Page 128 of A Court of Wings and Shadows

The protection of the humans and our hatchlings is the very reason the Unification Treaty was forged. I will speak with our representative and call him back.

Siergen?I asked, the realization clicking.Is that why I haven’t seen him?

Yes. He has more important things to do than flirt with you,she said in a gruff tone before she disappeared from my thoughts.

I couldn’t help it. I laughed, a short burst of sound that caught even me off guard.

Quinn raised an eyebrow, confused. “Did I miss something?”

I shook my head, still smiling. “No. Just… dragon things.”

He looked mildly concerned. “Should I be worried?”

“Only if you insult her flying,” I said.

“It must be comforting to have a dragon protecting you. A friend like that I mean.”

Quinn gave me a sad smile, but the shadow behind his eyes lingered.

And I silently promised I’d do something about that.

I touched Quinn’s arm gently, halting him before he could take another step up the stairs.

“Hey,” I said, “if you ever feel like you’re in danger, if something feels off, if anyone follows you, or even just if you get that gut feeling, come to our barracks.”

He blinked, surprised.

“We’ve got plenty of beds,” I added. “And you’re always welcome. My squad won’t ask questions. You’ll be safe there.”

“The Master wouldn’t like that,” he said softly.

My brow furrowed. “The Master?”

He nodded. “The Head Warder. He’s the most powerful. He trains us... when he has time.”

My frown deepened. “You mean you don’t have a rigorous schedule? With warders dropping like flies?”

Quinn shrugged, and I immediately saw how my tone had made him uncomfortable. His shoulders tightened, eyes shifting away.

“I’m sorry, Quinn,” I said, lowering my voice. “I’m not trying to interrogate you. I just… I like you. And I want you safe.”

That cracked something.

His expression softened, and the smile that followed was warm and genuine, brighter than I’d seen on him before. “Thank you. I… I like you too.”

There was something in him that reminded me of Cordelle, quiet, thoughtful, observant. But Cordelle had Kass. He had us.

Quinn seemed alone.

I placed a hand over my heart. “Come visit me. Anytime. Whether you want to talk or feel unsafe, okay?”

He nodded, more firmly this time. “Okay.”

And then he turned and ascended the tower stairs, his steps a little lighter than before.

I watched him until he disappeared from view, then exhaled slowly and continued on, winding through the quiet corridors.

Something still didn’t sit right.