We need the Vitaei.
My dragons rush into the stones as soon as we escape and run into the freezing rain that falls from the sky, hiding from the storm that is violently picking up with each breath I take. Fire knows it will die the second the rain touches its flammable body, but the others want to dance and play in the weather.
But I force them to safety.
They need to be safe in their stones, away from… my sister.
If I have the power of the Gods coursing through me with the stones, I might be the one that is powerful enough to take her down, as well as the Wailing Mother.
I reach up, unsure if I am wiping tears or the rain away. Dark, red blood still soaks my palm, and I wince with each thud my boots take against the ground. I think I broke a rib. But I cannot heal in the Vitaei, not with him there. I must go to the menders in the Pyre. Especially before tomorrow.
Especially if the Queen throws me into the battle game against the horse of fire.
I might be screwed. Even the Deskyiara bloodline can die from the horses if they ignite their powers to call upon the Gods.
That I remember. That I know.
The Gods created them, which means they created them deadly. Violent. Indestructible.
And for a purpose.
MY EYES GROGGILY OPEN, BURNING as the bright sun blasts rays of golden light into the cracked, arched window of my room. I shakingly reach up, brushing my fingertips along my bandage across my cheekbone, flinching from the sensitivity. It hurts. I grunt, moaning loudly as I roll to my side to leave my bed. The mender last night wrapped my ribs tightly, hoping the bones will naturally heal themselves.
Especially if the Vitaei is ruined for good.
A loud thud beats against my wooden door, repeatedly, until I let out a frustrated sigh. “Damn it, I’m coming.”
I ease into my suit top, my teeth clenching tightly as I stand to button the material securely.
My eyes shut for a split moment to regain my strength as I reach for the chilled doorknob.
I open and as soon as I go to speak, my hand flies to my mouth as tears prick the edges of my eyes.
Kaine.
“You know, I’d hug you, but I hear you burn people to ash now.” His lips curl into a teasing smirk, and he tucks his long, dark-brown hair behind his pointed ears. “How much did you miss me?”
The back of my hand rubs my eyes quickly, trying to avoid Kaine seeing me weak in his presence. “More than you know.”
“Oh, I knew that.” He shrugs, his amber-green eyes glancing away before nodding to someone. “I’m sure she wants to see you.”
Theon’s head pops in the doorway, a tight grin smeared across his face and his long, icy waves pulled back into a braided bun.
“I’m sure you missed me more, right?” Theon teases as he elbows Kaine in the side. Kaine lets out a weak grunt, gripping his ribs as Theon’s color vanishes from his skin.
“I’m still healing,” Kaine grunts, side-eyeing Theon who forces his grin to stay. “I’ll get you back.”
“Yeah I’m sure you will.” Theon shrugs. “We have another battle game today, are you up for some training down in the Pyre? Looks as if you took a damn beating last night, everything good?”
Theon’s eyes fall to my cheekbone where I am sure dry blood still sticks against my skin. I reach up, pulling my tangled strands behind my ear. “Just trained a little too hard.”
Both of them scuff as if they know I am completely lying.
“We know about the fight with Klayra, Zake, and Ivker.” Kaine’s eyes widen as he meets Theon’s. “Klayra has already spread rumors to Eekatia about you using cursed magic in the Pyre, she wants to take you down for what you did.”
I shrug while my brows pull deeply together. “Let her try. Let her whisper her little rumors.”
Theon’s brow raises in surprise. “Alright, Ren, there you are. We have your back, don’t worry.”
