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Rhiann’s laughter, soft and knowing, wraps around me. “I stopped trying to read my family’s minds a long time ago, especially the men’s. In fact, I’m sure I’m quite relieved to remain ignorant of their thoughts half the time. I do know my cousin though.” The fondness in her voice is a soothing balm. “If my cousin declares something, trust that he means it. He’s not one for games, especially not with matters of the heart.”

Relief swamps me, chased by a burst of confusion. Do I want the betrothal to be real or not? At first, I hoped Sterling’s announcement was a ruse, but given my reaction just now, that may no longer be true.

Ugh. I wish he’d spoken to me first. Then maybe I wouldn’t be dealing with this emotional chaos on top of struggling with my mother’s death.

The training fields sprawl out before us, a somber sea of movement where soldiers drill relentlessly, the weight of recent events bearing down on their shoulders.

Many of them notice me, their gazes lingering with a mix of respect and curiosity. Realizing I will be inundated with condolences, I hesitate to step forward. I’m not ready to deal with that. Not yet. Grief is still a dark cloud in my chest, threatening to burst at any moment.

Maybe I should?—

The mental touch of Dame brushes my mind, and I glance up to find her shadow covering me. The idea of flying, of getting away from everyone and everything, sounds perfect.

Dame swoops lower, circling down to a graceful landing despite her incredible size.

“Go ahead.” Rhiann shuffles back, nodding toward the reddish-brown dragon now watching me. “They were worried about you last night, and I am sure you will both feel better after a flight. Take all the time you need.”

As much as I want to run to Dame, to fly away with her, there’s one more thing I need to do. I turn back and wrap Rhiann in a fierce hug. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Of course, Lark.” She hugs me back. “Just make sure you keep Knox in line. That’s all I ask.”

“Easier said than done.” With a laugh, I release her before facing Dame again.

The dragon lowers her foreleg, and I climb up to her back. When she straightens, I settle myself just behind her shoulders.

Once I have my wings tucked tight, she leaps into the sky. Trees bend and sway as we ascend, leaving behind the drilling soldiers, the vigilant guards, and the watchful eyes of the kingdom.

Dame trills as her emotions slam into me.

Protectiveness. Relief. Affection. Too many other feelings to name.

We soar, flesh to flesh. We may be human and dragon, but we’re family nonetheless.

Beneath us, the ordered movements of troops stretch across the land—the very ones Rhiann spoke of—ready to defend against unseen threats. Yet, as we glide above them, I sense a strange serenity here amidst the vigilance.

Sunlight glints off armor in a solemn dance as we fly over the squads below. They’re heading south and southwest, their wings beating in unison. A display of Tirene’s might. The air is thick with the scent of upheaval, the tension palpable even from this vantage point.

Dame remains quiet, her massive form cutting through the air with grace. She’s a silent pillar of strength, her emotional support as unwavering as the beat of her wings. With each stroke, she seems to absorb some of the ache that lingers in my heart, shrinking the void left by my mother’s untimely death. I let the grief wash over me, allowing it to ebb away on the currents we ride.

The flight brings a clarity I haven’t felt since my world toppled upside down.

Cool, invigorating air rushes past us, and for a moment, I can breathe again. “Thank you. For your friendship…for being here.”

Her reply is not in words but in the warmth that emanates from her, enveloping me in an embrace that reaches beyond the physical. Dame’s presence, of all the dragons, is so large and encompassing, it’s easy to lose myself in her.

Normally, that is something I fight against in order to keep my sense of self.

Today, I lean into it. I let her emotions overwhelm mine and erase the pain. Together, we slice through the air, becoming one with the sky.

Eventually, we circle back toward the palace, descending smoothly into the fire paddock. The other dragons regard us with curious eyes as we land, their presence a comforting reminder that life continues amid the chaos. I slide off Dame, my boots sinking into the sand, and lean into her side in a gesture of wordless gratitude.

She gives me a gentle nudge, then one by one, other dragons come forward, offering their own version of condolences. Heads the size of carriages are pressed against me. Their scales are warm against my skin, their breaths puffing out in huffs of solidarity.

In their company, the burden I carry feels a little lighter.

At a safe distance, dragontenders and loitering nobles alike stare. Seeing the dragons, the majestic and often deadly creatures they are, gathering around Tirene’s newest oddity has got to be a strange sight to them.

I linger among them, taking comfort in their quiet companionship. They are friends, guardians, and family. And as I turn to leave the paddock, the hope that was a mere flicker in my heart fans into a flame. There is still so much to be done, so many mysteries to unravel, but with allies like these, I am never truly alone.