No, it wasn’t.
The dragon churned within me, and I wanted to shift. I needed to shift. There was so much treasure. Who in their right mind would leave such a prize in this place?
Mine.
A roaring started in my ears. My heart pounded and smoke filled my mouth.
“Mine,” I snarled.
A hand landed on my arm, but I shook it off.
“Stop, Xander!” Aileana yelled. Her voice sounded like it was underwater, and I could barely hear it. “We don’t know if it’s safe!”
We can make it,the dragon reasoned.Then the treasure will be ours.
What was a little lava, anyway? I was a dragon. Fire ran through my veins. Besides, that treasure…
Mine.
“Stop, Xan!” Another hand, stronger this time, tried to yank me back.
They couldn’t stop me.
I moved toward the nearest path.
Mine.
Closer.
I needed to get closer.
I needed it.
A snarl ripped out of me, echoing through my bones.
“Stop!” Aileana screamed.
The others spoke. My mate said something to Daegal, but I couldn’t understand her words. The roaring in my ears worsened until it was the only thing I could hear.
That treasure would be mine.
My back cracked, and my fists clenched.
Soon, the gold would bemine.
Aileana yelled, grabbing for me, but I batted her away.
Her arms wrapped around my middle—I just walked with her hanging on.
Mine.
I was pulling on the shift when suddenly, something tight wrapped around my legs. Iroared, struggling, as moving became impossible. Crashing to the ground, I snarled as pain ran through me.
Red ropes wound around my stomach, going all the way to my feet. I thrashed against them, looking behind me.
The others held onto the bindings, pulling with all their might.
“Let me go!” I yelled, pounding my fists on the floor and struggling against the rope. Close. I was so close. The lava was right there, and on the other side was my treasure.