Page 64 of Ever Dark Academy, Vol. 7

Lawson put his hands on his hips and regarded the dragon. “I can’t believe you’d give up an opportunity for a true fight. But fine! Go be cowards!” He stepped to the side and swept a hand through the air as if welcoming her inside of someplace, even though he was really gesturing her to leave. “But just know that we will tell everyone about your cowardice.”

Natasha was frowning. She knew that Dani wasn’t a coward. Considering what she and the others had done to the Mers it was insane to even consider calling her that.

“I don’t care, Lawson,” she answered.

Xandria murmured, “I can’t feel my power, Dani. Is it gone?”

She was clutching the center of her chest as if she were having a heart attack. Dani let out a shuddering breath.

“I don’t know, but I think we’ll be fine if we leave now,” she said.

“I don’t feel right. I don’t…” Karn shook his head violently.

He appeared gray and weak. Grayson saw that the embers inside of their chests were but weak, flickering flames. If he didn’t release them, they would extinguish altogether.

“We’re going,” Dani said as she helped the other two past Lawson and Natasha.

“Legion, don’t you have anything to say about this?” Lawson called over to his Master as he flung an arm towards their retreating backs.

“Let them go,” Legion rumbled. “I do not need them.”

They were staring up at the dragon through matted hair that fell over their eyes. The dragon tilted its head–the bone white skull glimmering under the twin moons–so that it was glaring down specifically at Legion. The monstrous Weryn Vampire twitched around fully to face it.

“I can’t believe they’re just leaving!” Lawson’s expression was a mixture of shock and disdain. He kept looking back over at them as Dani used her gift to levitate the three of them over the water to the land and hobble towards the Spire.

Or maybe not to the Spire, Grayson realized. I think they’re heading towards a gate. Good. Now there is no one on this island other than Khos and Ryder I care about. I can let loose.

Natasha crossed her arms over her chest. Her expression was taut. Lips thinned. Eyes flickering all around. Her unease was practically palpable.

“I don’t understand why they would just leave. Dani isn’t a coward,” she said to Lawson. Her eyes drifted to the silent dragon. “Maybe they know something we don’t.”

Lawson poked his tongue against the inside of his cheek as he exposed his teeth. “They’re spooked. But this is just a Kaly joke. Something for one of those bastards to pull over on us.”

He stepped towards the dragon and she grabbed his arm to stop him. His head shot towards her and he glared, but that glare softened as if he had forgotten it was her beside him.

“And if it isn't?” Natasha asked. “If it’s not a joke? If this is… something else?”

In a way, they both were right.

“We’ll deal with it. We always do.” Lawson caressed her cheek. “Stop worrying. We’ll be fine.”

She studied him for long, silent moments, but then nodded. The two of them moved towards Legion, but they were careful to stay away from Ryder. The massive bear form bared its teeth at them and both kept a wide berth.

Grayson felt for his bond to Ryder. Like with Dani, they could speak telepathically. Well, if Ryder was recovered enough. His reach was met with a grasp. Grayson felt a wave of strength of love flow into him over their Master-Childe bond.

Grayson, I take it that the dragon is your doing? Ryder sounded utterly amused.

Well, since I am part Kaly, I guess I can make a Kaly joke, can’t I? Grayson chuckled, but he felt a little of the strain now.

Indeed and it is most amusing, Ryder said. And amazing, but I do not think you can keep this up for too long, my love.

No, but long enough to get you and Khos out of there, Grayson told him. Ryder, when I say, I need you to grab Khos and get away from them. I’m going to keep them busy with a very angry dragon.

Yes, I will await your word, Ryder said. His voice sounded strong and there was only a trickle of the pain he was still in coming through the bond. So it looks like Lawson really did fight a dragon!

Dry laughter followed. Grayson grinned. Mentally. Birds didn’t smile. Beaks couldn’t do that. It eased the strain of this.

Legion growled at the dragon. The dragon’s jaws cracked open. Water poured out, but there looked to be a blue-white light deep in its maw. That was connected with the power that Grayson sensed within the dragon’s very bones and gristle. If he was a trained Kaly, he had a feeling he could make the dragon breathe fire.