The dragon's head snapped toward me, those burning eyes locking onto my movement. Heat rolled off its body in waves, scorching the air, making it hard to breathe.
It growled, a sound that vibrated in my bones, and golden light built in its throat again.
Darien was suddenly there, materializing between me and the dragon so fast I didn't see him move. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me against his chest, and I felt power surge through him as another barrier sprang up.
The flames hit us.
Even through Darien's shield, the heat was incredible. I pressed my face into his chest, feeling his heart racing against my cheek, feeling the way his muscles strained as he held the barrier against the onslaught.
When the flames finally stopped, Darien's arms loosened slightly but didn't let go. I
