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“We can’t just sit here and do nothing,” Pendragon said, her voice low.
I leaned forward. “I’ll be able to shift again soon. I know I will. As soon as I can fly again, we’ll—”
“Wait. Listen to me first. I’m not here because I gave up,” Nyxaris snapped. “I had to recover and I needed information. Now I know what needs to be done.”
Honestly, it was kind of a fucking relief to hear him say that. Because I sure as hell didn’t. But Pendragon didn’t seem more at ease. “Just what does Florence mean to you exactly?” she asked.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” the black dragon demanded. “She’s my rider.”
“I had to practically beg you to take her as your rider. To save her life,” she retorted. “So forgive me if I can’t help but wonder if you really see saving her as your top priority right now. Just how far down the list is it?”
Nyxaris was on his feet in an instant. “How fucking dare you. She is my rider.”
“Just your rider?” Pendragon goaded. “Is that all?”
“Pendragon,” I murmured. “Do you really want to bait the big black dragon?”
But she wouldn’t back down. “She’s gone,” she persisted mercilessly. “And I think everyone here knows exactly what Viktor is going to do to her. What he may have already done.”
“You don’t think I fucking know that?” Nyxaris roared. “She is not just my rider. Stop saying that. She’s everything. She is everything to me.”
Pendragon got this smug expression on her face. Like she’d been expecting him to say that.
“Right, then.” I frowned, suddenly feeling a surge of protectiveness. I stood up, crossing my arms over my chest and met Nyxaris’s eyes. “You know, Florence Shen is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Just what are your intentions with her?”
Nyxaris stepped forward. “What are you? Her father?”
“Her father’s dead,” Pendragon said quietly. “Her mother isn’t here. I think Blake has the right to ask.”
Nyxaris’s face was furious, but he answered. “I would die before I harmed her. Does that satisfy you?”
“I don’t think Nyxaris is who we need to worry about, Blake.” Pendragon sounded weary.
“Right. I realize that. Viktor is the threat, but I’m just saying once we get Florence back—which we will—if Nyxaris does anything to hurt her then, I will fucking kill him. As long as we all understand that.”
Nyxaris looked amused. “Sit down, little hatchling.”
I took a seat, albeit awkwardly. “I’m not your fucking hatchling.”
“Your protective spirit is noted. As is your threat,” he said quietly. “And as is your vote of confidence. We will find her.”
I nodded.
He looked at Medra. “Like I said, I have a plan. I wouldn’t have come here otherwise. I told you I needed more information.”
She looked surprised. “Yes, but—”
“Information which I’ve already acquired,” he said sharply. “Now, both of you need to shut up and listen. We don’t have much time. You’re going to need to do exactly as I say.” Amusement briefly crossed his face again. “And it won’t be easy for you. It will go against both of your natures.”
I wasn’t sure what that was supposed to mean, but I decided not to ask.
Pendragon’s jaw tightened. “Tell us.”
Chapter 38
MEDRA
If you are the only dragon at our disposal, the world is far worse off than I feared,” Zaira said, looking at Blake with distaste.
