19
A guttural snarl shatters the quiet of the Grove. Shock careens through my limbs. I pull away from Tempest.
“It’s the Scintillion,” I say. “He’s here.”
Tempest’s skin becomes covered with dragon scales. “He won’t be for long.”
Alden stumbles into the clearing. His clothes are torn and bloody. Half his face is swollen with bruises. “Portia… I came to warn you… the Scintillion.” His eyes roll into his head as he collapses onto the ground.
I rush to kneel his side. “Alden, are you all right?”
His lids pop open. His features turn bright with triumph. “Now, I am.” He grabs my wrist. I try to twist free, but he’s already casting his transport spell. The world around me disappears.
