Page 30 of Wild Bond (Wild Bond #1)

R ake was busy preparing to leave for the Dragon Rider Trials. Most of the city’s riders would be leaving for Three Points at midday today. Since the leaders of the dragon riders from Zehvi and Halmar would be there, as well as several of their highest-ranking riders from all three kingdoms, there was a lot of political maneuvering to prepare for, as well as the travel preparations themselves.

All the prospects were going. It was all any of them could talk about. The trials happened over the course of a week’s time, and apparently there was a banquet every night and they would get to rub shoulders with the most powerful riders in Palasia.

I felt a slight pang of jealousy that I wouldn’t be able to go, but it was more out of curiosity than any real desire to compete. I knew I wasn’t ready. I was just now getting to a point where I could hold my own with the others—some of the time. And of course, there was the much more mysterious Second Trial that involved being locked with your dragon in an obsidian chamber similar to the one beneath The Great Temple. The very thought of which still made me shudder. No, I was happy to put off competing in the trials for another three years. Hopefully, by then I would be ready.

I would miss Rake while he was gone. I might also miss Con and a few of the other prospects who weren’t so bad, like Nesenya.

Since there were, once again, no classes today, I had decided to go see for myself how the wild dragon was doing.

I wasn’t quite sure why I had come, other than the fact that I was trying to make sense of everything that was happening and what it all meant. Skye was still feeling protective and hadn’t left my side since the attack, but I had finally convinced her this morning to go and hunt. She had done so reluctantly, and even now I could feel her anxiousness to return to me even as she flew high over the nearby forest scanning for prey.

As I entered the large tent that had been erected around the still sedated dragon, I nodded to the two riders standing at the entrance. I was surprised to find Princess Mercedes standing by the makeshift cage, peering in at the now calm, sleeping dragon, a contemplative look on her face.

“Princess Mercedes,” I acknowledged with a respectful bob of my head as I came to a halt beside her.

Her glasses reflected the morning light and made her eyes temporarily hard to see as she turned to me, clearly just as surprised to see me here this early. “Rin, it’s nice to see you again.” She smiled faintly in welcome, adjusting her glasses nervously before glancing down and turning to face the dragon again.

I faced the creature as well. The bronze dragon looked somehow smaller than yesterday, curled in on himself the way he was with his face tucked beneath his wing and his tail wrapped protectively around himself. There were gashes all over his body that still hadn’t healed, and flaking, molted skin lay around him on the ground. Several of his hard bronze scales littered the floor as well. Despite the sedative, the male was still twitching and jerking in a fitful sleep.

The princess and I were silent for a few moments before she spoke, her voice soft and pensive. “It’s terribly sad, isn’t it?” she observed. “To see such a magnificent creature lost to its mind like that?" She shook her head. “Think of the rider he will never know. Somewhere out there is a boy or girl who will never know they have a dragon who was meant to bond with them . . . that they were meant to be a dragon rider.” She paused. “That they were meant to be special.”

Her words painted a vivid picture that made my gut clench and my heart ache. “I hadn’t considered that.”

My mind took it a step further, theorizing that since this dragon had come to Dessin for the celebrations, his rider was probably someone in the city or at least someone nearby. Then my thoughts went further still . . . what if Skye had been caught? What if she had been caught and I had never gotten to meet her? Never learned I was a dragon rider?

The thought made a fresh wave of fury course through me aimed at the person responsible for such a tragedy.

“Does anyone have any idea what’s wrong with him or what caused it?” I asked, knowing that Rake and I probably knew the most about it. Rake had reported what we had learned to the queen, but maybe the princess had heard something new, or even had a theory. She was brilliant, after all.

Mercedes shook her head, her auburn curls bouncing with the movement. “No,” she sighed. “And I spent all night researching in the archives of the castle library for any mention of something like this happening before, but there was nothing. No mention of dragons going mad or attacking humans unprovoked, except for in a few extreme circumstances.”

“What about dragon illnesses? Anything similar to this?” I gestured to the dragon.

Mercedes shook her head again. “None. Dragons don’t get sick. Or at least, they didn’t.”

I considered. “What about any records of human illnesses transferring to dragons?”

She went still. Then she turned to look at me, her sharp, inquisitive gaze considering and voice soft as she inquired, “Why would you ask that?”

Realizing I needed to tread lightly here as I wasn’t sure how much information, if any, I was allowed to share, I shrugged, trying to play it off. “No reason. It was just a thought. But . . . has that ever happened?”

Her stare suddenly felt much heavier as she considered me before replying. “I . . . I don’t know. I’d never thought to investigate that.” She swallowed hard and adjusted her glasses again, pushing them up her nose anxiously. “What a terrifying thought.”

“Forget I asked,” I waved it off. “I’m sure it’s something else.”

But her assessing gaze never left me, and I knew at the very least I had piqued her curiosity.

“Is there something I should know, Rin? Something you are not telling me?”

