Page 20 of The Bond That Burns (Bloodwing Academy #2)

The plush fabric of Blake’s robe brushed against my bare legs as I slipped out into the hall. My room was only a few steps away. If I moved fast, no one would even see me.

I clutched the robe, tucking my chin into the softness. Then I realized what I was doing. Breathing him in. The robe was heavy with Blake’s scent, rich and unmistakable. But there was something underlying his usual smells—sharp, almost metallic. Like blood. Or sex. The realization made my cheeks flame, even as I sped up my steps.

But luck wasn’t on my side tonight.

“Well, well, well,” came a silky voice. “What do we have here?”

I froze mid-step, stomach twisting as Regan stepped out from the shadows in the hallway ahead. She wasn’t alone either. On either side of her stood Gretchen and Quinn, their identical silver-blond hair gleaming, their eyes shining with malicious delight.

“Did we interrupt your little walk of shame?” Quinn purred. She gestured to the robe I was wearing. “Is that Blake’s robe, or did you bring your own to complete the whore-next-door look?”

“I guess Blake finally took pity on her, girls,” Regan said, her voice oozing fake sympathy. I could tell she was furious. “After all, even a dog in heat gets thrown a bone eventually. Guess he finally gave her what she’s been begging for since she got here. I mean, he’s a man. Can we really blame him? She’s been panting after him for months.” She sniffed the air. “Ugh. I can smell her from here.”

I could feel myself flushing with humiliation.

Gretchen snickered. “Did you plan on going down to the common room like that? Maybe putting on a little show?” She reached for the robe as if she’d like nothing better than to rip it off me and I stepped back, glaring at her.

“I don’t recall asking for your commentary,” I said coldly. “Now if you’ll excuse me. You’re standing in front of my door.”

“Oh, but we’re just trying to help you, Medra,” Regan said, her tone dripping with false sweetness. “You don’t want the whole school thinking you’re Blake’s little slut, do you?”

“No, I wouldn’t want anyone to think I’d taken your position, Regan,” I retorted.

She colored angrily. “Maybe that’s exactly what you want. Riding Blake’s coattails to keep your relevance since your dragon flew away?”

Gretchen giggled. “More like riding something else.” She made a lewd gesture and the three of them dissolved into shrieking laughter.

“Do you want to know what I see when I look at you three?” I interrupted, my voice cold enough to make them pause.

Regan looked at me disdainfully. “What’s that?”

I pointed at Gretchen. “I see you with a knife in your face, that gross piece of your cheek flapping in the breeze, because you were too slow and stupid to dodge your own knife. Remember that? Because I do.” Gretchen paled and touched a hand to her face, which had healed remarkably in the meantime thanks to her highblood abilities.

“And you,” I continued, looking at Quinn. “I see a little bitch who hid up in a tree because she was too scared to face me. But I got to you anyway, didn’t I?” I made a ruthless motion as if I were driving that arrow into her side all over again and she stepped back quickly.

“And you, Regan.” I smiled mirthlessly at the Queen Bitch of House Drakharrow. “I see a washed-out, desperate has-been lying flat on her back in the mud. Right where you belong. And that’s what I’ll always see every time I look at you—a pathetic wannabe, clinging to a man who isn’t yours anymore, who doesn’t want you anymore.”

I took a step forward and hissed through my teeth. Regan flinched and jumped back as if she was afraid I was going to mess up her perfect make-up. The victory was almost sweet enough to mask the fury simmering in my chest.

“Now,” I said, my voice low and lethal. “Get the fuck out of my way, girls , before you make me tempted to do it all over again.”

I brushed past them without another word, slamming my door in their faces.

The moment the door shut behind me, my bravado dissolved. I leaned back against it, my chest rising and falling as I tried to control my breathing. My hands were trembling.

I’d let them get under my skin. It had been impossible not to.

But it wasn’t them I was really angry with. They were as miserable and despicable as they’d always been. That hadn’t changed.

