Chapter Sixteen

Tari

T he further we flew away from my children, the worse the foreboding feeling that something sinister would happen to them while we were away. Ash had reassured me it was simply my mother's nature to fret, but what if it wasn't?

We made good time, flying much faster than Helian and I had flown across the Fallax islands, passing several smaller islands without stopping for a break. The night air was warmer here than on the island we'd left behind, though the mosquitoes were even worse if that was possible.

Blaze and Drae flew up to our saddle and helped us dismount. As soon as my feet were on firm soil, I ran into Ash's arms. He held me tight, rubbing my sore back, and then got to work helping Shiri's mates build a fire. Bea (or Freya, as Isa called her) joined the other wyverns and jumped into the night sky with loud squawks. I hoped they were going to fish for us, for my stomach rumbled. I swatted a mosquito as big as my palm and then stood beneath my dragon's chest while she blew away the pests with her smoke. Isa's snarl rattled my insides when Radnor landed. Helian jumped from his dragon with ease, a lightness in his step I hadn't noticed before. Mosquitoes forgotten, I ran to him, and he took me in his arms.

How was your flight? he asked through thought while kissing me so thoroughly he stole the breath from my lungs.

Invigorating. I sucked in a huge gulp of air after he released me. Yours?

Amazing. He held my hand while motioning toward the dense foliage. Another volcano loomed in the distance, though it didn't appear to be as big as the one on Ignisium, the satyrs' island. These islands are so beautiful.

As if to emphasize his point, a swarm of fireflies circled us, fanning out and pulsing like a heartbeat while driving away the mosquitoes.

"Thank you," I whispered to them.

After our mates set up camp and got to work preparing the fish Bea and the other wyverns had caught for us, I remembered the Retinea herbs that Esther had packed for me. She said the herbs would help with morning sickness as well as shield our minds. Hopefully. I instructed Helian to hang a pot of water over the fire. Then I retrieved the new wooden bowl and pestle Esther had given me and ground down the herbs into a fine powder. Once the water was ready, I steeped the herbs and added a touch of lavender and honey to the water. I then poured the tea into separate wooden cups and passed them out to everyone, instructing them to drink.

"What is it?" Blaze asked while making a face as he inhaled the steam coming off the mug.

"Retinea tea," I answered. "It's supposed to shield our minds against the mind spinner."

Drae frowned into the cup. "How do we know it works?"

"This was the tea I drank the night my memories came back," I answered as I sat between Ash and Helian on our pallet.

Blaze held the offending cup away. "But it will slow down our magic."

"Yes." Shiri nudged his ribs. "But I'd rather have my magic slow than my memories erased."

Drae continued to look at the cup as if he was deciding whether or not to drink it. "Do you think we'll come across him?"

"He was at my parents' cabin a few weeks ago," Shiri said to him. "There's no telling where he will be now."

He was one reason we hadn't asked Aurora to take us to our parent's cabin. We couldn't risk putting her in harm's way. After more debating, we plugged our noses and drank the skunky concoction, made slightly bearable with lavender and honey.

Then we sat around the fire while the fish fried in a heavy pan.

Isa returned from hunting with what appeared to be a shark fin stuck between her teeth as she laid down on the opposite side of the fire, her tail curled around her legs like a cat resting beside the hearth. The wyverns perched in the tall trees for the night. I had no idea where Radnor was, though I heard his mournful roar echoing somewhere in the distance. I couldn't believe I actually felt sorry for that stubborn drake.

Shiri made a face as she scraped tea leaves out of the bottom of her cup. "How did Thorin get across the Periculian Mountains?"

"He has wings," I answered, recalling the time he'd flown away from me after he'd again tried to bed me and I'd threatened to turn his genitals into a twig and berries. He'd flown fairly well for a drunk, evading my magic before slamming into a tree and falling onto his back in a drunken stupor. I'd left him there, hoping he'd drown in the coming storm, but the clouds quickly passed over while he snored through the night.

"I don't remember his brother Selig having wings," Helian said as he added herbs to the frying fish.

