35. Pallas

We clustered on the frigid beach, a tight circle with fires every ten feet to keep the dark at bay. Even with their warm light, the stars above seemed to burn brighter, like they were lying in wait, just like us. The great river soared across the center of the sky, reminding me of how very small I was.

Thegroup was subdued. Some tried to sleep, but most just watched the sky and the island. Not an hour before, I thought we were seeing another aurora, but instead, the top of the island glowed that acidic green I was becoming all too familiar with. Jun huddled close to me as the flames reached to the sky like the volcano that slept beneath these lands had awoken.

"She is going to be alright." It wasn't a question. His voice was the strongest I had heard in some time. In our past life, he would have sung me a song to express his feelings. I knew that wouldn't happen now. It might not ever happen again.

Hemight never sing for me, but I could sing for him. My mother had been a woman of scholarship and academia. She hadn't cared much for the softer things in life, but I always remembered the songs she sang to me as a youngling before bed.

In the land where mist and magic sleep,

Where dreams and stars their secrets keep,

Close your eyes, my precious one,

This gentle night has just begun.

In the moonlit glow, you softly lay,

Safe and warm till break of day,

Stars above will watch and keep,

As you drift into peaceful sleep.

Wisps dance in silver light,

Sprinkling dreams throughout the night,

Whispering tales of lands unseen,

Where joy and wonder reign supreme.

Sleep now, child, in dreams so sweet,

In the world where magic and your soul meet,

Rest your head and close your eyes,

As stars sing you their soft lullabies.

Junsmiled at me, and it reached his eyes in a way I hadn't seen in so long. He laced his fingers through my own, and I was about to lean into his shoulder when the earth beneath us shook. A sonorous roar rolled like thunder over the beach, and everyone scrambled to their feet. The top of the island no longer shone bright green; it was lit by a low, pulsing red glow of embers. Even from that dim illumination, we all saw the massive shadow that streaked toward the sky. The surrounding soldiers grabbed their weapons and scrambled to formation as the hulking monster circled in the air above us, just out of sight.

Greenflames shattered the darkness, and everyone froze as the dragon descended from the sky. Jun and I clung to each other as the wind from his massive wings nearly knocked us off our feet. Embers flew from the fires as the flames were almost extinguished. Tents toppled, and the earth shook as his feet collided with the earth. A few soldiers readied their weapons while others pushed them down. His golden eyes burned bright against the darkness of the night, and the whole world held its breath.

Slowly, Avlyn walked forward toward that face that was larger than them. The dragon tracked their movement, his forked tongue lashing out and tasting the air around the commander. They stood with unnerving stillness until their hand flew to their weapon. I saw the streak of movement that had alarmed them as the princess, completely nude, flung herself down from the back of the dragon's neck, sword in hand. She walked forward and placed her hand on the dragon's snout. He leaned into her, his eyes closing in contentment before he began to shrink. Dragonfire wrapped around them both. Its green light was so bright in the depth of the night I had to look away. I still felt it. The great rush of magic made my skin tingle and my eyes water. It was primordial and powerful, rivaling what I had felt from Hadeon. WhenI looked back, the beast was gone, and only the man remained, smiling at the princess as if no one else in the world existed but her.

Avlyn'sfist crashed into the armor on their chest. "All hail, DragonKingAbraxas and PrincessTori." A mighty roar went through the crowd as shields and armor were smacked together. Jun and I approached; Jun flung his arms around his sister before offering her his coat. She embraced him tightly in return.

Abraxassaid to Avlyn, "You miss me, Commander?"

"One of these days, I'm just going to kill you myself, asshole."

With both the king and princess clothed, we huddled around the fire. Their hands were intertwined, and they couldn't keep their eyes off one another. It was insufferable, but something about it caused a smile to twist at the corner of my mouth. Jun saw my distaste, and I could read the amusement on his face, but he squeezed my hand gently. I didn't fight it.

Torifinally pulled her gaze from Abraxas and asked Avlyn, "So, what happened out here? Luxos' troops?"

Theyshook their head. "Nothing. Quieter than the inside of Kaleos' head out here."

Thebrute made a rude gesture at the commander, but Tori frowned, her gaze falling on me.

"He made his threats. Did he lie?"

"Tori, I'm not some walking crystal ball; I don't—" She kept her gaze fixed on me, unwavering. "No, he didn't lie."

Herhead turned to scan the ocean beyond our small refuge. The dawn was beginning to break and though the mist was thick, no ships could be seen. Her body stiffened.

Abraxaslooked at her. "My love?"

"It's not here he planned to attack. He knew Avlyn, and I would be gone, distracted. Our forces divided."

BothAvlyn and Abraxas jumped up. "Xyr," the commander whispered. "It will take us at least a day to return. If he was smart, the attack is already underway."

"He is smart," I said, trying to ignore the hurt look in Avlyn's eye.

Abraxasand Tori locked eyes. "Looks like it's time to fly, my love."