Kaelith gave a low grunt in response, something that felt like denial—though the way Hein’s eyes moved to her, filled with fire and hunger and something deeper, said plainly he would challenge that decision the moment he was ready. She may not be in a rush to procreate but her mate was.
Zander walked over quietly, the soft clink of a small vial in his hand. He pulled a cloth from his belt and knelt beside Hein’s massive front leg. Without speaking, he poured the salve onto the cloth and began to dab at the torn hide, cleaning blood from his dragon’s wounds.
“Tell your blue friend,” Zander muttered under his breath, “if he touches you again, he’ll fry. Even dragons aren’t immune to Dark Fire.”
The clearing remained silent. Dozens of dragons watched, heads low, wings still.
Hein glanced down at his rider. Not with judgment or disdain, but with something deeper. A bond that had only sharpened with every trial they’d endured. His tail curled slightly toward Zander, protective and proud.
Then Siergen’s voice filled all our minds, clear and resonant.And that is why we have the treaty with the riders. Hein beat Lorseth in a fair fight, but he will forever possess the strength of his rider. Even after Zander has retired from this world.
Kaelith’s voice chimed in next, bold and sure.I wish Zander to be interim leader of the humans at least where the dragons are concerned. He will speak for the realm in all matters involving the horde.
One by one, the dragons gave their assent. Not all, but most. A few still clung to Theron’s promises or feared what Zander’s bond with Dark Fire might mean.
But the majority had spoken.
Zander would lead where the crown faltered.
The human throne would wait. But the dragons had made their choice.
Chapter
Thirty-Seven
We touched down on the Ascension Grounds beneath a sky streaked with fading light, Kaelith’s wings stirring the dust into brief spirals before she settled. The events of the summit still concerned me, but I knew we wouldn’t have to say a word, news traveled faster on dragon wings than sound ever could.
Zander slid from Hein’s back just as Lirane from Stormforge came striding across the grounds, her expression grim and sure.
“Zander,” she called. “We have an issue.”
He turned fully to her. “What is it?”
“Lieutenant Saulter was caught passing intelligence to a Varnari contact.”
My stomach twisted. “Remy’s a lot of things, but he isn’t a traitor.”
Zander didn’t respond immediately. His jaw tightened, and I saw that familiar flicker of doubt darken his eyes. “Has your dragon spoken with his?”
Lirane nodded once. “It was Katama who informed Verna of the breach.”
That did it. Zander’s expression went still—too still.
“Arrest Lieutenant Saulter,” he said. “Bring him to me.”
His voice was soft, but there was steel beneath it. Katama wouldn’t lie. And if the dragon had turned on his rider…
Then something was very, very wrong.
We lingered at the edge of the training fields, far from curious ears and watchful eyes. Kaelith and Hein circled above, silent shadows against the low clouds, but neither of us spoke for a long moment. The scent of forge smoke clung to the air, and what Lirane had said pressed down like a fresh wound.
“Remy always had his own agenda,” Zander said finally, his arms crossed, voice low. “Even when we were younger. He never did anything without weighing the gain.”
“I know,” I admitted, my fingers tightening around the edge of my belt. “But I don’t believe he would betray the king. I saw the way he looked at Emlem. That wasn’t for show. He cares for your father.”
Zander shook his head, his jaw clenched. “A few years ago, I would’ve agreed with you. But he’s changed, Ashlyn. Ever since his time with the Order, he’s been… different.”
“Because of me,” I said, the words sharper than I intended.
