Page 121 of Hero of Havoc

I’m assuming he means Rapture.

“Why?”

“It was pleasantries to allow Baron to remain present last time. Now, when you're going to him with actual needs, it's important that we respect the rules.”

I huff, my fingers flexing against his scales. “And you didn't think to tell Baron that first?” I ask, and he scoffs.

“Do you think he would have brought you if he knew?” he retorts, and I grimace, hating that he has a point. We come to a stop beside a wide archway edged in gold. “He'll be waiting for you through there.”

“He already knows I'm here?” I clarify, and he hums.

“He will have recognized your scent the moment we arrived,” he explains.

I gulp, nervously tossing my leg over his scales and slipping down his wing. It’s way clumsier than last time without Baron's help, but I manage to scramble to my feet when I reach the bottom.

Threading my fingers together nervously, I approach the opening in the cave wall.

“Come in, Miss Hayworth,” the familiar voice in my head orders before I can figure out how to make my presence known, but I take the command, stepping inside as I clear my throat, only to startle slightly when I find the dragon in question curled up in the center of a large room with soft flames flickering around the space.

It's almost cozy.

“I didn't expect to see you back so soon. Although, I can't say I'm shocked,” he states, and I nod, folding my arms over my chest protectively.

“I, um, I have some questions I’m hoping you'll be able to answer.”

His head bobs. “What's on your mind?”

“Many things are on my mind, but right now I'm confused about my mother,” I admit, worrying my bottom lip as he sighs.

“Ah, Sapphira Hayworth,” he states, her name dipped in disappointment, and I nod. “She's never been a woman of honor. I'm sorry her predominant traits didn't change when she had children,” he adds, and I hum in agreement.

“Me too. There are many things I could complain about regarding her, but my issue at the moment is the fact that she just killed me. It’s my third death, but for the first time, I woke up minutes after it happened, seemingly with my memories still intact. I’m sorry for just showing up here; I don't know who else to ask why this is different.”

“I’m glad you came to me,” he rasps as he stretches his limbs out, a half-yawn parting his huge mouth, making him almost seem… cute, instead of deadly. I can’t help but wonder what it would look like if he were little, like a kitten-sized dragon. “How did your mother kill you? Green flames?” he asks, and I nod, jaw slack in surprise, but before I can push to understand how he might know that, he proceeds. “Unfortunately, that's a classic move for your mother. Green flames are the only flames that can burn a phoenix, but the reality of one phoenix killing another comes with different consequences.”

Nerves get the better of me as I blink at him, waiting with bated breath for more of an explanation as bile burns up my throat once again.

“When a phoenix kills a phoenix, there's no issue of memory loss or extended periods of healing, but it does weaken a phoenix's abilities and powers for a period of time.”

I frown. “How so?” I breathe, and he stretches his neck from side to side before he speaks.

“Have you tried to summon a flame since awakening?” I shake my head. “Please,” he orders, and I twist my hand, staring at my bare palm. I try to connect with the piece inside of me that loves to dance across my skin in a ball of flame, but nothing comes.

“The way she killed me, it exposes me. Why would she want to do that?” I consider, and he sighs.

“There are many reasons when it comes to your mother. But I would just be thankful that she didn't use her green torture chamber on you instead.”

My chest tightens. “That doesn't sound fun,” I state, and he nods.

“Your ancestors, unfortunately, know about it best. Was there a particular reason she was angry today?” he adds, and my spine stiffens.

“Something about a relic given to me by Leonardo Corrigan. I refused to indulge in what secrets may have been hidden inside because I didn’t want to sign my soul over to him. And now, she wants it, but I no longer have it.”

His head bobs in understanding. “Then that's what you must consider, Ivy. Understanding the bond between your mother and Leonardo Corrigan, and what he has to offer you, seems vital to the issues that surround you.”

I don’t like the sound of that.

Not at all.