Ashes Embraced

21

Cara had almost reached the cavern mouth when the air shifted.

Not heat.

Sharpness.

Lyris stepped into her path.

Not fully blocking.

Just enough.

"You walk with confidence today."

"I walk the same as yesterday."

"That is not what I meant."

Cara stopped.

Wind from the cliff tugged at her hair.

Lyris's gaze flicked toward the throne.

Then back.

"You are bold for someone so newly claimed."

There it was.

Cara tilted her head slightly.

"I was not aware I was claimed."

Lyris's smile did not reach her eyes.

"The queen does not descend from her throne without reason."

Several dragons nearby stilled.

Listening.

The mark stirred faintly.

Vyrisa had not moved.

Yet.

"She gave me a task," Cara said evenly.

"She watched you scrub stone as though you were treasure."

That one carried bite.

"And that offends you?" Cara asked softly.

"You are human."

"Yes."

"You are fragile."

"Sometimes."

"You are temporary."

That one landed.

Not insult.

Warning.

"Everything is," Cara replied.

Wind snapped between them.

"You think this is choice," Lyris said quietly. "You think she chooses you."

"She does."

Across the chamber—

Heat rolled.

Controlled.

Lyris felt it.

She did not look back.

"She will burn you," Lyris continued. "You will not survive it."

Cara stepped closer.

Not threat.

Ground.

"I am not asking her not to burn," she said evenly. "I am asking her to feel."

Lyris's eyes flashed.

"You presume to soften her?"

"I presume to stand beside her."

Silence thickened.

Then—

"Lyris."

The name cracked like thunder.

Vyrisa descended slowly.

Measured.

Predatory calm.