The first caught on quickly. “Who owns them?”
I tapped my nose and wished them both a pleasant day before continuing on my way as if the conversation was already forgotten.
Far from it. I ducked into Father’s study and immediately learned as much as I could through the app and other information. Twenty million was indeed the prize pot.
I could fund the castle for at least a month with that.
It was probably ridiculous how quickly I decided to do this, but since the fight was that night, I really didn’t have time to hem and haw about it all. Plus… What other choice did I have?
None. Sadly none.
Sneaking out of the castle was easier than it should have been. It wasn’t a situation I was going to shine light on since it was useful, but honestly it was severely disconcerting and maybe for the first time I wondered if Benson should be in charge.
Being unfamiliar with the capital and getting turned around to find the fight’s location shouldn’t have been more difficult than sneaking around the royal family’s home given we were always under constant threat. That honestly was just as ridiculous as what I was going to do.
“You’re finally letting me out and acknowledging me?”Eloise asked in my mind.“How lovely for me. Are you sure you don’t want Iris?”
Guilt swarmed me as it always did, but it also was understandable.
Because there hadn’t ever been someone with two dragons before. It wasn’t supposed to bepossible.
And yet, I did.
That was my big secret and the reason my parents sent me away—hidme away from court and the castle. I wasn’t just a fire dragon.
I was also a mystic dragon.
I’m sorry. Please, I need your help.
She chuffed in my mind, but like always, relented, mostly because she would never pass up the rare chance to come out. And it wasrare. Even if this wouldn’t be her full dragon form, but our combined third form for an unground fight, she would never pass up the chance.
I thanked her and tapped into her magic, changing my appearance as I moved along the street. The glamour was subtle and slow, so even if someone stared at me, it wouldn’t be instant.
But a few minutes later, I looked completely different. I knew that without having to see it. I’d trained long and hard to perfect this since it was something that could save my life one day.
“Or save us from ruin,”Iris drawled in my mind. My fire dragon was right, and I couldn’t even blame her for her sarcasm.
I completely agreed.
I reached the location but stumbled when I realized I had no idea what came next. It looked like an unassuming club, but people were showing phones or giving over cards of some sort.
I waited until there was a lull before approaching the men at the door. “I’m not local. I came to take on the champion.”
The guy snorted as he eyed me over. “Yeah, sure you did, sweetheart. Piss off.”
I slowly raised an eyebrow. “You want me to lay you out to prove it?”
He laughed, but the other guy was smarter and moved closer. “We need information from you and—”
“For an illegal fight? Do I look that stupid?” I threw right back. “No.”
“It’s how it—” he tried again.
“It’s not how it works but nice try,” I chuckled darkly. “I know this play and you hold over my head that I was here and one of the fighters if I win—withhold the money since I’m here without an agent.”
“Maybe she’s not as dumb as she seems to try and take on a man in the ring,” the first guy drawled.
He was down and unconscious before the second one could even blink.
