At last, the flight deck was discernable behind the concealment wards. With both men clutched in my claws, landing would be rough. Their added bulk meant I’d have to come in faster than I preferred.
At least Drazen recognized the issue, shouting, “Flark. He’s coming in hot. Brace yourself!”
As I reached the opening, I pumped my wings hard, drawing my chest back while reaching out with my legs. At the same time, I flung my passengers clear. Both hit the deck and tumbledas I careened onto the platform, claws scrabbling against the stone to slow my skid.
Once I landed, I folded my wings tight lest I knock one of them off the ledge.
Kronk slumped against the far wall, the stone behind him fractured by his massive body. “I hate landings even more than flying.”
“Gods, I miss my horse,” Drazen groaned, rising to his feet, dusting his pants.
Magic infused my body. Fire blazed through my muscles. An explosion of energy, and I stood naked before the two men.
“Whoa, never seen anything like that before,” Drazen said, scanning my form.
I grinned, splaying my arms. “That’s what all the ladies say.”
“You wish.” The infernus snorted.
“This way.” I led them into the corridor, donning a pair of pants before leading them deeper inside.
We entered the hearth room as Alaric’s deep command rang out.“Serafina, wait.”
My bare chest collided with her smaller frame, and suddenly, my arms were full of soft curves. Instead of releasing her, I held her closer, warning, “Easy.”
“I–I heard shouting,” she stammered, the heat of her palms pressing against my skin. For a moment, I lost myself in her forest-green eyes. Her spicy fragrance filled my senses, stirring a growl from my dragon. I barely resisted the urge to nuzzle my face in her hair.
A voice cleared, and I winced. We were far from alone. I forced myself to release her, taking a step back. “You heard voices and decided to race headlong into the fray?”
Color high in her cheeks, she smoothed an unruly curl from her face. “It’s not as if anyone but you or Alaric could reach that ledge.”
“Ah. So, you were running into my arms, then?” A hot tingle sparked at the thought.
“Hardly,” she scoffed, glancing at the two men who lingered at my back, enjoying the show. “Who are your friends?”
I stepped aside. “Serafina, this is Drazen and Kronk, the men I told you about.”
Drazen swept forward in a flourish, taking her hand and kissing her fingertips. “Thorne failed to mention he had a guest. And a beautiful one at that.”
To my ire, Sera’s pale cheeks darkened. Her curious gaze lingered a bit too long on Drazen’s onyx horns before darting away. “Um. Thank you. I think.”
She never reacted like that tomycompliments. Wait. Had I ever complimented her? Surely, I had. At least once.
Once Drazen released her, Kronk strode forward, thumping his fist over his chest, simply stating, “Kronk.”
“Nice to meet you.” Sera dipped a brief curtsey.
Alaric’s low growl rumbled from the back of the room, snapping all heads his way.
“Oh, right. And Alaric, whom you’ve met,” I said.
“Right,” Drazen said with a nod. “The dragon from the trials. Or theotherdragon, I should say,” he added, turning back to me. “Can I ask why the hell you didn’t tell us you were both Draconis back when we were in the games? Having a dragon on our team would have been a huge asset.”
“If I’d revealed myself, there was no guarantee we would have escaped. And Alaric’s situation is a private matter.”
“Draconis business.” Kronk nodded, as if he understood, though I suspected he comprehended little.
Alaric’s voice invaded my thoughts where the others couldn’t hear. “Your associates are as thickheaded as I remember from the Fallen Trials. Perhaps I should have incinerated them after all.”
