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Raelan

I RIDE THROUGH THE DARKNESS, my dragon eyes granting me night vision as we speed away from the academy and onto one of the soft dirt trails that meanders through the Mistwood. The wind rustles the pine trees and sends dead leaves skittering around Penelope’s hooves.

Every stride carries me farther from Alina, but the pain in my chest only grows.

At least now she knows the truth. Now she won’t ever have to wonder if I want her.

I want her more than anything. But this changes nothing.

Loosening my hold on the reins, I give Penelope her head, allowing her to set her own pace down the wooded path.

And though all I want is to turn around and gallop back, to sweep Alina into my arms and carry her far away, to a place where only the two of us exist, I don’t allow it. I keep my gaze forward, my face turned firmly away from the academy as it no doubt disappears in a haze of darkness behind us.

I do what I should have done long ago: I leave Alina behind, where she’s safe, where I’ll never be a danger to her again.

My dragon weeps angry tears of flame.

And it’s the most pain I’ve ever known.