Page 13 of Cursed with the Dragon Prince
Reina
I walk on magma, but my feet do not burn.
They’re not even bandaged. Not anymore. Not here.
This seems like a dream, but it’s not. My dreams aren’t this vivid. I dream in black and white—this lava is red.
Like the rose. The Maledictum.
I’m still clutching it, somewhere the thorns embed my skin. Elsewhere, my body is resting. I don’t think I’m in danger. For a time, I sensed a heated debate. Drakon was protective of me, but the moment has passed.
My skin itches, and I squint my eyes open. My vision is blurry, my eyelids gunky, and I’m too tired to move. I’m not alone. I smell him; Drakon is near, balsam and char. I also smell others. Many,manymore dragon fae are near.
There is a drumbeat, and the cave resonates, a womb that nourishes me—the golden throne whispers,“Hello.” Whatever is happening, it needs my surrender. Resistance will hinder the process, and I flow, drifting back into the dream.
I walk on magma, but my feet do not burn.
The red liquid bubbles and churns, a burning lake within a volcanic caldera. The molten rock speaks through hisses and bubbles. “You’ve arrived.”
I breathe in, filling my lungs with sulfur. The scent of misplaced memories that makes my scales burn. There’s arushing sound as a bubble breaks the surface of the magma pool. It sprays my skin but does no harm. All the same, I flinch.
I run fingers along my skin, finding it scaly and tough. It’s the texture of my birthmark. “Did you curse me?” I ask.
“You’re my Blessed One,” the volcano rumbles.“I would never curse you.”
Before I can form a reply, my feet are pulled under, and the lava consumes me whole.
Drakon
Even deep in the volcanoes, the midday sun warms the great hall. My clan holds vigil around Reina’s sleeping form. A steady drumbeat, following the rhythm of a beating heart, unites us despite our divisions.
We wait for Reina to stir. What happens next is up to her.
Kaliyah and Scorpia had a heated debate, and Scorpia wanders through the clan, asking questions and discovering who else is offended by this order of events.
I can’t waste my strength on her drama.
My focus is on Reina. I offer her strength instead.
Her scales have spread, starting with that spot at the base of her neck. They’re purple, shimmering and shiny, their polish fresh as new growth. They spread to her collarbones and cheekbones, to the back of her hands. Her flesh toughens, and when she rises, she’ll find her feet healed.
A human turned dragon fae.
Wisp’s Blessed One.
She’s the third and final one my clan will call by that name. The last two died long ago, and ever since, Scorpiahas been determined that we would never attempt to break our curse again. My aunt has rid this isle of every human who has stepped upon it—some of the clan believes she is right to do so.
As for the rest, they’re hopeful.
It’s possible that Reina will break our curse.
As for myself, I support her with my vigil.
Soon she’ll be reborn.
Part Two: Transformation
Awakening
