Page 22 of Bryce

“I wasn’t afraid. And I would still like to know how you knew.” I offered a sheepish smile. “Just for my own edification.”

She snickered. “You were glowing.”

“I wasn’t.”

“I’ve known you my entire life. You might as well be my sister. You can’t hide anything from me.”

“Which might be why I tried to,” I admitted. “I’m sorry, but it’s true.”

“Oh, dear.” Her face fell. No more teasing. “I never thought of it that way. Yes, I suppose if I wanted to have something of my own, something just for me, I would guard it as carefully as I could.”

“I didn’t mean to make you feel bad over it, and truly, I don’t hold it against you. I don’t want you to think that for a moment. I wouldn’t trade you for the world. Not a single one of you. But…”

I leaned in. “Don’t you sometimes want something of your own? Something that’s just yours, like you said? Do you ever wish you had something like that?”

She wanted to agree. I could see it. That was her in a nutshell, wanting nothing more for those she loved than to spare their feelings.

“It’s all right if you’ve never considered it before,” I whispered. “Truly.”

Her relief was evident. “For me—and my dragon—all that’s ever mattered is the clan. Being together. But I suppose we’re all different, aren’t we?”

“I don’t know that I want to be different. Not when it sets me apart from everyone else. And not if I can’t have what I want.”

“Who’s to say you cannot have it?”

“Take your pick.”

“I wish you’d come to me with this. I hate to think of you having this inside without anyone to talk to.” She looked out through the mesh slot in the tent. “I hate to think of you not being able to talk about… him.”

My stomach clenched. “I don’t know that I want to do that yet. It’s enough that you know.”

She let out a soft sigh. “You’re right. It’s enough that I know. When you’re ready.” Then, a giggle. “Because you know I need to have the details.”

I tried not to laugh, but was unsuccessful. “I know you do.”

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