Ashes Embraced

3

When Cara woke, she was alone again.

She remained near the throne, curled on one of the cushions Vyrisa had left her on. The cavern felt larger without the dragon queen's presence — colder, emptier, louder in ways she couldn't explain.

Her thoughts drifted home.

Papa.

Was he out there searching for her? Asking neighbors if they had seen the auburn-haired girl who never wandered too far from the creek? Perhaps the bread merchant would remember her — the stolen loaf, the nervous glances, the hurried steps.

Her chest tightened.

She clutched the ruined dress around herself. It had been a gift from her father — soft fabric chosen with care. Now it was torn, stained, barely holding together.

The only piece of home she had left.

The flapping of wings echoed through the cavern entrance, followed by soft thuds as dragons returned from the sky. Excited chatter filled the air.

Cara rose slowly, pulling the fabric tighter as she moved toward the entrance.

The moment she appeared, the chatter died.

Eyes moved from her... to Vyrisa.

Cara felt exposed, displayed — a fragile thing in a place of claws and fire.

Vyrisa passed her without acknowledgment, striding toward her throne. Her hips swayed with effortless confidence as she sat, expression dark and distant.

"You're dead, human."

Cara turned.

Lyris stood close, voice low and venomous.

"A dragon-borne was attacked because of you."

Cara blinked. "What do you mean? I didn't do anything!"

"Someone saw you being taken," Lyris sneered. "Ryvor was caught in a net. They killed him." Her lip curled. "You must matter to someone."

Anger surged through Cara. "I didn't ask to be here!"

"But you are," Lyris replied coolly. "Which makes it all your fault."

Rage snapped.

Cara lunged.

The impact caught Lyris off guard, sending her stumbling back. Cara struck blindly, fists fueled by fear and grief and frustration she couldn't contain.

"Get off me, human!" Lyris screeched.

Cara didn't stop.

Until she was thrown.

Stone slammed into her back as Lyris shoved her away. The dragon's features twisted, rage stripping away humanity until only predator remained.

Claws raised.

"Enough!"

Vyrisa's voice cracked through the cavern like thunder.

"Ryvor is dead because of your pet!" Lyris spat. "How can you let this bitch live?"

"I have my reasons," Vyrisa replied coldly. "And it is not your place to punish what belongs to me."

Lyris faltered.

"Leave."

Reluctantly, she obeyed.

"And you, pet," Vyrisa said without looking at Cara, "sit beside my throne. Speak to no one. I will deal with you later."

The words drained the last of Cara's anger.

She obeyed.

Blood trickled from her knuckles as she stared down at her hands, the sting distant compared to the ache in her chest.