Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 105164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
“Wouldn’t you if you were chasing after the power of a goddess?” Eno asked as he peeked at the tent again. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the emperor found out who Rayne was and demanded to have a word with him.”
The ground shook and Adrian was forced to grab on to the crate to keep from falling as Haru’s giant dragon ass bounded over to him. The dragon’s beautiful orange-and-pink scales were filthy with dirt, soot, and blood, but it didn’t stop Adrian from rubbing his hand across the dragon’s nose when he nuzzled close.
“We think Rayne is in that tent with the emperor of New Rosanthe. Can you and Drayce go make a mess over there? Get rid of the soldiers so we can rescue Rayne.”
Haru nodded and gave Adrian one last nuzzle before launching himself at the soldiers, their bullets harmlessly bouncing off his scales while he belched fire on them. Adrian looked up to see Drayce staring at him with an expression he honestly hadn’t thought a dragon could make. It was as if the man inside all those scales and teeth were shouting, “Seriously?” at him.
He did not need this right now. Adrian huffed and pointed in the direction of the tent. “Go! Rayne!”
Drayce snarled and charged off after Haru, tearing through soldiers and scattering them so they had a clear path to the command tent.
Adrian didn’t dare glance over at Eno. It was enough that he was dealing with a judgy dragon. He didn’t need it from Eno as well. “Let’s go,” he grumbled as the worst of the gunfire dissipated.
The entire camp was filling with smoke, making it difficult to breathe and burning his eyes. Adrian blinked rapidly. He blamed the smoke and the chaos on why none of them noticed the two soldiers creeping up on Haru from behind, massive swords drawn to plunge into the dragon. Bullets might bounce off those scales, but Adrian had seen plenty of dragons ripped apart by razor-sharp claws. A sword could pierce Haru. It could kill him.
Adrian raised his gun and squeezed the trigger, but there was only a dull click. Out of ammo. There was no time to reload. No time to even find a fresh clip.
“No! Haru!” he shouted, bursting from his protective cover. He threw out his right hand toward the approaching men who were still several yards away from him. Something from within his chest burst, firing out from the tips of his fingers. A flash of white cut across the distance and slammed into the man’s chest, knocking him backward.
The other Empire soldier’s steps faltered when he saw his companion go down. They both stared at the dead soldier with the snow-white blade protruding from his chest.
Adrian had done that. He’d actually done that.
He’d conjured up a knife from magic and thrown it.
Holy shit…he had magic.
Tugging on the energy in his chest, Adrian flicked his right wrist and another white knife appeared clenched in his fingers. It was the same motion Caelan made when he summoned his sword. The bond. It was more than just a tether between them. Caelan had given him just enough magic to do this.
Lifting his eyes to the remaining Empire soldier, Adrian smiled and threw the magic blade, burying it in the man’s chest before he could run.
“Adrian?”
He twisted to find both Haru and Eno watching him with looks of confusion and wonder. Adrian shrugged. “I guess I got more from my bond with Caelan than just a way to find him.” He flicked his wrist again, summoning up a new knife. “Shall we rescue the dauphin?”
Eno snorted. “Yeah, let’s go.”
They ran the last several feet to the tent and jerked back the flap to see complete and utter chaos. It appeared as if the place had been a traveling palace, but now all the furniture and custom draperies were broken and shredded, thanks to the hundreds of bullets flying through the air.
Soldiers crowded the space, lining the walls while firing at the green dome in the center of the room that was shielding Rayne…for now. The king’s advisor looked as if he was barely on his feet. His face was pale and shiny with sweat in the flickering candlelight. All his limbs were trembling, and he appeared close to collapse.
“Rayne!” Eno screamed from beside Adrian.
That got not only Rayne’s attention but also the soldiers. Some changed the direction of their firing, sending bullets their way. Adrian snagged Eno as pain sliced through his right side. Gritting his teeth with every movement, he hauled Eno out of the line of fire.
Adrian swore and clutched his side as he got himself and Eno to safety.
“Are you okay?” Eno demanded.
Adrian lifted his hand to see blood coating his palm. A low, rumbling growl proved that Haru saw the wound too. Fuck. “It’s nothing. Just a flesh wound. I’ll be fine.” He turned his attention to Haru, who somehow appeared to be bristling pissed. “I’m fine. Help Rayne.”