"Thorin is part human. His wings were small, so he hid them under a cloak," I said, nodding toward my sister's mates whose wings fanned out behind them like giant sails, their feathers draped over her shoulders. "His wings aren't as powerful as a full-blooded Ravini, but they do work for short distances."

"Then it should be easy to catch him," Blaze mumbled as he poured wine into a goblet.

They'd thought of everything when they'd packed. My sister and her mates shared a goblet of wine between them, though I knew I couldn't have any, for I remembered when I was pregnant with the girls my mother had told me that spirits weren't good for my unborn children. I also noticed Helian was without a drink. Had he quit for good? I couldn't deny nothing would make me happier, for he wasn't himself when he was drunk. I licked my parched lips, wishing I could partake in something refreshing to get the sour taste of that tea out of my mouth. As if he could read my mind, Helian jumped up and struck down a low hanging fruit with his sword. Then he used his sword to slice it open and offered me half.

"You look like you could use something sweet," he said with a wink.

"You always know what I want," I answered, batting my lashes while slurping juices from the fruit. The juice was mildly sweet and so refreshing. It was just what I needed.

Helian and Ash let out low rumbles, giving me looks that promised they'd give me exactly what I wanted later.

We ate our fish in relative silence. Thanks to the many bags Esther had sent with us, we were able to add pickled vegetables and buttered bread to our meal. At least we wouldn't starve on our journey. Despite my depression, my appetite returned, especially after Helian had seasoned the fish with chunky salt and rosemary. I was surprisingly ravenous this evening, which meant my unborn child was hungry, too. At Helian's insistence, I ate an extra thick piece of bread slathered with butter. The satyrs truly were magnificent cooks.

Shiri burped into her fist, tossing bones in the fire. "How long will we fly on this island chain?"

"Two more days if we don't take breaks," Helian answered as he tipped back his fruit, drinking down the liquid, "and then we fly to the western coast of Caldaria."

"Then how many days before we reach the Werewood Forest?" my sister asked.

"It will take about a week to fly down the coast and over the Periculian Mountains. Five days if we hurry," Helian said before collecting mine and Ash's wooden bowls and throwing the bones in the fire.

Pain sliced through my chest as my shoulders fell. "That means it will take weeks or even months before I see my children again."

Listen to me, Goddess. Isa lifted her head, hovering over me like a snake preparing to strike. You must stop your moping. Do you think you're the only one who misses your children? She blew steam and smoke all over our camp, causing Ash and Helian to swear. That dragons don't love their young, too?

I arched away from her. "I never said that." What had come over her? Was she angry with me?

In twenty-three years, I've never parted from my child. Her thunderous voice rang in my head like a gong. How do you think I feel?

The steaming kettle of rage in my chest felt ready to explode. "Forgive me for missing my children after I was forcibly separated from them for two years!"

Isa snarled and then shrank back when an agonized roar echoed above us, rattling the trees.

How do you think I feel, Isa? A dark shadow hovered over camp before landing on the other side of the fire. Radnor pawed at the earth like a centaur ready to charge. After only a few stolen moments with my hatchling because you wouldn't allow me to spend time with her. Now I'm chasing after demons with this miserable crew. He swept the ground with his tail, knocking down a hapless tree and scattering fruit and a startled wyvern who jumped into the sky with an angry squawk.

Isa turned up her snout. Nobody told you to come with us.

Radnor flashed his fangs. Then perhaps I'll fly back to Triss.

She jutted a foot toward him, a ball of flame glowing deep in her chest. You don't go near her!

Ash and Helian swore, jerking me out of the line of fire, backing us up against a thick tree. Blaze scooped Shiri in his arms, jumping into the air as Drae followed.

Sister, do you want me to send Drae to get you? Shiri called down to me.

I shook my head as Ash wrapped a protective arm around my waist. No, but you may need to stop them with your siren if it gets out of hand.

It's so strange. I'm trying to summon my siren now, she answered, but my magic isn't answering.

Oh no. The tea has slowed her siren!

