Page 4 of Flameborne: Fury
I hesitated—leaving the stable meant seeing people, and I was so mortified I was sure my skin would blister under their gazes. But after the day I’d had, the thought of sinking into the warm mineral pools and enjoying them with Akhane brought tears of relief to my eyes.
I could put my head down and ignore the stableboys on the way out. And my brothers were still at the tavern.
Nodding to myself that my dragon was right and this was for the best, I grabbed a towel and clean clothes, stuffing them into a satchel I swung across my chest, then darted out to the stable and out the door—only to come to a sliding halt at the sight of Kgosi, the massive, black Primarch, standing halfway down the aisle, and Donavyn at his feet, looking up at him.
Kgosi’s head swung towards me when I appeared and Donavyn turned to follow his gaze.
When our eyes met, Donavyn’s shuttered.
Chest screaming, I ducked my head and plowed past them both, running, pleading with Akhane to come quickly—and ignoring the weary pity in Donavyn’s voice when he called after me.
It was my turn to flee.
~ DONAVYN ~
My heart sank when Kgosi cut off and swung his head to look over my shoulder. I knew what I’d find before I turned.
She’d darted out of the stable and slid to a halt, staring at me.
Our eyes locked, and for a moment I saw the fire in her, felt the heat that sizzled and snapped between us in that gaze. But just as quickly, she tore her gaze from mine, dropped her head, and ran.
“Bren—” I didn’t know what I’d say. Didn’t know what Icouldsay that would help. Just knew I needed to do something.
But she flinched at the sound of my voice, hunched, chin to her shoulder, and pressed on.
I didn’t realize I’d started after her until the words from Kgosi came as an order.
‘Let her go.’
I had to pull up short from a run.‘But... she’s alone and–’
‘Akhane will take her to the pools. She’ll be safe. This isn’t your time, Donavyn.’
He was right, of course. I couldn’t run after her. After everything she’d been through, hearing me sprint behind her would only frighten her.
One more crime to add to my ever-increasing list.
Kgosi hissed.‘Self-pity doesn’t suit you, Donavyn.’
‘Thank you, Keg. I wondered,’I sent back dryly because my jaw was too tight to force the words out loud.‘I’m worried about her.’
‘Don’t be. Akhane will soothe her.’
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. That, at least, was reassuring. Akhanewouldcalm her. Reassure her. I could talk to her later and—
‘I think you’ve said quite enough,’Kgosi rumbled, lumbering past me towards the stable, his tail lashing.
I frowned. “What doesthatmean?”
‘It was poorly done, Donavyn.’
I grimaced as I followed him back to the stable since it was empty. He was right, of course. But it had been many years since I’d felt the chaotic turmoil of genuine shame prickling in my throat. I prided myself on earnest, authentic leadership. I would never be a perfect man, but I devoted myself to living an example to those who followed me. When I was still young, Kgosi had taught me the value of humility, and a clear conscience. They far outweighed the thrill and subsequent shame of self-indulgence. And as a leader, they were the only way to maintain a clear head and heart.
For years, I’d tried to acknowledge my faults and move quickly to reconcile when the blame was mine.
But Kgosi knew that.
I frowned.
