The worst part was its face. The same scars warped its snout, permanently revealing parts of its teeth.
When it turned to look at me, its eyes glinted with hatred.
My skin prickled uncomfortably. There was something eerily familiar about those eyes.
So his master is another dragon,I thought.But it’s not one I recognize…
“Ah, welcome, master,” Silas said, bowing his head. “It’s good to see you. I think you’ll be pleased with who I’ve found for you.”
Both of them stared right at me, like I was a precious jewel instead of a living, breathing person. I scowled.
I had a bad feeling about all of this.
The dragon approached me, causing a heavythudwith every step. His claws were black and thick, looking like they could slash through the cage with a single blow. But his back claws were completely different - they were horribly overgrown and scraped across the ground. They looked like they hadn’t been cut in a very long time.
I didn’t have time to wonder what that meant, because the dragon stuck his face close to the bars and exhaled a nasty, smoky breath. I winced against the bad smell.
“Hello, Halo Fire-Eater.”
His deep, draconic voice made me shiver and I backed away into the corner. Those eyes and that voice - why did they sound so sickeningly familiar?
“Silas, what’s going on?” Kass demanded. “Tell me right now!”
Silas gave Kass a shove with his boot, the way someone would knock away an annoying dog. “Quiet. This doesn’t concern you anymore.”
“Halo is my mate!” Kass snarled, struggling against the binds. The ferocity in his voice surprised me. “Anything to do with himdoesconcern me!”
“Maybe it’s time you introduced us, Silas,” the dragon growled, his voice rumbling throughout the cavern. His eyes narrowed at me again. “Especially since we’re going to be together for a long time.”
“Yes, master, of course.” Silas stepped forward, gesturing towards the dragon. “Kassius, this is the great alpha Zenon.”
Horror struck me.
No, it couldn’t be...
Slow confusion spread across my mate’s face. “Zenon… Why does that name sound familiar?”
Silas smiled. “Because he’s the leader of the Black Ice pack - the one you and the rest of the Knights were so desperate to get rid of.”
“Stop lying,” Kass snapped. “Zenon was a wolf shifter, not a dragon. Tell me who he really is.”
“It’s not a lie,” Silas said calmly. “Why is a shifter with two forms such a shock to you?”
“Because only shifters from Cinderhollow can shift into multiple forms!” Kass shouted, getting agitated. “And he’s obviously notfromCinderhollow since he was attacking us from the outside!”
“Maybe not originally, but that doesn’t mean the ability doesn’t run in his blood,” Silas said, glaring at at Kass.
“What?”
“His parents were born in Cinderhollow, and left it behind. So while Zenon was born outside Cinderhollow, he still retains the ability to shift between those forms. Does your small brain understand now?” Silas taunted.
Born outside but still with Cinderhollow blood,I thought, my mind racing.So he can shift into a dragon and a wolf, but wouldn’t be able to enter the barrier…
Recognition flashed like a strike of lightning. The horrible realization of this dragon’s identity caused me to stagger backwards, my heart racing a mile a minute. Yes, I realized who he was now. The same man I’d met centuries ago. The realization was slow and cold, gripping my ribs, and my voice was calm from fear.
“How did you get inside?” I demanded.
Zenon smiled. “Simple. When you used your time travelling ability, your presence in space and time was unclear. For a brief moment, it was like you didn’t even exist.”
