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“Mercer said wolf pups.”

A pang struck me dead center, a longing so sharp it cut deeper than my claws could ever dream.

“What are you saying?”

“Dragons can’t shift without help the first time. Fayne says it’s evolution. That there are so few of us left, if a child is separated from the clan, it can pass as human. Only those within the clan, those who are safe and protected by their kin, will fledge.” He scratched his stubbled cheek with a finger. “Fayne guided me through my first shift. Most everyone else too. Females tend to fly within four to six weeks after they get their wings. Males require more time. About eight to twelve weeks. Sometimes longer.”

Curious despite myself, I dried off my hands. “How long did it take you?”

“I required private lessons for an entire year to get in the air.”

“Ayear?”

“Say it louder why don’t you?” His wince confirmed he was telling the truth. “I’m sure there are one or two people left who don’t know I was a total klutz who broke a wing twice—twice—in crash landings.”

“I didn’t mean to poke a sore spot.” I twisted my towel in my hands. “It sucks to be left behind by your peers.”

“I can’t imagine what you must have gone through.” He slid his hand closer to mine, curled his fingers in, then withdrew, tucking his hands into his pockets. “How alone you must have felt.”

How alone I still feelI thought but didn’t say.

“Ready to go?” Sloane walked in with a bag slung over each shoulder. “I packed for both of us.”

“Thanks.” I turned away from Rían. “I appreciate it.”

“Least I could do since you’re sharing with me.”

Untangling the silver chains, I inspected the claws then returned them to the window to dry. “Rían?”

“I hope you don’t mind.” He glanced up from his phone. “I texted Marigold.”

“Why would I?” I stepped over the shattered door onto the walkway. “It’s her house too.”

“Because she might have mistaken my joke about throwing a slumber party tonight with you and Sloane to mean an actual slumber party.” He ruffled his hair. “I hope you like getting pedicures.” He toed off his shoe and wiggled his toes, flashing bright-pink nails that resembled the same shade Myrtle—er, Fayne—wore. “She’s very into providing self-care services.” He slid his shoe back on. “She’ll even wave the fee on a basic package for first-time customers.”

“Self-care,” I had to admit, “sounds good right about now.”

As much as my heart ached from the brutal hits it had taken, I could go for a distraction until I heard whether Dad would honor my terms. Alphas didn’t take kindly to ultimatums, but this was my life. I wanted answers. Ideservedthem.

And if the Walshes were telling the truth? If I really had my own wings?

Then I wanted to learn how to spread them andfly.