Page 87 of A Court of Wings and Shadows

“Yes.”

I didn’t move.

Didn’t blink.

Didn’t react.

Because Kaelith had been right.

Remy had lied to me.

He could have brought Kaelith on our solo mission.

He chose not to.

And that knowledge sank deeper than any knife. Cold. Sharp. Brutal.

The question wasn’t if I trusted him anymore.

It waswhyit still hurt.

Chapter

Nineteen

The Ascension Grounds were cloaked in a silver mist, moonlight stretching across the cobbled stone like spilled magic. The torches along the edge had long since burned low, their flickering embers barely holding back the dark.

We stood in silence, our squad cloaked in black and tension. Midnight hung thick around us as we readied ourselves for our mission. Zander had the authority to take our squad on assignments, but I doubted he was completely honest with the majors about our intent.

Kaelith,I whispered through the bond.I need you.

Her voice came instantly, coiling like smoke in my mind.

Of course you do.

I exhaled, grateful she always answered, even when she made it sound like a burden.

Thank you.

Don’t thank me until we survive this foolishness.

Her wings darkened the stars as she landed in a silent rush of wind, her purple scales glittering like storm-lit amethyst. One by one, the others descended—Hein with that regal arrogance etched into every movement, Katama slower and heavier, and the rest of our dragons following behind.

We saddled them quickly. No chatter. No bravado. Just focus.

I adjusted the leather across Kaelith’s flank, my fingers brushing the worn brass buckle that always ran too loose. She turned her head slightly, one enormous eye fixed on me.

You’ve grown quiet.

I’m focused.

You’re wounded,she corrected.

I didn’t answer. She didn’t mean physically.

Once we were all mounted, the signal came, a silent nod from Zander, and we launched into the sky, cutting through the clouds like a single breathless thought.

As we flew, the wind tearing at my hood and hair, Zander’s voice slipped softly into my mind.