Lord of Destiny (The Dragon Demigods #6) - Charlene Hartnady Page 0,66

me with your scent all over me.” Her eyes glisten in defiance. “I’m glad it happened!”

I am too, but I don’t say that. “It might get you into more trouble.” I push out a breath, worry surging through me.

“I’m hoping not to get captured. I’m fast…remember?” She winks at me.

It’s false bravado, but I don’t say anything. I nod and kiss her softly. Just a quick brush of the lips. I can’t seem to get enough of her.

She tries to pull away, but I tighten my arms around her. “Firstly, thank you for risking yourself for me. It means more than you will ever know.”

“You’re welcome.” She smiles for a moment.

“I also need to add, for the record…” She nods, her eyes on mine. I lick my lips. “I would have liked to explore this...us. I would’ve liked that a whole lot.” I pull her into an embrace. I bury my face in the crook of her neck. I breathe her in. We hold onto each other for a few moments. All too soon, we’re pulling away from one another. I pray that the horrible feeling growing inside me is just that…a horrible feeling. That it isn’t my ability kicking in. I don’t think so, but you never know with these things.

18

Raven

I have a terrible feeling about this. My scalp prickles. My mouth feels dry. It’s probably just nerves. I don’t think it’s a premonition. It doesn’t feel like one.

I’ve wracked my brain a hundred times, and I can’t come up with another option. I need to do this. Stephan has to get away. We can’t wait any longer. We have a plan. As long as I stick to the plan, we should be okay.

I’m walking. I’m listening for the next patrol – they seem to be more and more frequent. I don’t think it’s my imagination. I need to give Stephan enough time to get as far away from me as he can and to find a clearing of his own. We’ve split up. The reasoning is that he can’t launch from the same place as I do. He stands more of a chance if he can get away without being seen. One patrol has already passed overhead since we moved out. I’m going to take flight soon after the next one.

I’ve already passed a couple of suitable launch sites, but they’re too close to where I left Stephan.

It doesn’t take long before the next patrol is approaching. I wait it out, hunkered under a thick tree, and then keep moving. The next clearing I hit, I shift. I take a couple of deep breaths, and then I’m launching. I flap hard…up…up I go. I want them to hear me, to see me. I need their attention on me. I head east. The alarm is given within seconds in the form of a loud screech. It’s answered with more screeches. My heart pounds. Adrenaline courses through my veins. I need to keep a cool head. I fly hard and fast, keeping my eyes peeled for more dragons. Make no mistake, there are more. Too many.

I hear the strong wings beating behind me. They’re not catching up with me yet. I want to fly faster, but I hold back. I need to save my strength.

All too soon, another call is given from a second group. They’re to my left. Shit! This formation is closer. The second call was to be expected though, since there are so many dragons out looking for us. I change course slightly. I’m careful to keep clear of Stephan. I’m desperate to look back, but I don’t. The first patrol group is now closing in on me. I would hate for them to see me looking. They might realize why I’m doing it. They might realize…if they haven’t already. So far, all eyes seem to be on me. At least, I pray they are.

I can hear them behind me…closer…closer. I push myself harder. I need to stay ahead, but at the same time to keep them with me. The chase is on!

They’ve been patrolling in relentless shifts for hours since we made our escape. I’m sure they feel the fatigue. I have the advantage there. Having said that, I don’t fly often enough. I can already feel myself tiring. It’s also due to the lack of food. They have that advantage. I need to dig very deep. I can do this!

I see a bank of thick clouds ahead. I’m not sure if I should steer clear