Followed by a bellowing roar.
Cael and Signys had arrived.
Cael was sitting astride a dragon.
A fuckingdragon.
The only dragon in all of Ethyrios.
And though Tristan knew they were coming, it was still a shock to see the creature in the flesh.
Cael’s ash-brown waves were tousled, his cheeks red and blotchy. He was bundled into a charcoal wool cloak, his sole wing rustling behind him.
From the exhilaration on Cael’s face, Tristan knew his friend had left that wing out for the entire flight. Had relished the feel of the rushing wind and misting clouds. Sensations he’d thought he’d lost forever.
But there was something dark at the edges of Cael’s expression. Something devastated.
Tristan’s stomach dropped.
Where was Xenia? No way would she have let Cael leave her behind to free Cassandra.
He tried not to jump to conclusions, distracted himself by surveying Signys.
Her iridescent white scales glowed, beacons against the black stone castle. Her long neck ended in a massive horned head housing reptilian rainbow eyes and a mouth full of sharp, curved teeth. Tiny puffs of smoke curled out with each breath, a giant beastly bellows.
Two enormous wings hugged her back, though she draped one down to allow Cael to dismount. Before he did, he brushed a hand along her neck, and she chirped affectionately.
Cassandra, Tristan, and Aedelmar stood at the front of the crowd who’d amassed outside the castle to welcome theirrescuers. Mireille, Ronin, and Silas gaped behind them. Tiny flames flickered at Mireille’s fingertips. Testing out her magic after centuries without it.
Cael landed in the gravel and crunched toward the group, his eyes widening as he beheld Cassandra’s wings. “Uh, wow.” He swiveled toward Tristan, cocking an eyebrow. “Did you do that?”
Tristan glowed with pride, rustling his feathers. “We’ll tell you about it later. Have you come alone?”
“The others are up at the intake tower.”
Ronin’s eye narrowed as he addressed Cael. “The intake tower is miles away through those black mists. Are you gonna give us a ride on your new pet?”
“Nice to see you, too, Matakos,” Cael smirked, shaking his head. “The mists are gone. They dissolved as soon as the wards fell.”
“The souls were freed,” Mireille said reverently.
“And the intake tower is just beyond the hill across the moat.” Cael nodded backward.
Cassandra stepped in front of the prisoners and called out in a commanding tone that heated Tristan’s blood, “You’re free to leave Tartarus. Free to return to the continent and take your chances with Eamon Erabis. But if you seek a different path, consider joining the Teles Chrysos.”
“She’s right,” Tristan added. “Join us willingly, and you’ll be given a chance at vengeance against my brother and the Empire who locked you away.”
“What about us?” One of the Brethren shouted. Heads swiveled toward Mireille, seeking permission from their new master.
She raised a hand to her face, flames licking between her fingers. “I haven’t decided yet. You’ll be locked up by the Teles Chrysos until I do.” She turned to Tristan. “Got any kennels in your rebel village?”
“We’ll make some,” Tristan said with a razor-sharp grin.
Aedelmar had fallen to his knees before Signys, sorrow and worship etched onto his face.
Cassandra strode over with Silas, and after a bit of back and forth, Silas relayed Aedelmar’s final request. Shock widened her features, and Aedelmar grabbed her wrist, mouthingplease.
Cassandra nodded, and Aedelmar nearly sagged with relief, but did not rise from where he knelt.
