Page 101 of The Death King
He knows we’re here.
Calista gripped my waist a little harder.
My arms moved over hers. “There’s nothing to fear.”
“I’d be pretty pissed off if someone walked into my house without knocking.”
“I mean, there’s nothing to fear as long as you have me.”
Khazmuda finally landed on the bottom of the cave, a massive fire in the center, filling the inside of the rock with so much warmth it was hard to believe it was cold and misty outside. The base of the mountain was enormous, at least a mile across. Bones of dead animals and tree branches were littered everywhere.
And then he emerged, uncurling from the ball he’d been in, his red scales extending as the dragon came forth on the other side of the bonfire. He straightened, the scales catching the light and creating an orange brilliance. He was the same size as Khazmuda, with fire-red eyes, his tail unfurling and whipping at the air in hostility before he released a quiet growl that echoed against every single side of the cave.
WE MEET AGAIN. Inferno’s voice was deeper than Khazmuda’s, possessed more wisdom because he was several hundred years older. His head was dipped slightly, in attack mode, like his words would be limited. AND THIS IS THE LAST TIME WE’LL EVER MEET.
“What’s happening?” Calista whispered.
I spoke to Khazmuda. Calm him.
I apologize for the intrusion, Inferno. Khazmuda spoke with tranquility in his voice, keeping his position on the other side of the fire. But we need to speak, and your mind is blocked.
IT’S BLOCKED FOR A REASON. He released another low growl. I HAVE NO DESIRE TO SPEAK TO YOU. AND IF YOU WONDER IF MY POSITION HAS CHANGED—LET ME TELL YOU IT HAS NOT. I DESIRE TO LIVE ALONE IN THIS CAVE FOREVERMORE.
Why would you want to live alone when one of your kin stands before you?
YOU MAY BE A DRAGON, BUT YOU AREN’T MY KIN.
I disagree.
YOU CLAIM TO HAVE YOUR OWN FREE WILL, BUT THAT HUMAN IS PULLING YOUR REINS LIKE YOU’RE A DAMN HORSE.
My mind is my own. We’re bonded by love—not force.
Inferno’s eyes flicked up to mine, and he looked at me with a hint of disgust.
He wants to free our kin.
HE WANTS TO USE YOU FOR HIS OWN PURSUITS. YOUR AMBITIONS JUST HAPPEN TO ALIGN.
Even if that were so, that still makes us allies. Join us.
I TOLD YOU I’VE FOUND MY PLACE.
Khazmuda seemed to be getting nowhere, so I intervened. With all due respect, you’re living like a rat feeding on scraps. A dragon is meant for the skies, not the caves. A dragon is meant to symbolize beauty and strength. You waste your immortality hiding beneath the earth like a dwarf rather than a majestic creature of the sky. You disgrace your scales by hiding them from the sun.
Inferno stared at me and released a low growl.
“What did you do?” Calista whispered.
Khazmuda spoke to me privately. Do you wish to die a fiery death?
YOU COMPARE ME TO A RAT?
I held my ground. I see no difference.
Now, his growl grew louder, so loud it made the mountain shake.
“Fuck, we’re going to die, aren’t we?” Calista said as she latched on to me.