Page 91 of Secrets of Avalon
“How did he do that? What is he?” Melinda whispers to me.
“He’s a chimera. Or that’s my best guess. I didn’t know they had magick, though. I didn’t realize they were shifters, or could be either.”
“He saved us all from those shadow things.”
“Yes, he did,” I answer, taking her hand and walking toward him. Ares and the others are headed the same direction. “How do we address you, sir?” I call forward to the chimera-man, the puppeteer.
"I am Atlas, Prince Stormblood. And I must apologize. I cannot keep this form right now. I need to go." Atlas' voice carries an undercurrent of urgency. Iridescent light pulses erratically in his eyes, like lightning in a storm. His gaze darts around, seeking an escape route.
Muscles twitch beneath his skin, reminding me of a caged animal. The air around him thickens. His form ripples. Something within him is fighting to break free—the chimera.
"That was a lot of magick to expel at once." Ares positions himself protectively on the other side of Melinda. His hand rests on the hilt of his sword, eyes narrowed with distrust. "What are you, really?"
The accusation in Ares' tone is unmistakable. He shifts his weight, ready to spring into action at the slightest provocation. His gaze flicks between Atlas and me, silently questioning why I haven't taken a more defensive stance.
The interrogation is interrupted by a thunderous beating of wings that draws our eyes skyward. Kellan, in his full dragon form, descends from the sky. He lands at the edge of the clearing, scales glittering like polished obsidian. I've never seen such a massive Drakonii before. He's the size of one of the castle keeps.
Relief floods through me at the sight of my mate’s somatophylakes. A wry smile tugs at my lips. Of course Kellan would make a dramatic entrance.
Melinda tenses beside me. Awe and trepidation drift through our bond. I send back waves of reassurance, though my own heart races at the sight of the dragon. He is intimidating.
Kellan shifts back to his human form the moment his feet hit the ground. I turn to thank Atlas for his help. But where he stood moments ago, there is only empty space.
"He's back in the woods," Ares says, pointing to where Fen stands, still in wolf form watching the edge of the woods.
I follow Ares' gesture, frowning. Atlas' sudden disappearance unsettles me. Why flee after saving us all? The strategic part of my mind catalogs this as potentially suspicious behavior, while another part wonders if he simply really did need to shift forms for an unknown pressing reason.
Around us, the diverse group of allies reacts to Atlas' vanishing act. Whispers ripple through the crowd. I catch Melinda's eye, sensing her confusion and concern through our bond. Keeping my voice low, I murmur, "Stay close. We don't know what's going on yet." I turn back to Melinda’s Drakonii.
His dark eyes sweep over the assembled rebels, lingering on Melinda and me.
"Well," Kellan's deep voice carries easily across the clearing. "It seems I've missed the opening act. We should really get to Vandimoor before the next one strikes, don’t you think?”
I swallow the fear trying to climb up my throat. Of course they’re going to try again. Why would I have thought the council would give up after one tantrum?
“We are at war then?” I ask, meeting Kellan’s fiery gaze. He was in the tower longer. He knows more of how the council thinks.
“We are at war, princeling.”
Fucking hell.
CHAPTER 34
Say Hi To The Rebellion
Melinda Mayweather
The other knights group around me along with Kellan, blocking the others from getting a good view of me. And they definitely are curious. All sorts of people are steadily moving closer. Sirens. Drakonii. Upir. Elven. Valkyries. Fae…
My head spins with questions. "Who are all these people? And did Atlas leave?" I ask, looking from Hawke to Kellan.
When they hesitate, I turn to Ares. He smirks, his golden armor glinting even in the pre-dawn light. “Welcome to the rebellion.”
"The rebellion," I repeat. "I’m sorry. This is all my fault, isn’t it?"
“Not your fault. Not at all. Don’t think that. Anyone who does not agree with the High Council usurping the Knights’ authority is considered a rebel,” Hawke explains further.
“I don’t understand. You’re the Knights. Did you agree with the High Council?” I press.