Page 112 of Black Crown

I’d never attacked him. As I blasted beam after beam of my power at him, I felt like I was slamming my energy against a brick wall, and I realized with stone-cold certainty the enormity of our task.

His power was smooth. I couldn’t find purchase. My powers were like hands trying to scramble up a slippery, vertical wall. I groaned as my mind screamed with protest, but renewed my efforts as I noticed, finally, they were having some physical effect.

Draedyn’s movements slowed, and he faltered as I continued the assault on his power. That was encouragement enough. I roared in triumph, and Tyrrik slashed his talons over the base of Draedyn’s wings. Black blood sprayed from the wound, and my father’s pain-filled screech was deep, outraged.

Tyrrik spun, whipping his tail across Draedyn’s snout.

I continued blasting the slippery wall, desperate to see this through. I wanted a life with Tyrrik. I wanted it so bad that I would do anything to make it happen. Draedyn sunk his fangs into Tyrrik’s side, and I screamed with my mate, immediately diverting some of my power to healing my mate until I felt his energy return to full capacity.

As Tyrrik righted himself, the emperor dove for the ground behind his lines of Druman.

What’s he doing?I asked, feeling safe to do so as my father landed.

Changing tactics, Tyrrik panted.Are you okay?

Never better. I tried to roll my eyes and snorted at myself. How can Drae not have the eye-roll?Do you need more energy?

Not at the moment, but I have a feeling this is just beginning.

I had to agree with him. Hours and days could go by as they slowly chipped away at each other’s strength.

The air around Draedyn’s form shimmered.He’s changing! I said.Why would he do that?

Tyrrik and I circled above.

I’m . . . not sure. It doesn’t make sense. He’s hiding behind his Druman.

Yes, we need to take them out. Just be careful. They fight dirty.

My stomach twisted with the gruesome fight, and surprise punched me in the gut. Hundreds of Druman swarmed through the ranks of humans. Men from Verald and Gemond mixed with the silver-haired Phaetyn as they battled.

Let’s end this.

Of course, Khosana.

Tyrrik twisted, and I followed suit, angling toward the battle below. The stench of smoke and fire grew, burning wood, metal, and . . . flesh. Screams mixed with the clash of steel, the chaos beating mercilessly against my ears, growing in intensity the closer we came to the mêlée.

Look at that group of Druman to the left, Tyrrik said, sounding a mite too pleased about seeing them clustered in a convenient group for execution.I’ll blast them.There’s a contingency of Azuli behind them. If you land there and put your tail to good use, I’ll mete punishment to the mules.

I glided past him, catching the glowing heat in his chest out of the corner of my eyes. A moment later, he bellowed and then spewed liquid-blue death on my father’s progeny.

I landed, my legs colliding to the earth, and roared at the humans siding with Draedyn. Enemy. I swung my spiked tail through the clustered groups of men, not pausing as I stomped my way deeper and deeper into their ranks to administer justice. Men screamed as I sliced through their paltry armor. Like hay ready for harvest, the Azulis fell under my wrath.

My deafening roar carried across the plain, and suddenly, the ground reverberated with the pounding steps of a mass of humanity. A giant troop of young men crested the horizon, shaking their weapons in the air, and I grinned wide and toothy as I recognized the assassins at their head. These soldiers were the young men returned from the emperor’s offshore battle. They were here to help us!

I batted away a small number of the persistent Azulis. Ahead, a shimmering golden web reappeared, and I chuffed, recognizing Lani’s shield. Everyone was here.

I continued my advance, confident that Tyrrik had my back. My triumph radiated through our bond, and his bounced back to me.

Whatever plan Draedyn had no longer mattered. I surged forward, knowing the scales of justice had tipped our way. To my left, the assassins and our young men from Verald and Gemond washed over the few remaining Azulis as they fought for freedom.

Surrender.Their chant tickled my ears, the song of Draedyn’s defeat thrumming through my veins.

But where is Draedyn?Until my father was dead, the war still raged.

Up ahead, Tyrrik replied.In the center of his minions.

I turned to see where my mate was looking, and my breath caught. A Druman loomed behind Tyrrik, wielding a dagger dripping with silver.Tyrrik! Behind you!