The jet blasted above him, its raining droplets searing his scales.

The creature dived, snapping its teeth.

In midair, Tanin flipped upside down, dipped several feet, and raised his claws. The demon shot above him, unable to stop. As it flew, Tanin's claws drove along its swinging belly, gutting the beast.

Snakes, worms, and maggots with human heads spilled from the wound, smacking their lips and biting at Tanin like ticks. He screamed and shook himself, knocking them off, and blew his fire again.

He caught the demon as it was turning back toward him. The flames entered the gutted creature through its wound, filled its innards, and blasted outward like a collapsing pyre. With a final shriek, the creature tumbled from the sky. It crashed into the sea with hissing smoke.

Tanin looked over his shoulder, panting, to see his sister bite into the last demon's rotted flesh. The green dragon tugged her head back, ripping out a chunk of flesh, and spat. Gurgling, the creature tumbled. It gave a pathetic whimper before crashing into the water. It vanished into the depths.

"Well, well," Tanin said, tongue still lolling as he panted. "Looks like your older brother can still teach you a few things. I believe my count is . . ." He feigned counting on his claws. "Two demons. And you . . . well, technically one demon, though he was the smallest."

Maev roared, flew toward him, and barreled into him. Blood dripped down her chin, and her eyes flashed.

"The smallest—" She blustered, for a moment unable to form more words. "You only killed two because I burned them! They were already wounded."

He nodded. "Sure, Maev. It was only because you helped." He patted her with his wing. "You're a real warrior."

Suddenly he winced. Pain drove through his wing where the creatures had cut it. Maev was wounded too, several of her scales chipped.

"What were they, Tanin?" she whispered, fear replacing the anger in her eyes. "They . . . they were even worse than rocs, I think. Evil spirits. Demons." She winced. "What kind of land are we flying to?"

Tanin looked south. There upon the horizon he saw it—a faded tan smudge.

The southern coast.

The kingdom of Eteer.

"We're about to find out," he said.

They flew toward that distant coast, silent. Even as they left the smoke and stench behind, the demon shrieks echoed in Tanin's ears and he shuddered.

LAIRA

 
LAIRA

She flew until the dawn, letting no fire fill her maw. She was weary. Her cuts still hurt. Her forehead burned even in the cold air, the infection blazing through her. She felt lost and afraid; she had never been alone before escaping her tribe, and she did not know if she'd live much longer. It was the longest, coldest night of her life.

It was also the best night of her life.