Dragon Betrayal: The Royal Quest Series, #4

By Ashley McLeo and Kelly N. Jane

War looms in Prince Rone's homeland. 

But that's far from his only problem. 

His return to Draessonia is rocky, particularly with a feared oracle water dragon as his mate. 

Violet's existence is enough to send the continent into turmoil. Her heritage and powers must be kept a secret. 

But with a villainous mage who knows of her past against them, it's sure to come out. 

What Rone couldn't have predicted was how many other secrets would emerge. 

Dragon Betrayal is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sabaa Tahir. If you like gripping adventure, romance, and dark secrets coming to light, you'll love it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Meraki Press
• Release date: Apr 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9781947245396

Book preview

1

RONE

Raisa gripped the squirming baby, despite his efforts to kick and wriggle away. Regardless of how intolerable my sister believed the hatchlings to be, she would not allow the one in her arms the freedom he desired. Her sense of duty overrode her distaste.

The more you fight him, the more he’ll keep doing it. I bit my lip to hide how much I enjoyed her struggles.

Why did Violet even hand this beast to me, anyway? Couldn’t she carry him with her during whatever ritual she’s doing over there? At the mention of my mate’s name, Tor’s fit increased, and his cries grew louder.

Perhaps she sees through you and understands that haughty attitude you display is covering a soft, caring heart.

I chuckled when Raisa blew out a huff. She hated that I understood her better than most anyone else. But I put Raisa’s struggles with Tor aside and turned toward where my mate stood in the distance with Stacia.

According to Violet, her mother had loved the smell of pines but also enjoyed stargazing under a wide-open sky. So the women found a spot to release her ashes that was far enough away from the house to be private, but near a copse of trees.

They were beyond the trampled scrub where we’d held the tournament I won to gain leadership over all shifters. The victory put to rest any struggles that the hatchlings staying in this realm might have had with the witches or Maisu.

As for their general well-being, the wolf shifter I’d named to lead in my stead would do a fine job keeping them safe. He gave me the confidence I needed to return home while the two baby boys remained with Stacia and their caretakers.

Stacia would forever hold my gratitude. Without her help, I don’t know what would have happened.

Watching her and Violet in the distance warmed my heart. I wasn’t sure what the ashes ritual entailed, but Violet had asked that we care for the spirit hatchling she’d bonded with while only she and Stacia performed the rite.

It was the least I could do for the woman I loved. She’d been through a great deal—as we all had—and was still willing to leave behind all she knew to travel with me to Draessonia.

Hopefully, Micah could open the portal to Baskara near the castle, but I’d be happy with anywhere in my lands as long as we all made it safely.

Especially since we also had to transport Andris, the Solaris prince we had tied up, waiting in a chair on the long front porch of the ranch. He was my proof that the mages were rising in rebellion; not only that, but that they had treasonous support from at least one kingdom.

Rone, there’s something we must talk about, Raisa said, still juggling Tor.

You need to hold him on your hip, that’s how Violet does it. My mate had adjusted to caring for the hatchlings so quickly, but Raisa wasn’t as inclined to learn. She tried to keep the babe tight to her middle, but that seemed to agitate him more. I think he wants Violet to stay in his line of sight.

If he’s so needy, perhaps she should have kept him with her, Raisa grumbled under her breath, barely audible through the ruckus. Did you hear me? I need to tell you something.

At that moment, Tor reached up and grabbed a handful of Raisa’s hair, wrapping the long, red strands between his fingers as he yanked.

You little beast!

Hey now, Tor. Settle yourself.

I tried to help, but the youngster’s yowling deafened him to all else.

Enough! Raisa shoved her arms out straight, keeping the boy from reaching her. Violet is going to return—until then, behave yourself.

Tor sagged and went silent, his breath hitching from the effort. He seemed to resign himself to his fate, and I breathed a sigh of relief along with Raisa.

