“You can’t just?—”
“I’m not demanding anything.” His voice stayed level, diplomatic. Not commanding but not backing down either. “I’m telling you what we need to complete the investigation. You can allow it, or you can refuse. But if you refuse, don’t blame us if we can’t solve the problem.”
The standoff stretched. The queen’s jaw worked, her eyes flashing between anger and desperation. Finally, she growled. “Fine. But don’t disturb anything. And if you defile the shrine, there will be consequences.”
“Understood,” I said quickly, before the tentative permission could be withdrawn.
Minutes later, I was climbing onto Raoul’s back as he stood in dragon form in the courtyard. The familiar rhythm of mounting and finding my seat had become second nature. My hands knew where to grip, my thighs where to squeeze.
Ready?His voice filled my mind, warm andreassuring.
I am.
He launched skyward, and my stomach dropped in that thrilling way it always did. We rose fast, the cliff dwellings shrinking below us. Higher than we’d flown before, the air growing noticeably colder.
We’re going to stop at three different elevations,he said.I’ll hold us steady while you take your samples. But you need to tell me immediately if you start feeling sick. Altitude sickness isn’t something we can ignore.
I will.
I mean it, Adele. Your lips start turning blue, I’m getting you down whether you’ve finished or not.
The protectiveness in his tone made my chest warm despite the freezing air.Yes, Your Majesty.
His laugh rumbled through our connection.Wish I could kiss you now.
My heart seized.I wish you could too.
At the first stop, level with the highest dwellings, I pulled out my collection kit and began testing, infusing magic into my instruments to ensure accuracy. Temperature, humidity, air pressure. I used magic to detect different compounds, noting each and filing the information in my notebook. The wind here was light, carrying the sharp scent of snow and stone.
Anything?Raoul asked, keeping his wings steady.
Some particulates, but nothing excessive.I finished my notes.Next level.
We rose higher. The air thinned noticeably, each breath requiring more effort. Cold bit through my clothes, and I pressed closer to Raoul’s warm scales. The dragonfire ring he’d given me flamed, sending heat across my body, much like a warm blanket. I soaked in the warmth.
Are you alright?His concern was a palpable thing in my mind.
I’m fine. Keep going.
The second stop showed similar results. Frustrated, I stared at my notes. There had to be something, a variable I was missing.
“One more,” I said. “The peak.”
Are you sure? You’re breathing harder.
I need to see if it’s different far from their homes.
We climbed again, and this time the cold sunk through the ring’s warmth, reaching for my bones. Each breath burned in my lungs, and spots danced at the edges of my vision. But as we broke through the last layer of thin clouds, the view stole what little breath I had left.
An ancient shrine rose from the mountain peak, carved from ice and stone that glowed with inner light. Dragon forms twisted through the architecture, protective guardians frozen in time. It was beautiful. Sacred. Humbling.
Raoul held position, his wings working hard in the thin air. I forced myself to focus, pulling out my equipment with fingers that were going numb, casting my spells.
Did you find anything?he asked.
Not yet.My words slurred, the altitude was getting to me.
We’re done here.
