"General Gateris!" She stared at him, the amulet thrumming on her palm. "Follow me with your troops to the palace. We have a demon to tame."

His grin widened, cruel and taunting. The same malicious mirth filled his eyes. "And so, the wayward pup returns home. Or should I say . . . the wayward weredragon?" He drew his sword, pointed the blade at her, and raised his voice to a shout. "I have seen this wretch shift into a dragon! I watched her fly across the city. I will have no reptile ruling over me." He spat at her feet. "Raem Seran is my king. Raem Seran is—"

"A weredragon himself!" Issari said. She turned toward the soldiers. "I've seen my father shift in the city cistern. He himself carries this magic; all in our family do. My siblings, Laira and Sena. My late mother, Queen Anai. And my father. Dragon magic is not a curse; it's a blessing of starlight. This city is cursed—with a demon infestation, with a cruel king who aligned himself with the Abyss. I've come to purify Eteer—with Lord Gateris or without him."

The soldiers stood still, but she saw their eyes darting from one to another. She saw the doubt in them. Tanin stepped up closer to her, dagger raised, as if his small blade could do these armored swordsmen any harm.

"March with me to the palace, soldiers of Eteer!" she said. "Accept me as your queen, and we will—"

Laughing and shaking his head, Gateris swung his sword at her.

Issari hissed and leaped back. The sickle-shaped blade sliced the air.

"You want control of this army?" Gateris said, grin wide. "Fight me for it." He grabbed a sword from one of his soldiers and tossed her the blade, hilt first. She caught it. "Fight me, Princess of Dragons." He brandished his blade, spinning the khopesh with skill more elaborate than the greatest juggler. "Slay me and this host will be yours to comma—"

Issari shifted into a dragon, blew her fire, and roasted the man.

Gateris fell, burning and screaming. A white dragon, Issari stomped upon him, driving her claws through his armor and into his flesh. He lay still.

She released her magic, stood above the burning corpse, and stared at the soldiers around her. A few had drawn their blades, but they froze under her glare. She spun around slowly, staring at them man by man. Her amulet buzzed on her palm, its light blazing.

"Soldiers of Eteer!" She raised her chin. "Follow me to the palace. Follow me to dethrone the Demon Queen. We will reclaim Eteer!"

For a moment, the men were silent. Issari wondered if they too would attack her. She could not defeat so many, not even as a dragon; dozens stood in this hall, and hundreds more filled the citadel. She took deep breaths, refusing to lower her gaze.