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“What do we have here?” The cold voice echoed in the cave. He flicked his hand, and I was forced to shift. His intrusive magic was sharp and painful, turning my roar into a scream as I shrank into my human form.
“What the fuck?!” I yelled, slamming my magic into him. He crashed into the wall behind him with a crack, but instead of a pained gasp, he laughed.
“How nice of you to fall right into my path,” he laughed. “This makes my job so much easier. I’ve come for your mates, and with you out of the way, they’ll be vulnerable, unable to stop me.”
The pieces fell into place—long black hair, nothing but cold intelligence in his eyes.
“The Arch Mage?” I guessed bitterly, backing away toward the entrance. He flicked his hand, and a shield covered the cave mouth. Not wanting to be trapped, I slammed magic into it, but the thing didn’t bend, didn’t break. His magic was vast and felt strange, like a mix of species all held within him. “What are you?”
“A dragon, of course,” he said, half shifting to show off blood-red wings. “Some hoard silly trinkets, gold... I, however, aimed higher. My hoard is held close to my chest. No other dragon can rival the amount of power I possess, and I’m not done yet.” He laughed again, the sound cold and hollow as he tapped his chest with a fist.
‘Oh gods. He absorbs it like you did Anya’s,’Zehra said, a sad realization that had us both shaking.‘Though his is far more intricate than an energy transfer. I believe he steals not just their energy, but their actual magical abilities.’
“I’ve only known one person capable of that, and she wasn’t just an average dragon,” I said. “Who did you sell your soul to?”
He gave me an evil grin. “A dark fae. They do so love making deals. They were all too happy to help start a witch hunt, giving me access to an array of magic as our species fell, stronghold by stronghold. Though it seems I missed a few...” He gave me a mocking glare.
“Why are you so forthcoming?” I accused.
“Because you won’t make it out of here alive,” he bragged. “Your magicwillbe mine.”
“No,” I said, shaking my head in denial. My hands protectively wrapped around my middle like I could somehow keep my magic and my eggs safe from this monster.
“Don’t worry. It’ll be swift. I’m not evil, after all,” he mused, laughing at his own humor.
“You’re a fucking psycho,” I said through gritted teeth. “And if you think my mates won’t rip you limb from limb, you’re mistaken.”
Knowing I had one chance, I slammed magic into him before digging out my phone to call Levi, worried the barriers were affecting our dragon connection. Before I could make the call, magic seeped into me, knocking my phone from my grip. The smell of white-hot anger filled the space, and true fear lanced through my heart. I dove for it, desperation fueling my movements. But before I could grab it, he was over me, throwing me down on the rough stone ground. The wind was knocked out of me, and he took that moment to slam a ball of energy straight into my heart. The organ beat frantically before it became too much, my body shutting down in response. Black took over my vision, and my last thoughts were of my babies, the first hope for my species, and how they were being snuffed out before they could truly grow.
24
Nikolaus
Earlier that morning.
The fact that Levi and I had to wait overnight to join the others was painful. Knowing Farren might be suffering in her heat while we were forced to wait this out was ridiculous but necessary. We’d need supplies, and once I smelled that sticky sweetness of her heat, it’d be over for me.
I breathed in the crisp, refreshing mountain air, now truly appreciating it. It had taken being here for weeks to break me out of hiding from the sharpness of the cold. Farren had said that we’d get used to it, though I thought Avi still disagreed.
“I love this town.” Levi grinned next to me, taking my hand as we went for the Mountainview pickup truck. We’d need actual groceries to make it through the week and a steady supply of fluids to keep Farren healthy.
The sun was barely up as we drove through the sleepy town. I parked in front of the little mom and pop grocery store, and we climbed out, praying it was finally seven so they’d be open.
As I climbed out and went for the door, a scent hit me that nearly sent me toppling onto the sidewalk. It was subtle, barely there, but I knew it well.
“Levi,” I whispered. He hurried over at my urgency, not picking up on it in his instant panic. I loved my omega, but he was not subtle.
I didn’t say anything right away, trying to figure out how to break the news. My eyes scanned the town. The sleepy haven seemed so calm and peaceful, yet now I could practically see something lurking behind that calming façade, waiting for its prey so it could strike, painting the snow in red for its own gain.
“What is it?” Levi prompted again, his loud voice startling me enough that I jumped, so intent on searching out the ghost of our past that I hadn’t heard him approach. That was enough to have him rattled too. “What the hell has gotten into you?”
“Breathe in,” I told him, waiting to see if it was all in my head. Hell, every piece of my soul wished it was, but the way he froze, eyes instantly narrowing, I knew I wasn’t wrong.
“He’s been here. It’s faint but unmistakable,” he growled. “If he found us, why hide? This is days old.”
“There’s no way he left,” I agreed. “He was Arch Mage for a reason. He’s shielding, hiding, waiting.” I didn’t care how paranoid I sounded. We all knew this man better than anyone else; we’d seen through his masks and charm.
“No,” he agreed. “Let’s go for a walk. See if we can find him. At least Farren is safe with Avi and Kane. Should I call them?”
