Dragon Mage 2: Pact

By Avril Sabine

(Series two of Dragon Blood series)
Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy.
Word Count: 57,650
Having allies around her hasn’t made things easier for Amber. Time is running out. One of her allies is imprisoned and they need to be rescued before all of them are forever trapped in a world not their own.
This story was written by an Australian author using Australian spelling.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cracked Acorn Productions
• Release date: Jan 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781925941753

Avril Sabine

Avril Sabine is an Australian author who lives on acreage in South East Queensland. She writes mostly young adult and children’s speculative fiction, but has been known to dabble in other genres. She has been writing since she was a young child and wanted to be an author the moment she realised someone wrote the books she loved to read.Visit Avril's website to learn more about her and her many books. www.avrilsabine.com

Book preview

Chapter One

Amber clung to Treon’s back as he flew towards his parents’ castle, barely visible in the distance. The initial excitement of realising Kade had come for her was swamped by exhaustion. Soon she’d have her own dragons around her. Although Treon and his family were no longer the strangers they’d once been, she’d still feel better having her dragons here.

The word ‘mine’ rang out in Amber’s head, memories of the word being spoken so many times, filling her. A smile formed, exhaustion dragging at it so it barely lasted. In some places, the word ‘mine’ had many negative meanings when it was used to refer to a person. Not amongst dragons. And with how the thought of that word made her feel, Amber was beginning to think she might be more dragon than she’d ever wanted to be. But she was okay with that. Especially if it meant being able to keep all of those she loved safe.

Where are your people now? Treon thought to Amber.

Not far from where they entered your world. She was able to speak the words aloud, since she was in human form. It would have been impossible to ride him while he was in dragon form if she’d chosen to be anything else. She glanced at the trees spread out below, interrupted by the occasional clearing, sunlight glinting on the river that cut across the land. A fall would kill her if she couldn’t turn into a goshawk. And lately, there was no guarantee that she could.

Are we close enough for you to mind talk to them yet? Treon asked.

Amber automatically shook her head, then spoke aloud since he obviously couldn’t see her movement. Not yet. Not long until they are. It felt like it had been forever since she’d last seen Kade. As well as everyone else. Yet it hadn’t been a fortnight. So much for the week Ronan had told her he’d needed. But she supposed she couldn’t completely blame it on him. She’d been the one who’d decided to weaken Brigitte. There was no way she wanted that dragon coming after her or hers. That woman was worse than Ronan had ever been. We need to go past your family’s castle. With how fast Treon flew, they were nearly at the castle. From up here, it looked in far better condition than it was after going through a couple of battles.

Are you sure you want to meet them in the state you’re in? You smell of blood and battle.

Yes. They’ve seen me after a battle more than a few times. There was no way she wanted to risk Kade thinking she’d left the world and have him look for her elsewhere. Not that she knew how he’d found her. Was one of the new Dragon Mages a tracker? She hoped so. They needed more of them. As well as more healers. A lot more healers. Especially with how often they ended up battling others. And not just Hell Hounds. Dragons couldn’t resist trying to take what they wanted by force.

After how badly you were wounded, they might think-

Amber interrupted him. They came for me. I’m not about to leave them wondering where I am any longer than necessary. Would you do that to your family?

I’d drag myself from my deathbed for my family, Treon stated as he flew past his family’s castle.

Amber grinned. That was why she liked Treon. They thought alike. Exactly. I’d do the same. Nothing would stop her from going to her family. Those born into it and those who’d become a part of it. At least nothing would for long. She wouldn’t allow it.

Will you leave with them as soon as you’ve rested? I know you said you had something to do before you leave, but who’s to say they’ll want to stay any longer than it takes to collect you?

Her grin, which had faded, made a brief appearance. He’d obviously not understood that she’d been talking about dealing with Brigitte. I have to rescue Ronan and make sure Brigitte doesn’t come after me or mine. She only wished she could talk Ronan into not taking Brigitte back to the dragon world. At least Brigitte had never held a Pliethin or learned to use the Void. No one in this world had learned to use one. Keeley had held one. But still had no idea if it had worked for her. Being half hunter might change what it did to her.

Treon didn’t reply immediately. Brigitte isn’t your burden.

Amber couldn’t help wondering if he’d hesitated to think the words to her because he’d worried they couldn’t take Brigitte down without her help. No. But she is my enemy. And she had too many enemies as it was. She thought fleetingly of Fredrick. One day she’d have to face him and his knights. There was no way he’d forget all about her. She was distracted from old memories by Kade and his companions changing direction and coming towards her. Not long and they’d be within range. There were so many things to tell him. Not many of them good. When Treon slowed, she frowned. Are you okay?

I’ll see that you reach your people.

That doesn’t answer my question.

It answers what’s important.

About to argue the point with Treon, Amber realised Kade was close enough she could contact him. "What are you doing so far ahead of everyone?"

Are you okay? Kade demanded. "Why haven’t the two of you returned? And where are you?"

Keep flying in the direction you’re heading in. Amber dreaded answering the rest of his questions.

