Mara stood before a cracked mirror.
Someone had dressed her in white.
A wedding dress.
She stared at her reflection.
The woman looking back seemed like a stranger.
Behind her stood Calder.
"Tomorrow," he said.
Mara said nothing.
"You'll marry me."
"No."
Calder smiled.
"You've said that every day."
"And I'll say it tomorrow."
His smile disappeared.
"You don't understand your position."
Mara turned toward him.
"No."
She pointed toward the locked door.
"You don't understand yours."
Calder stepped closer.
"You think that dragon will save you?"
Mara's heart skipped.
"What dragon?"
Calder smiled.
"So it is real."
Mara realized her mistake.
Calder had been waiting for her to confirm it.
He grabbed her arm.
"Where is it?"
Mara pulled away.
"I don't know."
"You raised it."
"I said I don't know."
Calder slammed his fist against the table.
"You think I'm afraid of that animal?"
Mara looked at him.
"You should be."
Calder laughed.
"You still think it's your little pet."
Mara's voice softened.
"No."
She looked out the window.
"I know exactly what it is."
"What?"
"My son."
Calder stared at her.
Mara continued.
"And that's why I'm more afraid for you than I am for myself."
Calder's expression changed.
For the first time, fear appeared in his eyes.
A guard entered.
"Sir."
"What?"
"There's smoke on the northern ridge."
Calder looked toward the window.
Another guard rushed in.
"Something is flying above the tower."
Calder's face went pale.
Mara closed her eyes.
She knew.
Rook had found her.
A deafening roar shook the building.
The windows shattered.
Guards screamed.
The roof trembled.
Calder grabbed Mara.
"Bring her!"
He dragged her toward the underground chamber.
Outside, Rook landed.
Eli jumped down.
"Rook!"
The dragon roared.
Eli pointed toward the tower.
"She's inside."
Rook stared at the building.
Then he looked at Eli.
"Remember what your mother taught you."
Rook's breathing slowed.
Eli whispered,
"We save her."
Not burn the world.
Save her.
Rook nodded.
They entered through the side passage.
Inside, guards rushed toward them.
Rook pushed them aside without killing them.
Eli fought beside him.
They moved deeper into the tower.
Then they reached the underground chamber.
Mara was there.
Her wrists were tied.
She looked up.
And saw the dragon.
For one second, she didn't breathe.
Rook stood completely still.
Mara whispered,
"Rook?"
The dragon lowered his head.
Tears filled his silver eyes.
Mara reached toward him.
"My baby."
Rook took one step forward.
Then Calder stepped between them.
A blade pressed against Mara's neck.
"One more step."
Rook froze.
Calder smiled.
"You wanted your mother."
He pulled Mara closer.
"Now let's see what you're willing to do for her."
Rook's mouth began to glow.
Mara shook her head.
"No."
She looked directly into his eyes.
"Don't become what they think you are."