Page 78 of Burning Heir

I couldn’t fix what was broken, but I could mend. I could piece him back together, one fragment at a time, from whatever darkness haunted his past. I could be the silent wave that carried him to shore.

“Stay,” I whispered, releasing the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, the taste of ash still lingering on my tongue from the battle. His fingers curled gently around my ribs, and I leaned into him, grateful for his steady presence. His face was a mask of blankness, but his eyes softened—unaware that my world was crumbling in silent flames.

I could feel myself falling for Damien.

His lips brushed the curve of my neck, nuzzling the delicate glass pendant he had given me. “I’ll catch you,” he murmured to the thought, his lips warm against my skin.

We spent the following few afternoons with Naraic and Emerich practicing for the Skyfall race in three short days. A dozen other riders, mostly second-years, had the same idea, but Malachi and Astoria flew through the obstacles with flawless precision. Rings of light cut through the night sky, swirled smoke trailing behind. Distant thunder rumbled, and lightning flashed through the wind-whipped trees. Every rider was using their quell to unsettle the others.

I hoisted myself onto Naraic, and he shot into the air, Malachi retreating with the wind. “Astoria won Skyfall with your mother two years in a row,” she said, a smile tugging at her lips, her wyvern just a wing’s length ahead. “Dragons are forbidden to speak of their past riders, but your mother wrote back. Isn’t that incredible?”

A wave of warmth flooded through me. My own mother hadn’t written back to me. But I had lied in my letters, speaking of the black-horned griffin I had bonded with, unknowingly describing Myla’s hatchling instead. I knew my lie would shatter in three weeks, but I clung to the story of the girl thriving in the Winter sector.

“What else did she say?” I asked, forcing a grin.

“I told her we’re friends, and we are both competing in the Skyfall race.”

I gaped. “You told her I was competing in the race?”

“Yes, should I not have?”

Naraic lunged toward a hoop, circling as Malachi followed suit. “I told her I bonded with a griffin. She’ll think I’m mad!”

Astoria cut in front of me, and Malachi reached into her leather pocket and pulled out an envelope. The same ones we had at home. “Read it.”

I grabbed the letter, unfolding it and nearly falling off Naraic as I stuffed it inside my dagger’s sheath. “I will later.”

“I want it back.”

“Fine.” I guided Naraic down, lowering to the fields. I pulled the letter out, and each swirl of black ink made my stomach sink. Her writing was slanted, with blotches of ink stains in parts where she hovered her quill over longer.

Dear Malachi Herring,

Astoria was a wonderful wyvern. I bonded with her by the volcano near the end of the Summer border. I remember that day like it was yesterday. She was just an egg, but I knew she was mine. I got a few burns and nearly lost all feeling in my fingers for three years from the volcanic ash. I hope she didn’t give you a hard time during your bond. She can be feisty.

I always thought Severyn would claim her—I am glad you two became friends. Riders are for life… hold onto that.

Astoria is powerful and drawn to those who wield such strength. I am honored she chose you. We won Skyfall during our first year… something to keep in mind.

All the best, Fallon Blanche

I folded the letter in half and handed it back to her. “Did she give you a hard time during bonding?”

“Yes. She made it clear that I was not her first choice. I will never be you, Severyn. Your mother’s blood was stronger, and you will follow her path. Please write back to her and tell her the truth. Everyone here fears what their parents will think, but they do not control their destiny. Astoria chose me because you were already chosen.”

We knew you were coming.

I never thought Malachi could be jealous. I blinked and silence fell between us.

Once a mask of unnerved coldness, her face brightened as I wrapped my arms around her. “Astoria chose right.”

Riders are for life. Was that always the truth? When Mother was at home in a world that did not answer to her.

Malachi pulled away. “A few of us are meeting at the docks for drinks tonight. Bring Damien along.”

“Who’s all coming?”

Her eyes glittered. “A few Serpents and those participating in Skyfall.”

---