Page 54 of Feathers and Scales

Daxton nodded. As the two followed their paths, they passed by each other in crude figure eights. At each crossing, there were signs of a struggle. On the third intersection, Daxton picked up a faint difference from the signature. The energy gave off the impression of old parchment.

“There are two spirit energies here,” Daxton said.

“I thought that as well. It’s subtle.”

Daxton looked back through the trees, and a pattern emerged. “I thought he might have had trouble, especially if he was still blind, but what if this is two Tattered Ones fighting?”

Keiran lifted an eyebrow. “That could be it. I also found it strange that the scent was stronger earlier but fainter here.”

“Yeah, you’d think if he traveled in this direction, the latter energy would be stronger.” The hair on Daxton’s arm raised as the truth dawned on him. “The impression may have been stronger earlierbecause they were walking together at first. What if they’re working together?”

“I’d say impossible. They’re too greedy for that. But Izzy’s existence makes me think anything is possible. We can only hope that this fight tore them apart.”

“Two Tattered Ones may be after Izzy.” His protective instincts raged at him, skin feeling tight as his dragon roared for freedom to hunt.

“Let’s continue and find out.”

Daxton and Keiran took their respective trails. As the sound of waves grew, the two were side by side again.

“It seems they got over their differences,” Daxton muttered.

Keiran stepped onto the rocky cliff edge that overlooked the ocean. “And they headed into the water.”

Daxton approached the edge to detect their signatures himself. Keiran was right. The energies entered the ocean and disappeared. Water had a way of swallowing spirit energies just like scents. “Tattered Ones swimming?” He couldn’t imagine the sight of them with their wings.

“These are smart foes and more than likely know about dragon weaknesses.”

Damnit.His fists clenched. Not only were there two of them, but he lost their trail. He didn’t know how far Tattered Ones could swim. He’d have to send search parties down the coastline.

Keiran cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to do this, but—”

A prickling sensation rose at the base of Daxton’s spine. Without warning, he received the full pressure of the Centurion’s dominance. Though he’d expected as much. It stung like a scalding anvil dropped on his skull. He locked his jaw to maintain his level gaze with the dark depths of Keiran’s eyes. Under the powerful influence, Daxton allowed his dragon to stretch over his skin, so its strength bled through.

Keiran said, “I need you to listen. If Izzy becomes a threat to us or to you, I’ll take care—”

Daxton snarled while he held his ground, his own dominance pressing against Keiran’s, even knowing it could get him killed. “She’s under my protection.”

Keiran blinked and leaned back, casually displaying his power. “With Tattered Ones after her, she’s a danger to us just by being in Pentros. The longer they evade you, the more dangerous they become. I expect you’ll spend all your resources to track them down. But you know me better than that, Daxton. If she’s a threat, I would merely wipe her memory.”

That’s why Silas tested his power against her. They wanted to make sure theycouldwipe her if necessary.“You’re a tactical bastard,” Daxton hissed.

Keiran growled with a clenched jaw. Daxton’s back stiffened. Izzy wasn’t the only person under Keiran’s scrutiny.

“I’m not blinded by her as you are,” Keiran said. “I want to learn about the Fallen, but I won’t jeopardize the safety of my people or neglect my position of responsibility to do so. She could lead the Tattered Ones here or even become one herself.”

Daxton’s stomach twisted. The idea sent him reeling. He didn’t believe Izzy was capable of such depravity, but logically it was possible. And Keiran was right. Daxton hadn’t behaved as a chief should over the past few days. Keiran had told him the truth about his plans, not to start a dominance feud but to stop one.

Daxton dropped his gaze and massaged the spot above his eyebrows. It burned as if he had stared at the sun. “It’s been a while since I’ve felt your iron fist.”

The power surrounding them ebbed, but he kept his head lowered.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had to use it,” Keiran said.

Keiran’s light-humored reply gave Daxton the strength to peer up. Crinkles surrounded Keiran’s brows and bloodshot eyes as if Daxton’sdominance had been painful to him. His breath hitched disbelieving he was that strong.

“Your actions do bear consequences,” Keiran said.

Daxton slammed down his rambunctious dragon with the weight of the disappointment in Keiran’s tone.