Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)

by Rebecca Yarros

“Holy fuck, Violet.” Xaden turns, putting himself at my side as Codagh slowly lowers his head, tilting toward the end to glare at me with narrowed golden eyes, because even level, I won’t come past his nostrils. “You know what you’re doing?” “If I don’t, we’re all dead.” And I’d better be quick, because Tairn is almost here. I can feel him dismantling my shields. No rider can keep their dragon out for long if they want in. Codagh’s nostrils flare, and his lip curls above very sharp, very long, very close teeth. “You know.” It comes out like the accusation it is. “And you didn’t tell your rider because dragonkind protects dragonkind.” A blast of steam hits me in the face, and Xaden swears under his breath, shadows curling at his feet. “Yes. I figured it out. I’ve already used Tairn’s fire on the second wardstone, so if I power the stone at Basgiath, will you come?” I ask, my fingernails cutting into my palms to keep from shaking. This is the one dragon on the Continent besides Sgaeyl who doesn’t fear Tairn on one level or another. “You don’t need him as the black dragon for Basgiath,” Xaden argues. “You have Andarna.” “Will. You. Come?” I hold Codagh’s menacing glare. “We’re all dead if you don’t. The Empyrean will end.”