Through Fire and Breath

I had a moment of pure terror when I saw that fire about to engulf Aeliana. I scooped her up and raced outside, thankful that the blast hit me and not her. Even for me, that was painful. I’m pretty sure my back is scratched, and my wings are probably torn. It hurt pulling them in, but it would have hurt worse landing on them.

Now, as she straddles me, watching the blazing inferno behind us, I feel