Cara did not want to know what Vyrisa and the other dragon-borne had done.
But she could smell it.
Smoke lingered in the cavern air, clinging to stone and scale. It curled into her lungs with every breath, heavy and bitter.
She curled tighter against the rock, knees drawn to her chest.
She was afraid to close her eyes.
Afraid she would see it.
Frairdale burning.
Villagers running.
Screams.
What if her papa had been among them?
Lyris's words echoed in her mind.
It's your fault.
Another voice cut through her thoughts — smooth, cold.
Pet. You are thinking too hard. It is annoying.
Vyrisa.
The queen did not move from her throne. She did not look at Cara.
I told you. This world is only death.
Cara pulled herself tighter into the stone. Tears slid silently down her cheeks.
"I begged you not to..." she whispered.
No response.
Fear spread through her slowly, like ice creeping through water.
Vyrisa had not yet punished her for attacking Lyris.
That frightened her more than if she had.
Lyris, however, did not hide her pleasure.
She retold the story loudly, ensuring Cara could hear every detail — the flames, the panic, the dragon-borne tearing through homes. She spoke with pride, casting glances toward Vyrisa as if seeking approval.
Vyrisa remained distant.
Cold.
Unmoved.
Eventually exhaustion dragged Cara into sleep.
Her dream betrayed her.
She was home.
Safe in her bed. Window cracked open to the night air. The soft creak of the house settling around her.
Then—
The beating of wings.
Heavy.
Closer.
Cara crept to the window.
Silver hair caught the moonlight as the red dragon soared above Frairdale. Powerful. Beautiful. Untouchable.
Cara watched her in awe.
Until those red eyes turned.
And met hers.
You have interesting dreams, pet.
Cara jolted awake with a gasp.
The cavern ceiling loomed above her.
Her heart thundered.
"Do you see everything?" she whispered into the darkness.
I do not see, Vyrisa replied calmly. But I hear your thoughts when they are loud enough.
That unsettled her more than claws ever could.
Silence stretched.
"Are you going to punish me?" Cara asked quietly.
YOU ARE READING
Ashes Embraced
FantasyA Dark Sapphic Romantasy A century ago, the Red Dragon Queen burned Frairdale to the ground. Now she rules from the cliffs above the lake-untouched, unchallenged, and unrepentant. When Cara steps into dragon territory, she expects death. Instead, sh...
