“Stop protecting Valerion. Think of him as a sacrifice: one life given so everyone can live in peace—including us. We could be together at last. We could be free.”
The dragon exhaled. Her breath, as cool and fresh as newly fallen snow, rustled Helkryvt’s garments. She closed her eyes and excitement thrilled through him. He was on the verge of a breakthrough, he could feel it. Finally, after all this time, he had won.
She opened her eyes again and looked at him. “No.”
His hands curled slowly into fists. They shook at his sides. “What did you say?”
“You heard me.”
“Selfish, arrogant, stupid beast!” Sharp slabs of rock leapt from the walls, turning black at the touch of the alien power in Helkryvt’s soul as they zoomed toward the dragon. Dark icicles materialized from thin air and shot a
