Eternal Embrace: Revenge of the dragon, #1

By Rania Badawy

"There was an issue dividing the circle of Elders, and the issue was Vayshan."

 

When Vilyon's daughter is betrothed to the fearsome Chaos Draconas to appease the dark void demon, Vayshan's father seeks help from the battle brothers who can stop the wedding and save her from Chaos.

 

King Surabar, the ruler of Draykonia, vows to do everything in his power to protect the beautiful dragon goddess. But his connection to her is instantaneous and irrevocable. She has captured his heart, and he'll stop at nothing until her dragon soul is entwined with his forever. However, their love is as forbidden as it is dangerous. Because Chaos Draconas, backed by the High Master Dragon Elders, demands that which was promised to him, and the fate of the entire dragon realm hangs in balance.

 

Soar with the dragons in this heart- stopping  epic tale of dark fantasy and romance, as revenge and jealousy test the power of fate...and love.

 

Enter the mystical world of Draykonia at your own peril...

 

Eternal Embrace is book one of the riveting and action- packed new fantasy series, Revenge of The Dragon.      

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rania Badawy
• Release date: Jan 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215380659

Rania Badawy

Rania Badawy is a romantic fantasy author. She was born in Cairo, Egypt and raised in London, Hounslow. Rania has been writing and telling stories since she was a child. She is currently writing three series, and her book Eternal Embrace is being published in multiple languages. For upcoming book releases, bonus material, joining her reader club and additional information on the author, please visit her website: www.raniabadawy.com

Book preview

Rania Badawy

Revenge of The Dragon: Eternal Embrace

Book One

First published by Morpheus Unbound Publisher 2021

Copyright © 2021 by Rania Badawy

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Rania Badawy asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Rania Badawy has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

First edition

Cover art by Ken Dawson

Illustration by Lobellia

Illustration by Bukan

Illustration by Emilie

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

Find out more at reedsy.com

Publisher Logo

For my three little stars

Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.

Leonardo da Vinci

Contents

Character Name Pronunciation

Translation

Don’t Leave Me Hanging!

Bloodied Hands

I’m Coming For You

Hell’s Gates

Bitter Taste Of Revenge

Forged In Fire

To Find A Damned Void Demon

Song For Durhun

Is That Blood On Your Chin?

Bobby’s Masterpiece

Nice To Meet Ya Bastard!

Tears In A Box

Storms & Visions

Glasses And A Mysterious Ol’ Book?

Did Ya Think Ya Could Fool Me, Chaos Draconas?

The Naughty Corner

Let The Games Begin

Mission Curly?

Rebirth & Theonevee?

Domain Of Pegasus.

Paths Collide

Bonus: Bobby’s Honeyed Delight

Review Me Please

About the Author

Character Name Pronunciation

Year Dates

AK stands for (After Kayoshun)

AP stands for (After Pegasus)

Nevarion family

(Neh-far-eon)

Vayshan Nevarion – Vayshan’s name means ‘Dark promise’ and is pronounced (Fae-shar-n)

Nerah Nevarion – Nerah’s name means ‘desert’ and is pronounced (Nay-rah)

Vilyon Nevarion – Vilyon’s name means ‘wrath’ and is pronounced (Vil-yon)

Haydra Family

(Hay-d-rah)

Opulus Haydra – Opulus’ name means ‘storm clouds’ and is pronounced (Op-you-lus)

Lynsiah Haydra – Lynsiah means ‘loving’ and is pronounced (Lin-see-yah)

Khan Haydra – Khan’s name means ‘Quick thinker’ and is pronounced (Kar-n )

Surabar Haydra – Surabar’s name means ‘sun rise’ and is pronounced (Su-Reh-bar)

Gryder Family

(G-rai-dar)

Feyodorh Gryder – Feyodorh’s name means ‘forest spirit’ and is pronounced (Fae-oh-door)

