The Dragon King and His Fallen Star novel Chapter 83

Chapter 83: Wings of Fury

KIERYGAN’S POV

+25 Points

My wings sliced through the currents, propelling us higher into the pale, sunlit sky. Each beat sent powerful ripples through the air, every shift in my muscles instinctively adjusting to keep her

balanced against me.

I felt her above me.

Every squirm. Every frantic press of her knees against my sides. Her trembling fingers dug into the

thick, polished scales behind my horns. I could hear her heartbeat drumming against her ribs like a

war drum-rapid, panicked, alive.

Above the rush of wind and the rhythmic pumping of my wings, her terrified chant reached my

ears: I’m going to fall. I’m going to fall. I’m going to fall.

The fear in her voice did something unexpected within me. It thrilled me-not out of cruelty, but with a deep, primal satisfaction that I was the one she clung to. That her every breath, every terrified squeal, still placed her trust and her life in me.

When the world below had shrunk to scattered dots of brown and green, I steadied my ascent,

allowing my wings to glide. The violent rush of wind settled into a calmer stream, and I felt her begin to relax.

I heard her sharp intake of breath as she leaned slightly to peer over my shoulder. Her heartbeat

slowed, her grip loosened on my scales, and she fell quiet.

We soared above rolling hills and winding rivers, passing rooftops glinting under the noon sun. The horizon stretched wide and endless before us, a tapestry of mountains wrapped in veils of cloud.

For a brief moment, her wonder blended with my own. I could almost feel her awe-warm and silent, pulsing out of her like quiet light.

It was just as I’d imagined this moment would be. No… it was so much better.

Then I saw it: a vast lake shimmering like silver glass beneath us. A wild, mischievous thought sparked within me-something to make her first flight unforgettable.

With a single powerful beat of my wings, I dove.

Eirlys’ scream pierced the open sky at my sudden descent, vibrating through my bones in a way that almost made me laugh. I tucked my wings close, slicing downward with swift, merciless precision. The wind roared around us, her shrill cries echoing against the mountain cliffs.

At the last moment, I spread my wings and skimmed low over the lake, letting my talons rake across its mirrored surface. Water sprayed upward in glittering arcs, drenching her small form

O

1/5

Chapter 83: Wings of Fury

clinging to my neck.

+25 Points

I heard her sputter behind me, coughing and soaked. Then her indignant shout reached my ears, fierce despite her shivering.

“Was that necessary?!”

I couldn’t help it.

A deep, thunderous sound rumbled from my chest-half laugh, half triumphant roar-echoing far into the mountains.

No, my star, I thought as I rose once more into the boundless sky. It wasn’t necessary. But it was certainly enjoyable.

The chill wind whipped against my scales, slicing around my horns and wings. Behind me, I felt Eirlys still shivering-small tremors running through her frame, her fingers stiffening against the ridges of my neck.

I focused inward, willing heat to radiate outward. My scales began to warm, glowing faintly with inner fire. Her trembling eased. I felt her sigh, her entire body relaxing as warmth enveloped her like an embrace.

I kept my wings steady, carving paths through the clear skies. I was tempted to make another detour-to veer east toward the dunes, south to the old ruins, west to the darkening cliffs. Anywhere, as long as I could keep her with me in this vast, free sky just a little longer.

But then I remembered Ulyanna’s words. The pain spell was only temporary. If it faded before Danaiah could tend her injuries, she would suffer.

Reluctantly, I tilted my wings to ascend. We soared above drifting clouds.

I turned my head just in time to see her reaching out, her fingers brushing the veil of white. When I descended again, there lay Solmere. And nestled in its heart, carved into the mountain cliffs and dense green, stood Drakemont Fortress. Home.

I let out a deafening screech to announce our arrival. Guards, stablehands, witches, and soldiers scrambled to clear the courtyard below.

With precise beats of my wings, I descended, talons curling as I landed in a controlled quake. Dust billowed around me, mingling with the tang of sulfur and stone.

When I lowered my neck, Eirlys shifted, moving with stiff, cautious motions as she prepared to dismount. She was drenched, battered, and pale, but her eyes burned bright with adrenaline and relief.

Evander and Ulyanna were already waiting. Orryx stood tall beside Callum, arms crossed, eyes appraising. Danaiah hovered close, her satchel clutched tightly against her robes.

|||

O

2/5

Chapter 83. Wings of Fury

Then I saw Mirael.

+25 Points

“Kier, you’re back,” she squealed, striding across the courtyard, her red gown flaring behind her like spilled blood. “I heard about the ambush. I was so.

She halted mid-step, her eyes locking onto the figure moving behind my neck spikes. Her gait faltered. Fury twisted her features.

“What the hell is this?” she hissed, her voice slicing through the murmurs of the gathered guards.

She stalked closer, eyes narrowing to slits as she fixed her gaze on Eirlys. “What do you think you’re doing?” she snapped, her words echoing sharply off the stone walls. “Who do you think you are to-

”

The beast in me acted on instinct.

With a thunderous snap, I planted my massive wing firmly over Eirlys, the translucent membrane stretching wide to shield her from Mirael’s glare. A deep, guttural growl rumbled from my chest, vibrating through the yard. My vision tinged red as primal instinct surged through me-territorial, possessive, protective.

No one touches what’s mine.

My lips curled back, revealing jagged rows of teeth. Heat gathered in my throat, my fire glands burning with impending release. A thin tendril of smoke coiled from my nostrils as I glared down at Mirael, daring her to take another step.

She froze, paling visibly. Around us, I heard the scraping of boots as soldiers instinctively stepped back. The wind itself seemed to still.

“Mirael! What the hell are you still standing there for?” Callum’s voice cut through the tense silence. “Back away.”

She faltered, eyes darting between me and Eirlys hidden beneath my wing. Anger warred with fear across her face, but at last, she stepped back, her hands clenched tightly at her sides.

I kept my wing firmly planted over Eirlys, my chest still rumbling with low, menacing growls. The beast within me roared.

Mine. She’s mine.

TAL

Smoke still curled from my nostrils, wafting in thin grey wisps around Eirlys, wrapping her in the scent of burning stone and scorched earth. My claws dug into the landing yard, cracking the stone beneath them as I fought the urge to unleash my fire on everyone and everything that dared come near her.

Everyone kept their distance. Heads bowed in submission as my gaze swept from side to side, a low growl rumbling from deep within my chest.

|||

O

3/5

Chapter 83: Wings of Fury

+25 Points

Then I felt it-a small, soft hand pressed gently against the side of my snout. Warmth seeped through my scales where her palms rested.

“It’s alright,” she whispered, her voice raw but steady.

That was all it took.

The beast within me quieted. My growl tapered into a heavy, rumbling sigh. The flames died in my

throat, and the murderous haze clouding my vision began to clear.

She gave my snout a small, affectionate stroke, her thumb brushing over one of my scale ridges.

You can shift back now,” she said softly.

I lowered my head once more before stepping back from her touch. The shift rippled through my

body in a single controlled pulse of heat and magic. My wings folded inward, my massive frame

shrinking and contorting until I stood before her on two legs again, clad in black scaled armor,

smoke still rising from my skin.

I wasted no time.

Reaching forward, I placed my hand firmly at the small of her back, guiding her protectively to my

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify