Lucidium (Rise of the Dragons Book 1) by Alexia Purdy

Author:Alexia Purdy
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: magic, sword and sorcery, dragons, action adventure, science fiction and fantasy, dragon shifters, teen young adult
Publisher: Lyrical Lit. Publishing

Chapter Twelve

For the hundredth time, Leland checked the sturdiness of every bar, brick, and seam in the cell. Nothing was loose or looked defective enough to dislodge.

“This is ridiculous. Why do we have to wait in a cell for Fenwick? I’m one of them.” Catori groaned in frustration, sitting with her back to one of the cold, dirty walls. She was a prisoner once more, a fact that stung her more than all the pinpricks she’d received at the Institute. “Fenwick is going to get an earful from me about this disgraceful treatment.”

“It’s not like you’re royalty.” Leland dusted some of the dirt off another brick, but to his dismay, found nothing of interest. Catori’s silence caught his attention, and he glanced back at the girl who was balled up tight, her arms wrapped around her legs, and her head resting on her knees. “Or are you?”

“What does it matter?”

Leland’s eyes widened. “You are? You never told me you were royalty.”

“It doesn’t matter. Like I said, it wouldn’t change a thing.”

“But you’d have some pull, right? Your claim… it could rally the others to switch to your side. You should have mentioned it earlier, in the throne room.”

“Just stop already. They know. Believe me. Fenwick will know too. Not to mention my family’s enemies who wanted them done for before the Lucidium Order ruined everything. Trust me, they know.”

Leland frowned and headed over toward Catori’s spot. There, he slid down to sit next to her. The cell was frigid, and his fingers were already frozen to the bone. He hoped Catori wasn’t cold and sat mere inches away but close enough to feel her body heat. He hoped his own would help her stave off the cold too.

“They don’t have heat in this place, do they? Who knew the desert could be so damned cold?”

Catori lifted her head and studied him. “Are you cold, Leland?”

“Yes. I’ll be fine. Nothing I’ve never slept through before.” He rubbed his shoulders and wrapped his arms around himself.

She gave him a small laugh. “You humans. So frail and meek. Yet brave and curious. I have to give it to you, you surprise me all the time.”

Leland scowled. “Frail? I don’t think so. You’ve got us all pegged wrong. Most creatures like you underestimate humans. Why do you think Paladins are so feared? It’s not because we are frail. Plus, we do have magic, it’s just not as impressive as yours. But it makes us stronger, faster, enhances our senses… no, we’re not weak. Quite the opposite.”

Catori’s smile fell, and she stared down at her feet. “You’re right. Humans appear frail, but their capacity to fight and band together makes them dangerous.”

“We have a capacity for great love too.”

“I’ve never seen it.”

“You’ve never lived amongst humans who weren’t oppressing you.”

Catori mulled over Leland’s words, conflicted. She knew he was right. Like dragons, humans could love. She’d seen Paladins eye each other with desire and adoration. Some of them even paired, like Leland and Tarek’s parents.

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