Six of Ruin (Heirs of Irenwell #1) ✔

Chapter 45: Abazmakiel

The volcano above us shook, the rocks detached themselves from the mountain and crumbled down the steep, black sides. Lava slid down, devouring the tiny rocks in its wake, creating orange and red glowing stripes across the mountain's surface.

On instinct, we stepped away, not sure what to expect. The boys grabbed their weapons and prepared for better, but the usual urgency and stealth was gone from their movements. We were too tired.

If something attacked us right now, we wouldn't be able to fight.

"What the hell is going on?" Danilo shouted.

"As I said." Ace put his hands on his hips. "It's our ride."

"No!" I came closer to the mage, anger churning in my veins. "We're not done talking! You're going to explain what you meant right now! Why would you say my father was involved?"

"I'll advise against talking right now, Princess." Ace didn't look at me. "We'll have company soon."

The volcano continued to shake, almost as if an earthquake gripped the mountain from within.

A deep, guttural voice came from inside, "Who dares to disturb my sleep?"

I pulled back and stood beside Rixen, knowing full well he wouldn't be able to defend me, but still feeling strangely safer by his side.

"Abe?" Ace called. "It's me, your old buddy. Come out, come out!"

Silence.

A large scaly hand with claws for nails grabbed the edge of the volcano, stopping the flow of lava. The fire did nothing to the brown, dry scales.

Instinctively, we pulled back, cowardly pushing Torvald up front, like he could handle anything that came out of that volcano.

The lava burst around, sprinkling all over the rocks, as the large, scaly body emerged from the pit of the volcano. First came the wings, stretching and spreading over the mountain, covered with glowing red lava. Then came the front legs, strong and muscled, pulling up from the bottomless pit something terrifying, ending with clawed, human-like hands.

I couldn't speak, couldn't move, and neither did anyone else. We simply stared, too stunted to run or ask questions. Only Ace came closer, hands on his hips, annoyance in his snarl.

"Abe! We don't have time for the dramatics!"

A roar came in response, so loud it shook the ground around us, and a horned head peeked above the crater. Huge, pointy red eyes scanned us from head to toe. The scales around the eyes were black, gradually turning lighter towards the neck. Bulging, straining muscles covered the beast's entire body.

Fear rendered me incapable of breathing.

The beast pulled its body out of the crater, balancing on the edge of the volcano, lava sliding mercilessly over its skin and down the mountain.

"It's a dragon!" Nick shouted, his eyes wide. "It's a dragon!"

"We can see that, floran." Danilo mumbled, his eyes equally wide.

I still couldn't breathe. All I could think about was my younger brother, Ira, who wanted a pet dragon. If he could see this beast now, he'd probably change his mind.

The dragon didn't let out a sound; his eyes trailed over us like he decided whether we were friends or dinner, until they landed on Ace. Smoke and fire burst out of his nostrils.

"Abe!" Ace grinned. "Long time no see."

The dragon's size was incomprehensible. He was larger than buildings, kingdoms, mountains. We were nothing but bugs in comparison.