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I claw my way into the heavens while the city dwindles below.
No one can hurt us this high in the sky. My heart soars.
We abandon Netherhaven and return to the Thornwood. I never thought I would be so happy to see cursed roses. It’s raining here and dark clouds obscure the sky. I circle over Hexfall before landing outside the ruined castle.
Rook slides from my back and staggers. He catches himself on my shoulder. His silvery skin looks duller than usual.
My stomach plunges. “What’s wrong?”
“Broken ribs, most likely. Hurts to breathe.”
“Where’s Bolt?” I remember the potions inside her saddlebags.
“In a stable outside Netherhaven. Along with all my healing potions.”
“God, Rook, you already know I’m a shit healer. Unless…”
“Unless?”
With him, it’s safe to relinquish the armor of my dragon shape. I shift back into a woman, falling to my hands and knees, and look at him through my tumbling hair. My heart pounds from more than just my transformation.
“Unless you kiss me,” I say. “An incubus kiss.”
“Pyrah.” His gaze lingers on my neck. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
I lift my chin defiantly. “I’m strong enough.”
“Scaldric bit you.” It isn’t a question.
“So? Scaldric broke your ribs.”
“Pyrah, I know what it means for a dragon to be bitten.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE
Cold shame falls to the bottom of my stomach. “I know Scaldric bit me, but I’m not his mate. I’m not his wife.”
Rook holds my gaze. “When he bit you, was it against your will?”
“Yes,” I whisper. I’m sickened just saying it.
“Fuck.” He drags his hand through his hair. “I should have ridden to Netherhaven without waiting. I knew in my gut that something was wrong.” His words turn hoarse. “I’m so sorry. I never should have let him hurt you.”
“Don’t apologize. It wasn’t your fault.”
“I should have protected you.”
My heart clenches like a fist. “Do you…do you think I’m ruined?”
“Ruined?” he repeats, and his face twists. “No. Never.”
“That’s what Scaldric called me.Ruined.Because I’m not a virgin.”
“I should have killed him.” He lets out a slow breath. “I still can.”
My fingers flutter to the raw scars on my neck. “I never should have surrendered to him.”
“You deserve so much better than him. Than…” He doesn’t sayme, but the unspoken word hangs between us. He tenses as if he’s bracing himself.
