Entrapment (Thor's Dragon Rider #3) - Katrina Cope Page 0,8
argue.
Exactly! You should be proud of that, not ashamed because you don’t know everything about other realms.
I pull my gaze from the giant mocking me to Elan, finding her golden eyes gleaming down at me with compassion and pride. Yet again, I'm thankful that this dragon and her mother have chosen to represent me and support my struggles. Because of them, I have turned my services into something more powerful than simply getting wingless Valkyries recognized for being more than just slaves.
“Did I ever mention how much I appreciate your support and friendship, Elan? I thank my lucky stars every single day that you entered my life.”
Her head tilts to the side, and a funny little smirk spread across her face. No. You haven't actually said that. She lifts a scaly eyebrow. But I know, and the feeling is mutual. She quickly shoves me with her nose, affection in her golden eyes.
Despite our situation, I smile. “All those things wouldn't have been achievable if I didn't have the support of you and your family and if they hadn’t convinced the other dragons. Even if we don't make it through this, I’m extremely thankful that I lived my short life with you in it.”
Her brows push together. Hey. We can get through this. She flicks her nose briefly at the giant monster, still staring down at us. This has got to be another idiot giant with the brain capacity of a nut. I hear they are quite dumb. You must’ve seen that on Jotunheim.
Pushing my lips to one side, I stare up at him. “I don't know, Elan. This one seems to have a few more brains than the frost giants.”
Large red eyes zoom in at us as they peer into the hole. “What are you two talking about?” His head tilts, and he seals the hole briefly with one eye as he gets a closer look at us. “Are you planning to escape?” His voice reeks of amusement. “If you do, you will be unsuccessful.” He straightens, pulling his face farther away and giving us another a full view of his monstrosity. “Although it would make life rather interesting, you could at least let me introduce myself before you plot to leave. I am Surt, the leader of Muspelheim and the fire giants.”
I frown. “I thought this was part of Helheim and under the leadership of Hel.”
“Is that what they're telling you these days?” He taunts me again with his amusement. “How little you know about Muspelheim.”
“Then educate us!” I snap. “Didn't Hel send one of your lava monsters to Asgard to attack us as a warning?”
Surt snorts, and fragments of molten lava fall to the ground around us, but not before Elan covers me with her fireproof body, protecting me from the burning debris. I think the snort was supposed to be laughter, but I wasn't sure. When the burning embers stop falling, I peer past Elan’s wing at him.
His massive lava-filled mouth turns up at the corners in what I guess is a smile. “Oh, how you are wrong. As if I'd send my pet to Asgard for Hel’s bidding. For a start, she would have to give me something in return. In order to do that, she would have to speak to me.” He rubs his upper arm. “Except for rare occasions, she speaks to no one but the dead.” He shrugs. “I’m too alive for her to be bothered with me.”
My brow crinkles into a frown. I find it hard to believe that anything that burns internally with lava could be alive. I push this thought aside. That’s a consideration for another day. “But a lava monster attacked Asgard,” I protest.
Surt shakes his massive head, the long, curved horns swiping at a few floating embers. “No. The lava monster was not attacking Asgard. The lava monster was there to get you.”
- Chapter Five -
* * *
“What?” I stare at him in confusion. “But that was a little while ago. Why would you send a lava monster to get us?”
“No. I sent my minion to get you.” Surt's mouth settles into a straight line.
I set my fists on my hips. “So you sent it to attack me?”
“No. You’re not listening.” Annoyance creases the gap between Surt’s fiery eyes. “I sent it to collect you.”
“Then why did it attack Elan?”
“Because your dragon is always with you, and I’m guessing she went into defense mode and attacked first.”
“It nearly killed her,” I growl.
Surt’s massive shoulders rise in a shrug.