It was myself I was furious with. I was the one who'd made the biggest mistake of my life.

I glanced down at the robe, then pushed it to the floor and stepped away from it. But Blake’s scent still clung to me, wrapping around me like a second skin. I couldn’t escape it. I couldn’t escape him. He was on me. In me .

Feeling revolted with myself, I crossed the room in three quick strides, wrenching the bathroom door open. My reflection in the mirror caught me off guard. So this was what Regan and the others had seen. A wild-eyed girl with tangled hair, her lips swollen from kisses she should never have accepted.

The sight of myself, marked by Blake, made my stomach turn. What the hell was wrong with me?

I turned on the faucet, the sound of rushing water filling the silence. I held my hand under the water until it was hot enough, then poured in a flask of almond and cherry scented bath foam, adding much more than I usually would have, and hoping it would be enough to wash Blake’s scent away for good.

I stepped into the bath and sank down into the hot water. I closed my eyes, but instantly the memory of Blake’s hands on my skin flooded back.

With a groan, I pressed my palms to my face.

Since the end of First Year, he’d acted like an asshole of the highest order. Not just to me—to Theo, Florence, and Visha. And instead of making him pay, what had I done? I’d gone to his room and given him exactly what he wanted. I’d been weak. Worse, I’d been selfish. I’d let myself conveniently forget about how he’d humiliated my friends.

I thought of Nyxaris. He was ignoring me again, but it wasn’t too hard to imagine what he might say.

“A rider does not surrender her power for the sake of pleasure or indulgence.”

That sounded about right. Except I wasn’t his rider.

I wonder if Nyxaris had been as hard on his former riders as he was on me. I supposed it didn’t matter; they were all dead now. Did he mourn them as much as he mourned the loss of his fellow dragons?

I closed my eyes again and the memory of Blake’s face rose right to the surface despite my efforts to banish it.

I thought of him spread over me, our bodies pressed together, as if for a few brief moments they could be one and we could put all the hate behind us. I was wracked with guilt but the hard truth was it had also been the best sex I’d ever had. Everything had been easy. We’d fit together like a matching set.

He’d looked so beautiful as he stared down at me. For a moment, his skin had almost shimmered and I’d thought I’d seen his dragon tattoos spread out like real scales, dancing across his arms and chest.

When I opened my eyes, the bathwater had gone cold. I climbed out and wrapped myself in a towel, avoiding the mirror as I padded back into the room.

The robe was still on the floor. I stared at it for a long moment, then kicked it under the bed.

Out of sight, out of mind.

The towering double doors of the Bloodwing Library creaked softly as I pushed them open and walked through. A familiar wave of awe swept over me as it always did. The sheer size of the place was overwhelming. Rows of tall, dark wood bookshelves lined the main aisle, stretching far into the distance. Long wooden tables were scattered throughout, occupied by students hunched over books and stacks of parchment, their whispered voices blending with the rustling of pages. Above it all, the enchanted ceiling moved in its four quadrants. One caught my eye. A desert with rolling hills of reddish sand. The sun was just rising overhead, striking the sun with a golden light.

If every part of the mural showed some place in Sangratha, then Sangratha was huge. I’d only studied part of the realm’s geography, but any hope I’d held out for some neighbouring kingdom to save me from the highbloods was long since past. Sangratha was, for all intents and purposes, the entire world. If there were other realms, they were so far away as to not matter.

A foreign world in every way , my mother’s voice said softly. I’d decided to bring the dagger she resided in with me that evening. She’d become too introspective, too solitary of late.

Do you miss it? I asked her. Aercanum, I mean? It had been her home much longer than it had been mine, after all.

Not particularly, she said thoughtfully. I suppose that’s strange. But I do miss my body. I miss riding a horse. I miss the wind in my hair. I miss the taste of wine. Not to mention the glorious feel of a lithe naked male pressed up against my...

All right , I said hastily. That’s enough reminiscing.

Well , she said smoothly. You did ask. And you might have thanked me.

