Chapter49: After A Long Sleep

Kael “Kael–Kael! Wake up!” Ashton’s voice rings through my ears, and then I’m being yanked by the shoulders into a sitting position before I even open my eyes. Cool night air funnels around me, igniting my senses, and I choke on the first breath I take like I haven’t filled my lungs in ages. I smell smoke. Heavy smoke, like a fire rages nearby, but the sky is shockingly clear, the moon full and bright against a backdrop of stars, but… Ashton fills my vision, his silver armor matching those of his men, some of which are still in dragon forms scattered around the plains near the wall that encloses Vaeloria. “What–” I breathe, unsure what I’m seeing. “Why aren’t we still in the sky? What happened?” Ashton, wild eyed, shakes his head, unable to answer. “Ashton?” I see her then, her golden hair catching the light of the moon. She’s lying a few feet away, her back to me, her nightgown shredded and barely covering her skin. I move before my mind has a chance to catch up, crawling over what I