Chapter 29

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

I stare after Drakon as he walks away from me and then over to Atlas, who is being congratulated by the crowd.

It’s as if time has slowed, or maybe it’s just my heart rate. An emptiness settles inside me, knowing Kyle is out there somewhere, and no one seems to care. I am alone, Kyle is missing, and the only other person I cared about in this awful place is dead.

Lethina didn’t deserve to go like that. None of them did.

Drakon gestures for me to come to them. He wants to parade Atlas and me around, showcasing his Dragon Trial winners like a pair of trophies. No one seems to give a shit about everyone who lost their lives during these trials. Am I the only one who cares? Where are Lethina’s and Brogan’s families?

I attempt to home in on my bond to Kyle to sense if he’s still alive, but Amaros’s forced bond is too powerful. His overrides Kyle’s in such a domineering way that I can’t seem to get past it.

Something inside me still hangs on to hope that he’s okay. That he’s out there somewhere, because if he were dead, I would know it deep in every fibre of my being. I’m sure I would know.

Drakon impatiently gestures for me to join them again, so I make my way over to them. Atlas grabs hold of my hand and raises our joined hands in the air while the crowd cheers.

I glare at Drakon. This is bullshit. We shouldn’t be celebrating like this while Kyle is out there somewhere. Atlas shouldn’t be declared the winner, and it concerns me that they’re so willing to accept that Kyle’s gone.

It’s as if they know something I don’t.

After the charade is over, I storm off toward our sleeping quarters. I’m just at the top of the stairs when Atlas grabs my arm and forces me against the wall outside my room. He glares down at me, his huge frame towering over mine.

“Get off me!” I demand, but he ignores me.

He grits his teeth and traces his gaze down to my lips and back up again. “I don’t know what it is about you, but you’re different from the others, from Rhea, from all of them. You scent different, too.”

“I’m not from here. That’s why!”

He shakes his head. “No, that’s not what I mean. Kyle’s gone, and the sooner you accept it, the sooner you can give yourself over to me.”

I shove him back, and he allows it, despite knowing he’s stronger and he could do whatever he wanted to me right now, especially when I can’t access my powers.

“I saw you, you know. I saw your fire powers. You pretend you’re different from us, that you’re not from here. Then explain that to me.”

I throw my arms up. “I can’t!”

He takes a step closer, forcing me back against the wall. “I’ll figure it out, whatever it is you’re hiding. And if Kyle’s not back here by sundown, which, by the way, is only in a few hours, then you are going to rule at my side.”

My blood sears in my veins. I attempt to control it, but by the gods, I want to smack that smug look off his face. He smiles, enjoying that he’s getting to me.

“Kyle is alive, and I’m going to find him.”

He snorts. “Good luck with that. You can’t even open a portal.” He turns to walk away but halts. “Get ready and get back down to the training grounds. A ceremony is to be held to honour those who died in the trials.”

I narrow my gaze at him. “You mean those who you murdered?”

His eyes blaze red for a moment. “You murdered them, too.”

He jogs down the stairs and out of sight.

Although he’s an asshole, he’s right. I killed Calista. It was my fault she fell into the lava river.

I slip into my room and sink down against the door, curling my knees up to my chest. Tears clog my throat, but I swallow them back. I have to stay strong for Kyle. I can’t have a damn breakdown when he’s out there somewhere. He needs me.

I take several deep breaths and compose myself, and then I spot the dress laid out across the bed. Seriously? They expect me to dress up for this ceremony?

I cross the room and snatch up a small note sitting next to the dress. It reads, Congratulations, Zarla, for winning the Dragon Trials. Please prepare yourself and join us outside the training grounds at sundown for a ceremony to celebrate your win and honour those we lost. Drakon.

I crush the note into a ball and toss it across the room. How am I supposed to do this? I need to find Kyle, not play dress-up and be paraded around in front of a bunch of dragon shifters.

I strip out of my leathers and take a much-needed shower. My muscles ache, and the hot water stings my skin. All the cuts and scrapes have healed now, and my muscles are doing the same.

I feel so alone, trapped in this awful place filled with arrogant males. It’s the last place I want to be right now.

Once I’m done, I reluctantly step into the dress. The red silk fabric glides over my skin, and it’s as smooth as butter. It hugs my curves in all the ways I wish it wouldn’t. I don’t bother with my hair or makeup. I don’t have the energy for it, nor do I want to dress up for Atlas, Drakon, or anyone else.

And that’s exactly what this is about.

A pair of black heels sits at the base of the bed, and I eye them for a while before slipping my boots on. I’ll wear the damn dress, but I am not wearing those heels. If I have to run off to find Kyle, it’ll be a lot easier in my boots than those death traps. The last thing I need is a broken ankle, even if my body can heal itself.