Thanked you? Was that supposed to be the start of some motherly lecture on the basics of reproduction? If so, I’m sorry to inform you but I learned about the birds and the bees quite some time ago.

She laughed. She had a beautiful, melodic laugh. I’m well aware, Daughter. I simply meant you might praise my forbearance in not remarking on your earlier... assignation.

You saw that? I said hotly, my face instantly turning red. A girl carrying an armful of papers and books gave me a strange look as I walked past her.

Not saw, she said. More like... received an overall impression when you picked me up earlier .

You can sense that much just from my touch? I was both annoyed and impressed.

Yes. She yawned. You see? I’m not even asking you questions. Like how good he was, how long he lasted, how well endowed...

Enough, enough , I said firmly. Let’s find Florence.

I tried to focus. I inhaled deeply, taking in the scents of parchment and leather, wood smoke and candle wax. Slowly I walked down the main aisle, finally catching sight of Florence. She sat at a table surrounded by an ambitious-looking pile of books, her dark hair tucked behind her ears and her glasses sliding down her nose as she leaned over a tome, flipping quickly through the pages.

She looked up as I approached and broke into a smile. “Medra! You made it.”

“Barely,” I said, setting my satchel on the table and glancing at the books. “Impressive collection.”

She colored slightly. “I’m getting a head start on some reading I wanted to do for The Alchemist’s Garden.”

“That’s your favorite class this term, isn’t it?” I asked with interest.

“How could it not be?” she exclaimed. “I adore Professor Allenvale and I already loved Professor Rodriguez...” She trailed off, blushing, as she caught my raised eyebrow. “Well, not loved . Oh, you know what I mean.”

“I do indeed,” I said, smirking. “You think he’s handsome.”

“He’s a wonderful teacher and I admire his intellect greatly,” she said primly.

“And his nice ass,” I quipped.

“Medra!” Florence gasped. She looked around as if worried Professor Rodriguez would suddenly be standing behind her.

Hypocrite , my mother’s voice teased.

Shush , I warned her. Or I won’t take you along next time .

She sniffed but fell silent.

I was bluffing, of course. But still, having her in my head was a distraction I could never seem to get used to. She couldn’t stay in that dagger. Her earlier reminiscences about missing her physical form had filled me with guilt. There had to be a better solution than this.

I laughed at the look on Florence’s face. “No one heard me, don’t worry.”

“Yes, well,” Florence said. She pushed her glasses back up the bridge of her nose. “So, I take it Blake agreed to an earlier feeding?” She eyed me cautiously.

“Um, yes,” I said quickly. “He did. He was... very accommodating. Surprisingly.”

“Oh, I’m so relieved. After this morning, I was worried he’d make things hard for you,” Florence said.

Orcades snickered inside my head.

I tried to school my expression. “He was very civil about it.”

“You aren’t wearing your scarf,” Florence said, looking at my wrist worriedly. “Did he bite you somewhere else? That bastard.”

“No,” I said quickly. I touched a hand to my neck then yanked it away. “I mean, I didn’t need it. It didn’t hurt as much this time.”

This was terrible. I hated lying to Florence. I was going to have to tell her the truth sometime. Why not get it over with now?

Was it because it was Blake? Or was it because of the subject matter? I realized I really did see Florence as rather innocent. I didn’t want to, well, shock her.

“That’s wonderful,” she exclaimed. Her eyes widened as she looked at my arm and I resisted the urge to tug at my sleeve. “How fascinating that you’re gaining some resistance to the pain. Or is it that you were more relaxed this evening? Did Blake put you at ease?”

I won’t dignify that with a remark because this is simply too easy, Orcades complained. It would be like shooting fish in a barrel. Please admire my restraint.

I suppressed a groan. You’re exceedingly restrained, Mother . To Florence, I said, “You might say that, yes.”

“Well, the bite isn’t supposed to be painful for most people,” Florence said thoughtfully. “In fact, many blightborn seem to crave it after a while, which can be an entirely different problem all in itself.”

