Page 74 of The Dragon Queen

Talon?

I sucked in a breath through my clenched teeth, felt my eyes smart from the emotion that exploded in my heart.

Tell me where you are.

My hand balled into a fist before it covered my mouth, trying to stifle the tears I wanted to shed, hearing the desperation in my dragon’s voice as he continued to search for me—even beyond death.

I know you’re there. I believe you’re there.

Every fiber of my being wanted to answer. Wanted to feel the connection that felt like home. But I couldn’t…because I would have to tell him what had befallen me. That I was stuck in purgatory for all eternity.

And he couldn’t save me.

Chapter 19

Calista

I felt it again. Like someone trying to rip my scales off my back…but from the inside.

“Did you try speaking to him again?”

I’ve tried many times—with no reply.

“I wish I knew what this meant. I wish I knew what you felt.”

It’s like someone is trying to rip a part of me away. I can’t explain it better than that.

I stood by the campfire, plagued by an anxiety that wouldn’t disappear. I felt like I was racing against the clock to achieve something, but Talon was dead, so his life couldn’t be spared, no matter how hard I ran.

Queen Eldinar should at least let us speak to Riviana—especially after what Talon did to protect her.

“I agree.”

Then go back—and demand an audience.

I nodded in agreement.

Calista.

I lifted my gaze to look at him.

No is not an acceptable answer.

I returned to Riviana Star the next morning and arrived at the royal chambers. I was led to the same hall where Queen Eldinar was ready to greet me. She was in a different dress with different flowers in her hair, but she looked exactly the same otherwise—like a living dream.

“Calista, is there something you needed?—”

“Khazmuda feels someone pull at him. He said it’s like ripping scales off his back—but from inside.”

Queen Eldinar stared with her stoic expression like that news was unremarkable.

“It must be related to Talon. He’s never felt such a sensation in his life, and now he’s felt it twice.”

She remained quiet.

“Khazmuda can still feel Talon’s soul, and it’s like someone’s trying to take it away. After everything Talon has done for your people, I demand to speak to Riviana. She’s the only one who can make sense of this.”

Her eyes shifted back and forth between mine, and her pale face somehow turned even whiter. Even her lips were bloodless. Her eyes usually twinkled like sunshine on the surface of the ocean, but they’d dulled like an overcast day.