I repressed a sigh, knowing it had to be something like that, that the now familiar story would always come back to haunt me. And nothing I could say would make it right or better. I might not have been on that raid, but I’d been on many like it. And depending on how long ago it was, I couldn’t be certain I hadn’t been on that strike, that I hadn’t participated in what was coming next.

“I got out,” the dragon continued, “but my friend was shot dead in front of me. Four soldiers gunned him down while he was lying on the floor, begging them to stop. A kid who hadn’t hurt anyone his entire life.” The teen’s eyes glimmered, nostrils flaring, like he was drawing in a breath to unleash a gout of flame. “So wha’d’ya have to say to that, St. George?”

“Nothing,” I said wearily. I could apologize, but it would hold no weight. It would not erase the crimes of my past, the blood on my hands or the hatred in the eyes of the dragons before me. They were not here for apologies or to be reasoned with. They wanted vengeance on St. George, to strike back against the Order that had persecuted them for years, and I was the perfect candidate.

“That’s what I thought,” the lead dragon growled, and drew back a fist. “Fucking bastard. This is for Isaac.”

Ember’s menacing growl cut through the air, making him pause. The girl hadn’t moved, but her eyes glowed ominously, her pupils razor-thin against the green. “One more step, and you’ll have to fight us both,” she warned.

“Ember,” I said quietly. “Don’t.” She glared at me, angry and defiant, and I shook my head. “Don’t defend me,” I told her. I’d known this could happen if anyone found out what I’d been.

Stepping forward, I faced the three enraged dragons and steeled myself for the barrage. “Take your shots,” I told them. “Let’s get this over with.”

They started toward me, fists raised, just as there was a ripple of power, and a wall of scales, wings and snarling red dragon lunged between us. I stepped back, and my attackers drew up short as Ember lowered her head, opened her wings and rumbled a growl that made the air tremble.

“I said, no,” the red dragon snarled. “I don’t care what Garret says, I’m not going to stand here and watch you three pound on him just because he’ll let you. You want him, you’ll have to go through me.”

“What the hell?” The leader sounded outraged. “You’re defending him? The stinking soldier of St. George? What kind of traitor dragon are you?”