Page 28 of Dragon’s Rebel

Then help me.

I’d rather help you find another way. Taking the serum is a big risk, bro.He leaned against Thorne’s shoulder, his hand resting on Thorne’s neck.

It felt comforting. Dragons weren’t usually physically affectionate with each other, but Zane had been more so since he found his mate, as if his love for her spilled over onto all the people he cared about. Zane had done his best to be there for Thorne, ever since he’d gotten stuck in this form.

Thorne found that he liked the brotherly pats on the shoulder, the physical weight of Zane leaning against him, as if trying to lend Thorne his strength. Maybe he was more human than he’d thought. For the first time, that idea pleased him.

I know the risk, Thorne said. The thought of losing his dragon terrified him. Losing his fire, his wings, the constant companionship of the other half of himself.

How would he survive, as half a person?

But if he didn’t try it, if their mission failed and Vyrkos broke free, then they all would die anyway, along with millions of others. He would just be putting off the inevitable.

He added, But not doing it is a bigger risk.

Blaze spoke up suddenly. “They didn’t test this serum on dragons, did they?”

Of course not, Thorne snapped. He didn’t want to think about that. Where would they get one? There are no Draken in this world, and even Wild Dragons are rare.

“I was just thinking that dragons are more powerful and magical than other shifters. Maybe that would give you a better shot.”

“Maybe,” Tyr said. “Let me look over the files more closely and do some tests on the second vial of serum. I might be able to figure out how it’s likely to affect you.”

Thank you, Thorne said. He appreciated it. But ultimately it didn’t matter.

Deep inside, he knew what he had to do. And he had to do it soon.