Rohin Gryder – Rohin’s name means ‘green goddess’ and is pronounced (Roo-hen)

Theon Gryder – Theon’s name means ‘Dark Star’ and is pronounced (Thee-yon)

Draconas Family

Hazeerah Draconas – Hazeerah’s name means ‘To shine’ and is pronounced (Has-ear-rah)

Jay Draconas – Jay’s name means ‘Blade’ and is pronounced (Jay)

Chaos Draconas – Chaos’ name means ‘Void’ and is pronounced (Kay-os)

Nadeem Draconas – Nadeem’s name means ‘To sleep deep’ And is pronounced (Nah-d-ee-m)

Aymen Draconas – Aymen’s name means ‘leader’ and is pronounced (Ay-men)

Hayadeen Family

(Hey-a-dean)

Xygos Hayadeen – Xygos’s name means ‘Old bear’ and is pronounced (Kai-gos) give it a bit of a pirate slur and he’ll offer ya some ale too.

Felecia Hayadeen – Felecia’s name means ‘fast train’ and is pronounced (Fal-eeh-sha)

Echo Hayadeen – Echo’s name means ‘double faces’ and is pronounced (Ek-oh)

Lee Jay Family

(Lee -Jae)

Azrael Lee Jay – Azrael’s name mean’s ‘Angel of death’ and is pronounced (As-ree-al) pssst he’s a professional table flipper you know…just ask Rixhor!

Rivin Lee Jay – Rivin’s name means ‘Calm’ and is pronounced (Riv-in)

Markov Family

(Mar-Kov)

Xyron Markov – Xyron’s name means ‘to rule’ and is pronounced (Kai-ron Mar-kof)

Simon Markov – Simon’s name means ‘Howler’ and is pronounced (Si-men)

Perseus Markov – Perseus’ name means ‘Destroyer’ and is pronounced (Purr-see-yus)

Rowaidah Markov – Rowaidah’s name means ‘compass’ and is pronounced (Row-ay-da)

OTHERS

Levi Rixhor – Rixhor’s name means ‘cogs’ and is pronounced (Rik-saw) he’ll greet you as long as you are no void demon…are you?

Ghumhoor – Ghumhoor’s name means ‘brooding storm’ and is pronounced (Gum-or)

Amarrah – Amarrah’s name means ‘dark promise’ and is pronounced (Ama-rah)

Riyhan – Riyhan’s name means ‘better half’ and is pronounced (Ree-hun)

Maria – Maria’s name means ‘bright smile’ and is pronounced (Mar-reah)

Farkosh – Farkosh’s name means ‘Dark wizard’ and is pronounced (Far-kosh)

Savannah – Savannah’s name means ‘to run blood’ and is pronounced (Sa-fun-nah)

Chris Humphreys – Chris is short for Christopher

Master Bobby – Bobby’s name means ‘perfect person’ and is pronounced (Bo-beeee) Yesh!!

Seraphos – Seraphos’s name means ‘devourer of worlds’ and is pronounced (Seh-rah-fos) he certainly has an appetite.

Nevari – Nevari’s name means ‘Delicate Yellow flower’ and is pronounced (Neh-far-ree)

Neymah – Neymah’s name means ‘one who sleeps’ and is pronounced (Nay-mar)

Azaleh – Azaleh’s name means ‘Of all gods’ and is pronounced (Ah-zar-lah)

Lorn – Lorn’s name means ‘cheeky’ and is pronounced (Loh-run)

War beasts

Zarkorah (Zar-core-ahh)

Bone Eye

Hayleen (Hay-Lean)

Soran (Saw-ron)

Xarshan (Car-shun)

A final salute to the hero of the book The Gamudhian that was killed in the Draykonian rebirth. Name pronunciation is (Gah-mood-ian)

Kingdom pronunciations

Draykonia (Drah-kon-ea)

Marrh (Mar)

Silent steps

Nurak (New-Rah-k)

Kragploom (Crag-ploom)

Sormania (Sur-mar-neah)

Xymor (Kae-moor)

Kayoshun (Kah-yoh-shun)

Ayn El Shams (Eye-n-L-Shums)

Welcome to the dragon realms fellow traveller….please proceed with caution!!

