Wings of Fire: The Forbidden Dragonet | ✔️

~ The Forbidden Dragonet: Chapter 13 ~

Hare felt sick as she saw her friend be pulled into the arena. The roar of excited dragons echoed around the ring. She sat with Copper in the same place she had before. Queen Scarlet and Vermillion looked excited, while Ruby's face was unreadable.

"This isn't your fault," Copper reassured her, wrapping his wing around her. "You didn't ask to be forced to make such an unfair decision."

Hare didn't say anything, but she leaned closer to Copper, enjoying his comfort. An uncomfortable heat suddenly appeared beside her. Hare looked up and saw Peril landing on the side of the balcony.

"Don't worry," she assured Hare. "I'll keep my distance."

Hare nodded, though she couldn't help but wish that Peril could get closer to her, as close as Copper could. She wished she could receive comfort from her other friend.

Glory was asleep beside Scarlet. Her scales had shades of yellow and orange dancing across them. It looked beautiful in the sunlight.

At last, the IceWing was brought into the arena. Hare recognized him right away. He was the same IceWing who'd spoken to her a few nights ago, the one who'd been oddly affectionate.

An announcer stepped into the ring, Hare was surprised to see it was Fire instead of the dragon from before.

Why did Scarlet choose her?

She moved to the center of the arena and flapped her wings to get the attention focused on her. "After last month's battle, our prisons were stuffed with IceWings from Blaze's army. Only nine have survived. After two wins, I give you - Fjord of the IceWings!"

Cheers of excitement erupted from the crowd. Fjord snarled and lashed his tail. He seemed completely different from the dragon who'd been so affectionate toward Hare a few nights before.

"And over here, an unusual case - a MudWing, but not from one of our allies. He was found under a mountain, protected by the Talons of Peace. Personally selected by our honored guest, I present to you - Clay of the MudWings!"

Hare held her breath. Fire went on. "Claws up, teeth ready, fight!"

Fire flew out of the arena and landed in one of the front rows beside her son. Alder leaned against her. He looked exhausted, Hare couldn't help but pity him.

Clay and Fjord began to circle each other. Fjord's eyes grew slightly darker and full of malice, while Clay looked nervous.

I put him in this situation.

Hare shuddered. Was Fjord going to tear him apart the same way dragons had been torn apart in the dark rainforest? Would Clay die a horrible death? Or would the roles be switched? Was she about to watch one of her friends become a murderer?

Fjord's forked, dark blue tongue flicked between his icicle-sharp teeth. He was bristling, his spikes standing on end. Hare recognized this as something she'd often done before she fought. She felt even sicker. Did that mean Fjord knew how to fight the way she did, or was it just an IceWing thing?

"Uh, hello." Clay's voice drifted up from the arena. "Fjord, right? I've never met an IceWing before. I never knew there were so many shades of blue. I mean, I've read that you're the color of ice, but I didn't realize ice could be so colorful."

Fjord stopped and stared at him. "Are you trying to get us both killed?" he hissed, his voice quieter than Clay's. "Shut up and let me kill you!"

"I'd rather not," Clay said. Her friend suddenly looked up as boos began to come from the crowd. Hare followed his gaze. Starflight was panicking, nearly leaning off of his column. He was frantically pointing at his mouth. Freezing-death breath!