“Of course not,” I lied, giving her a faint smile. I didn’t think she believed me. “I was just thinking out loud.”

“If you’re sure,” she hedged, but I could already see her mind racing behind her glasses. She still looked unsettled by my suggestion. As she said, it was a terrifying thought.

“I have to go,” Mercedes said suddenly, once more adjusting her glasses. “I have . . . ah, things to . . .” she trailed off, muttering under her breath, and I barely had time to bow before she was scurrying off.

As I watched her go, I had no doubt she was on her way to the library to begin researching what I had suggested. Who knew? Maybe we would get lucky, and she would actually find something that could help us figure out what or who was behind this.

At midday, when I arrived at The Tower courtyard, it was in a state of mild chaos. Dozens of large dragons in their natural forms took up the space, with dozens more spilling into the spaces between the buildings and the practice fields beyond. Some riders were already mounted on their dragons while others were tightening saddles or stuffing items in saddlebags. Tower servants and page boys hurried about fulfilling last-minute tasks. Eagerness and anticipation hung in the air amidst all the hustle and bustle of preparations to depart.

My eyes scanned the riders as I searched for one in particular. Skye glanced around as well from her perch on my shoulder. I saw Con sitting atop his dragon, and I waved back when he spotted me. Daisha made a point of looking the other way when she saw me, but Nesenya gave me a slight nod of acknowledgement.

Zade and Dembe stood conversing between their two waiting dragons. Both of them broke into huge grins when they saw me approach.

“Well, don’t you two look fashionable in your armor,” I observed by way of greeting. “Zade, you look prettier than all the women.”

He actually looked rather amazing in the bright green scaled armor, but where was the fun in telling him that?

Zade took my teasing in stride. “Why thank you, my lady,” he replied in mock seriousness, flipping his shoulder length golden hair behind him as he did, for once not in its customary queue. “I do try and make a statement.”

Dembe chuckled, a sound that was more like the rumbling of rocks in his big barrel chest. He looked formidable, his dragonscale armor a deep burnt orange that set off his darker skin.

Skye hopped down from my shoulder and sauntered over to greet Valla while the larger female lowered her neck to chuff a greeting.

“It’s good to see Valla fully healed,” I told Zade, watching the interaction with a smile.

“It is,” he responded, his voice sobering somewhat. “I never got to thank you for what you did that day,” he said, clearing his throat. “You and Skye.”

“You don’t need—”

“Yes, I do,” he interrupted. “If Skye hadn’t broken our fall and you hadn’t stopped that griffin . . . things could have gone much worse. So, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” I replied, feeling something tighten in my chest at the sincere emotion in his eyes.

Then in a blink, the smirk was back. “Too bad you’re not coming with us. It won’t be half so interesting without you.” He grinned, that mischievous light back in his eyes. “Not to mention Rake will be back to his surly self without you keeping him company.”

I gave him a rude hand gesture, and he laughed good-naturedly.

“She’ll join us next time,” Dembe said, having watched our exchange with amusement. “When she’s fully trained.”

I nodded. “That’s the hope. And speaking of your surly leader, do either of you know where I might find him?”

Dembe’s smile turned knowing, and he gestured off to my right. “Last time I saw him he was over by the barracks.”

“Look for this intimidating creature called Naasir,” Zade directed helpfully, “big black thing, can’t miss it. Our illustrious leader is usually nearby.”

I shot him a glare, and he just winked.

Waving goodbye, I headed in that direction with Skye trailing after me. It was only a minute or two before I spotted one of Naasir’s arching black wings through the crowd and made my way over. When I finally got close enough and spotted Rake, the sight of him nearly stopped me in my tracks.

Looking at him now, I was reminded of that first time I laid eyes on him again in Petitioner’s Square, and how fierce and lethal he looked. He hadn’t even been in his full dragon rider armor then.

He was now.

The black scaled armor fit his upper body like a glove, accentuating the muscular physique that was already there. His shoulder plates flared out slightly, making his shoulders seem even broader, while the dark color brought out the raven tones in his hair and the dark stubble on his face.

Everything low in my body tensed, and every feminine instinct I had sat up and paid attention at the sight of the deliciously dominant male before me. All I could think of in that moment were the things I had done to him and the things he had done to me . My whole body flushed, and all I wanted to do was grab hold of him and kiss him, claiming him for all to see. I wanted everyone to know that this male—this perfect creature—was all mine.

He spotted me then, and my knees went weak at the look in his eyes as he dismissed the rider he had been speaking to and walked over to me.

For some reason, I felt slightly nervous, though I wasn’t sure why. “I like your armor,” I blurted, wanting to retrieve the words as soon as they left my mouth.

“Do you?” he grinned, staring down at me from his much greater height. “Duly noted.”

My cheeks grew hot and I cleared my throat. “And by that, I mean I’ve come to see you off.”

My breath caught as he took my hand and led me around the side of the nearest building. Skye stayed behind with Naasir.