Nura rested peacefully on my forearm, and I brushed a curl away from her sweet face. I hated to be away from her, but she kept herself under control when we parted. There was something different with the bond between Violet and the Izpiritu dragon. The spirit dragons had always been so stoic when I met them . . . perhaps they hid a deeper emotional layer than anyone ever witnessed.

That’s better. Now keep still, and we’ll both get through this. Raisa pulled the boy in and settled him on her hip, facing me. While we have a moment of peace, it’s important that we talk.

If you’re going to say that I have a lot of explaining to do when I get home, I already understand that from what you told me when you arrived. I didn’t need her to tell me I’d been an idiot to trust Virhan—that was painfully obvious.

Before she answered, a light sparked in front of us. The mage was preparing to open the portal, but it didn’t seem to be going well.

Hey! You guys might want to stand further back, Micah yelled.

I swallowed hard and gave a curt nod to the mage. I’m having my doubts this is going to work.

You think? my sister muttered.

We both moved farther away, giving Micah space. He stood in an open area, not even a mangy bush anywhere near. The mage was circling his arms and mumbling chants as he tried to perform the spell to create an entrance into the dragon realm. He’d studied the old tomes the eccentric Alcott had brought to the ranch, but it wasn’t beginner magic.

You’re sure that whatever Virhan did to bind you is still in effect? I asked Raisa.

While I didn’t agree with how she had entered the human realm—ingesting a mage elixir had been an unusually rash action for my sister—she would probably be a better hope for getting home than the inexperienced mage in front of us.

Do you think I’d stand by and watch someone else make the portal if I had the ability? I hate relying on this one, who thinks he’s an expert because he read a few books. Raisa moved Tor to her other hip and hitched him higher.

I don’t think that’s far enough, Micah called. Maybe another ten feet.

If he manages this, I will not be the first one to step through. I volunteer Andris. Raisa turned and stomped further away from Micah. In doing so, she moved to the far side of some larger bushes, where Violet and Stacia were no longer visible.

The minute that happened, Tor let out a blood-curdling scream. Throwing his body backward into an arc, he nearly fell to the ground.

Raisa fought to keep him in her arms, but the boy wriggled and squirmed, making it difficult. I stepped closer to help, and that provoked Nura to become agitated as well.

Nura! Settle yourself. We don’t need both of you pitching a fit. I let some of my power seep through my words.

I was an alpha dragon. Two hatchlings shouldn’t be this much trouble.

Both babies cried harder.

What is taking her so long? Raisa asked. Didn’t you say Violet had already gone through her pyre ceremony? What’s the point of her actions now?

They have different customs here. The ritual is after the fire, not before as in Baskara.

I’d wanted to be with Violet when she released her mother’s ashes, like when she’d stayed by my side as I held the rite for the Zimurra hatchling. But she’d explained the two situations were different and that it was best to have a quiet moment with Stacia, her mother’s friend, instead.

Fine, but we should finish talking before she returns.

Whatever it is, spit it out.

I’d already admitted to understanding how my actions may have made others angry. If she was going to voice her concern over taking Violet to Draessonia once again, I no longer had the patience to listen. She’d made herself clear it wouldn’t be safe. We were on the brink of war with the mages, and my lifetime mentor led the rebellion. Of course it wasn’t safe. But Violet and I were true mates, nothing and no one would keep us apart.

Tor changed tactics. Instead of battling, he let himself go limp and slide through my sister’s arms until his feet nearly touched the ground. As far as I knew, he couldn’t walk yet, but the creative way he puzzled out how to solve his problems impressed me.

I didn’t know if it was normal for hatchlings to advance so quickly, but these two seemed to grow bigger and more cunning every day.

Hey, sweet boy, I’m here, Violet called out, jogging into sight.

The boy twisted to see her, throwing his arms around her neck as soon as Raisa handed him over.

Raisa blew out a relieved huff while Tor settled against Violet, his tears instantly dry.