You gave in on the topic a lot quicker than I expected, Treon thought to Amber.

At the same time as Treon spoke to her, Kade did too. "Why didn’t you come home? What happened? And where is Ronan? I would have thought he’d be demanding what we’re doing here by now."

She laughed, answering Treon first. Only because I was distracted by Kade. Give me a minute to answer all his questions. She slowly let out her breath, not wanting to answer any of Kade’s questions. Or at least not yet. "It was Ronan’s fault we’ve been gone so long. I should have known things would be more complicated than he said." They always were. She should have expected it.

Aren’t they always?

She grinned at the dryness she could hear in Kade’s thoughts, the words having echoed the thoughts she’d kept to herself. "Yeah."

What has been happening while you’ve been here? Kade asked. "Are you okay? Unharmed?"

She had no idea where to start. Then she grinned. Questions could wait. "I can see you." He was ahead of her, flying low above the trees.

Who is the dragon with you? Kade demanded.

Ignoring Kade’s question, Amber spoke aloud to Treon. Land in that clearing ahead of us. She continued to ignore Kade’s demands that she answer him. She’d also run out of time to press the matter with Treon.

I take it that’s your dragon coming towards us. Treon headed towards the clearing.

Yes. Now Treon was headed for the clearing, Amber interrupted Kade’s demands for her to answer him. "I’ll meet you in that clearing."

The moment Treon landed, Amber was off his back and running towards Kade, throwing her arms around him as soon as he was human. I missed you so much.

Kade’s arms tighten around her. You’re never going anywhere alone with Ronan again. He can’t be trusted to look after you properly.

Again she laughed, not wanting to let him go. Around them she noticed the rest of her dragons landing, along with Crystal, who was riding on Rian’s back. Next time, I’ll take my caged Pliethin with me. Then it won’t be a problem. I can come and go as I need to. Before she could ask where Daray had disappeared to, she was distracted.

Crystal threw herself at Amber and Kade, wrapping her arms around the two of them. When is it my turn? She made a face. Yuck. You’re covered in blood. Why are you always covered in blood? She drew back from Amber, looking down at herself. Her clothes were clean. Dried blood?

Amber couldn’t stop grinning. Yeah. Dried blood. The fight was hours ago. She held one arm out to Crystal, keeping the other around Kade. Does that mean you want a hug now?

Crystal made another face. No thanks. I’ll wait until you’ve washed. Whose blood is it? Yours? Someone else?

Kade frowned, breathing in deeply, speaking before Amber could answer Crystal. You smell odd. What have you done to yourself?

She met Kade’s gaze. I missed you too. Her cheeks ached, but she couldn’t stop grinning. It had been forever since she’d seen him. Far too long.

Kade’s gaze narrowed. Why do I have the feeling you’re trying to avoid answering my questions?

Maira, who’d finished unsaddling Rian and Brann, strode towards them. Who’s the dragon keeping his distance? She nodded towards Treon, who remained at the edge of the clearing, now in human form.

Kade eyed Treon suspiciously before facing Amber. Yet another question you avoided answering.

He’s Ronan’s grandson. Amber grinned at Crystal’s stunned expression.

Crystal laughed, turning to Rian. Guess that makes him your nephew.

Ronan has children here? How long have you been in this world? Rian asked. For us, it has only been eleven days.

Crystal looked from Amber to Rian several times before her gaze stopped on Amber. It’s been decades? You’ve been here for decades?

Amber shook her head. The same time has passed for me that’s passed for you. She turned to Rian. Is that possible? That time could be different.

Rian shrugged. There are stories. Nothing I know of for certain.

How can he be Ronan’s grandson? Kade gestured towards Treon as he spoke. Has he adopted him? Or adopted his parents.

Amber shook her head, her grin finally fading as she thought of Brigitte. An old girlfriend of Ronan’s was trapped here when the worlds were closed.

Crystal made a face. I don’t even want to think of Ronan with a girlfriend. That’s such a scary thought. What’s she like?

Scary, Amber said.

Really? Crystal asked, disbelief clear in her tone.

Amber nodded. It was probably the best way to describe Brigitte. She’s way scarier than Ronan has ever been.

And I thought we had a lot to tell you, Crystal said. Looks like you’ll be the one with the more interesting stories.

What happened while I was stuck here? Amber couldn’t stop the fear that rushed through her. Is Jay okay?

Crystal nodded. So’s your mum and Roy. Although Roy was injured. Wayne went after him. But don’t worry, we have him and Jennifer. Rian said Ronan will probably want to deal with the two of them. Liana said if Ronan lets Wayne go, he’s hers to deal with and Roy learned how to make dragons. But he won’t tell us how it’s done. They’re going to become knights. Roy and his dragons. And Jonah and Simon’s knights have a new name. The Knights Of Saint Eustace. The Knights your grandfather is with have also taken on a new name, too. The International Society Of Knights.