The moment we were shielded from those in the courtyard, his mouth was on mine. His hands sank into my hair, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. The crazy events of the past few weeks fell away, and for a few moments there was only the two of us. I drank my fill of him, knowing I needed to savor this since we would soon be apart.

“I’ll miss you,” I breathed against his mouth when we finally surfaced.

“And I you,” he replied. His pale blue eyes stared down into mine. “When I return, I want to take you somewhere. Just you and me.” His hand gripped my hair more tightly and the hint of pain added to the heat in his eyes nearly left me breathless as he elaborated, “Somewhere nobody can interrupt us.”

My body felt hot and achy as his meaning sank in, and I whispered, “I want that, too.”

He smiled and kissed me again. I clutched him to me and returned the kiss with all the desperation and need I was feeling in that moment. We only broke apart when the horn blared, signaling it was time for him to go.

He rested his forehead briefly against mine. “Later,” he murmured, the carnal need in that promise making my entire body thrum. I could see the effort it took for him to withdraw from me and tamp down his own desires. The look in his eyes still smoldered as he said, “I left something for you in your room.”

I blinked at the unexpected statement and sudden excitement and curiosity filled me. “What?”

He just smiled. “I’ll see you soon, little thief.”

I nodded, unable to speak. I had to remind myself that it was only a week. But a week felt like an eternity. When had this man become so vital to my happiness? Pushing that thought aside, I watched the emotionless mask drop into place over his features as he turned and strode for Naasir.

I moved to lean against the side of the stone building as I watched him mount up along with all the other riders.

Prince Pierce on his white dragon was the first to rise into the sky. Naasir was only a second behind him, then the other riders followed in waves.

It was quite a rare and awe-inspiring sight to see so many riders in the sky at once. I was reminded briefly of the Exodus Ball and all those dragons flying overhead, glowing in the night. Skye came to sit at my feet as we watched them all slowly disappear into the distance.

Once I could no longer see any of the dragons, I spun and headed for my room in the barracks. Luckily, mine was one of the rooms that hadn’t been damaged when it was hit by the rogue dragon.

The floor felt empty and silent as Skye and I walked toward my room. Almost all the residents on this floor were prospects, so I would basically have it to myself for the next week. We reached my door just as Millie was stepping out of it. The maid’s expression was pinched, and she was holding her head.

“Are you all right, Millie?”

“Oh, I’m fine, miss. Just a touch of headache. I’ll come finish in your room later if that’s all right? I think I might go lie down.”

“Of course,” I assured her. “Take all the time you need.”

Her red curly hair framed her round face as she gave me a weak smile. “Thank you, miss.” She curtsied and left.

Skye and I stepped inside, and a sickly-sweet aroma filled my nose. Skye snorted in disgust. I made a mental note to ask Millie when she was feeling better what that smell was, and not to use it in the future while cleaning the room. I saw Millie had lit the fire as well and thought that was odd since it was summer.

Deciding I would put the fire out in a moment, I scanned the room eagerly looking for what Rake could have left me. My eyes snagged on something on the bed. I stepped forward as Skye leapt onto the blankets, and my breath caught when I realized what they were.

The jade daggers.

The same pair I had seen in the market that day in Itrain. The ones I had wanted so badly but had been unable to afford. Rake had tried to offer to buy them for me, but I never thought . . . I reached out and touched the polished jade handles. The swirls of color matched Skye’s scales even more perfectly than I remembered.

Had Rake gotten them that day, one of the times he’d disappeared? Or had he flown back and picked them up on a different occasion?

My heart swelled thinking that, either way, it was incredibly thoughtful. And they had been so expensive.

It was only then that I noticed the note that lay next to the daggers. I picked up the small piece of parchment and read the masculine script.

I laughed aloud as giddy excitement thrilled me. Aside from that day in the market, I had never received a gift before. My mother may have given me one when I was young, but I simply couldn’t remember it.

Tears pricked my eyes at Rake’s thoughtfulness. My head had started to throb a little, so I sat down on the bed. My mind swirled with thoughts as I reread the note and picked up the daggers, testing out the weight and feel of them in my hands.

I could feel Skye’s appreciation for how shiny they were, but her feelings felt muted for some reason, almost lethargic.

I glanced over to see that her head was now resting on the bed, and her eyes were drooping.

“Skye?”

There was no response from her as her eyes closed completely, and she drifted off to sleep.

A wave of exhaustion hit me as well. I suddenly wanted nothing more than to curl up next to her and close my eyes.

My mind felt hazy, and it was hard to think. Some instinctual part of me shouted that something wasn’t right. I wanted to go test out my new daggers, not sleep. My head was pounding, and I vaguely thought of how Millie had complained of a headache before she left.

I could feel soft fabric against my cheek. When had I laid my head down?

I blinked once, finding it harder and harder to keep my eyes open. My gaze drifted to the fireplace. It was too warm for a fire.

I blinked again, but my eyes stayed closed this time, and the stray thought floated away. Then there was nothing more.