“Yeah,” I muttered as the sense of foreboding descended on me once more. I wasn’t sure any of us would be safe, ever again. Call Wes, I thought, planning our next move. Contact all my safe houses. Gather every rogue, hatchling and human friend I have and take them to the deepest, darkest, most impenetrable hole I can find. The storm was coming, looming on the horizon, and if any of us were caught in the open when it hit, no one would survive. I just hoped that, when the initial fury had passed and we poked our heads out again, the world would still be there, and not burned to ashes by dragonfire.

Chapter 31: EMBER

EMBER

“You will be my vessel, Ember Hill,” the Elder Wyrm whispered, her eyes glowing emerald as she loomed above me. “My new body, in which I will live forever.”

“No,” I snarled, fighting against the straps. “Get away from me! I won’t forget him. I won’t forget any of them.”

“Stop fighting, sis,” Dante murmured, walking around the gurney. He gave me an exasperated look and shook his head. “Why are you resisting? This is where you belong. This is your destiny.”

“Dante,” I pleaded, gazing up at him. He stared down with impassive green eyes. “Help me. You don’t know what she’s planning. What she really wants to do. Please.” I gave him a desperate look. “You’re my brother. Don’t let her destroy us all.”

Dante smiled. “I’ll save you, Ember,” he whispered, and climbed onto the gurney, resting cold hands on my shoulders. Chilled, I stared into the face of my twin and saw his eyes had turned a pale, silvery white. “I’ll save you,” he whispered again, digging curved nails into my flesh. Blood welled and ran down my arms, and Dante’s nostrils flared. “Don’t worry, sis. Dragons will never have to live in fear again. I’ll save us all.”

His body exploded, becoming long and sleek, iron scales ripping through his business suit, dark wings flaring behind him. Baring bloody fangs, the vessel drew back with a piercing shriek and went for my face.

* * *

I jerked awake, heart pounding against my ribs, a cold sweat covering my face and neck as the snarling face of my brother faded from my mind. Shaking, I sank back against the pillows, gazing around the room and trying to remember what had happened.