Radnor arched back, the spikes on his spine rising like a feline prepared to fight. Elements forbid she has a full-grown dragon protecting her .

She doesn't need you. Isa sat on her bottom, curling her tail around her paws while flashing a cold smile. She has an army of wyverns.

Are they willing to die for her? he roared, knocking down another tree with his tail. Because I am!

Liar. She let out a low chuckle that I knew made Radnor's blood boil. If you're so committed to her, you would've been there for her twenty-three years ago!

I coughed as their breath flooded the forest like a dense fog and a thick haze filled my head.

Ash turned a hard stare on Helian, his nose lengthening and fur sprouting on his cheeks. You need to stop them .

They won't listen to me. He nodded to Shiri and her mates hovering above us. Your sister needs to step in.

I squeezed his arm. She's trying. Her magic has slowed.

Helian grimaced. I was afraid this would happen.

Radnor paced the forest floor, panting like a wounded animal, his sulfuric breath steaming the air . Stubborn cow! I'm here now!

Troll turds. He didn't just call her a cow. Radnor clearly had a death wish. I trembled in Ash's arms. This wasn't going to end well.

You're too late! Isa threw up her head, releasing a stream of fire, nearly clipping Drae's wing.

Ash shifted into a were-beast, hovering over me as embers rained down on us. Helian held out his shield when the wind shifted and blew embers straight toward us. I winced, slapping an ember off Ash's arm. This was getting ridiculous.

When Radnor stomped up to her, his heavy paw putting out our fire, I'd had enough.

"Stop!" I called, throwing out my hands. "All this fighting is giving me a headache."

Helian rested a protective hand on my belly. "Your bickering isn't good for Tari's health. If you refuse to think of her, then think of our unborn child."

Isa's triumphant smile didn't bode well for any of us. Radnor doesn't think of unborn children, otherwise, he would've never left me alone with our hatchling.

"Silence!" A deep voice cut through the fog like a blade through butter, compelling me to close my mouth and never speak again.

Thank the goddess, Shiri was able to manifest her siren, and elements, her voice was powerful.

Shiri's mates landed on the ground, depositing my sister between the two dragons.

"Look at you two—grown dragons acting like hatchlings while a demon army threatens to burn down the world." Hands jutted on her hips, she scowled up at the drakes. "It's obvious neither of you get along, so you won't speak to each other the rest of the night. And if you bicker again, I will silence you both for good." She gave them each a long look. "Understood?"

The dragons nodded their heads like dolls with broken necks.

Shiri folded her arms, grinning triumphantly. "Good."

Isa snarled, her nostrils flaring and fire in her eyes as she glared down at my sister, promising retribution.

Shiri turned up her chin, showing no fear, staring into Isa's eyes until the dragoness looked away.

Holy elements!

Shiri scowled at Radnor, jutting a finger toward the darkened forest behind him. "Radnor, go sleep somewhere else."

Radnor let out a whimper of protest but obeyed my siren sister, slinking off into the forest with his tail between his legs.

Shiri's shoulders fell as she locked eyes with Isa again. Forgive me, friend, she projected to the dragoness through thought. I understand your anger, but I will not stand by while your fighting threatens to harm my pregnant sister. Then she held up her hands, her siren voice echoing through the trees. "All are released from my spell."

Isa bore down on Shiri, letting out a roar that blew her hair off her shoulders, and my sister, surprisingly, didn't flinch. Her mates stood protectively beside her, their wings snapped open as they prepared to guard her with their lives.

Isa spun around, her swinging tail coming close to knocking off our heads as she stomped into the forest like a toddler being sent to time out. Fortunately, she headed in the opposite direction of Radnor. Otherwise, I feared they'd burn down this island if they had another encounter.

Only when I heard her footsteps echoing further away did I release a shaky breath. I think she's mad at you, I projected to Shiri.

My sister shrugged, smirking. She'll get over it.

I hope so, I answered, though I wasn't reassured. After all, she's been holding a troll-sized grudge against her mate for almost twenty-four years.