Where’s Stacia? I asked, amazed as my mate cooed and soothed the baby spirit dragon. His pale features, pinched with frustration moments before, split into a peaceful grin.

Before I came to the human realm, I’d never understood the bond between parent and child.

I kissed Nura’s head, eager to get home and assure my mother of my own safety.

If I closed my eyes, the hot, dry air and Wyoming sunshine could almost trick me into believing we were already in Baskara. Despite the fear Raisa seemed to have for my return, my parents had to see through the false information. As soon as I explained what happened, we’d focus on stopping Virhan before war broke out.

We thought it best to say our goodbyes already and let her go into the house with Tad, Alcott, and the other babies, Violet answered me, snapping me from my thoughts of home. It seemed too risky to have her near the portal.

We all turned toward Micah. His hands swished through the air as he struggled to maintain a solid grip on his magic.

That was wise, Raisa said. No use in everyone risking their lives.

I meant nothing against Micah. He’ll get it, I’m sure. It’s just a new skill . . . like when I shifted for the first time.

Zeru help us if he creates anything like that experience, Raisa said. I’d feel better in my dragon form, just in case.

You know we can’t go through the portal that way. He’ll do fine. Even as I echoed Violet’s reassurance, hesitation skittered down my spine. I’d prefer to fly through to our realm as well, if it wouldn’t cause our bodies to combust and explode.

Risking myself, and even Raisa, was one thing—we had trained for dangerous missions. Andris, too, I supposed, but the others had not. Even with a stable portal, we didn’t know how the hatchlings would manage going to a new realm.

Though recalling the hurricane that Violet created when she shifted for the first time didn’t settle my unease. That storm would have ripped the entire ranch apart if Micah hadn’t had a shield over her.

Do you need any help? Violet called out to the mage. She forced a thin smile when I caught her eye.

I’m fine, Micah answered, his voice strained with frustration, but whether it was directed at us or his task wasn’t clear.

While we have a minute to wait, let’s finish our conversation, Raisa said. Privately.

You can speak in front of my mate. I needed Raisa to accept Violet’s position as my mate. Without her support, how were we going to have any chance to convince my parents and the rest of Baskara? The idea of Violet standing by my side as a princess thrilled me, but it might take more than my word for everyone else to accept our union.

This is personal, I’d rather it be a conversation between us. Raisa’s voice held a hint of something I didn’t recognize coming from her . . . doubt?

Whatever it is, I’ll share it with Violet anyway. Just tell me.

Rone, you can have confidences with your sister. I’m not offended. She’s your family. Violet rubbed my arm.

As are you. I slipped her hand into mine and brought her fingers to my lips.

Nura wiggled, drawing my attention. She beamed when I met her stare and placed her tiny hand on my cheek.

Even though the action was an attempt to distract me from Violet, it warmed me to my core. An invisible string tied my heart to the moon hatchling, creating a different bond than I had with Violet.

A quick pain, like a dagger between my scales, stabbed through me. When we got home, House Meness would make a claim upon Nura as their own. Though my mind understood they’d technically be within their right, I’d never allow her to go with them. Ilargia’s rocky cliffs were distant; the erudite kingdom was secretive and kept themselves isolated. She had to stay with me.

Are you sure it’s alright that I come with you? Violet asked, sensing my pain but misinterpreting it. I’m not changing my mind, but what’s going to happen when everyone finds out about what I am?

You have every right to come with me. Baskara is your home too, and I will make sure you’re accepted. No one will part us, that I promise.

That will be harder than you want to admit, brother, Raisa warned. You’re the crowned prince and the Aukera, there are expectations regarding your marriage—from everyone. My sister gave me an acute stare, making her point clear.

The other houses expected the customary match ceremony, where I’d entertain their noble daughters, ensuring that I gave all the kingdoms respectful consideration as an alliance.

A political union had never sounded so cold before. It’s what I’d expected—relished, for the ease of it—but now the idea repulsed me.

