Page 61 of Blood of Dragons

My mother continued to sob.

I hoped I was next. I’d rather die now than watch any more of this.

Uncle Barron’s boots were audible as he took his time walking toward us. They stopped in front of my mother, in my peripheral.

She continued to lie there and sob, either oblivious or indifferent.

“Get her up.”

I closed my eyes because I couldn’t bear it.

Rosella sobbed. “No! Please! Let her go!”

The men escorted my mother to the next stake, and there was no fight. She just cried as they bound her to the wood.

Silas lifted his head.

“Don’t watch,” I said to him.

“No!” Rosella continued to scream.

Silas dropped his chin.

I heard the same sounds as before, the dragon drawing breath then releasing his jet of flame.

My mother didn’t go quietly. Her screams were horrifying, full of unspeakable agony, her body unable to process the pain of her flesh being charred and melted.

I clenched my eyes as tight as I could, but nothing could block out the mental picture.

Silas started to cry, not for himself, but for our mother.

When the screams stopped, I knew she was gone—and I was grateful for that.

Rosella sobbed her heart out.

Uncle Barron’s black boots returned, and they stopped in front of Silas.

Of all people, he was the one I couldn’t stand to watch. “Take me next.”

Silas looked at me.

Uncle Barron looked down at me, the sneer on his face. “I like to save the best for last.” He gestured for the men to grab Silas.

I knew this was punishment for what I’d done, for going to his villa and issuing my threats, for catching the scent of his trail when no one else noticed. “My father continued to see the good in you when none was to be found. Have mercy…”

“Your father was a fool—and he died like a fool. My line should have sat upon the throne all these generations. Instead, a spineless, pathetic, foolish bloodline warmed the seat. None of your kind deserve to endure, and I will slaughter every person who has your blood. Your family line will cease to exist.”

His men got Silas to his feet and dragged him forward.

There was nothing I could do to stop it, and that killed me. “Silas.”

He was escorted to the stake, the pile of wood about to be burned.

“Just close your eyes. It’ll be over in thirty seconds.” I wanted to burst into tears. I could feel the heat burn just below my eyes. But my despair would only make it harder for Silas to die. “Soon, you will know peace.”

“Grab her too,” Uncle Barron said. “Siblings go together.”

They dragged Rosella, who tried to fight their hold and was kicked in the stomach.