Flora

COLD WIND WHIPPED MY hair into my face as I held Marius's hand, squinting into the sunset while the monster Northern Shore waves battered the other side of the wall, occasionally spraying freezing mist on us. My sister sat upon her demonic horse, blood dripping off his fanged maw as she barked orders at a line of aerial soldiers.

We had made it into Windhaven without incident, Malvolia's forces having taken over the city. Well, all but Kyan's Temple. The witch sanctuary was protected by armed guards who were witches themselves. Malvolia had wisely decided so long as the temple witches didn't harm us, we would leave them be. We had set up along the Windhaven battlements, the long seawall that was shared by all three countries, divided by massive turrets that also served as lookouts. Our soldiers had given the all clear, so now we were preparing to fly into Caldaria's capital city of Peloponese and take over. A foreboding feeling curled up my spine, for Derrick was leading the army.

My mate. My protector. My world.

He was leaving us to go into a city that Malvolia had reassured us was abandoned. But what if it wasn't? What if this was a trap set by the demons?

I licked my dry and cracked lips, worry gnawing a hole in my gut while eyeing the witches in Malvolia's coven. My gaze shifted to the one in the gray cloak with the feather yoke they called Lady Veronica. The witch who could supposedly see into the future. I didn't like the way she chewed her lower lip, her gaze shifting from the soldiers back to the Caldarian flags being battered by the wind in the distance. The green witch standing next to her slipped her hand in hers as if to calm her.

She knew something. She had seen a dark omen, I was sure of it.

My gut churned when the soldiers strapped on their breastplates and prepared to fly. I broke from Marius and ran between them, pushing muscles and feathers out of my way, ignoring my mate when he called me back.

Derrick! I called to my other mate through thought, my cry laced with urgency. Though we'd already said our goodbyes, I had to see him again. I had to stop him.

Derrick spun around, his eyes wide with surprise, my name on his lips.

Ignoring my sister's eye roll, I flung myself into Derrick's arms. Don't go! I clung to him as if he would vanish into the ocean mists if I released him.

He pulled me against his warm chest, wrapping his wings around my back while kissing my forehead. I have to, darling.

No, you don't. I pulled back, desperately searching his eyes. This isn't your war.

I hated the look he gave me, as if I was a penniless beggar to be pitied. This is everyone's war.

I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes. She isn't your queen.

I don't do this for her. He rubbed warmth into my shoulders, his gaze softening. I do this for you and Marius, for our children and grandchildren.

The gray witch is scared. I nodded in Lady Veronica's direction.

Because she has been trying to see today's outcome in her mists all night and has seen nothing. But surely that's a good thing, he said, the note of confidence in his voice sounding forced. If it was bad, she would've seen something.

I gritted my teeth. I don't believe her.

He arched a brow. Why would she lie?

I don't know. Don't go. I tightened my hold on him. We don't know what this demon king is capable of.

His smile reminded me of the Derrick of our youth, the young duke who had not a worry in the world, save for finding new ways to seduce me. He opened his wings, fanning them out as his eyes flared. He won't stand a chance against our aerial army and Malvolia. She will turn him to ash.

I tensed, thinking of all the times we had been wrong about our future. We had once believed Malvolia would never try to kill us. We had once believed Thorin to be my friend. You're too confident.

His boyish smile made my heart break again and again. And you're not confident enough. I love you. Then he wrapped me up in a cocoon again and kissed me hard, though it was over far too soon. I'll return to you soon, he said with a wink before looking at something behind me. Guard her well, brother. I gasped when he spun me into Marius's arms.

Marius wrapped me in a tight hug, pressing my arms to my sides. With my life.

I tried to struggle out of Marius's embrace, but he had regained much of his strength these past few days. I finally gave up, my body going limp as I watched Derrick move to the head of the army, standing beneath the shadow of Malvolia's frightening horse.

But Derrick appeared unafraid as he winked at me once more.

