Ilona.
She was waiting for him.
Time seemed to slow for Mason as he looked up at the treacherous sight shooting towards him. He could feel the rough hilt of his sword in his hands. He could hear himself breathing and the men yelling. He could smell the dirt and sweat from the battle. He could taste the metallic tang of his blood in his mouth.
She was getting closer. He had to do something.
He had to move.
As soon as the thought went through his mind, he did it.
Mason shoved off from his feet with all his might, launching himself to the side just as the dragon's face was so close he could make out the individual scales on her jaw. He closed his eyes, still sure he wouldn't survive. When he felt himself hit the ground, he snapped them back open. Just as he did, the earth shook beneath him, and the sound of a loud thud reached his ears.
