Bellatrix screamed like the universe had personally betrayed her.
"What—PUT ME DOWN—HOW DARE YOU!"
Velkaris lifted her effortlessly, holding her away from his body like something irritating he had found stuck to his scales.
The entire terrace froze.
Serena's heart slammed into her ribs.
She didn't want Bellatrix killed. Well maybe of natural causes... but certainly not due to her dragon.
"Oh gods," she whispered. "Velkaris, no."
Velkaris's gaze flicked to Serena, then to Bellatrix.
His claw released Bellatrix just long enough for her to think she could run.
Before she could take two frantic steps, his teeth snagged her cloak and tossed her onto his back in one fluid motion.
Velkaris soared into the sky, dragging Bellatrix along whether she wanted to go or not.
Serena surged forward, a blur of determination as she raced toward them. With a powerful leap, she grasped his claw.