I stared at her. “Crave it? I don’t want to crave it.”

“I know. But I suppose it makes sense. It’s a symbiotic relationship after all.”

I took a deep breath and changed the subject. “Going back to your crush on Professor Rodriguez...”

Florence shrieked and picked up a book as if she were tempted to throw it at me.

“Girls, must I remind you that this is a library?”

Florence’s blush deepened as a woman, slender and petite, appeared from behind a nearby stack. Jia Shen had dark eyes like her daughter, framed by wire-rimmed spectacles. She wore a dark blue cardigan with little white flowers embroidered along the hem, buttoned neatly over a crisp white blouse. Her long black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, stray wisps escaping around her face as if she’d had a tiring day.

Jia set down the books she was holding on the table with a soft thud and arched a brow at us. “I trust you weren’t about to start throwing things at your friend, Florence. Library books, in particular.”

“Of course not,” Florence said, with a groan.

I laughed, enjoying her embarrassment. “Florence was just telling me about her enthusiasm for her classes this term. You know how excited she gets when she’s speaking about academic pursuits.”

“Academic pursuits, hmm?” Jia looked back and forth between us, and I got the feeling I wasn’t fooling her. “And what academic pursuits are you here for this evening, Medra?”

“Dragons as usual,” I said with a sigh.

“Ah, yes, the dragon project.” Jia tapped a finger to her chin. “I must admit, I’m rarely stumped but this research project of yours has been more challenging than I’d expected.”

I’d told Florence what I was searching for and why, but we’d decided Jia didn’t need to know all the details—such as the fact that I didn’t have a handle on Nyxaris and could be scorched to death at any time or executed by the Tribunal for failure to perform.

“I’ve been through a good portion of our archives, and the results have been very frustrating,” Jia continued.

“Still nothing useful?” I asked, trying to keep the disappointment out of my voice. If Jia couldn’t find anything in the Bloodwing Library, what hope could I possibly have of turning up what Nyxaris needed?

But then, there was still Professor Rodriguez. Our first thrallguard session was coming up.

“We have plenty of books on dragons,” Jia said. “Dragon physiology, dragon lore, a very few suspect treatises by blightborn scholars who clearly never encountered a dragon in their lives. Most of the authors writing about dragons were highbloods, however, and they often have very opposing views about dragons, usually contradictory ones. In any case, when it comes to the disappearance of dragons—such a monumental event in our history—there’s almost nothing.”

I frowned. “What about records from the dragon riders? Surely they—”

“So far, not a single firsthand account that I can find,” Jia interrupted gently. “If they existed—and I think they must have, they seem to have been destroyed or hidden away long ago. It’s infuriating. And fascinating.”

“Fascinating?” Florence echoed, looking dubious.

Jia gave her daughter a wry smile. “Well, yes. You know I love a good mystery.” She looked back at me. “In any case, I’ve taken drastic measures.”

My eyes widened. “Drastic?”

“Yes, I’ve resorted to a letter-writing campaign. I’ve reached out to a number of librarians at schools and other academic institutes across Sangratha, asking if they can help.”

“Interlibrary loans?” Florence said. “I thought you said they were a pain to process.”

“Yes, well, when we lend books out to other libraries we seem to only receive two-thirds of them back again and half are damaged,” Jia complained. “But in this case, that’s a good thing. I’m owed many favors.” She smiled down at me complacently. “I hope to hear back from some colleagues soon.”

“Thank you for going to all this trouble for me, Jia,” I said. “It’s very kind of you. But I’m sorry to add to your workload.”

She waved a hand. “Nonsense. You’re a student here, after all. This is part of my job.”

I glanced at Florence, slightly guilty that we’d told Jia this was all for another paper I was writing for Professor Rodriguez.

“Anyhow, I’ll keep digging, Medra. There’s always something. Even if it’s buried deep. The truth never disappears entirely. Even when people would like it to.”