Translation

Dragon translation (Yahmareon tongue)

Fafenyo: Forgive me (Far-fin-yo)

Frenyoa: Sweetheart (Fren-yo-ay)

Kakh Fafenyo: Sleepyhead (Kar Faf-en-yo)

Mafilyo: My friend (Mar-fill-yo)

Gurayo: rest now (Gor-a-o)

Yegoma: let’s go (Yeh-go-meh)

Fenyoa Kekhmeyar: protect her (Fen-yo-a cake-me-yaar)

Yegonay isya moaya: I will call for you (Yeh-go-nah is-yah mo-ay-ar)

Kekh myar no afwa: have you no shame (Kah-mee-yar no af-war)

Farmasha: fucking stinker (Far-mar-shah)

Wah yah gazalun: what beautiful eyes. (Waah-ye-ger-zah-lun)

Na fameyon isya moaya: get outta here and come back later. (Nah-Far-me-yon is-yeh Mow-ay-ah)

Skraynu Hern: Stupid arse (Sk-rain-oh Her-nah)

Yehdan: We (Yeah-darn)

Yad: You (Yud)

Yar: The (Ya-ar)

Nah: No (Nar-h)

Shitna: Aftermath of a constipated war beast (Shed-nah)

Shamsh: Blood (Sham-sh)

Shereon: Witch (Cher-ee-on)

Satna: Safe (Saad-nar)

Hesniya: Hope (Hes-nee-yar)

Meh: I (M-eh)

Mowton: Dead (Mow-Ton)

Em Han Sedna: Do you trust me? (Em-ha-nh Said-nah)

Haymaron: fucking dogs (Hay-mar-on)

Yed Eshtirhan: I’m missing you (Y-ed Esh-tee-run)

Daman: Thousands (Dum-marn)

Helyan: girl (Hell-yarn)

Samat: worried (Sum-art)

Sarsan: Pineapple (Sar-sun)

Shashkumeh: Strawberry (Sash-kum-mah)

Arabic translation

Asalam alaykum ya boya: peace to you oh father Yani El Dahab Baraka feek: Oh my, the gold blessings to you.

Don’t Leave Me Hanging!

Chapter Separator

Portal activating… You are now entering… The Fire Dragon Realm… Location: Nurak, Tower of Veils Date: 05/05/180 AK

Vayshan’s bloodshot eyes flew open, taking in her surroundings. Tall, dark towers stretched beyond her vision. Shadows danced and flickered before her eyes blurred, so she struggled to place their form.

Her head sagged under her chains, sending drops of dark red to flow down into her brown hair.

The agony caused her stomach to clench, and she vomited blood and bile over the bones and ashes below her. Her body shuddered, and she cried out in the grip of agony as her ankles carried the weight of her. At least one of her ankles she knew was broken.

Darkness had fallen since the Malok warriors carried her body to the cage-like prison and left her to her misery. Lightning raged overhead, playing a deadly dance of shadows across her face. Thunder crashed, startling her; raging violet eyes flew open. She had swum in and out of consciousness for hours, feverish from pain and loss of blood. Every movement made her body shudder and tremble. She heard footfalls.

Grunting, she brushed the bloodstained wet hair from her eyes and peered at the dark figure, watching her with a smug grin. Lightning flashed, illuminating the Nurakian King’s figure.

Not dead yet? Farkosh stepped closer. Another flicker of lightning etched Farkosh’s skin in sharp relief, revealing an expression of fury.

I will not die here… Her voice was a hoarse whisper. She struggled to breathe. Her eyes fixed on Farkosh with a terrible spine-tingling intensity.

