WINGS OF ASH AND DESIRE

as the voice from the depths lingered in his mind-ancient, commanding, and dripping with malice. His molten gold

?" he demanded, his ton

violet eyes were glazed with exhaustion. The spell had clearly draine

growled, step

napping her gaze to him. "I

it better," he sn

hold corrupted magic. It's a prison, a seal placed to contain something far more da

faintly. "You're telling me we almost unleas

d. "Not almo

of his clenched fists. "And you didn't

supposed to be dormant. Nothing should have been able to break the seals."

tened. "You mean

your enemy, Fael. You need to stop thinking of me as the villai

ay," he growled, though

this time it wasn't violent. It felt deliberate-controlled. Th

you do not belong,

ly stepped between Keryth and the source

are bold, little dragon. Bold and foolish. Do y

"It's testing the limits of the seal," she whispe

en demanded, his fr

thought," she admitted, her voice tr

continued, its tone oozing with malice. "And yo

as the creature uttered her nam

ed as she clutched her staff, her gaze fi

stepping closer. "What

oice barely above a whisp

d her arm, forcing her to face him.

ar. "I've been running for years, hunted by people like you, blamed for crimes I did

he voice interrupted again, it

y, Keryth. You are bound to me

d, and the presence withdrew, l

stood frozen, his claws flexing as he strug

s voice low and cold. "What d

ars glistening in her

said, his tone leavin

her expression conflict

tted. "But I need answ

eyes unwavering. "This isn't over. Whate

hen placed her hand

g heavy between them. Unbeknownst to either, shadows began to stir deep