Wait a minute. Amber held up a hand to slow Crystal’s flow of words, struggling to keep up with everything. Roy can make dragons? How was that even possible? Or was Crystal meaning that he’d had babies with a dragon. But that didn’t make sense either. Not enough time had passed. Actual dragons. Full grown dragons.

Crystal nodded, opening her mouth to speak.

Rian spoke before Crystal could. Where are you staying in this world? He looked Amber up and down. You look like you need a rest. Did you come straight here from your battle?

Amber smiled. Always my first warrior. She doubted he’d ever relinquish that position.

Rian fleetingly returned her smile. We can share all our news once we’re somewhere you can rest.

Treon took several steps towards them. I can offer you the hospitality of my family’s castle. He waved a hand in the direction they’d need to take. We aren’t too far from it.

We’re going to meet Ronan’s kids? Crystal asked.

Only his daughter still lives, Amber said. Ronan’s ex, Brigitte, ate the heart of her son. Hers and Ronan’s son. Killed him for his heart so she wouldn’t age.

Crystal stared at Amber, open-mouthed. She finally closed her mouth with a shake of her head. The woman does sound worse than Ronan. I thought you were only saying she was scarier because you’re used to him.

Nope. Amber shook her head. She’s definitely scarier.

You will answer my questions once we reach the castle, Kade warned before he became a dragon.

Grinning, Amber waited for Maira to saddle Kade, not bothering to answer. He’d have his questions answered. But probably not as quickly as he’d like.

Kade and Rian were saddled at about the same time and they were all soon in the air, heading towards the castle. Amber relaxed, secure in the saddle and not worried she might fall from Kade’s back. She half drifted off, Crystal telling her about how difficult it had been to track her down with the Dragon Mage who was still learning how to use that ability. She was jarred awake by Kade landing in the castle courtyard, numerous Hunters and dragons in human form warily watching them.

Chapter Two

Morgane stepped forward, Jorn at her side, as soon as the dragons had been unsaddled and changed to their human form. My son informs me he’s offered you the hospitality of our castle. She glanced at Treon as she mentioned him.

Rian stepped forward, nodding to her in greeting. We have no plans to cause trouble, but if you would prefer, we can find somewhere to camp. We have sufficient gear with us that we can do that. He nodded towards the dragon-leather backpacks Brann and Maira wore at their backs.

It’s as much Treon’s home as it is mine, Morgane said. He’s welcome to invite guests. She stepped to the side, gesturing towards the front door. I’ve had rooms prepared. They aren’t in the best of states, but they’re clean and out of the weather. I’ve been informed we’re due rain this evening, so camping wouldn’t be overly pleasant.

Again Rian gave her a nod. I thank you for your offer.

I’ll have someone show you to your rooms and wait to show you to the table where we’ll have food set out for you, Morgane said.

Amber wished she could interrupt all the formalities. She was exhausted, hungry and wanted a wash. Standing around the courtyard was the last thing she wanted to do. It was a good thing Rian had the patience for this kind of thing because she certainly didn’t.

When Amber was shown to her room, it was to find a tub of warm water waiting for her. After eyeing it longingly, she turned to Kade, the only one in the room with her. Where did Daray go? She’d finally remembered the question she’d wanted to ask earlier.

Home. You don’t think we were the only ones worried about you, do you?

Amber groaned. Mum knows I’m gone?

Kade chuckled. You could say that.

Great. She sighed heavily. So much for looking forward to going home. How do you feel about tropical locations?

What? Kade frowned, shaking his head once. What has that got to do with anything?

Amber grinned at him. Trust me. After a few hours at Brigitte’s castle, the question will make sense. She glanced at the tub. I need a wash.

Kade drew her close, his arms enclosing her before his lips met hers. Eventually, he drew back slightly. I’ll check on everyone while you get cleaned up. He let her go and took a step back, his gaze meeting hers. Then you will answer the questions you keep avoiding. Including what you’ve done to yourself. He breathed in deeply. There’s definitely a smell of rodent about you. As much a part of you as the panther and goshawk. He studied her. And another underlying scent. Close to the panther. Holding her gaze a moment longer, he turned and left.

She sighed once he’d closed the door. She really didn’t want to go into the details of the new animals she could now turn into. Being able to turn into a rat had never been part of her plan. The only extra animal she’d wanted to turn into had been a domestic cat.

Stripping off, she stepped into the tub. She would have preferred a shower, but this was a lot better than a dip in the lake. Warmer at any rate. Once she was washed, dried and dressed, Amber sat on the edge of the bed, struggling to stay awake. It had been a long day, what with the fight and tracking down Kade and everyone afterwards.

She’d planned to go downstairs and have an early dinner once she’d had a few minutes of rest, stretched out on the bed. Instead, she found herself waking the next morning, lying against a dragon. A smile slowly formed as Kade became human. She’d missed this, waking next to him of a morning.

Kade grinned, drawing her close. I came looking for you yesterday, only to find you asleep. I couldn’t bring myself to wake you with how exhausted you looked.

Amber laughed softly, resting her head on his chest, listening to