The Ice Diamond Cuff (Custodian Novel #4) by Alison Pensy Read Free Book Online Page B

of control she still
possessed. Her face strained with the effort, but she was
successful as she managed to pull the heat back to her wrist. She
tested her fingers on the wood of the cabinet with a tentative
touch. Good, no scorch marks. But she had to hurry; she couldn't
keep the heat held back for long. She reached in and grabbed the
ruby staff.
    ***
    "Draconis...help...me" Faedra's strangled
voice echoed around the walls of the great hall in Zutherindal.
    Draconis turned, his emerald green eyes
flashed when they fell on the distressed Custodian. In one fluid
movement Draconis traveled the length of the hall. He scooped
Faedra up just as her legs gave way and buckled underneath her.
    Tears were still sizzling down her cheeks as
she looked up at the dragon. "I can't bring it back, Draconis. I
can't control it," Faedra cried.
    Draconis turned his taloned claw palm up and
rested the back of it on Faedra's forehead. Surprised, he drew his
head back just a fraction, his emerald eyes blazing with concern.
"Good Lord, little one, you are burning up."
    "What am I going to do?" Faedra implored
between gut-wrenching gasps for air. "It hit me so fast, I couldn't
get hold of it, I couldn't...I can't...I..." Hysteria leeched into
her voice as her eyes beseeched those of the great dragon who held
her tenderly.
    "Shh, hush now," Draconis cooed, soothing
Faedra's furrowed brow with his palm. He brought his hand over her
eyes. "Sleep."
    The great dragon puffed out a sigh as
Faedra's breathing calmed and her body went limp in his arms. He
wasn't sure if his compulsion would work on her with all the powers
she possessed, it sure didn't work on his brother. He was glad he
tried, though. She was obviously so out of control she probably
didn't even notice what he was doing and doubted if she would try
and stop him even if she did.
    "Alaris!" Draconis shouted.
    The doors to the great hall squeaked open.
"Yes, Sire?"
    Draconis turned to face the iridescent blue
dragon that now filled the doorway. Alaris's eyes fell upon the
Custodian hanging limply in his master's arms. Startled, he brought
them back to meet Draconis's imperceptible expression.
    "Alaris, I need you to go to Azran and bring
back her Guardian," Draconis instructed. "Take the ruby staff. I'm
sure her loved ones will be worried about her whereabouts." He
gestured to the ruby staff that lay on the floor beside him where
Faedra had dropped it as she collapsed into his arms.
    Alaris stepped forward and leaned down to
pick up the ruby staff.
    "Human form would be advisable, I am sure
they are probably inside the castle. I find it...rather cramped in
there."
    The blue dragon rolled his blazing emerald
eyes, inclining his head once more before shaking his whole body. A
moment later, a cat-walk worthy specimen was standing in the spot
the enormous blue dragon had occupied. The man moved his head
around, stretching out his neck, and pulled his elbows back to
stretch out his chest.
    "Urgh, human form," Alaris grouched. He shot
a pointed look at Draconis. "I can see no reason why you find this
form so intriguing. I feel like a trussed up chicken."
    Draconis raised a scaly onyx eyebrow at his
guard's distaste and pinched his lips into a thin line to suppress
the smile that was threatening.
    "The Guardian," Draconis repeated.
    "Don't see why I have to change," Alaris
muttered under his breath. "Having a damn great dragon materialize
on your doorstep would certainly have the guards bringing the king
to me, not the other way around." He rapped the ruby staff on the
floor. "Azran Castle!" he commanded. "I hate human form," he
continued to grouch as the red laser lights twirled around his body
and he disappeared from the great hall.
    Draconis looked down at the unconscious
Custodian in his arms and drew in a long, considering breath. He
shook his head. "You should not be burdened with my brother's
power, little one. If I could but do something to relieve you of
it." He wandered over to the dais and