Page 27 of Hoarded By the Dragon

But the items in this bag are supposed to be the kind that people won’t abandon in a fire. Instead of a collection of sentimental goods, it holds a sketchbook, some magic supplies for meditating, and toiletries.

The bag I’d packed when I ran away from foster care was similar minus the herbs and crystals. All these years later, and I still haven’t collected the life I thought I’d have. I’d left to find people like me. To fully immerse myself in the world of witches and magic that had been my birthright, even if I’d been abandoned. I didn’t find it.

I’d had Nemo for a number of years, and then I’d filled the rest with work to try and atone for my crimes. Years later, and I don’t feel any more clean. My life doesn’t feel any more full. Stella is the one bright spot I have.

Maybe that’s all a good thing. If my life had been brimming with satisfaction, it would be harder to leave it all behind and embrace the change in front of me.

My hand comes to hover at my middle. A gesture of reassurance and instinct. I’ve gained something now that won’t disappear. Something that requires more from me than any other job has before.

I check behind me to make sure Ben is still strolling around my tiny kitchen space typing out something on his phone before pulling up the false bottom in the chest at the end of my bed. I take out my “go bag.” Everything I need in the event of an emergency to vanish and become someone new.

I won’t be taking it though. The paperwork and some of the more vicious spells are illegal. I don’t need to bring more trouble into Kalos’s home than I already am. I do take a portal spell I’d worn the night of the job at Kalos’s and string it on my useless amulet necklace. I have one other in the bag, so in a pinch, I can drop in to get the bag and get away again. The gut reaction to have an emergency plan is one I don’t argue with. Kalos can try his best to keep me safe, but I’m still responsible for myself.

I’m not worried about other magic users sensing the spell. It has a glamour on it so the magic can’t be sensed by a person unless they focus on it. I carefully put my go bag back in its hiding place and do one last look around the room before zipping the duffel.

“I’m ready,” I say, leaving my bedroom.

“Is that all you’re bringing?” Ben asks, frowning at the bag.

I shrug. “I travel light.”

“If you’re sure.” Ben offers his arm and I take it, inhaling to ready myself this time when he teleports us. I wasn’t prepared last time and yelped in the most undignified way, which he’d profusely apologized for.

It’s a quick thing that turns my stomach, but we’re back in the entryway of Kalos’s place.

I sway on my feet for a moment. “Ugh.”

Ben laughs, patting my hand before disconnecting it from his arm. “Sorry, most people get used to it.”

“And if I don’t?” I ask.

Ben shrugs. “Then it’s that bad every time. You’ll need my help to leave whenever you need to go anywhere for a while. Kalos probably wants to keep your presence a secret until he can determine who of his people are loyal.”

“He doesn’t know who is loyal now?”

Ben sighs. “Let me show you to your room. Do you want me to carry your bag?”

I shake my head, and Ben gestures for me to go up the stairs. Only when we’re halfway up does he answer my question. His long legs have him in front of me so I can’t track his emotions.

“There’s never been a reason to shore up our defenses,” he says. “Kalos is the biggest name in this city because he’s wealthy and powerful. His position is strong and there are no other logical contenders.”

He’s the big bad wolf. Or big bad dragon, rather.

“He’s never been vulnerable, so he’s never had to test his people,” I say.

“Exactly. For most employees, undying loyalty isn’t a requirement. He only requires people do their jobs and not do anything to hurt the business. Not to bite the hand that feeds them.”

“But now, if his enemies want to get at him, they just have to get to me.” My lower lip trembles before I press them together to stop the show of weakness.

“Don’t worry. Kalos has my loyalty,” he says as we come to the landing. There’s a stability to Ben, one that rings his beliefs to the heavens.

“Why?” I ask. How does someone inspire this much loyalty in a person?

His smile is soft. “He’s the only family I’ve ever known. Not because we’re related, but because he decided that I was one of his to protect. From what I’ve been able to find out about you, I know you understand how important that is.”

I inhale. We share a look that only two people who have no biological family can share. I nod and Ben continues up the next flight of stairs.

“Sorry about all the stairs,” he says. “Maggie made up a room near Kalos’s, and he prefers the top floor. I’d have taken you straight there, but wanted to give you a chance to navigate the house.”

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