I’m sure once Father and Mother meet Violet and see our connection, they’ll understand. I squeezed Violet’s hand and winked, hoping it seemed convincing, though my gut churned like a pit of angry lava.

The sunlight glinted off the key necklace Violet wore. A second item hung beside it, and she clutched the jewelry when she noticed my interest.

Stacia gave me this, Violet said, opening her palm to display a small, clear cylinder clasped to the chain. She used to keep moon water in it, but she emptied it for me so I could keep some of my mom’s ashes.

My heart wrenched for her. Everything she’d known of her life hung around her neck, reduced to a bit of gray dust. I would use every power I had to make sure Baskara became her home as much as mine. My mate deserved only happiness in her future.

It’s beautiful and I’m glad you can have that comfort.

A loud noise, like thunder, rumbled—though the skies were clear—and shook the ground. Nura’s breath hitched as I spun and reached for Violet. Whatever danger presented itself, I wanted her close at my side.

A blue-tinged fog roiled through the air around the mage’s feet. He was coughing violently, his hands on his knees.

Micah! Violet called out and moved to go to him.

I snatched her wrist, needing to assess the situation further before she rushed closer. We should all stay back until it’s safe. Think of Tor if not yourself.

And we’re supposed to trust him to take us home? Raisa arched a brow in my direction, then returned her stare to Micah. Perhaps his efforts would be better spent unbinding my powers.

I wondered the same thing. If Virhan hadn’t bound Raisa, the potion she’d taken would easily open a portal to get us home. But that wasn’t an option now with all of her powers, even shifting, locked away from her control.

This will work. I stated the words out loud for all of us and hoped they were true.

I’m almost there, despite what it looks like, Micah called after he composed himself. This is actually a good sign, believe it or not.

The weak smile he flashed didn’t inspire extra confidence.

Nura’s shoulders shook, and she emitted a quiet whimper. I glanced at Tor, who clutched Violet’s shirt tightly and stared wide-eyed in silence.

We had to get to Draessonia. Virhan had control of the rogue dragon and planned to start a war—with House Solaris at his side, no less. But I wouldn’t only be risking my own life to get there. How could I accept everyone walking through an unproven portal?

I wouldn’t—but I’d risk a traitor. It was time to get Andris off the porch.

With Nura still clinging to me, I went over to the sun dragon and pulled him up out of his seat. He was bound with his palms tied facing each other to hinder the use of any magic; Stacia had helped with a spell to silence his voice as well. Micah would reinstate it and release the prince after we arrived, since we needed him to prove Virhan’s involvement, but we wanted the chance to explain ourselves before he spewed his lies.

It looked like we’d get it. Another billow of fog appeared, this time, the blue cloud mixed with purple flecks. The haze hovered in front of Micah, growing until it rose taller than his height and spanned four feet across.

Micah twisted his neck to gaze at us bright-eyed. I did it!

No one moved at first, staring.

Andris yanked at my arm, throwing himself backward to get out of my grip. His reminder brought me back to the job at hand.

Time to be useful, I growled.

Micah slid to the side to give us room, keeping his hands spread wide to control the doorway.

The captive prince dug his feet into the dirt. He kicked and flopped and head-butted, anything he could to keep from being flung through the swirling indigo fog. It didn’t work.

With a giant heave while Nura clung tight around my neck, I tossed Andris through the opening.

We waited, searching for any clue that it might not have worked—or for any clue that it had.

Raisa glanced over to Violet and me. Well, I guess it has to be me next.

Without another word, she marched toward the mage and the portal he’d created.

Wait! I shifted Nura and grabbed my mate’s hand. We’ll all leave together.

Violet met my gaze and squeezed my palm, then we strode to meet up with Raisa.

I’ll have to go last to keep it open, Micah said hesitantly.

You’ve done well, I assured him, despite the coil of dread slithering through my gut.

Raisa and I locked gazes. She gave me a smirk and a wink, the same way she’d done as we were growing up, when we would do something risky that would probably land us in trouble. We always did it anyway.

