A long tail swayed behind him with a slow deliberation, scattering dust and debris. Those terrifying eyes remained locked onto her as he moved closer, claws raking the earth. Fear pricked at her, but awe seeped in, quiet but undeniable.
The dragon halted before stepping into the moonlight, lingering in the dark. She glanced down and found why.
Manacles were secured around the dragon’s wrists and legs, smoke rising where it touched him. Strange glyphs smoldered on the chain links. The dragon bared its teeth at them and a low growl vibrated in the cave.
The God of Shadows was bound.
Like her.
And the chains hurt him.
A strange ache of sympathy swept through her chest, but this presented a sliver of protection. He couldn’t reach her, not with his teeth at least. She shivered.
The creature’s eyes narrowed, and then the corners of his wide maw curled upward in a motion that was chillingly like a smile.
Do I frighten you, songbird?
Alora blinked at the moniker. “I-I am not afraid…” she replied shakily.
His low chuckle filled her head and she flushed. If she were to lie, she couldn’t be so obvious.
She swallowed. “What is your name?”
I have had many names over the centuries,the dragon said, settling on his haunches.The Lord of Shadows. Prince of Darkness. King of the Netherworld. Bringer of Sin and Damnation. His gaze fixed on hers, red and endless.You, princess, may call me Rune.
Alora paused, a little surprised by the simple way of it. Though what would she know of the names of the gods?
It suited him. Perhaps too well.
But an alias worn like all the rest.
“Rune…” she repeated, swallowing. “I am Alora Lark of Argyle.”
The dragon watched her intently, unnervingly still.Well, Alora Lark of Argyle, you have sung my song. What do you desire?
“A misfortune has befallen the land, and my kingdom is under siege.”
Hmm.Smoke curled lazily from his nostrils.
“Calveron has come to invade Argyle,” Alora continued. “They threaten war unless I marry their prince who seeks my father’s crown.”
The dragon glanced away, apparently bored with her plight.
“Our people are brave. Argyle’s army would march for their home, but bravery alone is not enough.” She drew in a breath. “I ask you to fight for us. To fight for me.”
Rune rose to his feet, pacing the outer rim of the cave. He circled her slowly, his massive form gracefully moving through the shadows like smoke given flesh. The chains rattled at his limbs with every step, sacred runes glowing faintly.
The princess asks a great deal, from one who is imprisoned in this cave.
Desperation rose in Alora’s throat like a scream she couldn’t voice. “Then I will free you from your chains,” she blurted. “Please. You want your freedom, and we want ours.”
The growl that escaped him was low and thunderous, shaking the ground beneath her feet.
His sharp teeth snapped and she flinched back.You have no idea what I want.
Shadows rippled along the ground, brushing her feet with cold, curling fingers. But his anger waned as he paused before her again.
The moonlight fell like a silvery veil between them.
