He blasted flames forward, a great shrieking jet. Maev emerged from shadows to fly beside him, his living daughter. The sight of her shot pride and comfort through Jeid. Requiem had fallen but Maev still lived, and she roared her fire with him. Red scales streaked above, and Tanin came flying to join them. It was the first time Jeid had seen his son in moons. The red dragon roared too and added his flames to theirs. The three pillars of dragonfire wreathed together, carving a path through the darkness. Other dragons joined their fire to the inferno, and the great stream crashed forward, lighting the darkness.

Shadowy demons shrieked and fell back from the blaze. Their voices cried out in terror. Some burned and crashed down. Others dispersed into smoke. The firelight revealed craggy walls around them, full of clinging demons who screamed and burned and died. The visions were gone. The darkness was lit. The fire of Requiem carved their way, slaying all in its path. A thousand dragons flew together, lighting the darkness.

DORVIN

 
DORVIN

Alina. Oh stars, Alina.

Dorvin shuddered as he flew through the darkness. His silver scales clattered madly like a suit of armor. He blasted out fire, and his eyes stung with the heat and rage. The dragonfire had banished the visions, but Dorvin couldn't shake the terror, couldn't stop seeing it.

Alina. His dear sister. Dead and gutted, her lacerated belly rustling with ants, worms in her eyes, her fingerless hands reaching out to him, begging him.

Please, Dorvin! she had cried. Please save me. It hurts. It hurts so bad . . . they're hurting me . . .

Dorvin paused from blowing dragonfire long enough to bellow with rage. He sucked in breath and blew flames again, adding his fire to the others' jets.

"It's only a vision!" Jeid was shouting, but the pain felt too real to Dorvin. Her voice had sounded too real.

I should have saved you on the mountain, Dorvin thought, remembering how Ciana had killed her, how he'd held Alina in his arms as she died. I have to save you now.

"Alina!" he cried out. "Alina, where are you—"

"Dung Beetle!" Maev growled at his side. The green dragon slammed her tail against his cheek. "Shut your jaw. It was only a dream, damn it. Like in Bar Luan. Now fly straight and blow your fire."

Dorvin winced but nodded. He kept flying with the others, kept roaring his flames. He was a warrior. He was a protector of Requiem. He would allow no fear or weakness to fill him.

Only a dream, he told himself. Only a lie.