With no further hesitation, she rested her hand on my shoulder, and we stepped into the billowing cloud.

2

VIOLET

Swirling blue magic flecked with brilliant purple streaks pressed in from all sides, constricting my breathing. Clutched in my arms, Tor squirmed and fussed.

Shhh, I whispered, trying to calm him even though my heart raced a mile a minute.

What if Micah hadn’t made the portal right? What if we ended up somewhere we didn’t want to be? What if⁠—

"Oooh!"

The magical tunnel ceased to exist, and gravity took me, yanking me to the ground. I gripped a squealing Tor tighter and flailed my legs as bright sunlight pierced my vision.

Somehow, I landed feet-first, and almost righted myself before the ground shifted and I toppled. I thrust out a hand so I wouldn’t crush Tor. As intended, my palm took the brunt, but sand flung up into my face, forcing me to squeeze my eyes shut as I rolled to my back, gasping.

Tor burst into tears. I blinked my eyes open, wiped the sand from my face, and, heart hammering ever harder, checked him for injuries.

Well, that was quite the ungraceful journey. Raisa’s sharp tone cut through my worry over the baby.

I twisted to find the others a few feet away, all with their butts in the sand too. Except for Andris—he had face-planted. Probably because he couldn’t use his hands to catch himself.

Normally, I would have worried that he’d hurt himself, but he’d attacked us the night before. He could eat sand for all I cared.

Sorry I didn’t provide the smoothest ride, your highness, Micah muttered to Raisa as he stood. Did I get it right, though? Are we in Draessonia?

My breath ceased as I waited for the native Draessonians to answer.

Both prince and princess took in our surroundings. Rone turned back to the mage first. His brilliant smile stopped my heart.

You did well. We’re home.

I exhaled and loosened my grip on Tor, who continued to cry although I was pretty sure he was physically fine. We’d made it. In one piece!

Well, good. The tension in Micah’s face dissolved. Because I’ll tell you now, I’m not doing that again anytime soon.

Raisa snorted and rose from the sand.

Andris attempted to do the same, but without the use of his hands, he struggled. He tried to shout, but the silencing spell remained in effect, so nothing came out.

The princess rolled her eyes. Just stay still. I’ll help you. And for the sake of Zeru, don’t do anything rash. We don’t need to tell everyone in the world that House Solaris is in open rebellion. If you don’t comply, I’ll make sure Father knows to put you to the flames first.

Andris paled, and his gaze latched onto the ground.

Rone stood too and strode my way. Unlike Tor, Nura remained silent, although she appeared frustrated, her rosebud lips screwed up tight and her eyes narrowed. As she neared, I thought I understood why.

What’s wrong with her skin? I asked as Rone extended a hand to help me up. Again, the sand shifted, forcing me to engage all my muscles to stay upright.

Walking through this would not be fun. Then again, when were deserts ever fun? We hadn’t even been here for five minutes, and already the heat bogged me down.

Rone glanced at Nura, and his smile fell to a thin slash. It’s irritated. Actually, you and Tor are red, too.

I gasped. Rone was right. Where before, the hatchling’s pale white skin had gleamed in the intense sun, now tiny red bumps dotted Tor’s arms and legs.

The baby examined them with interest, his brow furrowing as he touched one and then the other. The red dots made his noticeable, dark veins even more pronounced.

As much as I loved the kid, even I had to admit that it wasn’t a good look. Poor little guy.

Belatedly, I realized Rone had included me in that observation. My gaze raked over my own arms to find red dots covered my skin.

I rubbed at my arm, and a prickly sensation came over me. Ow! What’s going on with us?

I scanned Rone. His skin seemed slightly pink, but not that bad.

It’s the magic of Draessonia, Raisa said from a few feet away.

She hovered next to Andris. It was unlikely the traitor prince would run—if he did, where would he go?—but my mate’s sister wasn’t taking any chances.

