“I didn’t realize you flew with my sister.”
Back in the day, Keegan had been one of Tanis’s closest friends. But after her return, Keegan’s father had refused to allow Keegan near her. No one wanted her taint to adhere to them by association.
Keegan nodded bashfully. “I didn’t know about His Majesty. I’m so sorry.”
“Are you loyal to the High King?”
Her black wings fluttered. “I’m loyal to Indara.”
Tanis would accept that as a yes. “Then you’ll follow my orders?”
“Of course, Highness.”
“Without question?”
Keegan frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m under a spell, Keegan. When it ends, I’ll need protection. Will you give it to me?”
“Absolutely. It would be my honor to protect you, princess.”
“Even if my form offends you?”
Keegan reared her head back and, in that moment, her formality slipped. “What aren’t you saying to me, Tanny? I know you. What did you do?”
“Something you’ll find offensive. But I need you as a sister. Stick with me, and I’ll see you rewarded.”
Keegan looked back over her shoulder. “I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?”
“You just joined my sister in a rebellion where my father was beheaded. One where my sister killed my brother. This may be the only chance you have to save your life.” And it was only because of their friendship when they were hatchlings that she was offering it to Keegan.
In spite of everything, they had been close. It wasn’t Keegan’s fault that she’d been too afraid to stand up to her father. Tanis wouldn’t fault her for that.
Tanis held her tail up. “Sisters again?”
Tears misted in Keegan’s eyes. “I’ve missed you.” She wrapped her tail around Tanis’s so that she could shake it. “And I will protect you. Even if you offend me.”
Her heart pounding, Tanis hovered in the air with Keegan until they were sure the rest of the dragons were returning to Indara. Then, they turned their attention to the gryphons who’d pulled back from the battle out of confusion.
Without the dragons to lead them, they were hesitant to attack for either side.
Tanis arched a brow. “Who leads the gryphons?”
To her surprise, it wasn’t one of the older gryphons. He was much younger. “I’m General Brychan. Who are we fighting for, Commander?”
Commander... there was a title Tanis had never held before. Strangely, she liked it. “Protect the High King and elves. Destroy the centaurs and their allies.”
“Fair enough.” He nodded. “Gryphons! Feast!”
Keegan clicked her teeth. “Never fought for an elf before. Bet they roast up nicely.”
“Let’s not try them out. Please.”
She actually pouted. “But they look so edible.”
Tanis was so glad Dash couldn’t hear those words. “Roast the centaurs instead. I hear they have leaner meat.”
“Oh. Why didn’t you say so?” Keegan took off after the gryphons.
