Page 67 of Exquisite Monster

You’re right, Endre said.There is much to speak about.

Behind the words, I felt our silent agreement. There was much totalk about after we rested. It was worth the potential risk, and while we have friends who could watch over us…

Lena shifted on my back, coming to alertness. The joy of feeling her through my bond wasn’t something I’d ever get tired of.You’re waking up just in time, Princess.

Her curiosity came to the center. She moved to look over my shoulder. “Why?”

Because we’re almost there.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

________

KATALENA

The water sparkled in the morning sun, fading into brightness on the horizon. Even more than the view at Skalisméra, the sea seemed to go into infinity. Somewhere beyond the horizon there were other masses of land and other peoples. But the distance was so far that trade was nearly impossible and communication less than likely.

Did they have dragons too? Had thesheytenfallen there and changed everything? Or was it only Viria?

I felt small standing next to a dragon. Or in comparison to the mountains. But the sea? It made me feel like nothing more than a grain of sand.

And there was something beautiful about it. Something peaceful. When everything around us felt so intense, like every decision changed the course of the future, it was comforting to remember how small I really was. Just one woman.

All three of my mates felt excited and content. If that wasn’t a sign we were close to our destination, I wasn’t sure what was. I was grateful too. My body was beginning to cramp from riding so long.

We’ll happily help you work out any aches and pains, Zovai said with a laugh.

I smiled and kept my words to myself, more than aware of how many could hear us. But I was sure they would. Soon. I… wasn’t ready. I wanted them so much, but more than anything, I just wanted them to hold me until it felt like we couldn’t be torn apart again.

I will hold you as long as you’ll let me. Endre responded to the unspoken thought.Stars,I wished I could speak back to them.

We began to descend lower. My stomach tumbled with the movement.

Do you see the island?Sirrus asked.Straight ahead.

I looked, and I found it. Beyond the forested coastline, there was a small island. There were woods on it too, and I spotted a tower of pale stone in the center. We were still too far away for anything else.

Instead of speaking, I asked the question through our bond. Or the impression of a question. How accurately could they feel my thoughts? Was that where we were going?

Yes, he said.Our home.The buildings are more expansive than they appear right now.

The last thing I cared about was whether the buildings wereexpansive. As long as there was a space where the four of us could be together, it was all I wanted.

I felt the same longing reflected back at me, along with amusement. It was welcome to feel something lighter.

There are plenty of spaces for us, Princess. Including someveryhot springsin the caves beneath the island.

We swooped lower out of nowhere, all the dragons following. Sudden fear gripped my chest. “There’s no chance they’re waiting for us, right?” I asked. “The Elders or anyone who works for them?”

Unlikely,Endre said.But you will remain in the air with Sirrus while we verify it. Idroal will be able to help. And we will reinforce the blockades we have in place.

“Varí,” I called. “You’ll want to see this.”

We were close enough now that he could keep up if he wanted. He poked his head out of the bag with such energy and curiosity that I laughed. His scales matched the turquoise color of the sea spread out in front of us.

Chirping, he climbed to my shoulder and shook out his wings, purring and rubbing against my face.

“Does this remind you of where you’re from?”