Then Malvolia's horse shot into the sky, and my mate and the others followed after her, their wings beating down on us and displacing the air. Marius tried to shield me, though I swatted his wings away. I wanted to watch Derrick go. The last time I'd lost sight of a mate, I hadn't seen him for almost twenty-four years. My heart imploded, turning to ash in the wind the further they flew away from us.

The aerial army flew over the Windhaven battlements and across the ocean before turning for the Caldarian border. But an enraged war cry ricocheted like cannon fire as a black blur streaked across the sky. Rays from the setting sun painted the figure in shades of fire, making it look like a backward comet.

The blur streaked past Malvolia's horse first. The horse let out a terrified neigh before it was suddenly silenced. Its head tumbled in one direction, its body in the other. My sister's screams rent the air as she fell into the raging northern waves.

That black blur cut through the line of mages like a flaming arrow, and blood sprayed across the sky. Ravini scattered like frightened birds, and my stomach lurched into my throat as I lost track of Derrick.

But then my world came to a standstill as I saw him tumbling toward the water, his wings in tatters.

No. No. No!

I spun on Marius. "Go get him!"

I'm sorry, darling, he projected as he reached for me. I promised I'd keep you safe.

Damn him! I backed away and transformed into a winged mage in the blink of an eye. Though I couldn't produce flame, I could fly to Derrick. Ignoring Marius's cries to come back, I jumped off the battlements and flew straight for the ocean, tucking my wings behind me and diving for my mate like a bird of prey. I snatched him out of the water moments before a wave was about to smash him against the rocky cliffside, crying out while heaving his water-logged body into the air.

But then Marius was there, grabbing onto Derrick's arm and helping me balance the weight. I heard someone cry out directly above us, and blood splattered down on our heads as a demonic scream rang out. We barely missed the decapitated fire mage who plummeted past us.

After we pulled Derrick onto the battlements, I shifted back into my true form, my teeth chattering as the northern wind assailed me in my wet, shredded clothes. Marius signaled a healer, and I sucked in a scream while looking down at Derrick, who had been slashed from stomach to sternum, his guts partially hanging out. I resisted the urge to vomit as I checked his wrist for a pulse. It was there, albeit faint.

Chaos descended upon the battlements, mages trying to fire at the blur with cannons and ballistae. A mage stumbled beside us, dropping my sister before he fell to his knees, vomiting up blood and water. My sister let out a moan, her head lolling to one side as she cried out for Mortimus, and I felt not a single stirring in my heart for her suffering.

A green witch rushed toward us, but then Marius fell on top of me, shielding me as a black blur flew dangerously close to our heads, its war cry filling my skull like a clap of thunder.

I looked up in time as the blur slowed, landing a few paces away from us on the battlements. It stumbled as if it had lost its footing, and it took a moment for me to make sense of what I was seeing. A wyvern with glowing red eyes, but not just any wyvern, for I remembered its missing tail the day we'd found its dead body floating in the water. Tari's wyvern. What unholy necromancy was this?

And sitting on top of the beast was Fachnan. No, not Fachnan. An undead version of him with gray skin, one demon-red eye and one empty socket, part of his top lip missing, revealing decaying teeth, and veins that looked like raging tributaries protruding from his forehead and neck. Most importantly, he and his demon wyvern were oozing blood from burn marks on their arms and wings, which meant the fire mages had struck them.

We locked eyes, and a bone-numbing chill swept through me when he smiled, recognition flashing in his serpent's gleam. Then the beast lurched into the air again, slashing at mages who tried to hit him with their fire, dropping them like birds striking leaded glass.

"Retreat!" I cried. "Retreat to the temple!" I motioned toward the purple banners of Kyan's Temple in the distance. I wasn't sure if the priestesses would welcome us, but I didn't care. We had no choice.

Marius scooped Derrick into his arms. "What about your sister?"

"I don't care!" I shifted back into a fire mage and jumped into the sky, keeping a wary eye on the black blur slaughtering our mages. This was all Malvolia's fault for refusing to heed my warnings. She could freeze to death on the battlements for all I cared. Right now, my focus was getting Derrick to a healer while praying we survived the night.