and opened his wings. The takeoff was shaky because he hadn’t ventured into open skies before, but once he felt that wind underneath his wings, he soared.
Men on the tower shouted. Turrets were armed. Chaos ensued.
Go. Flare circled around and shot a jet stream of flames
hotter than lava on the tower, burning the men who tried to ready their crossbows.
The dragons dispersed.
The alarm rang out.
Almost to the edge of the city.
A loud roar filled the skies, so loud it echoed against the invisible clouds.
It’s him.
I’d recognize my father’s roar anywhere…
Some will get away. Some won’t.
They’ll all get away if we distract him.
Flare stilled.
But I understand if you want to save yourself. You’ve been there a long time, Flare.
Flare continued to fly straight ahead, silent.
Rush interrupted that silence with his answer. Then fly faster—
Flare turned around, heading back to High Castle. If we win, we save them all.
We’re probably going to die. But I’m okay with that if you are.
There’s no finer way to die than while saving your brethren.
They flew back to High Castle. Other dragons left the grounds and took flight with King Lux’s men in pursuit of those that escaped.
Then Lux emerged, cobalt blue, a dragon with a size that dwarfed Flare’s. He glided over the castle, his gaze locked on the two of them, menace in his black eyes.
He’s a lot bigger than you.
Yes. But I’m a lot more furious than he is.
If you get him to the ground, we’ll change. He’ll change too. I can defeat him in battle.
A huge ball of flames exploded out of his snout and aimed right for Flare.
Flare rolled out of the way, tumbling in the sky before picking up speed again. He took a sharp turn then landed on top of King Lux, giving him a hard push so his wings closed and he toppled to the ground.
You’ll have to kill the dragon if you want to kill the man. Can you do that?
King Lux righted himself before he hit the ground, gliding away and instantly ascending high back into the sky.
I have no other choice. We must sacrifice one for the many.
If we get him to the ground and I bring him to the brink of death, his dragon will be powerful enough to unfuse. My father will be expelled, and I’ll stab my sword into his heart. The cobalt dragon will be free.
Can you really kill your father?
Rush hesitated before he forced his answer. I have no other choice.
Flare dodged another jet of flames then dove to the right.
Now that King Lux knew this was a fight to the death, he was far more agile, coming at Flare with ferocity.
Don’t let him get above you.
Flare tried to rise back up to altitude, but King Lux was right on top of him.
Roll.
Flare rolled to the left, just in time, because those claws would have ripped right through the scales of his back. Close one.
Get to the ground. You can’t win this fight.
He’s fast.
Yes.
Flare dove to the grass a mile away from the castle, the torches along the stone wall enough illumination to light up the area from a distance. He glided to the ground and landed with a thud.
Rush took control.
He righted himself, his heart beating harder than it ever had, the fear, the turmoil, the rage—all pumping throughout his body.
King Lux landed on the ground in front of him, the immense dragon staring at him with equal rage. The change happened instantaneously, the dragon becoming a man, becoming the King of Anastille.
He’d been in his bedchambers, but when the alarm rang out, he must have donned his uniform, because he was in full armor, dark blue and constructed of dragon scales. Light but impenetrable, it nearly granted immortality. At his son’s height, with the same dark hair, the same blue eyes, he stepped forward. He was muscular even though he’d never fought in battle himself, but he was committed to keeping up appearances, to making everyone beneath him perpetually intimidated. But he was an expert in the sword—and had taught Rush the blade.
Rush stared, ignored the familial bond between them, and unsheathed his sword. The cruelty his father exhibited only complicated their relationship, not dissolved it. But he gripped his sword anyway, ready to do what he must.
King Lux stepped forward, each step slow, his blue eyes examining his son with slight amusement. “You seem angry about something.”
“You know what I’m angry about.” He held the sword at his side, his hand gripping the pommel, ready to strike if his father reached for his blade. “We don’t need the dragons to maintain our power. Release them.”
“You’ve voiced your concerns. I’ve listened.”
“You haven’t listened. If you had—”
“I’m the king. It’s my rule. It’s my empire. I will run it as I see fit. Your guilty conscience is not my concern. If you care so much, unfuse.”
“You know I’ll die.”
“That’s your decision, son.”
Rush swallowed the hurt, ignored it the best he could, and hated himself for constantly feeling disappointed by someone who’d done nothing except disappoint him his entire life.
