First touch of the poultice and the dragon flinched, uttering a low curse. I worked quickly but gently. Warmth from the dragon’s body heated my palm, fragrant herbs filling my senses. Up close, I noted his black scales actually had a metallic emerald sheen. I imagined it looked rather spectacular in the sun. Unfortunately, crimson streaks ran beneath them. Flark.
“What’s wrong?”the dragon asked, picking up on my alarm.
“The infection has spread more than I anticipated.” I slathered on more, and the powerful beast grumbled at the sting.
“Distract me,”he said in a kingly manner, too much like the high ruler for comfort.“Explain to me why you are filthy and singed.”
Once we’d returned from the village, I hadn’t bothered changing my ruined clothes. Instead, I’d scrubbed my hands and forearms, then got to work while Thorne went straight to Alaric. No doubt eager to share all he’d discovered and warn the beast against the slave he’d allowed into his lair.
“Why? What did Thorne say?”
“He’s convinced you were the wendigo’s target.”I tensed at the accusation I picked up in his tone.“Wendigos are attracted to power, feeding on life itself. Did something happen during your trip that could have drawn them to you?”
“Nothing I can think of.” I shivered, sparks tingling in my palms. I flexed my fingers, shaking them out.
“He claims he saw you heal your cat.”
Thorne was a blabbermouth. Infuriating male. I glanced over to where Sebastian rested. I’d refused to leave him behind. Exhausted from his ordeal, he’d cozied up beside the fireplace, resting with his nose tucked beneath his tail.
“Thorne’s mistaken. Sebastian was in shock from the stress of the attack. He merely needed a bit of warming up to rejuvenate him.” The alternative—that I’d done it with magic—was too overwhelming to consider.
Nor was I eager to discuss it with someone I didn’t fully trust. “So, what’s the deal with you and Thorne?” I said, grasping for a change of subject.
“How do you mean?”
“Thorne can breathe fire. Like you. Only, he’s no dragon.”
Alaric’s massive muscles tensed beneath my hand.“Not like me. My flames are far more powerful. And I do not wish to talk about Thorne. I’d much rather talk about me. Surely he sharedstories about my many conquests on your journey through Nefarr.”
I smothered a laugh at the dragon’s arrogant yet honest statement. “Not a one.”
“Odd,”Alaric muttered.“No matter. Are you familiar with Carcerem, Kingdom of the Fallen?”
“Only from what I’ve heard in stories. Most of those tales contained warnings about the seductive influences to be found in kingdoms with magic.” Carcerem being one of those so-called dens of sin and debauchery. “I’ve little personal knowledge of anything outside of Nefarr.” Thorne’s accusation that I was uncultured came to mind, grinding my teeth together. Insufferable man.
“Easy,”Alaric snapped when I applied the poultice a bit too hard.
“Sorry. What about Carcerem?”
Alaric’s voice dropped as he told me about a dashing dragon who was captured by an evil king and kept prisoner.
Outrage welled up inside me that any creature would be treated so poorly. At least with Alaric resting before me, I was confident the story had a happy ending.
“Please tell me you fried King Idris’ ass.”
“In spectacular fashion.”Alaric smirked and proceeded to detail how he’d helped the rightful king to raid the castle and burn the evil ruler on his throne.
I wiped my hands on a towel, shivering at the dark menace in his voice.Note to self. Don’t piss off the dragon.
He twisted his head toward me, appraising me with a single green eye.“If you’re finished, perhaps you’d enjoy a bath.”
I turned my nose to my grimy shoulder and sniffed. While all I smelled was herbs and liniment, dirt and grime from the attack covered my limbs. “I’d love one.”
“Follow me.”Alaric set off across the room with surprisingease, given his size. As the dragon passed, Sebastian arched his back and hissed, unaccustomed to the enormous beast.
“Careful of that poultice.” I hurried to keep up as we headed down a massive hallway I’d yet to explore. “Don’t let your wing rub against it.”
After a short stretch, we entered an enormous cavern. Glowing solar crystals cast a soft, sunny light across the space. At the center was an underground lake. Water trickled from a spot in the wall, filling the hazy turquoise pool. I gasped, at once consumed with the need to draw closer yet repelled by the danger.
