24
Pure power burst over the launching platform, smashing the breath from Yelena's body. She could only stare as the black dragon roared its way out of Valentine's body.
"Yelena! Get back!" Taranis called out in fear for her.
She held up a hand to him. "No, he won't hurt me. He needs me."
The dragon roared again. It had bone spikes down its spine and tail. Two larger scales sat at the base of his neck. The dragon scratched at them, and a thrill of fear and awe shot through Yelena's veins.
"He's not done," she said, turning to the others. "He's not done!"
They were all staring up at the creature before them, faces pale. Owain and Emyr looked grim, and they had seen him before, but everyone was staring slack-jawed.
Yelena turned back to the dragon. Its head whirled toward her, scarlet eyes burning.
"Do it, Valentine! I'm here. Let it out!" she shouted at him.
The dragon made a frustrated whining sound, and threads of scarlet magic appeared around its throat.
"I see it. I can get them. Let me help," Yelena said, stepping toward it. It keened softly and lowered its head down to smell her. "It's okay, Valentine. I'm here. I'll get it for you. Hold still,a stór."
Yelena's magic danced in silver gray and threaded around his. The dragon shivered and snorted. It was like a bird caught in a fishing line, and she handled it like the hurt creature it was.
"There now. I'll get it. Please don't be mad at him. He didn't know what he was doing when he made this, and he was so scared."
She knew that the dragon was listening and that it was unhappy. Her magic tightened around the last bind, and she tugged. Silver cut through scarlet, and the dragon reared back like she had slapped it. The scales on his neck shuddered, and flesh tore. Two more long serpentine heads ripped free.
Yelena stumbled back, her hands to her mouth. "Oh. Oh, Valentine. There you are!"
She laughed, a high, wild sound, and all three of his heads roared in reply.
A wave of stunning, furious alpha power pulsed out of him, and the dragon inside Yelena roared out in joy.
Cries of pain and surprise had her turning in time to see Emyr, Owain, and Vidar shift in surprise. Taranis was holding onto Reeve, and Quinn had pulled Charlotte away. Reeve thrashed, and Taranis's power soothed over him. It didn't help.
Valentine's three heads swivelled to his brother and roared again. Reeve screamed, the dragon inside of him pulling free until only a copper dragon remained.
"Yelena! Get him out of here before he terrifies the whole mountain!" Taranis shouted, his eyes burning like he was about to shift too. "I have to help Reeve!"
Yelena tossed some of her magic at Valentine, turning the massive dragon's attention back to her.
"Catch me if you can, sorcerer," she shouted at it and started to run. She laughed as she flung out her arms and jumped off the side of the mountain.
Wind roared around her, and Yelena enjoyed the thrill of falling before a flash of silver magic transformed her into her dragon.
A shadow fell over her, and she knew Valentine was following. She could feel his power rolling through the air towards her. Yelena reached out telepathically, searching for his mind. He was like a burning red flame behind her.
You are magnificent, Valentine. You don't need to hide. I see you, and you are perfect.
Yelena, the dragon growled back. It threw her a scattered jumble of emotions and longing. She knew that feeling. It was the same one when she looked at him.
I know. I feel it too. I'm here. Follow me. We are close, she sent back.
Yelena flew out of the canyon and sailed over the forest. She could sense the thrumming call of the black monolith. She had always gone to be alone there and to practice, where no one could see or be afraid. It was her place, and she wanted to show it to him. She banked, tucked her wings in tight, and landed lightly back on her human feet.
Valentine roared above her, shifted mid-air, and landed in a crouch. He looked up, feral eyes burning through her. Yelena grinned and ran. Valentine bolted after her, and she may have slowed her steps just enough for him to crash into her and tackle her to the grass. She laughed as he pinned her down.
"I knew there was more to you than being a normal dragon. I knew it!" she crowed in delight.
