Page 124 of Flameborne: Chosen

‘What, Donavyn?’Kgosi asked solemnly, all hint of his teasing tone gone.‘What will you do? Be forced to face the truth?’

‘Truth? Whattruth?You think I don’t see it, Keg? Stop looking so smug—you think I don’t see that I’m not the man of integrity that I’ve worked to be? That I can’t be trusted the moment I’m forced into close proximity with a vulnerable woman? Trust me, I see it!’

But Kgosi didn’t respond.

Scowling, I stormed down the main aisle of the stable, praying I didn’t run into anyone coming back from a late patrol, or a stableboy on rounds.Prayingno one would see the flush in my cheeks or the tightness in my groin. The way I had betrayed myself and my rank and—

‘Youarea man of integrity, Donavyn.’

‘I just betrayed every vow and code to which my position is held. I was one step away from tearing her clothing off and taking her on the spot.’

‘Perhaps that is what—’

‘Donotfinish that sentence.’

But Kgosi’s low rumble wasn’t the teasing huff I expected. He growled as if he were angry.

‘Stop panicking andthink,Donavyn. You have met a fork in the road. Which path will you choose?’

‘A fork? There is no fork! There is no choice! I cannot—’

‘Every step, every moment, every word is a choice—one among thousands. Whether you allow yourself to see them or not. Whether you feel forced to one, or resistant to another, they are all choices, Donavyn. All branches from the Creator’s vine. You are not caged. You have many choices. Do not tell yourself otherwise.’

‘Choices? The only choice in this moment is to leave her, or go back—and that is no choice. Not for a man of honor!’

‘Of course it’s a choice—’

I stopped walking, stunned and turned back to face the direction of the stable.‘Are you telling me to have atrystwith aFlameborne?’

‘Of course not,’he growled.

‘Then what—’

‘I’m saying you have the choice. Many choices. Many more than it seems you are willing to admit.’

I gaped into the dark stable, shaking my head. I’d been makingchoicesfor weeks to keep myself from touching her, to avoid breaching the boundary that I just plowed through like Mont on his way to an argument. I’d been aware of the problem and resolved to be its solution. Yet, all it had taken was one undefended moment, one touch from her…

Cursing under my breath, I turned on my heel and stormed towards the main entrance, the Academy buildings, and my quarters. Because no matter what my dragon might say, while a multitude of choices might exist, there were very, very few that could be taken with honor.

I may have failed both her and myself tonight. But I would not do it again.

‘Thank you, Kgosi,’I sent before I moved out of range.

‘For what, precisely?’

‘For not corralling me. For allowing me to seewhyI made the choice. You were wise not to dictate to me what I should or shouldn’t do.’

He didn’t respond immediately—probably because he was thinking about how much he’d like to dictate to me. But I waited patiently.

‘Well then, thank you, Donavyn.’

I frowned.‘For what?’

‘For reminding me why the Creator placed us in your lives. I grow more convinced every day that without our guidance the human future would be very, very dire indeed.’

I hacked a laugh at his joke.

It seemed a little odd that he didn’t at least huff.