You sure? His smile at that moment was cunning, dark, and hungry as a predator.

Your kingdom is a shit hole Farkosh. Ever heard of cleaning?

Farkosh sniggered, leaning ever so slightly and deliberately against the cage, smiling when she muffled a scream.

Fuck you! She spat a mouth full of blood at him. Farkosh’s mouth jerked like an invisible hand, slapping him into a rude awakening.

Oh dear, and I was just growing fond of you. He took a deep, impatient breath.

The pain in her ankles was building once more. Gritting her teeth, she tried not to shift.

When the agony subsided, and her vision cleared. She focused her gaze on Farkosh once more. Such fury in her that for a moment, she knew he could see the raw hatred in her eyes.

She could just as easily glimpse the triumph in his as he reached through the bars to stroke her thigh intimately. She shuddered inwardly and bit her lip so hard she tasted blood.

I’m sorry I dragged you into this, but you only have King Surabar to blame…. His words were those of sympathy, but his perverted smile was far from innocent. His finger brushed against her bloodied breaches. It was brief, but sent her body shuddering to the bone.

Feel me like that again, and I will rip your tiny cock off, she growled between gritted teeth. Farkosh’s smile faded as he saw the truth of her words set within the dark crimson of her eyes.

He had no right taking Savannah!

She’s a damned bloody whore…. Vayshan spat at him in a rage.

Hear me!!! He roared at her.

She looked up into his feverishly bright green eyes. Vague memories of her rushing through the Enchanted Forest, fleeing Draykonia and its Elders. Flames licked high into the night when she turned and ran for her life.

She did not know in which direction she was headed, but she had to escape the dangers of Draykonia. Slapping branches and twigs out of her way cut at her delicate skin. However, as she rushed out of the Forrest, awaiting Vayshan was a much worse fate as she crashed through bushes and into the arms of Farkosh’s minions. Farkosh a devoted murderer of gods and kings alike. And also, a loving husband to his soul mate Savannah.

There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her. Since King Surabar had captured her.

A trade for Goddess Vayshan made Farkosh chortle with joy. It only seemed fair. And he would take his soul mate back at any cost.

‘I never asked for any of this!!’ Vayshan wanted to scream out to the High Master Dark Dragon Gods for mercy. But no mercy would come forth, not from them. Never.

Lightning flared overhead as the first of the rain touched her hot skin.

It burned like acid. Also, when Vayshan blinked, she could make out that the sky was bleeding.

Your soul mate Chaos Draconas must be wreathing in his prison right now? His eyes were cruel as they roved over her. She shook her head.

Goddess Vayshan had no sweet memories of her soul mate. Her dragon soul was snatched from her to prevent him from claiming her as his own. She did not know who she was anymore. She was incomplete without her dragon soul.

Chaos Draconas’ fate had been worse still. He was murdered and his body chopped into a thousand pieces so he may never be reborn again. His body scattered to the far corners of the world so he may never be whole. It should have been impossible for him to be reborn, and yet he resurfaced stronger than ever.

What do you know? She hissed at him.

I know a lot. I know right now that King Surabar would do anything to protect you. Don’t take this personal goddess, but I have my soul mate that needs my protection!

Do you pay her also? Rage built within her.

‘How fuckin’ dare she!!’ He licked his dry lips, almost delirious with rage that an individual goddess could be so bloody rude. You will die….

Then so be it…. She could understand the anger growing within his dark green eyes. She drew a long, shuddering breath.

It is not worth it. He shook his head in anguish. Vexing me will not help you!!

Leave me alone, you stupid fool. Her eyes narrowed bitterly. Bloodshot eyes gave away her rage.

Do you miss him? It must be terrible having a soul mate so weak that he cannot protect you from the likes of me. He smiled, noting the pain his words were causing her.

You are so bloody boring, Farkosh. Vayshan rolled her eyes while groaning out loud. Are you sure your soul mate didn’t just get bored and run into another male’s arms? Or two!! Vayshan’s voice dripped with sarcasm as she smirked at him.