They weren’t born here, she continued, so they’ll take some time to adjust. After being away, even I sense it. Do you, Rone?

A bit, he replied. Micah?

I’m pretty itchy. As the mage examined our surroundings, I looked him over from a distance, but his darker skin hid any redness we might see. I’m trying to ignore it.

I think Raisa’s right, Rone said. It will be worse for the babies because they won’t know what’s happening, but it will soon pass. We must keep them occupied.

He dipped to pick up some sand. Nura watched him carefully, as thoughtful as ever. When Rone placed the sand in her hand, she examined it as if she were a scientist and not a baby.

I tried the same with Tor, hoping that it would keep him from obsessing over his irritated skin. But instead of displaying Nura’s studious grace, when I handed Tor the sand, he shoved a handful in his mouth.

"What are you doing?" I whispered, horrified.

I expected a wailing response when the grit registered on his tongue, but instead got a gigantic, sand-crusted smile.

I shook my head as Tor stuck his sandy hand back in his mouth and sucked. Alright then, whatever. If that’s what made the weirdo happy, let him eat sand.

Rone chuckled as he snaked an arm around my waist. Now that they’re here, they’ll undergo a lot of changes.

Like what? I peered down at Tor, apprehensive. I’d just gotten used to his quirky personality and abilities.

Their magic will develop at a more rapid rate. Other than that, I don’t know much about hatchlings. I expect we’ll have to wait and see what happens.

Awesome. More surprises. When would they end?

Considering I was in a magical land, I should set my expectations to ‘never’.

My gaze lifted from Tor to take in the foreign place I found myself in. We’d landed at the bottom of a cliff, one that, from where I stood, resembled photos I’d seen of slot canyons in Utah. Wavy red lines stained the towering rock face. On the other side of us stood a massive dune, blocking any further view.

Wow, I breathed. It’s hot as balls, but even so, it’s beautiful here.

Rone wrapped me in his arms and pulled me close. Baskara is the most breathtaking place in all of Draessonia. I’m happy you find it pleasing. I know desert climates don’t agree with you.

I turned my face up to his. It was true, but I’d put up with a hell of a lot to be with the man at my side.

I gave him a sly, teasing grin. I’ll get used to it. If not, I’m sure the dragons in the ice realm would take us in, right?

Negua.

Uhhh. I blinked. Excuse you?

Rone laughed good-naturedly. Negua is where the ice dragons live. It’s an island north of the continent of Draessonia, the only region that’s not on the mainland. You must learn the names of the kingdoms that House Ignatius rules over if you’re to become my princess.

My stomach dropped. Holy crap . . . A princess! The idea had crossed my mind before, but now that we were here, it felt more real.

Hey! Raisa called out. If you two are done flirting, we should get moving. Thanks to the mage, we have a bit of a hike. I want to get home before sundown.

Micah scowled at her, but didn’t respond.

From the expectant expression on Raisa’s face, I thought she might relish it if he returned some snark. She looked disappointed when he turned away to examine the unique cliff face.

Those two were an interesting pair.

Raisa’s right. We should go. Rone pointed to the massive dune in front of us. If I’m right, we’re close to the wall of the city. Once we get over that hill, we should be able to see just how close.

Let’s get climbing, I said, trying to muster excitement for my desert hike.

I was slightly nervous, but ready to meet Rone’s parents and see the city. Though I was not thrilled that I’d arrive at the castle slicked with sweat. Gaaaawd, I’d probably smell terrible too. I hoped the king and queen wouldn’t be too offended. I didn’t want to make a bad impression on my mate’s parents.

Rone and Raisa marched up the dune, surefooted in the sand. Micah did fine on the laborious climb too. As did Andris. It came as no surprise to anyone that I had the most trouble. But with Rone’s hand steadying me each time I slipped, I made it work.

Finally, we crested the hill, and all my breath left me. In the distance, a city rose behind a stone wall, majestic and glimmering in the desert sun. A castle was the tallest structure. Its red-topped turrets gleamed in the sun, and the sculptures of dragons that perched on top looked out upon the surrounding desert.

