Page 75 of Wild Bond

Something ticked in Rake’s jaw, frustration etching his features. He had barely said a word since Zade came bursting into his room earlier. “We’ll find her, Rin,” Rake promised.

I gave him a wan smile that I knew wasn’t convincing. I wasn’t hopeful. Though I suppose if anyone could find her with so little to go on, it was Rake and his contacts.

I couldn’t get over the fact that Safan was dead. It still hadn’t sunk in yet, even after I saw his body lying there, eyes vacant, blood everywhere.Safan.The man who had tormented me my entire childhood and lorded his power and influence over me as I got older, threatening Lessa unless I did what he wanted. He had always seemed so large and untouchable and now he was just . . . dead. Gone. And I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. There was overwhelming relief, but also anger that his death had been so quick and that he had died before we could question him. And as twisted as it was, in a way, he was the only father I had ever known, and I felt a sense of . . . not sadness exactly, but something close to it.

Just then a young boy approached and bowed. “Rider Rakim, the Queen requests your presence. The delegation from Halmar has arrived.”

Rake nodded, quickly reading the missive the boy handed him. “Tell Her Majesty that I will be along shortly.”

The boy nodded and bowed again before departing.

I watched him go, wondering if he would even reach the castle before Rake and Naasir did, even leaving before them.

“The riders from Halmar feel they must discuss a few arrangements before the trials.” My attention returned to Rake as he spoke. He exhaled, not sounding at all excited about meeting with the other kingdom’s representatives. “We’re leaving for Three Points in three weeks, and there is still much to prepare for.”

“We?” I asked.

“The other dragon riders,” he explained. “The majority of the council is coming, as well as the prospects in your class and most of the riders at The Tower.”

“Will Zade and Dembe be going as well?”

He nodded. “The trials last several days, and with a day of travel there and back, you’ll have the run of the place for the better part of a week. Other than your class with the hatchlings, of course,” he teased.

I put my hands on my hips, fighting a smile of my own and wondering at how this man could change my mood so effortlessly in a matter of moments. “Don’t make fun,” I laughed. “I happen to love that class. I’ve made several friends, and Gemma is a fabulous teacher.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it,” he said seriously, his mirth contained. Sort of. I could still make out the amused light in his eyes. I was getting better at spotting it.

Normally, I would have been rushing off to my class with the hatchlings at that very moment, but due to what had happened with Safan, classes had been cancelled for the day. So far, no one had any idea who had done this, or why, and the council wanted to investigate what had happened more thoroughly before allowing the younger riders back to the compound.

Before he left, Rake surprised me, when in full view of everyone, he leaned down, cupped the back of my neck, and kissed me.

“What was that for?” I asked when he pulled back, staring up into those amazing eyes.

“To tide me over.”

I flushed a little as he began to back away. “See you later?” I called.

He smirked, then said cryptically, “Sooner than you think.”

I didn’t understand Rake’s response until several hours later when the prospects and I were told our class that day wasn’t cancelled but would take place at the Great Temple atop Dragon Spear. I had never been to the temple before. It was known as the Great Temple because of its location, size, and the fact that it was a temple dedicated to all nine gods rather than just one.

Despite the warm summer day, it was cold up on the mountain when we arrived. The wind was icy, and I noticed several patches of snow still littering the ground in several places.

But that wasn’t what caught my attention when Skye finally landed on the grounds of the temple—a large open area before the great stone pillared building. What caught my attention was the familiar figure waiting beside Rider Trenton as we all dismounted.

Rake stood there looking tall and imposing as ever, feet apart, massive shoulders back, and arms crossed, with the usual scowl on his handsomely perfect face. But as I approached—Skye shrinking down to land on my shoulder—I could see the hint of warmth in his eyes as he regarded me. My stomach fluttered the way it did anytime I was in this man’s presence, but I kept that to myself.

I stuck my tongue out at him—very mature, I know—for not letting me know beforehand he would be here. He didn’t react except to glance away with the trace of a smirk on his lips.

There were several murmured questions from my fellow classmates, speculation as to why Commander Rakim was here.

Con came to stand next to me, and once everyone was assembled, Trenton finally stepped forward. The older man didn’t appear nearly as intimidating with Rake standing beside him. “As you know, we cannot tell you much about the trials,” he began, “but today we make a slight exception in order to prepare you in what ways we can. The First Trial is physical and will test your endurance, strength, and cunning, as well as that of your dragon. The Second Trial, however, is a test of your mental fortitude, and most importantly the strength of your bond with your dragon. Both trials will obviously take place on Three Points, but the second will occur in a particularly special location. And that is why we are here today.”

Trenton then stepped back, and all the riders around me perked up as Rake addressed us. “Beneath this temple is a chamber similar to that in which you and your dragon will be sequestered during the Second Trial. Only a member of the council can grant you access, which is why I am here. Now if you will follow me.”

“Excuse me, Councilor Rakim?” Daisha spoke up making everyone halt and Rake turn back to face her.

“Yes, trainee?” Rake asked.

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