Before I could respond, a blur of motion shot past us, knocking into a shelf of books.

“Neville!” Jia exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air as the fluffin turned around and zoomed beneath our table, his fluffy tail wagging furiously. “No, bad Neville,” Jia said sternly, shaking a finger at him.

“Come here, Neville,” Florence implored, pushing her chair back and holding her arms out to the fluffin. “Come to Florence. There’s a good boy.”

But Neville only paused long enough to give another yip before speeding off into the stacks again.

That ridiculous little dog again, my mother tsked. What is that animal doing here? Don’t tell me your friend believed she could teach him to read.

How many times must I tell you? He is not a dog. He’s a fluffin. And no, I added. I doubt even Florence was that ambitious.

I’ve never seen such a silly creature in my life. But there was an affectionate tone to her voice.

I’m sure Neville would take that as high praise, I said wryly.

“Not again,” Florence groaned, burying her face in her hands. “He followed me in here and we’ve been trying to get him out ever since.”

“If one of the other librarians notices him...” Jia wrung her hands.

“Don’t worry,” I said quickly. “If there’s any trouble, tell them Blake brought him in. We’ll blame him. Neville’s half his problem, after all.”

Jia blinked at me, then burst out laughing. “Oh, Medra, you’re terrible.”

“Well, he is a House Leader,” I said innocently. “It’s basically his job to take the fall for this sort of thing.” And I certainly wasn’t about to let Jia or Florence take the blame.

Neville zipped back around to us, leaping onto a nearby chair and then back onto the floor, his eyes glinting with crazed mischief.

Florence shook her head. “There’s no stopping him when he’s like this.”

As if on cue, Neville skidded down the aisle only to halt in front of a new figure.

“What’s going on here?” a voice said sternly.

Kage Tanaka. The house leader stood at the end of the aisle, his tall frame casting a long shadow, his dark eyes glancing down at the fluffin before lifting to meet mine.

Something in the air shifted. I cleared my throat.

“Neville,” I said, gesturing towards the fluffin. “He’s having a moment.”

Kage raised one elegant eyebrow. “Neville?”

“The fluffin,” I explained.

Neville chose that exact moment to shoot between Kage’s legs, brushing against his boots as he darted away. Kage’s hand shot out instinctively to steady himself against the edge of the nearest shelf. He didn’t stumble, but a look of shock crossed his face. I bit my lip, trying to stifle a laugh, but it was no use. The sight of one of the most commanding highblood students at Bloodwing startled by a fluffin was too much for me and I burst out laughing.

To my delight, Kage’s mouth curved up in the faintest hint of a smile.

Florence was laughing, too, but she was hiding behind her hands. Clearly she was too intimidated by her new house leader to laugh at him openly.

“He’s been terrorizing us all evening,” I explained to Kage. “We’re trying to catch him.”

Kage’s dark eyes lingered on me for a moment then moved to the books on the table. “And what are you working on this evening?”

“Research.” I shrugged. “Just a bit of light reading on dragons.”

“Anything you need help with?”

For a moment, I was tempted. Kage was obviously sharp and methodical. I had no doubt he received excellent grades. If I was honest with myself, the highblood looked almost terrifyingly competent.

But the sight of the small black crescent moon tattoo peeking over the collar of his shirt gave me pause. The symbol was a stark reminder of who he was. Who his family was.

I thought of Elaria Avari. If she found out I couldn’t control my dragon, that I was desperately searching for answers on behalf of Nyxaris... Answers the highbloods might not want either of us to have... What would she do?

Still, Kage might have access to knowledge I could never hope to glean from all the books in the library. Who knew what secrets his family kept about dragons?

“I don’t think so,” I said, with not a little regret. “But thank you.”

He cocked his head. “You don’t think so?”

“It’s...complicated,” I said, hesitating.

He stepped closer and the subtle scent of pine reached me. I expected him to press the issue, but instead he nodded towards Florence and Jia, who were watching our interaction with interest. “Looks like you’ve already got a fine team on your side, anyways.”

