A Door in the Dark by Scott Reintgen

Author:Scott Reintgen [Reintgen, Scott]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-03-28T00:00:00+00:00

25

Ren had seen wyverns in the Heights.

She knew those versions had been wild creatures once, but seeing this one made it clear just how docile wyverns became in service to humans. It was the size of a small carriage. A great mane of red hair tossed in the wind, bunching and curving into a dark V at the creature’s neck. The hair ran in a thick line down its spine before forming a whiplike tail that swished as the beast sniffed the air, taking in their scent. Both wings folded neatly into its sides as it began to walk forward.

Scales covered most of its body, alternating between onyx and ivory, a pattern that Ren knew was meant to briefly dizzy its prey. Great talons dragged over the stones as the beast slunk toward them, a menacing growl guttering out of its throat. The eyes were the most startling aspect. Riders in Kathor fitted their mounts with harnesses and ceremonial masks. Even depictions in museums featured such blinders.

Now Ren saw why. Five amber-colored eyes swiveled. Two on the left, two on the right, and one fixed in the middle of the creature’s forehead. It was unnerving to watch each eye spin and rotate separately from the others. It also distracted her attention from the rows of teeth running below them. Ren shook herself. The creature was halfway across the clearing, and she hadn’t thought of a single spell. Any chance of recovery was cut off by the sight of Theo Brood.

He was shirtless.

“Do not move,” he said quietly. “Do not attempt magic. Do not speak.”

Another chest-deep growl. Ren watched as he removed his boots. Pale and exposed, he walked out to meet the creature, skirting bones as he went. Her mind was a flickering pattern of chaotic thoughts. Look at those teeth. If Theo dies, we’re screwed. Look at those teeth. He’s not half-bad with his shirt off. Look at those teeth. She was trying to think of spells as Theo approached the creature.

He set his feet, taking up a stance that made the great wyvern pause. All five eyes were drawn to him. Their flickering attention became flame. And Theo Brood began to dance.

“Well, we’re all going to die,” Ren whispered.

She briefly wondered if this was something he’d read in one of those ridiculous adventure books. His head slid side to side as the rest of his body remained motionless. She saw his golden hair toss with the motion before he swept both arms wide. His hips moved, rotating in time with a song they couldn’t hear. His feet began to shift. She realized the steps weren’t improvised. There was a rhythm to how he stood on his tiptoes, then rocked to his heels. A planned pace that his entire body strained to match. She also noted how the steps allowed him to slowly circle the massive creature.

The wyvern was motionless. Only its eyes trailed his progress. There was a practiced art to his movements. The way his back flexed. The way his chest pumped and folded.

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