Knowing her… a lot more!!

‘I might enjoy this pathetic dragon god’s company after all!’ Vayshan smirked to herself.

Farkosh’s brow arched angrily at her as his teeth ground.

Your rage and battles can only compensate for so much, Farkosh. Vayshan looked him up and down distastefully.

You know the wrong the dragon king of Draykonia has done. Farkosh waved a hand, ignoring her harsh, belittling comment. What else might he expect from the daughter of Vilyon?

King Surabar did no wrong in sentencing Savannah to prison. Her gleaming violet eyes set on his with deadly intent.

It was, after all, about the enchantress. Vayshan’s betrothal to Chaos Draconas just added more spice to Farkosh’s intent for war. His laughter hurt her ears. It was cold and bitter.

I bet King Surabar has you every night? His gaze on her was hard and piercing.

You are stunning!

She shut her eyes suddenly; colour flushed her entire being. His words fouler than a smack.

You should be more worried about your soul mate and her lusty appetites… I do pity you!! Vayshan could see her words had hit him hard.

‘Gullible fool has no idea how many dragon gods his soul mates lap up!’

You’re a sharp-tongued viper, aren’t you?

I have been through hell and back. Do you think your pathetic words will make me fall to bits? Come on, Farkosh, I’m sure you can do better than that. Vayshan groaned. She was getting bored with him. Bored with the waiting. She wanted more than anything to escape this place.

She knew if she called out to King Surabar, he would come. She needed him and the battle brothers more than ever at this moment.

But they would drag her back to Draykonia with them and leave her all over again. Her heart hammered so harshly in her chest that it alarmed her.

Farkosh was unmoved. He looked her in the eye. Still, he wants you enough. He will not resist but to come to you. Either way, we will get what we want.

Damn you!! she sneered between gritted teeth. It was a trap and one she’d stupidly fallen right into.

What? Did you think I’m keeping you alive because I am maddened by your beauty or your sweet tongue? Fuck that, you’re deadlier than bloody poison!! Farkosh hissed sharply and turned on his heels to leave. No wonder Vilyon cast you off to Draykonia. Only the brutes can handle you!

F-Farkosh, she stammered reluctantly.

Farkosh’s eyes narrowed dangerously. A ferocious bolt of lightning blazed within. Perhaps a light of hope. A smile touched the corner of his mouth briefly.

In addition, he turned to face her. Oh, so smug. What is it, snake?

Get me down from here! Strangely enough, her voice went silky soft.

Please, just let me go.

He managed a slight smile. Never. I have you right where I need you. King Surabar will come for you, and he will only get what he wants once he returns my soul mate to me.

Vayshan stifled a vicious curse. Thunder crashed. Vayshan’s tears soaked the skulls beneath her.

All for nothing. She was resisting the urge to call upon help; she feared what or who might answer her call. Many vicious beings prowled the Nurakian dead lands. With the twin moons so high, she feared waking the undead prowlers of Nurak.

Farkosh watched her in stoic silence. He took a deep breath. There was an overpowering scent on her, the smell of someone high, a lord, a king, perhaps higher, a dragon god? And the smell was powerful, like a claim on her; it had to be the scent of the void Demon God Chaos Draconas himself.

Vayshan, I don’t mean to make you suffer more than needed. King Surabar returns my soul mate, and you are free!! He muttered.

Free to go back to prison. I fled from there, you bloody fool!! she spat at him viciously.

A spray of blood flew in his direction, spotting the cobbled stone before him; he glanced across at her in disgust. Panic filled her heart at the sharp scrape of metal against metal.

Do it again, and I will have your tongue out.

You are not dragon enough…. She hissed sharply. She felt the kiss of cold metal against her cheek. Her blood flowed to the ground like a vicious, scorching river.

Farkosh!! she cried out. Release me for the dark mother’s sake.

