The Dragon Games

Blood Moon Rising

WELCOME HOME PLEEBS!

WEEKS UNTIL BLOOD FEST: ZERO

As soon as he could, Cassian pulled me from the auction and took me to his private chambers. He lit the fireplace and offered me a cup of water. I shook my head, and then it was down to business.

"Edmund Balthasar does not want the raider's dragon," Cassian said. "He wants to lure you into ambush, just like in the mountains. Only this time, you'll be facing someone with enough divine to challenge you. If you fight Edmond one on one, the victor is questionable. But with the support of his squad, there's no doubt."

"Drax has already stolen the raiders. I can't let Sammy come home to nothing."

Cassian's eyes dipped to the locket hanging around my throat. His fingers twitched as if he wanted to snap the chain and feed it to the fire. "Think about what happened the last time you saved something that belonged to Crenshaw. Save yourself instead." 

I stared into the throes of the fire, flames dancing in my eyes. "There are worse things than dying."

Cassian's eyes narrowed. "Alright, what does Crenshaw have on you?" 

I stopped short, glancing at him. "What?"

"Why are you so obsessed with pleasing him? What is he holding over your head?" He grabbed my shoulders, his eyes bright. "If you tell me, we can fight him together!"

"He's not holding anything over my head. He's my family."

Cassian stared at me for a long, long moment. Then he averted his eyes to the ceiling, his expression flattening.

"When I picked you for my squad — a raider with a list of crimes taller than I am — I knew many forces would conspire to take you down, but I never imagined your ultimate downfall would be your... " He pinched the bridge of his nose, squeezing his eyes shut. "... conscience..."

"I haven't forgotten that you saved my life, Cassian," I said. "I'll get you a powerful dragon.  I just have to take care of Rauuk first."

He opened his eyes, his stare sharp. "You'll get me a powerful dragon?"

"Ay."

"Good. Because if you bond with Rauuk, I will take back your parlay."

I took a long, slow sip of water. I felt betrayed, and then I felt stupid for feeling betrayed in the first place. We weren't friends, afterall. This was a business arrangement, nothing but an averted death sentence in exchange for a powerful dragon.

"Fair's fair," I said, whipping my lip with the back of my thumb. 

Guilt flashed over Cassian's eyes, realising he had drawn a line that can not be uncrossed. "Black –"

"Is that all, or are there any other requirements to keep my parlay?"

"Earlier you said that if Crenshaw didn't have his dragon, then he'd have nothing to come home to ... so what does that make you?"

I regarded him dully, not impressed by the attempt to twist my words. "Any other requirements, sir?"

Cassian opened and shut his mouth. Then he nodded. "That is all."

With another word, I left his chambers. I didn't go to sleep right away. I sat in the commons, sipping on a flask of wine I nicked from the kitchens. When the familiar taste burned down my throat, I could almost pretend I was back in Sammy's hideout, planning the latest heist. But now I had to grow up and plot without him.