Like thunder, the leathery flaps of thousands of wings crashed overhead. Dragon soldiers flew in formation over the gand fields. Farmers, accustomed to the grandeur, tended the bronzed stalks without glancing up. The eyes of the Aviators never left the darkened sky.

“Sloppy turn from Dadf company,” Djin said.

“And Howl is slow as a stone,” Scarlett countered. “What’s his problem, Reag?”

“I don’t know but I’m going to kick my boot up his ass till I find out,” Reag growled.

Reag stomped to the center of the practice pasture and signaled the offending shifter. The remaining two Aviators watched the dragons. Scenting a whiff of cinnamon and sulfur, Scarlett could feel Vance approach from behind. She steeled her face.

“Oh, Vance, you shouldn’t have,” Djinn said, batting his lashes.

Scarlett turned. Holding a bouquet of llanas wrapped in blue ribbons, Vance looked sheepish. Scarlett stiffened and turned back to the sky. She watched the dragon soldiers dip and swirl. In a second, her fingers stretched into talons. Scarlett fought for control over her beast. The royal family commanded the dragon soldiers. The shifters were praised by the crown. There were parades and fancy medals, but in reality they were little more than slaves. Dragon shifters were carefully bred for speed, strength, stamina. Vance, her Vance, had been promised to another. Blue black petals tied in marriage knots, his bouquet was a symbol of betroyal to the bride selected by the Queen’s Court.

Djin made wedding night jokes. Scarlett watched the warrior Howl transform from a powerfully built woman back into a fire-breather. Screeching Howl joined her comrades in the sky. Smoke puffing from her nose, Scarlett’s heart pounded. Suddenly something brushed her cheek. Scarlett whirled and attacked. Her eyes went red. Vance was on his back pinned beneath Scarlett. Vance’s eyes flamed in return.

Turning his head, Vance exposed his throat to Scarlett to show submission. Scarlett transformed over him. She lifted up to the sky holding the llanas bouquet in her claws.