“Yes,” I said softly. “I do.”

Our eyes locked. Then Neville darted between us again.

“I’ve got this,” Kage said firmly.

Before I could react, he moved. One moment he was facing me and the next he was crouched low, his hand gripping the little fluffin by the scruff. Neville squirmed in his grip for a moment, then froze, sniffing the air, as if sensing that Kage wasn’t one to mess around with.

Kage held the fluffin out to Florence. “I believe this little troublemaker is yours?”

“Thank you.” Florence took Neville and cradled him to her chest. “He’s usually so well-behaved,” she lied shamelessly. “I don’t know what got into him tonight.”

Kage’s lips twitched. “Wild creatures can’t help their nature.” His dark eyes went to my face and something about the look he gave me sent a shiver down my spine.

My, my, my mother said admiringly. Does anyone have a fan? I feel like the temperature in here just rose a few degrees.

I tried to ignore her. “Perhaps the library was not the best place for Neville,” I agreed. “We’ve learned our lesson.”

Neville gave a half-hearted rebellious yip, but one look from Kage had him nuzzling into Florence’s arms for safety.

“Walk with me?” Kage asked, his tone low.

I blinked. “Now?”

“Unless your friend still needs you,” he said, his gaze moving to where Florence and Jia were arguing about what to do next with Neville.

I hid a smile. “All right. I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

As we walked, the cool air of the library surrounded us. Kage’s pace was measured, his presence a steadying force. I felt calmer with him. Safe.

We reached a quiet corner and he turned to face me.

“I know you’ve been working on controlling Nyxaris,” he said, his voice low and even.

I tensed. “How did you—”

“You’re the first dragon rider in generations. It’s not exactly hard to guess. Especially when you’re in here, scouring the library for answers.” There was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “I pay attention.”

I crossed my arms, trying to quell my nervousness. “So? What of it?”

He shrugged. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Nyxaris is not just any dragon.”

“No,” I agreed. “He’s not.”

Kage leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. “Many dragons flew for House Avari. We bred and raised some of the strongest dragons Sangratha has ever seen.” His tone was threaded with quiet pride. “And Nyxaris was one of the strongest.”

My heart skipped a beat. Of course, they’d have records about Nyxaris in their archives. “You’ve read about him? What do you know?”

Kage’s gaze didn’t waver. “There’s a saying in my house: ‘A rider’s strength comes from their dragon. But their wisdom comes from every dragon who ever lived.’ We have records going back centuries. We recorded what each dragon was like, who their riders were, their medical histories. Countless details. I’m sure you’d find most of them quite dull.”

I stared at him, my heart speeding up. I wasn’t so sure about that. “And Nyxaris? What do you have recorded about him?”

Kage’s expression turned thoughtful. “Nyxaris possessed a more tempestuous personality than most Duskdrakes. He had a mind of his own. He was loyal to his riders but that loyalty had to be earned first. He didn’t give it freely.”

That struck a chord. “Earned how?”

Kage held up his hands. “This is where I tell you I don’t have any easy answers for you.”

My heart sank.

“But reading between the lines, Nyxaris seemed to appreciate it when his riders showed him respect. When they listened to him. He wasn’t just a beast of war. He was...” He smiled a little. “Sorry, he is a creature of immense intelligence. Not to mention pride. If someone training to be his rider ignored him, refused to take his advice–well, they didn’t remain a rider for long. He wasn’t easy to command.”

I swallowed, thinking of how easily Nyxaris brushed off my pitiful attempts to control him. “What about his riders?” I asked curiously. “Who were they?”

Kage hesitated, then shrugged. “The records don’t say much. Names, a few deeds in battles—if they ever had to fight any. But one thing is clear. Nyxaris was usually devoted to them. He didn’t choose lightly or often. Dragons are much longer-lived, after all. But when he did, he’d fight to the death for his rider.”