There’s your home, I murmured.

My hand strayed to the pendant necklace Stacia had given me. It hung next to the heirloom key from my father’s side of the family. These pieces, and the silver cuff bracelet I wore, were all I had left of my home, my family.

If only Mom could see this, I thought. She’d be astounded.

Since the day we’d met, I’d known that Rone and I had grown up differently. And yet, the castle was such a far cry from the trailers and shitty apartments that I’d lived in that it brought tears to my eyes. A hundred of my homes could fit inside his. Maybe more.

It is, Rone replied, his tone lighter than minutes before.

I wiped my eyes before any tears fell. I didn’t want to ruin this moment for him. He’d waited too long, fought too hard to return home.

Ah! There’s the travelers’ road over there! Raisa pointed to our right while shielding her eyes from the sun. It looks like a caravan of merchants are heading into the city.

She yanked Andris behind her and charged forth, not waiting for anyone to reply. We should join them. I bet they have water, and I’m parched. Let’s go.

I shot Rone a knowing look. I doubted that Raisa, who could probably walk for days in the desert without requiring water, needed to wet her whistle. She was desperate to get home and find a mage to unbind her.

Not that I blamed her.

My dragon had only recently been unleashed, but already, I’d learned that it would be more difficult than I’d anticipated to keep from shifting. But in a land where my kind were despised, it was necessary. At least for a while.

I glanced at the city again. By my estimate, we were two or three miles away; not too far, but in the scorching heat, the trek would feel longer. I wished that we were already done walking and at the castle.

Micah, Rone, and I followed the princess. By the time we closed in on the merchant line, I was sweating bullets. The merchants paused as we approached, holding up the line that traveled the narrow road. Most of the carts had been pushed by people, although two of the larger transports were pulled by creatures that reminded me of a rhinoceros, but much larger and more scaly.

I gestured to the rhino, fixated on the horn that seemed to shimmer. What is that thing? And what’s up with its horn?

Karkadenn, Rone replied. The horn has magical and medicinal properties.

Is it using it now? The curved bone hadn’t stopped gleaming in the overbearing sunlight. It mesmerized me.

The horn is only used after death. When they’re alive, karkadenn are useful for transporting heavy loads for long distances, but they’re known to be aggressive. Many people don’t use them due to their dispositions. Don’t walk in front of them.

Roger that, steer clear of the karkadenn.

We were only feet away when the aromas of the produce in the carts filled my nostrils, overpowering the dusty scent of sand. At least one merchant carried pungent, cloying merchandise.

A woman stepped out of the crowd. She held out a skin. Thirsty? It’s hot today.

Instead of taking the rustic canteen, Raisa glanced back at us, reinforcing my belief that she wasn’t that thirsty herself. Her gaze latched onto me. The blonde looks like she’s about to keel over. She’ll need some.

I wasn’t too proud to admit that was true.

I approached the smiling woman. I’d love some.

She handed me the skin and looked down at Tor. The sun doesn’t agree with him.

I glanced down. I’d tried my best to shield him from the sun, but it was no use. Between the magic of Draessonia creating a rash, and the bright sun, he now resembled a white-haired lobster. No, it doesn’t.

I sipped the water and then gave some to Tor. It dribbled down his chin and onto his onesie.

The woman eyed the outfit with interest. Her gaze darted to my own jeans and t-shirt, and her brows furrowed before she focused on Tor again. "I’ve never seen a tunic quite like his—Ohh!"

She’d reached out to tickle Tor’s feet, but the bugger didn’t want that and had started to glow.

My breath hitched. The glow was more brilliant than I’d ever seen.

The woman stared at me, aghast. "I thought he was a spirit dragon! What’s he doing here?"

I gulped. I’d known that Tor’s ability, and lack of control over that ability, would cause issues here. I’d told myself I needed to be strong for him. And yet,