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“We don’t learn much about dwarves up here,” Blake quipped.

“I wish we did, though,” I said. “Your world sounds fascinating.”

“It is one world which we all must share,” Zaira grumbled. “But yes, dwarven history is fascinating. Our geography is different from yours. Long ago, a road was built, leading toward a concealed vault. That is where the eggs lie safeguarded. When we journey below, we will open this road.”

“And there’s only one road leading to this vault?” Blake asked.

Zaira hesitated. “There is another entrance, long kept a secret. But we have reason to believe those working to tear down the Veil have learned of it.”

“So, we’re not going to be the only ones down there hunting for these eggs,” I surmised.

She shook her head. “No. There are two paths. They will be coming, but from the other direction.”

“Marcus,” Blake breathed. His eyes had lit up with an eagerness that scared me.

“So it’s a race, then? Which path is closer?” I demanded.

“The other,” she admitted. “But you will have … advantages.”

I frowned. “Will we? How are we getting there? Or better yet, how did you all get here? I didn’t think there were any entrances to dwarven cities near Veilmar.”

Zaira smirked. “We came from beneath your feet.”

“Well, yes, we figured that out.” Blake narrowed his eyes. “Oh. You mean right below?”

She nodded. “There is an entrance below the school.”

“But I’ve been down there. The city is a ruin …” Blake trailed off.

Zaira was looking superior again. “The dwarves’ ways are ours and ours alone. You see only what we permit you to see.”

“I thought Orphos were the masters of dreams and illusions,” Blake remarked.

“The dwarves are greatly skilled in many things” was all Zaira would say.

“Two creatures,” I said suddenly. “You said only two creatures can access the place where the eggs are hidden.”

“That’s right,” Zaira said reluctantly.

“And the other, another dragon?” Blake guessed. “You mean, Molindra or Viktor?”

Zaira hesitated. “Not … exactly.”

“When you said we’d have an advantage …” Then, “Oh, fuck,” Blake said. “Absolutely not.”

Chapter 39

REGAN

I was held fast in the fangs of a nightmare. My body may have been in the Avari tower, but my mind was trapped back in that room of bright lights and clean white stone.

My eyes were closed, but I could sense the brightness. The lights burned overhead as cruel hands held me down. I knew what would come next, and I couldn’t stop it. I’d feel the blade cutting into my skin, feel the blood welling. Or, worse, I’d feel weight, breath, skin. A body that didn’t belong on top of mine.

Tears spilled from my eyes. “No,” I tried to say. But my voice wouldn’t work. I tried to fight, but my limbs were tied. I made a sound—raw, animal panic tearing from my throat. The nightmare shifted. Flames rose around me. There! I had Florence by the wrist. I was pulling her forward. I could see the broken windows. We only needed to get through the flames, and then …

The heat was too much. The flames touched my skin. I screamed and reached for Florence’s wrist … but she was gone.

I cried out in fury and frustration.