Dragon Shifter Dominion 3: Cold Heart of the Winter Dragon by KC Kingmaker

Author:KC Kingmaker [Kingmaker, KC]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: KC Kingmaker
Published: 2021-05-04T16:00:00+00:00

15

Levia

We were on high alert that evening. Rook would be joining me to see Arctavia Pond, of course, because I didn’t trust the rebel leader whatsoever.

I’d been in bed all day with my earthy mate, snuggled against his body, wrapped in his huge arms. It had been a dream. After our cuddling turned into something more intimate and pleasurable, I was feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world and whatever it threw at me.

We met a rebel operative near the Eel’s tavern as the sun sank behind the distant mountains. Light snowfall pitter-pattered around us and I drew my coat tighter to stave off the cold. I was starting to get used to it.

The operative acted as our guide. He took us from the tavern, down some streets, and before long I started to feel a different vibe about the citizens we came across. The part of the Rime he was leading us to was downtrodden. There was as palpable energy of discontent swirling along with the snow, though it didn’t seem directed at me, strangely enough. I had my hair beneath my hood, so I hoped to be as incognito as possible.

At one point during our trek, I saw a small gathering of peasants growing in a town square. It reminded me of the angry audience from the Eel’s tavern, but I could hear their cries of anguish, not in support of Arctavia Pond, but in defiance of her.

“She’s failed us again!” one man cried out.

“Enough of the madness, we’re freezing in our own city!” a woman wailed. “Just because we’re Winter dragons doesn’t mean we can survive without warmth. Has everyone forgotten us?”

“No more alphas, no more leaders, no more lies!” a guy yelled. Others joined in repeating that chant.

A pang of guilt tore through me, hitting me at my core. If it hadn’t been for me, these people would have their firewood and warmth. I had denied them that basic necessity in my drive to protect Loch Winterson’s interests, and to get on his good side.

Gods, what have I done? I wondered. There was no winning in this cold place.

Rook sensed my discomfort and sadness. He put an arm over my shoulder and brought me close as we continued onward. “Don’t tear yourself apart with what could have been, Levia. You did what you thought was right.”

I sniffled, feeling incredibly sad. “But what if I was wrong?”

He squeezed my shoulder. “I suppose we’ll find out tonight, my love.”

With a sigh, I nodded against his sturdy chest, then distanced myself so we could walk faster. The operative—who we hadn’t so much as spoken a word to—was getting antsy and moving faster. It seemed he didn’t like roaming around the poor district’s town square when a riot was on the verge of breaking out.

The buildings around us turned more decrepit as we ventured, until we were passing by hovels, tents, and shacks. It was all very depressing, walking into the most destitute part of the Rime.

One thing was certain: These people needed help.

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