Farkosh’s jaw went tight as he heard a humongous warning rumble and glared up at the sky.

The skies were not lying to him. The stretch of spilling blood was strength stronger than he had ever known to reach out for Vayshan. Also, the little wench was already aware of it.

The angrier he made her, the more this unknown being raged and called for her.

Something or someone was coming.

‘Yes, come; I am waiting for you.’ Farkosh eyed the skies. ‘And bring my soul mate, you bastards!!’

The skies splintered with rage and lightning flashed before his eyes.

‘I come for you, Vayshan.’ It was a mere whisper against her ear, but she felt a strange tingling bolt of adrenaline rushing through her.

‘Oh, sweet dark mother….’ She gasped.

Farkosh eyed her coolly. His eyes firmly set on her with an empty coldness.

Was that fear in his eyes? A rough wind blew through him, and he tasted the stranger’s icy torrent. The skies rumbled a warning.

Still, Farkosh showed no mercy.

You called out, a mad thing to do, daughter of Vilyon! Farkosh grinned, clutching the sword in his massive grasp. But I am grateful. Thank you.

Pray that when he finds me, he will show you mercy. You do not know who you are dealing with!

Bloodied Hands

Chapter Separator

Portal activating… You are now entering… The Fire Dragon Realm… Location: Draykonia, Dragon Stone Date: 05/05/180 AK

The sounds of slaughter and the thick copper stench of blood lingered in Surabar’s nostrils and burned his lungs.

Hot ichor sprayed his left cheek as his mighty war beast named Bone Eye gorged on Malok’s flesh. It should have been unbearable, but for all his hundred years as Dragon King of Draykonia, the smell of blood no longer unsettled or turned his stomach. He welcomed it as he did the folds of hell.

His body was smeared with blood. Not his.

He reined up his war beast, Bone Eye, at the edge of the outer skirts of Dragon Stone and sat there for a minute, studying the hell before him.

The battle brothers moved forward on their war beasts and waited.

His battle brother Demon God, Theon Gryder of Xymor, stood beside him were his battle brothers Dragon God, Khan Haydra of Sormania, and Dragon God, Echo Hayadeen of Ayn El Shams.

The kings swore loyalty to Draykonia till the wars seized.

Surabar and Khan, along with Echo and Theon, were the legendary portal walkers that protected the vast Dragon and Demon Realms from danger.

Surabar patted Bone Eye as he growled in discomfort; ichor oozed from huge fangs, forming a pool of black in front of him.

He tried to fix his mind on the decision ahead. Still, thoughts of the Elder Rixious intruded: Rixious had been an active guard for the blood witch, Savannah, a very dangerous captive.

‘What fools we are to think ourselves capable of holding her captive!’ He thought. From somewhere far off, he heard his father Opulus chuckling.

‘She killed Rixious,’ he thought bitterly. ‘The bitch killed my friend!’

He would avenge his death. Woman or not, Savannah would suffer a darker fate than that of the Dragon Elder Rixious.

He took a deep breath as his mind flashed to Vayshan, Vayshan whom Surabar loved and desired so madly and deeply. Thought of her made him shift on his war beast. He wanted nothing more than to be in her arms right now.

Vayshan was to be claimed by Chaos Draconas in the blessed month of Floriya, fated, as they called it. That made Surabar gruff with impatience.

In addition, with the holy month of Floriya so near, Surabar could not contain his possessive nature towards her. That made him hiss with deep agitation.

Surabar and the battle brothers did all they could to prevent the marriage from taking place. Surabar ground his teeth with pent-up emotions. He hated the knowledge such a foul void demon would handle the beautiful, shy Vayshan.

‘Over my dead fucking body. Will I let him claim her?’ Surabar swore to himself.

They’d sworn to do all in their power to prevent it from happening; for now, it was enough. Chaos Draconas was not going anywhere. For now.