I’m your family, Rush. Not him.
That was harder to swallow, but it brought him strength. “You’ll give Flare to someone else. I can’t allow that to happen.”
“Well, looks like we’re at a stalemate, then.” He stepped forward again and gave an obnoxious smile, like he’d already won before either one had lifted his blade. “Let’s go back to the castle, General Rush. Grab your favorite whore, and let’s forget all this.”
“Don’t call me that.”
His eyes narrowed.
“I don’t serve you—not anymore.”
The king chewed the inside of his cheek, flicked his gaze away, his irritation coming to the surface. Sarcasm left, and he turned hostile, knowing this wouldn’t be resolved with good old-fashioned manipulation. “You’re going to kill me, then?” He glanced at Rush’s sword, his eyes full of threat.
“You killed Mom. So, I guess it runs in the family…”
He unsheathed his blade, the blue scales visible beneath the hilt. “You understand nothing.”
“I understand that beating your wife to death is murder. But apparently, you don’t—”
Move!
Rush raised his sword and blocked the hit, immediately pushing it away before he swung his blade at his father’s shoulder.
King Lux parried it smoothly and kept up his attack, pushing Rush back as his blade danced in the light from High Castle. The blue was brighter, reflecting the torches a mile away. Swords clanged together, their feet shifted and moved, the dance ensued.
Rush met his father’s blade with his own but never had the upper hand.
King Lux lowered his blade and circled his son. “Looks like you should have used your dragon’s scales to make that sword after all.”
“I can beat you without it.”
He cracked a smile. “Always been a dreamer. I thought you would use that ambition and imagination for something useful.”
“What do you think I’m doing right now?” He swung his blade and aimed for his father’s side.
With a quick raise of his arm, he blocked it. “Stop this now.” He held his sword against Rush’s then shoved him back. “You can’t beat me.”
Rush faltered backward but never lost his footing.
You need to focus.
I am focused.
No, you aren’t. You’re letting him distract you.
King Lux stepped forward, sword in hand. “Don’t make me kill you. This isn’t worth your life.”
“It’s the only thing that makes my life worth living.”
King Lux lunged at him again.
A series of blows came and went, both men striking and blocking, their boots drawing lines in the sand as they maneuvered around each other. Sweat beaded on both foreheads, and both pairs of blue eyes showed their rage and uncertainty.
Rush stumbled back, losing the upper hand once more. He’s too good.
&nb
sp; No, he’s not. You just don’t want to kill your father.
Rush breathed as he righted himself, gripping his sword.
I don’t judge you for that.
King Lux lowered his blade as he approached Rush, his eyes narrowed in menace.
He doesn’t want to kill you either.
“Enough, Rush.”
Rush shook his head. “I won’t stop—not until you release them.”
“They’re animals, Rush. Their only purpose is to serve us. They’re no different from the cattle we slaughter for dinner—”
“Ahhh!” Rush slammed his sword down, slicing across his father’s hand as he held the blade up to block the hit. It tore the flesh. Blood poured out. The skin flap was visible. “They granted us asylum, and you betrayed them. You’re the animal. You’re the barbarian. I’m ashamed to be your son.”
King Lux didn’t drop his gaze to look at his hand, the blood dripping to the dirt, making dark pools in the soil. “Looks like we finally have something in common—because I’m ashamed to be your father.” He sheathed his sword and turned away and walked off.
Rush breathed as he watched him go, saw him transform into the cobalt dragon and take to the skies. With his sword still at his side and his chest rising and falling with his deep breaths, he felt his heart break into smaller pieces.
We must go. Now.
Rush fell to his knees, seeing the blood he’d spilled everywhere—his father’s blood.
Rush.
A cacophony of anger, resentment, and visceral pain hit him. Invisible tentacles wrapped around him and pulled him to the ground, pulled him to hell where he belonged. I should have killed him when I had the chance.
You will get another chance, Rush. But for now, we must go.
I’m sorry. I failed you…
You didn’t fail me. The burden you carry is heavy. Next time, that burden will feel less, and you will do what you must.
The memory faded from his mind. Rush was aware of his knees on the ground, his eyes closed, the sunlight hot on his skin. He breathed through the pain, breathed through a memory he had to experience at such intensity that it was real.
Ashe continued his probe, and another memory emerged.
Is she okay?
I don’t know. Keep going.
We need to land.