I stared at him. He was lying about something. But why lie to me about Nyxaris’s riders? What was there to hide centuries later?

“Did House Avari...” I hesitated, but forced myself to continue. “Was House Avari responsible for what happened to Nyxaris and the other stone dragons? Did they do that to them?”

Kage’s eyes darkened and he pushed off the wall to stand straight. “No,” he said firmly. “My house had no hand in that. We’d never have given up a single dragon. Whatever happened to those dragons was not by Avari design. It was a tragedy for all of us.”

Something was wrong. He doubted what he was saying, even though I knew he’d never admit it.

“But you know more about what happened, don’t you?” I insisted.

He frowned. “I know enough to see that Nyxaris’s awakening is a sign that power in Sangratha is shifting. Not everyone will welcome the changes the dragon heralds.” He looked at me steadily. “Especially if Nyxaris’s loyalty returns to House Avari.”

I hadn’t even thought of that possibility. Would Nyxaris really do that? Did he still care about his former house at all?

I thought of something else. “Do you think I’m in danger? Is that what you’re saying?”

“You’re the only rider. You’re always going to be in danger. But if you mean from Nyxaris, no. I doubt it. Earn his respect and he’ll protect you if you let him.”

I exhaled, trying to slow my racing thoughts. “If only it was that simple.”

His gaze lingered on mine and for a moment I couldn’t breathe. Kage’s dark eyes seemed to see straight through me. What would it be like to have someone like him by my side? Someone steady, commanding, loyal.

I flushed, horrified at the thought, a wave of guilt flooding through me. What was wrong with me? I’d just come from Blake’s bed, and now...

I bit my lip. Still, I didn’t owe Blake anything. What was it that I’d insisted earlier that night? That I wasn’t his. That what we’d done together wasn’t going to turn into a regular thing.

Kage tilted his head, a faint smile ghosting across his handsome face. “Distracted?”

“No,” I lied quickly. Too quickly.

“Good,” he said, stepping a little bit closer. The scent of pine mixed with something darker, something wilder, reached me and I felt rooted in place. For a fleeting moment, I imagined what it would be like to touch him, to trace the inked line of that crescent moon with the tip of a finger. “Because there’s something else I want you to keep an eye on.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

“Blake,” Kage said. I nearly jumped. “Have you noticed anything unusual about him lately?”

I couldn’t help rolling my eyes. “You mean besides him acting like an egotistical, controlling maniac?”

Kage smiled slightly. “Besides that, yes. Just keep an eye on him. If he starts acting strangely, let me know.”

“Strange how?” I said, frowning.

His expression didn’t change, but there was something about the set of his jaw that told me he had deeper concerns. “You’ll know if it happens, trust me.”

My thoughts whirled. “Do you think he’s dangerous? Would he hurt my friends?”

Kage hesitated, just for a fraction of a second. “No more dangerous than he usually is,” he said lightly.

His cryptic tone set me on edge. “You’re not telling me everything,” I complained with frustration.

“I’m telling you what you need to know right now, Medra,” he countered. He took a step back and I let out a breath. “By the way, about your request to move to House Avari—”

“Yes?” I said eagerly.

“—I’m still working on it. These things take time,” he added quickly, catching the look of disappointment on my face. “And there are...some complications.”

“Complications? What kind of complications?”

“My mother,” he said. “She doesn’t trust outsiders easily. Especially when it comes to someone in your unique position.”

I knew he didn’t mean my being a rider.

“And you?” I asked. The question came out more challenging than I’d intended. “Do you trust me?”

The intensity in his eyes seemed to deepen. “I’d like to think we trust one another.” He paused. “If you ever need help, you’ll come to me.”

It wasn’t a request.

I stared at him, my mind still whirling with unanswered questions. But before I could voice any of them, Neville darted past us with a delighted yip.

“Looks like your fluffin is on a rampage again,” Kage remarked. “Good luck keeping him from tearing the library apart.”

I laughed. “Hopefully it won’t come to that.” As Neville shot down another aisle, I sighed. “But I’d better go and find Florence.”

