Talon's of Life & Death

20

*Trigger Warning: Explicit Language used*

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I barely had the time to enjoy the moment we were in the air, as one.

It was a fleeting flight. We were already on the field ahead of the mansion before I could open my mouth to scream my excitement. The others were waiting for me, quiet but composed.

"Stay close." I say to Pyro as he lowers his shoulder to the ground, giving me better access.

"Stay sharp." Is his response as he sniffs the air, staring upwards at Tulsa and Flick's retreating figures. When I stare at the spot beside the mansion, I could see why. Three fully grown Dragons guarded the space. All different and all sharply aware, myself and Pyro were their targets.

Kessa bites her lip nervously as she stares at one Dragon in particular. "That's Reign." She hisses when I step towards her. Maddox offers a cool nod in confirmation, his jaw clenched.

"Who's—"

"Josep Alexia's flame." Mei confirms, walking with her head held high as we approach the entrance. The Dragons watch us the entire way. "He does not scare me." She loudly states, staring at the Dragon with her own look.

Utterly fearless.

I stop everyone from entering when I hear loud voices emerge from inside. Until I realise that they weren't as loud as I thought, another sense that had vastly approved. I could hear from miles away, as Dragons did.

"You can't be serious!" My lips part shakily when I hear Nikos rattled voice.

"How many times must we go over this?!" A new voice, dark and commanding fills the space.

"General, if I may—"

"No Elkins, you may not. None of you have the authority to undermine me."

"I won't let you take her, father." A gasp leave my mouth. So that is what Josep Alexia sounds like. I don't know why I expected anything less.

"That is not your decision to make, Nikos. The council has decided, don't you dare do anything stupid!"

A deep snarl, one that almost shatters the glass windows. "You're the one being stupid."

Deathly silence. "Sky—" Nikos warns.

"To go against me is treason, boy. What have you been teaching him, Hart? Perhaps I will have to discipline you, further."

I step into the room, not waiting for Mei, Kessa or Maddox before I face Josep Alexia head on. Anger curls my belly as I look up at the man that had Sky's face. Blonde, cold but with musty green eyes. Nikos looked nothing like him. This man was all hate, all shadow that withered on the outskirts surrounding him. I wasn't afraid of this man.

"Touch him and you will regret it." I blurt before I could process my words.

Everyone's response was a mixture of shock and fear, but Josep Alexia did not falter at my threat. I didn't expect him to, but I meant every word. If he touched Sky or Nikos, he would have me to deal with. Pyro's sudden roar from outside was a waning answer. They all turned to that sound, they all knew what waited outside. Life or death, it didn't matter.

"Sith Cylon." His voice was filled with malice, disgust. "Is this to be the next Light Obscurian Rider?" He scoffs, looking me up and down. "I expected more."

I shrug, calming my raging heart. "Most do. Nothing ever ends well for those that underestimate power they do not understand."

He inclines his head, nodding at my words, surprisingly. Two other Riders flanked him, dressed in metal. Knights of sorts. Either his or the Queens. "Spoken like a warrior, not a seventeen year old girl." He snarls, "I shall have your tongue if you threaten me again."