Page 74 of Dragon Unleashed
“I know the rules,” I say. “Rules you’re required to enforce. I know what happened during the Extrication.”
He winces at that. “I’ve made mistakes,” he says softly. “And with those mistakes, I condemned an entire world. Your world.” I blink back tears at the thought of my parents, who will never meet Aries. Never know what I’ve done with my life. How hard I’ve worked. “After that, I promised myself I would not make the same choice again, which is why I allowed you to handle this situation on your own.” His gaze flicks to where Aries stands at the sink, washing our dishes, then back to me. “Had you come to me, though, we would have simply erased his memory and sent him back.”
I feel stupid.
Foolish.
My eyes fill with hot tears, so I shift my gaze down. Shame heats my cheeks. Because of my own selfish desire to become a keeper, I put Aries and his entire world at risk.
Who knows what’s happened in his world since he’s been gone?
But more than the guilt over my own mistake, I feel bad that I don’t regret it. Not really. Sending Aries back on that first night would mean missing out on everything that’s happened between us since then. How do I tell either of them that I am not sorry after all?
Hoc places his hand over mine, and the warmth makes my shame grow. “I’m sorry,” he says softly.
“You’re sorry? I released a dragon.” I glance over, not at all surprised to see that Aries has stopped washing dishes and turned to face us. He knows now—knows that I was wrong in my attempt to fix this mess. I can’t meet his eyes for fear of the accusation I’ll find there.
Hoc sighs. “I’m sorry that you did not feel you could come to me.”
I don’t know what to say to that—except that, whatever happens to me, I know I can’t let Aries be punished for it. I meet Hoc’s gaze. “And now? Will you take this to the council? There’s no way they’re going to let him just walk out of here.”
Hoc releases my hand and glances back at Aries. “I see no reason to alert the council. We can merely report it as a quick release and return.”
“You would do that?” My heart swells—and also breaks. Sending Aries back...saying goodbye...it’s more than I can bear.
“That you even doubt me breaks my heart.” He shakes his head sadly.
“I just... I knew how much you wanted me to succeed at this,” I tell him. “And then I messed up with the wyvern, and I didn’t want to disappoint you anymore.”
“The only disappointment I could ever feel would be over losing your trust and confidence.” He glances from me to Aries and pushes to his feet. “That goes for you too, son. I hope you know I would do anything to protect Paige, including protecting those she cares about.”
“I appreciate that,” Aries tells him.
Hoc offers his hand, and Aries shakes it in a friendly gesture, though it feels more like they’re sealing a bond than forging a friendship.
“What about my memory?” I brace myself, not sure I want to know the answer. It probably won’t change my decision, but I want to know what I’m facing either way.
“I think we can work something out,” he says with a promising smile that makes my heart swell.
“You’re really going to send him home?” I ask, trying not to let my own emotions show. Instead, I concentrate on the relief and happiness Aries must be feeling.
“Yes.” Hoc looks from me to Aries. “We can do it tomorrow morning,” he says, returning his attention to me. “And you’re welcome to go with him, daughter, should you so choose.”
The breath is stolen from my lungs.
“What?” Aries takes a step toward me, and I can see the hope leap into his dark eyes. I want to ask him about that hope. And whether or not it’s for me, for the future Hoc is offering us. Or if he’s only thinking of himself and his need to return to his kingdom. But I can’t find my voice. I’m too shocked, too worried I’ve misunderstood or imagined it somehow.
“I can see how you feel about him,” Hoc says. “And Aries clearly loves you.” I try not to react at the L-word, but heat flares in my cheeks. Hoc goes on like he hasn’t just dropped a bomb between us. “If you so choose, child, I will send you with him.”
I clear my throat, purposely avoiding Aries’ eyes. “But the library—”
“Will find another keeper. Don’t give up on your own happiness for this old place. I’ve spent far too many years doing just that.” He stands and smiles, the sadness in his eyes making him look older than his years. “Take tonight to think about it and make your choice. Just know that I support you regardless of what you decide.” He wraps his arms around me and pulls me in. “The fact that you tried to solve your problem with no casualties or further damage to the books shows me just what a fantastic librarian you will make one day. Should that be the path you choose.” He squeezes me one final time then releases me to shake Aries’s hand.
“Thank you,” Aries says.
“You’re welcome. Thank you for protecting my daughter today.”
After ushering Hoc out and closing the door, I turn to Aries. “I’m so sorry, Aries. I should have just gone to him in the first—” I’m silenced when his lips capture mine.