I’m lucky to have a clear, golden complexion, so it doesn’t really matter if I don’t wear any makeup. I’m not trying to impress anyone anyway.

I make my way down to the ceremony with a plan in mind. I’m going to speak with Drakon, convince him to give me access to my powers, and let me go find Kyle. Something doesn’t add up, and my inner voice is telling me to leave the Kingdom. That Kyle is no longer here.

I glance up at the sun. It sits low in the sky, slowly making its descent behind the volcanos in the distance, casting a deep, sinister red glow across the Kingdom. It hits the stone path before me as I walk, and it reminds me of blood.

Images of Brogan, Lethina, and Rhea’s lifeless bodies flash through my mind, and I do my best to shut them out.

As I approach the ceremony, voices drift toward me on a light breeze, growing louder the closer I get. Lanterns dot the edges of the pathway, lighting the way, and a ceremonial beating of drums fills the air.

When I turn the corner, the crowd takes me by surprise. It’s as if the entire Kingdom is here. Everyone stares at me as I pass by, whispering words of their future Queen, the winner of the Dragon Trials.

Little do they know, I don’t plan to rule this Kingdom. Ever.

I have to find Drakon.

I spot him near a table at the front by the stage, and his gaze meets mine as I approach. He gestures to my dress, an approving glint in his eyes that soon fades when he notices my boots.

“Wow, I must say, red suits you well.”

Atlas sits at the table, and he just stares at me.

I return my focus to Drakon. “Can I speak to you?”

He stares at me for a moment and then waves his hand for me to lead the way. I move through the crowd and off to the side where there’s a private area out of earshot from others.

He adjusts the collar on his black tux. “What can I do for you, Zarla?”

“I need my powers back, Drakon. They are mine, and I need them to find Kyle.”

He tilts his head as he studies me and then glances up at the sky. “It’s sundown, and there appears to be no sign of your mate.”

I bite my bottom lip to hold in the words I wish to speak and try to remain calm, knowing it’s likely to get me further with him.

“I noticed. I don’t believe he’s in the Kingdom anymore.” I watch his face carefully for any sign that he is responsible for Kyle’s disappearance, but I find none.

“And what gives you that idea?”

“I can’t explain it. It’s just a feeling. But I believe it to be true.”

He runs his hand across his jaw, thinking over my words. “And if I give you access to your powers, what’s to say you don’t also disappear? You won the trials, and you are going to rule alongside my son.”

This male is impossible. “If Kyle is alive, and I know he is, then he and I are supposed to rule, not Atlas. I know you would prefer it to be Atlas, so allow him to choose someone else. Pick another female. I don’t care who, so long as it isn’t me.”

He slowly paces around, considering my words, then Atlas appears behind him.

“What’s going on back here?” Atlas asks.

Drakon gestures to me. “Zarla wishes to leave the Kingdom to look for her mate.”

Atlas’s eyes blaze red, and he takes a step toward me, but Drakon holds him back.

“That’s bullshit,” Atlas shouts. “Kyle’s dead. Zarla is to rule at my side!”

The two of them argue for a few minutes until I can’t take it anymore.

“Please, just let me go and find him and make sure he’s okay. Whether I find him or not, I will return. You have my word. And if I don’t, I’m sure you’ll know where to find me.”

Atlas rakes a hand through his hair. “This is bullshit, Father. Do not listen to her.”

I narrow my gaze at him. “Do you even care that Rhea is dead? She was supposed to be your mate. How can you be so heartless?”

He snorts. “She was never my mate. She simply kept my bed warm until I found my true mate.”

“You disgust me. Keep looking because it isn’t me, either!”

“Enough!” Drakon’s voice booms.

Atlas laughs. “Maybe not, but you can keep my bed warm in the meantime instead.”

Drakon shoves Atlas. “Leave. Now.”

He slips his hands into his pockets and winks at me then heads back to the ceremony.

Drakon sighs. “I will let you leave. But mark my words, we will find you and drag you back here if you do not return of your own will.”

“If I don’t find Kyle,” I add.

He smiles. “Of course.”

He chants low under his breath, and an intense burst of energy washes over me as he restores my powers.

“Thank you. I will return. As I said, you have my word.”

He gives me a nod and then makes his way back to the ceremony.

I don’t muck around any longer and immediately open a portal back into Gallerria. The fresh air whips across my face, and it’s like I can finally breathe again. Properly.

Several guards touch down around me, and it’s such a relief to see them.

“Zarla, it’s good to have you back. Your father has been worried,” one of them tells me.

