Adara’s face scrunched in concentration as she gripped her sword, debating a plan of action. He saw something violent in her eyes. A strong, reckless will to do whatever it took—even if it meant putting lives at stake. Their own . . . and hers.
“Don’t do something stupid, Rhyes,” Dominic breathed, the words making his throat ache.
“You mean like you?” She gave him a pointed glare that was supposed to be stern, but all her eyes conveyed was distress. Adara’s mouth parted and closed several times, as if considering telling him something she shouldn’t. Finally, she commanded, “Stay out of my way. I’m ending this.”
“What?” he blurted in shock. “You’re going to get yourself killed!” He latched onto her hand.
“We’ll die if I don’t try,” she said, jaw set in determination. Warmth flooded his hand as she squeezed it, pressing their palms together. The scar on his hand tingled, as if sensing their promise. “And if I die, then let my last act be one to protect my friends,” she ordered, eyes ablaze. Her hand found his cheek, warmth flooding from her palms to his face. “Nin mon lat amor onn alt itryla, mishente.”
Dominic could only watch in horror as she released his hand, sheathed Infinova, and marched right into the middle of the battle.
All eyes and weapons turned to her.
Fire sparked at her fingertips, shone in her eyes. Alight and living and deadly. Adara, dressed in the blood of her enemies, spread her arms wide. “I am eternal,” she said. Sapphire flames sprouted from her palms, coiled around her arms, growing larger and larger until they were pillars of fire shooting high into the sky, setting the night on fire.
She turned to Dominic, eyes glossy with an emotion he couldn’t place. Then her gaze morphed to something else entirely. Fury burned brightly in her irises. She grinned—her smile seemed more beast than human, teeth bared with savage hunger for blood in those blazing eyes—and unleashed the flames.
The fire engulfed her entirely.
Dominic let out a gasp as the inferno consumed her, a tornado of flames swirling furiously around her. He barely managed to push himself to his feet, lethargically limping toward her, as if he could somehow save her from the wildfire she had entrapped herself in.
The flames only expanded. Everyone leaped back for fear of getting burned.
Tobias, Vesper, and Silas had emerged from their position in the captain’s quarters with wide, fearful eyes. Desmond and Tyson halted their fighting to turn their heads toward the streaks of blue that illuminated the ship. Asher peeked up from behind a crate, apprehension lining his features. Dominic turned to see the silhouettes of the rest of the Andreilians lining the railing of their own ship, too far to do anything but watch.
The whirlwind of fire ascended into the night. It was so blinding Dominic had to look away. Sparks exploded across the dark sky, flames dwindling and ash falling. When Dominic finally summoned the courage to lift his head, Adara was nowhere to be seen.
His eyes flared wide at a sight to behold. Something shuddered through him, igniting his insides. Fear? Hope? Dominic didn’t know as his gaze fixed upon the massive, scaly beast in her place. Its wings beat furiously, powerful flaps that sent large ripples across the surface of the ocean and violently rocked the ship. Horns rose from the top of its head, sharp points aiming toward the sky, poised to spear the darkness. The dragon’s eyes were living flames, embers dancing across its sapphire scales. Razor-sharp fangs gleamed white under the moonlight as its maw yawned open in a deafening roar. Deep within its throat, a blue glow illuminated the monster’s gaping mouth. Fire gleamed brighter, climbing its way up the creature’s throat.
A beast ready to devour all in its path. A monster of fire and death that none could escape. A Flamecarrier at her fullestpotential, finally unleashed. The dragon’s blazing sapphire eyes met his.
His Phoenix with the power of a goddess at her fingertips.
He didn’t know how it was possible.
Dominic could do nothing but stare wide-eyed in shock, mouth hanging agape. Could do nothing but stumble back, catching himself on the railing.
A deafening roar ripped through the air. Dominic flinched at the raucous noise. All eyes turned to port. To the dragon with its maw burning bright against the night. Sapphire flames erupted from its mouth, spearing toward the lykren. The putrid scent of burning flesh permeated the air. A shrill, animalistic scream rent the night. The lykren thrashed, its agonized screech cut off as it dove beneath the water, steam billowing in its wake.
But Dominic knew this wasn’t over. The battle of the beasts had only just begun.
And he was right in the midst of it.
Chapter 49
Magicthrummedbeneathherskin. At first, it was a gentle caress, a soft plea to be set free. Then it pounded harder and harder along with the beat of her heart. A war drum. An all-consuming demand to be unleashed. It clawed and scratched and pleaded to be released at full power after being repressed for so long. It tasted freedom on its blazing tongue and was starving for more.
This time, Adara obeyed.
This time, Adara was not afraid.
She was not afraid she’d hurt anyone. She was not afraid to reveal what she truly was. She was not afraid to save her friends.
So Adara let her magic flow free, let it envelope her, let herself become the monster she’d gladly be to defend what she held close . . . even if it cost her life.
Itryla al rone yi mon taka.
Flames sprang from her throat, spearing toward the ship, threatening to send everyone on it to a fiery, gruesome death. Some pirates bailed entirely, diving over the edge of the ship, taking their chances with the unforgiving sea. Others leaped out of the way, crowding at the stern as Adara swooped down toward the sinking prow, breathing fire in her path. The pirates raised their weapons and hurled them at her. Swords and knives and arrows bounced harmlessly off her thick scales, hardly anything more than a tickle.
