Book 2: Chapter : 27: The Echo

Book 2: Chapter : 27: The Echo

THIS IS THE SECOND CHAPTER TODAY TO MAKE UP FOR WHAT I MISSED LAST WEEK. PLEASE CLICK BACK ONE CHAPTER IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST ONE OR ELSE THIS WILL MAKE ZERO SENSE.

Valentina closed her fist. For one heart stopping moment, all of the air in the room... evacuated. Arthur’s ears popped painfully and when he tried to breathe in, he only received a wisp.

Instinct made him glance up. A dense fog had collected at the roof of the room — everything but a bare hint of air, densely packed into a miniature cloud.

All sound stopped.

Valentina let the moment linger for the space of three heartbeats. Her fist relaxed and the air whooshed down again.

People gasped all around him as if they had been strangled for minutes instead of a handful of seconds.

Arthur’s gaze snapped to the black egg which still hovered under Whitaker’s power. He hoped that the momentary lack of air hadn’t hurt it.

It glittered darkly. And he thought, perhaps a little amused.

Whitaker’s voice boomed out over the still shocked room.

“You think leading other dragon riders is a stroll in the sunshine? I’d wager most of you have never seen a scourge-eruption. Now it is time for you to truly see what the hive fights against.”

Give it to the young nobles: most of them were not cowed so easily.

“But I’m not dressed for battle!” one girl called, gesturing to her lacy dress.

“You don’t think I’ve gone out in a fancy ball gown?” Valentina asked. “When a call there has been a scourge eruption has gone out, you answer.”

Again, Marion snorted.Witness the debut of this chapter, unveiled through Ñôv€l--B1n.

This time, Arthur looked at him with eyebrows raised.

The prince raised them back as if to say: “What do you expect?”

Looking across the table let Arthur take in the sight of the little girl. She stared up at the stage, trembling.

Penn must have noticed the same. “Don’t worry,” he said, “No matter what happens out there, stick by me. I’ll protect you.”

Arthur thought it was a sweet offer, and much better than what he was going to say which would have been a version of, “I’ve seen a scourge eruption and I’m certain they’ll keep us well away from the front.”

Far from being reassured, the girl gave Penn an affronted look.

Seeing a glimpse of the future, Marion chuckled softly.

“Maybe I’ll protect you,” the girl said, glaring daggers at Penn. Then her features blurred. She gained at least two feet in height and her shoulders broadened. Her clothing switched color and shape, from a girlish dress to a pressed dark shirt and pants.

Within seconds she was Penn’s exact double. Though she still wore the glare.

Marion’s eyes glinted in amusement. “Because we have different mothers, of course. Royal children take on the maternal last names if and when we ascend to the throne.”

Penn clearly had been listening. He turned at the last part of the conversation. “From what I understand of the King, I’m surprised he would let any potential heir lead a hive. Wouldn’t that give his children too much power?”

Echo looked sour, though it didn’t seem to be at Penn’s question.

Marion shrugged. “It’s only a temporary step for us.”

“What is?” Arthur asked.

“Bonding.” He shrugged again. “It’s only meant to be a temporary step up to the big seat.”

Arthur stared. He couldn’t mean what he thought he meant...

Echo blew air out from her cheeks. “The king is a mythic card holder linked to a mythic dragon. Whoever ascends takes on that link. That’s how it works. You knew that much, right?”

Penn nodded, looking grave. Arthur did, too. Though inside he was stunned and more than a little sickened.

That meant the ruler of their kingdom was someone who was willing and able to break a link to their own dragon and trade up for a higher tier.

What kind of a person sat on the throne?

“Enough!” Whitaker barked out, and the floors trembled with the strength of his voice. The arguing voices fell silent, though many still looked mutinous.

Whitaker went on, “The seers have called for a scourge-eruption tonight. I suggest instead of whining, you use this time to prepare yourself — including dressing appropriately.” He looked to the girl who had spoken up before. “When the call comes, I expect you to gather back up in your teams here. Until then, you’re dismissed.”

“Excellent,” Marion drawled. “More waiting.”

Arthur stood. “I suggest we take him seriously.”

“I hardly care if these clothes get ruined...”

Penn stared at Arthur, eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

“I have a personal space — part of my utility set.” He didn’t see a reason to keep that quiet. He’d been open about it when it came to the Rare, and rumor was bound to get around. “I can pack whatever we need in there. Supplies, weapons, anything we can think of in case of an emergency.”

Marion had already been digging around in his pocket while Arthur spoke, likely already have seen this conversation play out.

He thunked a coin bag on the table.

“I have no idea what to bring out in the wilds, but you seem like a knowledgeable fellow. Whatever this team needs, buy it.”

“And not only boy stuff,” Echo said. “If you get clothes, make sure they look good.”

Penn rose and scooped up the bag. “Come on, Kane. Let’s go to the hive stores and make this quick.”