Page 78 of Talon

“I need to talk to you,” he went on, as if I hadn’t said anything. “Will you meet me somewhere?” Another pause, and he added in an even softer voice, “It’s important.”

Now I hesitated. I had to meet Riley later tonight; as soon as he called to let us know where he was, we would leave Crescent Beach and not look back. But...this was the last time I would see Garret. I didn’t want to just disappear on him, with no explanation of where I had gone. I wanted to say goodbye, at least.

And right then, standing in my room, listening to the voice that could make my heart soar, ache, jump and melt, a small part of me wished I was normal. If I was normal, if I washuman,I could be with Garret. I wouldn’t have dragonslayers kicking down my door, wanting to kill me. I wouldn’t be standing here, feeling like the ground was opening under my feet, and I was seconds from plummeting into the void.

“I don’t know, Garret,” I whispered, my throat suddenly tight. “Now isn’t really the best time.”

“Please.” His voice didn’t change, but I caught a hint of desperation beneath the quiet surface. “It won’t take long. Meet me at Lover’s Bluff in twenty minutes. I just...I have to talk to you, tonight.”

My phone buzzed before I could reply. I glanced quickly at the screen, my skin prickling as I saw an unfamiliar number. Riley.

“Ember?”

“All right,” I said, putting the phone back to my ear. “Lover’s Bluff, twenty minutes. I’ll be there.”

“Good.” It was almost a whisper. “See you then.”

I ended the call with Garret, and switched to the one coming in. “Riley?”

“Hey, Firebrand.” The voice on the other end sounded tired. “We made it. Still planning to leave with us?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Yes. And Dante is coming, as well.”

“Oh, well, color me shocked. I didn’t think you’d be able to convince him.” Riley sounded reluctantly impressed and disappointed at the same time. “We’re at Lone Rock Cove right now, back in the cave. Had to scare a couple potheads off the beach, but its empty now. Wes has a car waiting. We leave as soon as you and Dante get here.”

“Give us an hour,” I told him, ignoring the sudden gnawing guilt, the feeling that I was betraying him. “I...I want to say goodbye to a couple people first. It’ll be fast.”

“We can’t wait too long, Firebrand,” Riley said. “We’ll be here, but come as quickly as you can.”

“I will. See you soon.”

Dante was standing in the doorway when I hung up and turned around. His backpack hung from his shoulders, a baseball cap perched on his head, and his face was solemn as he eyed the phone in my hand.

“Was that the rogue?”

I nodded. “They’re at Lone Rock,” I said, lowering my arm. “We have to meet up with them soon, but...”

Dante frowned. “But...?”

“Garret called.” I slipped the phone into my jeans pocket. “He wants to meet with me, said that it was important. I said that I would meet him at Lover’s Bluff in twenty minutes.” I chewed my lip, torn in two directions. “We shouldn’t keep Riley waiting, not with St. George still out there,” I murmured. “I just wish I could see Garret one more time, say goodbye.”

“Why don’t you do that?” Dante said, surprising me. I blinked at him, and he shrugged. “The rogue isn’t going anywhere,” he said casually. “I’ll go ahead to the cove, let him know that you’re on the way. You should go talk to Garret.”

“Dante.” Still stunned, I could only stare at him. “I...are you sure?”

“Take the car,” Dante insisted. “You’ll get there faster. Don’t worry about me—I’ll catch a cab or have Calvin drive me up. But you should go.” He shrugged, and a tiny smile crossed his face. “I know you liked that human. If it will make you feel less guilty, you should tell him goodbye.”

I wanted to hug him again but didn’t this time. Instead, I snatched my keys from where they sat on my desk, threw my pack over one shoulder and gave Dante one last, uncertain look.

“You’re sure you’re okay with this?”

“Yes. I’m fine.”

“And you’ll be at the cove when I get there, right?”

“Ember.” Now he sounded impatient, though he wouldn’t meet my eyes. “Just get going. I’ll see you soon, I promise.”

I nodded. “Tell Riley I won’t be long.”

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