Hidden Flame 51

V**Cassius**
My mate is absolutely amazing. She didn’t make fun of me for playing the piano and singing. I had always kept that talent
hidden because I was afraid of what others would think. My parents had each of us learn various skills. They wanted
whichever of us became king to have a diverse skillset so that he could better serve our tribe. Avery just has so many of
those skills that took us a long time to master. Clint told me how quickly she learned to fly and despite her fear too. Next,
Conner told me how after he corrected her just once, she got consecutive bullseyes and even split arrows. That takes
immense skill. And just now, she learned to play the piano and I have no doubt that she could master it too. What can’t
she do?
When the piano crashed to the floor, my brothers came running followed by a few servants. Avery blushed as I shielded
her with my body. I whispered, “You are so sexy even when you blush. But don’t be embarrassed. Mates seize the moment.”
She bit her lip as she adjusted my pants. “Including wrecking pianos,” she quietly joked.
“Even that.” I rolled off of the piano and pulled her to me. “My mate and I are fine. However, I think that this conservatory
is in need of a makeover. Staff, work your magic,” I said as my brothers held in their laughter. They are such assholes, but
admittedly I would have teased them endlessly.
Our coronation vacation flew by and before we knew it we were back in our school routine. However, we made sure that
one of us was always with Avery. Which was a good thing because tension among tribes are mounting. Sometimes
uprisings are almost cyclical but I have a bad feeling about this one should it escalate.
**Avery**
It feels odd being back at school after the coronation, but we have not graduated yet. Once we do, our official duties as
queen and her kings begin. I still notice a bit of jealousy between The Trio but it has lessened. I now stay after school and watch football practice. The coach lets me sit right behind the bench. I think it has more to do with Cassius making
threats to quit the team than Coach letting me.
It was a nice fall evening so we decided to walk home. We had been walking to and from school more often. I think they
do it so that we all can spend more time together. We were almost to the palace gates when Momma June approached
us.
“I need your help. Cattle broke free and Anton and a few of the other farmers went after them towards the river,” she
nervously explained.
When she said the word river, I felt a chill and as if I was gasping for air. I look at The Trio, “No time to explain. We need
to go now.” As I said that, Regina’s wings emerged and rocketed me into the sky. We flew as swiftly as we could. Clint
was the first to catch up to us. As we neared a section of the river, the other two brothers joined us. We descended as a
group. As soon as our feet hit the ground, we began to look for clues. I stopped searching and sank to the ground. I
quieted my mind as I closed my eyes.
I heard birds and other wildlife but that’s not what I was listening for. Finally, I heard a faint mooing sound followed by
incessant splashing. I bolted upright and rushed in the direction of the noise. The Trio followed me and soon we came
upon some cows. We got them out of the water and onto the bank. Conner said, “I will stay and heal them. Go find the
farmers and Anton.”
I heard churning water. There must be rapids nearby. I started running towards them and the guys followed me. As soon
as we got there, I knew that I had to act fast. I saw a hand reach up out of the water. “The falls, they’re being pulled
towards them!” I yelled as I let Regina out. Asher and Carter joined her as they flew over the raging water and swooped
down to pluck out a farmer from the water like an eagle catches a fish. However, they could only pick up one or two men
at a time. They needed help. I made a rope out of vines and the guys’ shirts. “Clint, can you get to the other side?” He
nodded, so I found a descent-sized rock and attached it to one end of the vine. I gave the stone to Cassius as I held the
other end. I had Cassius throw it to Clint. After Clint caught it, we rushed to just below where the men were struggling.
Once we secured our ends on opposite sides of the river, we watched as the last few men including my adoptive father
grabbed ahold before they plummeted to their deaths.
Once the farmers were safe, our dragons returned. However, the farmers weren’t healing. Something is wrong. “Why
aren’t their dragons healing them and why did they let this happen?” I ask.
Cassius runs his hand through his hair, “I honestly don’t know.”
Just then Conner runs to us. He holds up a sprig of herbs. “When I herded the cattle back, I found bits of this near the well.”
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I take it from him and smell it. “It is tarragon.”
Cassius’s eyes go wide as he becomes enraged, “Tarragon is forbidden!”
I think for a minute to recall why. Tarragon is known as Dragon’s Herb because it is used to treat snake bites and can weaken a Dragon Mark because it wards off our dragon making it weak and vulnerable. But who would do such a thing
and why? Also, who were the targets, or was someone trying to poison the whole tribe?
“Avery, you need to heal them or else their dragons could die,” Clint says.
“I don’t know how,” I cry.
“We will show you,” Cassius said as he took my hand. Conner used his link to call for Enya and the other healers. Cassius
had me kneel beside an unconscious Anton. He instructed me how to tap into my powers and use them to heal. He is an
excellent teacher. When I was ready, the other guys joined us as we went from farmer to farmer. We were nearly done
when help arrived. The farmers were healed but they remained unconscious until we got them to the infirmary and
several hours passed. Once the farmers were awake, we told them everything we knew but left out how we healed them
and my dragon’s part in it.