Page 238 of Of Masks and Fury

I climbed onto Lakast’s back, settling behind her, looping my arms around her waist as the dragon’s muscles bunched beneath us.

The dragons launched skyward, their wings thundering as we climbed. Wind whipped through our hair, and the ground fell away beneath us.

“You were magnificent down there,” I said, curling forward to kiss her temple. “You’re my heart, my blade, my everything.”

She leaned back against my chest, and for a moment, we just flew. Just breathed. Just existed together in the space between battles.

Below us, the village square didn’t empty. People stayed, talking, questioning guards and elders. Some looked up and waved.

Seeds of rebellion had been planted and were already taking root.

The exhilaration of our escape faded as reality shoved its way back into my life. We’d rescued twenty-four people, but war marched toward Syllavar on swift feet.

Many lives saved, but how many more would die in the war King Cyril had triggered?

Every choice spawned new consequences, new threats. They were free, but freedom came with a price others would pay.

I lifted my voice to carry to the rescued prisoners. “I’m King Trewyn of Syllavar.”

Only a few looked shocked.

“We’re taking you somewhere safe,” I said. “When we land, you’ll have a choice, so take time to think about it. I’ll give you coin enough to start over anywhere you choose, or you can come with us to Syllavar, where magic isn’t only tolerated, it’s welcomed, trained, and celebrated.”

They exchanged glances. Some nodded right away. Others looked uncertain.

“Your future is your own to decide.”

Mae rode behind Maddox, who kept looking back at her with concern. She gave us a watery smile. “Thank you. Thank you. I thought I’d die without ever seeing my Leo again.”

“You’re safe now,” Isi said. “We’ll take you to him.”

Tears streamed down Mae’s face. “There isn’t anything that would make me happier.”

We flew into the night, stopping the next morning in an isolated valley, eating from the supplies Naveah and Coralee had taken from Caldrith’s kitchens. Six of those we’d rescued opted to take a purse of coins and strike out on their own, but eighteen new Syllavar citizens mounted dragons to keep flying south, including Mae.

The dragons strained under the weight of the rescued prisoners plus our team. Companions stayed vigilant in the air, scanning for threats. We’d do our best to get to Syllavar to help with the upcoming siege.

“We’re not ready for this,” Isi said, strain edging through her voice.

“We will be. You and me? We rewrite fates, my love.”

Find friends soon?Gavelle asked in my mind from where he flew beside us.

I felt Isi’s worry through our connection.

“Hold on Kerralyn, Lexie, and Derren,” she whispered. “We’re coming.”

“We’ll make sure our army is ready, then fly south,” I said. “We need to end this before we’re fighting on two fronts.”

There was no escaping now.

War was coming.

May the fates help us survive.

CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO

ISI