Page 41 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

“Kaelith?”

A low, warning growl rumbled through my mind.

Tell that meddling dragon in your room that I will eat him the next time I see him,Kaelith snapped in my mind.

I flinched.

Red smiled, his massive teeth gleaming as he exhaled through his nose.

Isn’t she delightful?

“She wants to kill you.”

She is not the only one. It makes life interesting.

“But you are way more fun than she is,”I whispered.

Kaelith hissed in my mind, the sound sharp and full of irritation.Do you not have something to steal, thief?

Shit.

Chapter

Nine

Rest, beauty,Siergen’s voice murmured in my mind, carrying an edge of amusement.When you wake, the echoes of the past won’t seem as bad.

I sighed, my body heavy with exhaustion, and closed my eyes, sinking into the quiet pull of sleep.

When I woke, the barracks were silent.

The moonlight filtered in through the small window, casting soft shadows across my squadmates, their breathing deep and even.

It’s time to go,Siergen’s voice purred through my thoughts.

I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake anyone, and pulled on my full black leathers. Unlike the other squads, our uniform had no identifying stitching, no guild markings.

An advantage.

I moved silently, sliding my belt into place, tucking my daggers into their hidden sheaths, and lacing my boots tight before heading for the side door.

The hall beyond the barracks was cool and dimly lit, the flickering torches along the stone walls casting long, dancing shadows.

I walked beneath the battlements, my steps soundless. The corridor stretched ahead, lined with smaller rooms, each one likely belonging to higher-ranked riders who weren’t forced to share quarters.

After ten minutes, I found him.

Siergen stood at the end of the hall, his scarlet scales gleaming in the faint torchlight, his wings folded neatly against his body. His golden eyes met mine, sharp with knowing amusement.

“Hey, Red,” I greeted.

Hello, beauty,he mused.

“If only I were as gorgeous as you,” I smirked.

His chest puffed slightly, and he narrowed his gaze, as if debating whether to accept the compliment.I will endure your flattery because it is true that I am magnificent.

Were all dragons susceptible to flattery?