Page 112 of The Serpent Prince

A flutter of birds launched themselves from a rooftop down below, scattering across the dark sky in different directions to deliver their messages. Then a flash of light caught her eye. Imani’s heart picked up at the sight. While still dark—as it constantly was here—the weather was predicted to be free of storms for one rare night.

She fixed her gaze on the same spot on the horizon, waiting to see if the light would come again.

Just as she was about to give up, a low boom rumbled in the distance. Startled, she took in a sharp gasp and gripped the windowsill. Another minute passed before a column of flames lit up the far edge of the sky. It sent a shiver down her spine.

More column-like bursts of fire followed.

Mouth gaping in fear, Imani couldn’t fathom what would cause such a large display.

Another boom sounded, louder this time, and the glass panes rattled.

Imani’s hand trembled as she brought it to her lips. She took a few steps back and squeezed her eyes shut. This couldn’t be happening, not tonight. Kiran wasn’t here.

Another boom resounded through the room. It spurred her into action.

Ripping off her robe, Imani let it drop and grabbed her black leathers and a dark tunic, frantically pulling them on. Then, with the Drasil held between her teeth, she tugged on her black boots and stuck the Draswood inside, almost tripping over herself to get them on.

Respen was attacking, like they’d anticipated. She had to find Zadie or Esa.

In the hallway, others had started to come out of their rooms. Nervous energy sparked in the air. Using the wall to brace herself, Imani practically flew down the stairs.

Outside, legions and guards were gathering. Kiran’s second brother, Jonik, stood on the walking grates above, his eyes fixed on the horizon as he clutched his hands behind his back.

Swallowing hard, Imani decided she’d go to their training spot in the forest. Hopefully, Esa and Zadie would find her there, and they would join Saevel to help defend the castle. For a vague reason she couldn’t identify, she just knew that was where she needed to go.

Another boom shook the ground.

Closer … the enemy moved closer.

She turned her back to the castle, an eerie feeling pulling her deeper into the mesh of trees, snarled branches reaching for her from the growing darkness.

While she scurried down the steps of the courtyard, it dawned on her that they were too late. Respen was already here.

Inside the gardens, it was even darker than she’d thought it would be, and with her wand, Imani tested her new fire elemental brand. With just a thought, a small flame appeared above her head, floating alongside her as she ran through the winding paths.

A shudder followed, shaking the trees below.

Another tremble ran through the landscaping, stronger this time, like a ground quake. It was a quick boom, then it faded away.

Imani needed to find someone. She’d never met Respen, but she was certain he was not the type of enemy she wanted to take on alone. Even if Kiran hadn’t told her himself, after all the rumors they’d heard, and the rumblings of rebellion with the jewel and Drow elves these past several months, it was clear he’d been planning something. She just hadn’t realized it would be this soon.

Continuing through the gardens, Imani wondered if anyone might find her here in time. Where was Kiran? At least she’d be safer hidden down here. She wasn’t stupid enough to run back into the impending carnage at the castle alone, and once he came, then they could figure out what to do together.

Beyond the sounds of battle preparations in the background, Imani focused on her breathing and being as quiet as possible. Every footfall cracked a branch or crunched a leaf as she ran deeper into the woods. Eventually, she came to the clearing and twisted around to stare up at the castle again.

Imani heard them before she saw them. Several loud roars shook the ground and forced her to cover her ears. Then a dozen massive shadows descended overhead, blocking out any residual light from the moon. Imani’s nostrils flared. A nervous anxiety flitted through her at what she would see when she looked up.

Tilting her head, at first, all she could see was darkness, but then her vision cleared, revealing the forms of five—maybe six—massive creatures. They looked like wyvern, but with the fire they were breathing, she knew they were something entirely different.

The dragons Zadie had mentioned. Part of the wyvern family but far more deadly.

Instinctively, she knew these creatures weren’t of the Mesial realm. They were from the Under.

Ten more of the beasts followed, their wings flapping in a chorus as they approached the castle, some veering to the left, others to the right. They encircled the palace as if they were caging it in. The sounds of their roars were deafening, but it was the fire that was truly terrifying.

Imani ran down to the south tower and pointed her wand, black shadows exploding from her outstretched hand.

Looking up again, she saw one seemed to be the leader as he drove them into position. Scales made of pure black made it difficult to see exactly how big the creature was, but his wingspan was double the others, and his tail had three barbed protrusions instead of one.