‘Damn it.’ He thought bitterly.

His war beast, Bone Eye, rattled his bones from beneath him; Surabar drew his black hood over his face and tried to put his mind on the fleeing blood witch. Still, his mind darted from the Dragon God Vilyon to his only daughter, Vayshan. He needed Vayshan more than he could ever dare admit to himself.

‘How I miss ya, Vee?’ He brought his hand to his mouth and kissed the ring she’d crafted for him many moons ago. Vayshan had crafted each of the battle brothers a ring of protection on the battlefield, a shining beacon in the darkest of hours.

Vayshan shook Surabar’s entire soul; he became so lost in the thought of her.

Now here he was, only a few days’ travels from the Road of Lies, and his mind and heart were in bloody, raging turmoil. He needed her. He needed to see Vayshan.

But first, he had to find the witch who had killed his beloved Elder and set a curse on his homeland; in Surabar’s mind, the haunting sounds of his last cry for him and his blood on her hands as she fed on his beating heart. He would not easily forget.

Suddenly, he snapped back to here and now as Echo’s gloved hand rested on his shoulder. Surabar was brutally tall and handsome, as buff as an ox, with warm caramel skin and flaming crimson eyes. On this foul day, Surabar wore his long silken black hair laced with the bones of his enemies. His dark shirt was open, revealing his ropey muscular chest adorned with tattoos.

Where is she? Echo frowned.

Yad nah el Shamsh shereon is not ‘ere? Theon said, a little impatiently. Theon had a thick Yahmareon demon accent and barely spoke a word of the ancient dragon tongue.

She’s bloody here, Khan spoke with certainty, licking his smooth lips. He smelt her lingering scent upon the walls, on the cobbled street, the frantic beating of her heart as she fled her fate. Khan grinned, eyeing his battle brother Surabar with dark intent.

Ay, I smell her, too? Surabar growled under his breath. She stinks of fear!

Echo answered. She’s hiding well!

King Surabar had searched for her many a time to slay her before she destroyed any more of Draykonia. Still, she was too cunning and slipped past his brother’s way too many times.

Today, she was not so lucky. Today, they would find her and bring her to justice once and for all. Another moment passed in silence and then Surabar dismounted. Surabar dismissed his war beast, Bone Eye, with a tap on his scaly hide. There was no need to harness the ancient war beast to any tree if he wandered off; Surabar could call him back when needed.

Slowly, his deep crimson eyes took in every detail; he glanced to his left as Khan leapt out of his saddle to join him.

They walked through the foreboding streets. It was a dark, deserted ruin. It was eerily calm and too silent for any of the battle brother’s liking. Dark things skittered back into the shadows as they passed.

A wild dog growled and stood guard over a prize he was defending against the intruders. A bone of some sort, with bits of gnawed flesh still lingering in places, Surabar looked about and saw other bones in the shadows, near doorways, and some just lying in the middle of the street.

Eh Surabar, ya gonna ‘ave ta fargev meh. Yad kingdom be looking like a shitnah? Theon frowned, casually kicking a bone out of his path; Surabar glared at him angrily. Khan gave Theon a distasteful grunt, moving on.

Would you kick your own blood’s ashes and bones? Surabar fumed.

Theon frowned. Nah dor hensa ma grimon. Heyma, kor rion gordorh! He shut his eyes in regret.

What did he say? Surabar growled, giving Echo Hayadeen a look over his shoulder.

He said they are just bones. Neither are they alive, nor can we can resurrect them. They just are. Echo Hayadeen muttered. Kicking them will not offend them!

Theon turned sharply to the sound of Surabar heaving from the stench of the place. The sounds of Surabar’s heaving and vomiting echoed in the alley. The stench was unbearable.

Echo Hayadeen’s stomach heaved, and he dared not look in Surabar’s direction for fear his stomach would sour.

Khan wrinkled his sweaty nose within the folds of his mask; he dared not remove it, not with the stench surrounding them already.

