Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Have you figured it out yet, crystal dragon?
The evil contained in that voice whispering inside her head made Rimi cringe away. She dropped her shield, and the men gasped as she appeared.
What are you? Rimi asked.
Get out of there, Rimi! Keres ordered.
She shook off his demand. Leaving her son unprotected would never happen. A clump of mud dropped to land by her talons as lightning flashed through the sky. The true color of her scales revealed itself as the rain rinsed off the muck she’d disguised herself in.
You’re beautiful, crystal dragon. Of course, I couldn’t find a female when I needed one.
You’re a dragon?
Was a dragon. A pitiful creature driven crazy without a mate. Vengeance made me stronger.
A dark shimmer appeared around him, vivid even in the gloom of the thunderstorm. Rimi took a step back when he reappeared in front of her. A twisted figure of a dragon. She swallowed hard as she recognized the agony that had created the monster in front of her. His beast oozed with open wounds and rope-like scars. Only a few cracked scales remained attached to his withered hide. Rimi had no idea what color they had been.
I’m so sor…
I do not need your sympathy. Thanks to experimentation on this form, I created the substance that will end dragons. Sacrificing the beast that destroyed my mind was painful, but so worthwhile. Now, I am the master of all who shunned me.
The monstrosity took a step toward her. Petrified, Rimi retreated two steps without thinking. She fought her fear to remain in place, hoping Slate would rally as the rain washed off his scales. Forcing words to form in her mind, she tried to buy time. I didn’t wound you. I don’t believe anyone in this horde acted against you.
All hordes are the same. They would have destroyed the black dragon here if he hadn’t found you.
You’ve watched this horde?
Yes. I observe many dragon units. When the black dragon was shunned as I was, I took revenge for both of us.
Keres wouldn’t ask for this. He would never hurt the others.
The mangled dragon shook his head, managing to look disappointed in her. You are delusional. Ask the others. He’s already acted against them—scared their mates and endangered others. In fact, he will join me in my quest when you are gone.
That won’t happen, Rimi contradicted him, never more sure of anything in her life.
He will when his love dies before his eyes. I will show you soon.
Keres, stay away! Rimi sent a frantic message to her mate before straightening her shoulders to present a powerful presence.
Turning her attention back, she said, Perhaps a mate could save you still.
Even you, an elusive female dragon, couldn’t save me now. Now, we have delayed long enough. As much as I enjoy sharing my brilliance with you, it is time for you to die.
A thump landed beside her. Keres. She didn’t glance at him. Rimi couldn’t take her eyes off the twisted dragon before her. A slightly smaller dragon moved into position on her other side.
Slate! No! Flee!
That eye roll again registered in her mind, almost making her laugh with the ridiculousness of his answer. Her son’s bravery bolstered hers.
Hooray! The whole family is here. I can use two foot soldiers instead of one.
“Chemist! The powder is dissolving into the ground!” Evan interrupted.
I do not need more powder to defeat you. It has already weakened you. The black will protect his mate, leaving himself vulnerable. The gray is too young to be consequential. Once the crystal is gone, neither will have someone to fight for.
Rimi tilted her head. She heard something behind the dark words that should have terrified her. Wings.
“Dragons!” a man bellowed.
“What do we do? The tubes are filled with water,” another yelled.
A blast of fire seared a path through the middle of the camp, setting anything flammable ablaze. Men scattered in every direction. Evan ran to the hideous, twisted dragon.
“What will work in the rain?” he demanded.
Power!
“He said power, if you missed that.” Skye’s voice called from above them as Ardon swooped over.
“Fuck that,” Evan cursed. He ran into the now torrential storm. Most of his men followed. The few who remained threw handfuls of the disintegrating powder at the dragons and quickly learned how flambeed jubilee cherries felt when the poison melted harmlessly into the earth.
Rimi didn’t flinch at the sound of their screams. Those men had harmed her family and friends. She blocked their payback from her mind.
With that problem handled, the dragons landed in a ring around those facing off against each other. Their mates slid from their shoulders and fled backward as the dragons stalked forward.
The encircled dragon twisted as if it was being pulled apart by an internal struggle. Clear black eyes met Rimi’s. The dragon had overpowered his human side. The tortured beast roared into the air. Tears gathered in Rimi’s eyes, recognizing his request to be destroyed.