Free Claimed by the Dragon King by Caroline Hale Page B

eyes fixed on the figure who has just come to the front. Arralt’s maroon robes billow around him, making him look much larger and more impressive than he actually is. His gold crown glints in the artificial sunlight. He holds his hands up for silence but it’s not necessary. No one is making a sound.
    “Thousands of years we have been living in harmony with each other. Thousands of years we have maintained peace amongst ourselves and shared the magic that the Underground has to offer. Today we honor our ancestors and celebrate the very spells that allow us access to this magic by Renewing our bond with them.”
    Ash holds his hand up, waiting to give the signal.
    The small crowd of advisors spread out and clasp hands. “Fuck,” I hiss when I see my father amongst them. Of course he would be here, amongst Arralt’s top advisors.
    Ash brings his hand to his mouth.
    “Now,” he shouts, giving the order to begin the attack. Our hidden soldiers push their way forward. The glassy eyed crowd shifts uncomfortably, their spelled unconscious selves becoming slightly aware as they are jostled and shoved aside.  Arralt’s guards break their stony stillness and fan out in front of the stairs leading to the podium.
    The Catfolk reach them first. I stand back in awe of the tiny figures, some shifting into their human form, as they brutally attack with claws and teeth. The guards stand their ground and my heart sinks when two of the Cat bodies don’t get back up again. Others reach the front line and soon enough all of the guards are occupied with attackers. Ash recognizes the opportunity and roars with approval as he shifts into the impressive black dragon. The crowd turns their attention to him as he flaps his wings and shoots a jet of fire into the sky. They clap with delight. Ruby claps along with them but she huffs in frustration instead of cheering.
    “They think it’s a part of the celebration!” Ruby shouts, keeping her eyes glued to Arralt. “We’re all linked in some way, it’s part of the spell!”
    Crap. Part of the plan was to have the majority of the crowd gone by the time Arralt could even start the spell.
    “Asher!” I shout, trying to get his attention but it’s no good. More black robed figures are pouring out of the castle gates and are joining the fight. Arralt looks on with a smile. He thinks he’s already won.
    The King turns to his assembled advisors and has them link hands again. Oh no! He’s going to start the spell. I watch as the crowd snaps their attention back to Arralt and thousands of people eagerly take each other’s hands.
    I rub my ring and hope that Ash can still hear me. “Ash, they’re starting the spell!”
    “We’ve got to get up there. Hold on!” He flaps his wings, buffeting the battle with gusts of wind. He gently grabs me around the waist and flies onto the podium. The podium shakes and a loud boom echoes through the cavern as he lands.
    Arralt and his advisors scramble back to avoid being smashed by Asher. He breathes a hot stream of fire at the King. Arralt looks on, utterly nonpulsed. The fire splits in two and wends around him, not hurting him at all. He must have some sort of Shield up. I focus my Witchsight and try to find a hole in the spell, anything that might help bring it down. The Shield wraps around him, like a giant egg. If I don’t take this Shield down, I won’t be able to reverse the spells on him and Asher. Damn it!
    Guards swarm around Arralt and I lose my focus. This is going to be even more difficult than I imagined with all of these other people around!

 
    Chapter Eleven
     
    “Everyone retreat as far as you can!” Georgia’s voice echoes through my head. Ash swivels around at her command and roars in anger. What is she up to? We can’t retreat yet!  I run over to the edge of the platform. Georgia is running straight for the main group of SIGMA fighters with her hand raised.
    “No!” I scream. Clutched in her hand is the stone we found in