Slowly they entered Dragon Stone, reading its horror in the bones that scattered along the street.

Surabar’s eyes settled on a ruined dwelling he recognised all too well.

No, please, no!! He choked up as he fought back his tears. He rushed to the residence and regrettably slammed open the doorway to the shack.

A putrid smell greeted his nostrils. He choked on the stench. It flooded him with grief. Dead bodies were stripped clean of all flesh; all that remained were bones, still more or less in the position in which they failed.

Surabar painfully shut his eyes; tears streamed down his face as he called on the memories of this place. The warm aroma of honey cakes and the sweet, motherly laughter of Kailas when she found Vayshan in tears after Surabar had teased her. He always did. Some things may never change.

Surabar became so emotionally drawn he did not observe the insects buzzing around his brain.

Brother, are you alright? Khan flicked a hand to ward off the insects.

No. I am not alright. Surabar shuddered uncontrollably, overtaken with emotion as Kailas’ children still hauntingly sat at the table.

I’m sorry I did not protect you better. Surabar reached a hand out to touch Kailas one last time. Her skull crumbled under his thumb, formed into ashes under the slight caress. He shivered, and madness took hold of him. I’m so sorry!!

‘Vayshan,’ He thought. ‘If any ill becomes of her.’ He would never forgive himself. His stomach clenched violently. Bile rose in his throat; alas, his gut was empty. It had been so for many nights.

King Khan nodded for them to leave. Come, my brother… Come! Khan gripped Surabar around the shoulders, urging him out of the dwelling.

The air outside welcomed them; a fast wind blew in from the north that scoured the village clean of its rotten smells.

SAVANNAH!!! Surabar roared her name and ground his teeth harshly as he pounded his chest. Today, I will have yah blood on me hands!!

Suddenly, the female scent passed Surabar’s nostrils this time; his crimson eyes flared with rage as he held up his hand for silence. The battle brothers stalled.

The silence stretched across the small, dark village, broken only by the shrill buzzing of flies circling the dead and massive rats.

Surabar inhaled deeply, driving her scent deep into his lungs. Several long moments had passed before Surabar realised how quiet the village was. Even the wind complied with his order.

The wind rose and fell; over the bitter scent of blood and spilt entrails, he caught the strangely sour feminine whiff of the blood witch.

He turned about wildly and began running, his boots barely touching the ground, his masculine, solid body moving as nimbly as a wild beast. The battle brothers followed close behind.

Surabar moved out of the village and followed the scent through the thick forest, backing the village with open arms. He leapt through bushes. Nearby lay the road that wound itself up into the rocky hills leading to Vilyon’s temple. He was suddenly aware of her. He could hear her hard heart hammering in her chest.

Stay ‘ere!! Let me deal with this bitch. Surabar growled hotly over his shoulder.

Brother? Khan frowned in question, but he stopped nonetheless.

He’s stealing da kill! Theon swore bitterly. Darn ya, bastard doesn’t know how ta share!!

Echo gave Theon a wide smile as he shook his head impatiently at the demon king.

Damned brute of a king! Echo had to laugh as Theon gave a sigh of disappointment.

Surabar moved with blurring speed up the path; now, he had her cornered like a frightened rabbit.

He heard the echoes of her heart-shattering sobs. Her weeping should have set his intention on edge and made him want to go down on one knee. For he was the protector of women and children. But not this time, not for her. She had torn through homes with murdering curses, trying to seize control and turn the lands for her beloved Farkosh.

Hatred and loathing burned like a lump of seething coal in Surabar’s chest. His lips quivered with the urge to throttle her.

I have you now! he roared fitfully.

No. I have you. Savannah’s voice shuddered with rage. Without warning, the ground suddenly trembled like the hand of an angry god slammed into his path.

He steadied himself; her powers scarcely moved him. He physically cringed at her poor attempt and pressed forward.

The air hummed