Kage nodded. “Good night, Medra. And good luck.”

I nodded, suddenly awkward. “Thank you.”

I watched him as he stalked down a row of books, his back ramrod straight.

Mmm, my mother said appreciatively. I like a masterful man. Especially one capable of taming wild beasts.

Neville is the size of a cat, I pointed out. Not exactly a ferocious monster.

Still, that Avari boy is capable. He has...finesse.

She had a point. He’s very competent, I agreed.

Lacks Blake’s fire though, she said. How does the saying go? A prince in the keep, a dragon between the sheets?

There is no such saying , I protested. Besides, Blake is most certainly not princely in the keep. He’s as hotheaded and explosive as he is... I paused, suddenly aware of what I’d been about to confess.

As he is...? My mother prodded, sounding as if she were trying to hold back laughter.

I refused to reply.

Back in my room, I placed the dagger on the desk by the window, kicked off my boots and flopped onto my bed.

Poor Neville had been carted back home to Florence’s room in shame. We’d been forced to resort to trapping him in a basket, his little paws scrabbling at the sides while Florence muttered apologies and Jia shook her head in exasperation.

I couldn’t help but grin as I remembered Florence marching out of the library with him tucked under her arm like a contraband toy.

My amusement faded as my thoughts drifted back to Kage.

Sighing, I sat up and crossed my legs.

Nyxaris? Are you there?

For a moment, nothing. Then I sensed the dragon stir, almost as if he’d been sleeping.

What do you want? His voice was a huff of irritation. If I’d woken him up, that made sense. I thought I made myself clear. I do not wish to speak with you until you have earned the conversation.

I tried not to roll my eyes in case he could sense it. I know. But I have something you might find interesting.

A pause , then a skeptical growl. Go on.

I hesitated. I wondered if Kage knew I’d go straight to Nyxaris with everything he’d shared with me tonight. But then, it wasn’t as if he’d sworn me to secrecy.

I spoke with Kage Tanaka tonight. He’s the school House Leader of Avari.

I felt the weight of Nyxaris’s attention shift fully to me. And what did this Tanaka have to say?

I repeated some of what Kage had told me—his assurances that House Avari hadn’t been responsible for the enchantment that turned the dragons to stone.

Nyxaris listened in silence. When I finished, he let out an explosive snort that echoed through my mind like distant thunder. You trust the word of this highblood? Scion of the very house that once enslaved me?

I was shocked. They didn’t enslave you. I mean... Did they? I could sense his rising anger. Your riders came from House Avari. Didn’t you choose to fight for them?

Choose? Nyxaris’s voice was sharp. Does a child choose who their parents are? Do you really think dragons had a choice about who they would belong to?

You were the most powerful beings in the kingdom... I started to say.

We were bred by them. He cut me off. We were bound by blood magic to serve their ambitions. The Avaris used us, commanded us, manipulated us. Do not speak to me of choice.

I swallowed hard. I’m sorry. But Kage said you were loyal. That you didn’t give your loyalty freely. So I just thought...

Nyxaris fell silent for a moment. Loyalty is a fragile thing. My loyalty to House Avari was once unbreakable. But time, betrayal, and that cursed state of stone eroded it to nothing.

I hesitated. So...do you feel nothing for them now? No loyalty to Avari at all?

Another long silence. Perhaps a faint ember remains. A shadow of the bond that once tied us. I can hardly remember. His voice faded and for a moment, I thought he was gone.

Then he spoke again. Do not let their honeyed words deceive you. Even those who may seem different.

I’ll be careful, I said quietly. I’ll find the truth for you like I promised. I have another class with Professor Hassan tomorrow. I’ll try to get something out of her. I know she has answers for us.

Though getting them would be another story.

Good, Nyxaris rumbled. See that you make progress. Or you will be standing alone come time for your evaluation.

With that friendly threat, his presence faded, leaving me alone in the silence of my dark room.