“Have you seen Kyle? Do you know if he has returned?”

The guard clasps his hands behind his back, his brow furrowing slightly. “Not that I am aware of, but you had better check with your father.”

“Thank you.” I release my wings and fly straight to the castle.

Atticus is waiting outside the main entrance, and I land before him and throw myself into his arms.

“By the gods, I have been worried. I didn’t expect you to be gone for so long. Where’s Kyle?”

His words cut through me as the realisation that Kyle isn’t here kicks in.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, searching my face.

I swallow hard, willing my body to cooperate and not cry for once. “He’s missing. Drakon forced us to compete in the Dragon Trials, and Kyle’s missing.”

“He what? Those trials are extremely dangerous!”

I run my hands down my face. “I know, but we weren’t given a choice.”

He stares at me as if he’s trying to work something out. “If you survived, that must mean…”

“I won.”

His eyes grow wide, his brows creasing. “Zarla, that means you are expected to rule Pyrrhus. Who else survived?”

“Atlas. But Kyle’s missing, and I thought he might be here, but he’s not. I have to find him. He’s alive. I know he is.”

“I’m surprised they allowed you to leave.” He strokes my cheek. “We’ll find Kyle. I’ll make a few enquiries. Go to Zarquon and speak with his parents.”

I open a portal into Zarquon, and the two guards standing at the castle entrance open the doors for me as I approach.

“Thank you,” I tell them.

The castle is quiet and dark, the corridors’ lanterns giving a subtle glow as I make my way through them in search of Zeta and Apollon. Time seems to have slowed, dragging out painfully as I search. I can’t waste time. I have to find Kyle and make sure he’s okay.

I round the corner and hear voices coming from what I think is the dining room. Two guards stand at the doors.

“Can we help you?” one asks.

“I need to speak with Zeta or Apollon. It’s urgent.”

One of the guards slips into the room and returns moments later with Apollon. He reprimands the guard for not allowing me into the room, and the guard apologises. Apollon guides me down the corridor out of earshot.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, his brows pulled together. “Where’s Kyle?”

My bottom lip quivers, and I can’t hold back the tears any longer. I slam my fist into the wall, and Apollon rubs my back.

“Zarla, where’s Kyle?”

I wipe the tears from my eyes. “Drakon forced us to compete in the Dragon Trials, and now Kyle’s missing.”

His eyes flash red, and his jaw ticks. “I knew that male couldn’t be trusted. Those trials are deadly. If you are here, then you must have won?”

“I did. Drakon is forcing me to rule over Pyrrhus with Atlas. I don’t know what to do. I have to find Kyle.” I dig my hands into my hair and glance at the two guards watching us.

Zeta pokes her head out of the door and then rushes over, darting her gaze between us. “Zarla, what’s going on? Where’s Kyle?”

Apollon places his hand on her shoulder and gives her a look that only she can understand.

“Where is my son?” she asks.

“Drakon forced them to compete in the Dragon Trials, which Zarla won. Now Kyle’s missing.”

Tears flow down my cheeks. “I can’t sense him through Amaros’s forced bond. But I know he’s okay. I would know if he wasn’t.”

Zeta pulls me into her arms. “We will find him. Have you been anywhere else?”

I pull back and wipe my fingers beneath my eyes. “Gallerria, then here. He could still be in Pyrrhus, but something tells me he’s not. I need to go to Silanthia.”

She purses her lips. “I don’t like the idea of you going there, but I do agree we need to.”

“I’ll be fine. I’ll be careful.”

Apollon strides over to his guards and speaks to them for a moment before returning. “Can you open a portal into Pyrrhus for me? I need a word with my brother.”

I eye Zeta, who hesitates, shuffling around and clearly unsure about the idea of Apollon going there.

“How will you get back?” I ask.

“I’ll worry about that later. There are others in Pyrrhus who can open portals. Someone will be able to send me back.”

I turn away from them and open a portal down the corridor.

Apollon gives Zeta a kiss. “You stay here and wait for our son in case he returns.”

She gives him a nod.

“Thank you, Zarla. We’ll be in touch.” He jogs down to the portal and steps through it, and Drakon’s guards are flying toward it already.

I allow it to snap shut and give Zeta a hug goodbye. “Please send word if he comes back. I’m going to Silanthia.”

“I will. Be careful. We know what that male is capable of.”

I open a portal into Silanthia and cautiously step through it. Knowing the dangers of Amaros finding me, I made sure to open the portal near the Dark Forest. Although through our bond, he’ll know I’m here already.

That thought alone sends a shiver jittering down my spine. The last thing I want is for that male to get his hands on me.

If he does, he’ll never let me go.