Page 84 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

I arched a brow at him. “Time to kill me? Because I’m pretty sure how this ends.”

The dragon’s golden eyes gleamed as he glanced around, his tail curling idly behind him.Why are you up here, little storm?

I leaned against the cool stone of the battlement, staring at the distant horizon. “I was reading one of Cordelle’s books on dragon lore. Did you know they used to have cadets jump off this tower? If their dragon caught them, they were bonded.”

Siergen huffed, his wings shifting.I am aware that humans once used this tower for such trials. But it did nothing more than the binding trials you already endure.

I frowned. “How so?”

A dragon may not let you die. That does not mean they accept you.

The words settled heavily in my chest. “What happens if the dragon refuses?”

Eventually, the bond will break.

I swallowed, my fingers curling around the fabric of my jacket. “I guess that’s what Kaelith wants.”

Siergen studied me for a long moment before exhaling, sending a warm gust of air over my face.It is not what she needs, though.

A muscle ticked in my jaw. “How do you know what Kaelith needs?”

Siergen’s golden eyes pierced into mine, a knowing glint in their depths.

Because I have met a rider like you before.

That wasn’t exactly comforting.

And because Kaelith is not resisting you for the reasons you think.

A chill that had nothing to do with the wind crept down my spine. “Then what is it?”

Siergen rumbled, shifting his weight as he spread his wings slightly.

That, little storm, is something you must discover for yourself.

Chapter

Sixteen

Ientered the room before Cordelle motioned for me to join him. I dropped onto his bed, stretching my legs out as he caressed an old book he had been flipping through. It was thick, its pages yellowed with age, and something about it smelled like ink and candle smoke.

“Hey,” I said, my voice low enough that the others wouldn’t hear over their conversations.

Cordelle’s dark eyes flicked to me, studying my face. He always seemed to know when something was off.

“I’m sorry you struggled today.”

I sighed, rubbing my temples. “Kaelith is determined to make my life impossible.”

Cordelle’s lips twitched like he wanted to say something, but thought better of it. Instead, he tapped a finger against the book in his lap.

“I found something.”

I raised a brow. “About?”

“Your bond. Or lack of it.”

That got my attention. I leaned forward. “Go on.”