Page 95 of Black Wing and Shadows
“They live…”
“If they make it back here, it won’t be for long. Also, your dragon is a beauty, a beautiful job, love.”
I reached the dais where three other Riders were already present, each reporting their dragons’ names and lineage for official claiming. I was certain that once a dragon and Rider communicated telepathically, their bond was established—wait a second—then I glanced back at Esme. She exhaled a puff of sulfur air.
“Yes. Yes. You were mine the moment I spoke to you out there. I wanted to see the fight you had in you, to make sure you are truly worthy. Or for you to remember your studies and remember that we only talk to the Rider we claim.”
“You’re diabolical.”
She threw a laugh down our mental bond.
The other three reported their names, and I stepped forward to the dais where Selene sat next to another Historian. She smiled at me, “Name?”
I let out a little giggle, “Auriella Reyna Blackcreek.”
“And flier type and name?” the other one asked.
“Dragon and —”
“Esmeraladathoradae, Daughter of Kimraventhrosa and Korvanleglunga.”
“Esmeraladathoradae, Daughter of Kimraventhrosa and Korvanleglunga,” I repeated to the Historians. Her mother’s name—why did that sound like my dad’s dragon’s name? I turned on my heels, walking back to Esme. My mind spun in circles. I looked at the ledge to Kim. She stared our way, and I followed her trail back down to stare at Esme. Shock filled my pores.
Holy fucking shit. This couldn’t be for real.
My mouth was agape when I reached her.
“Because you currently look to be in a state of shock, I will answer the pounding thoughts that are circling in your head. Yes, Kim, your dad’s dragon is my mom.”She blew a puff of steam at me. She made a squeaky voice that made her sound ten years old,“Welcome to the shit show!”
I didn’t even know how to respond to that. She wanted me, and she knew who I was. I closed my eyes, sensing her mental bond that was freely drifting in my mind. I started to construct blocks so she couldn’t hear every single thought I had.
She puffed another steamy breath at me.“You know you won’t be able to fully block me out, ever.”
I just blinked my eyes at her. Great, now I had two mental bonds, except this one could read my thoughts unwillingly.
“It’s time for us to go to the flight field with others. There are tents there with Healers and Menders.”
I started walking towards the vast open gate, and she followed, each step vibrating the ground under me slightly. We crossed through the gate, where many, many other fliers were standing, their Riders with them. I immediately started to look around to see if I could see any of my other wing or squad members. While the Electric Platoon, First Squad, First Flight was my immediate concern, there were many other first-year students in our total wing.
My eyes locked with Thora, who stood next to a beautiful dark blue phoenix. I gave her a big smile. As I looked around, it was clear that there were distinct groups or separations of the flier types. Dragons occupied the right side of the field, Griffins covered the first half of the left side, and Phoenixes were on the opposite side. Esme moved into the open space with ease and casually rested her head on her forelegs, her silver scales shimmering in the light.
“Are you truly going to take a nap right now?”
She made this guttural scoffing sound.“Yes… It will be a while, and you should go to the Healer’s tent and stop that awful bleeding.”
“Bleeding that you pretty much caused me…”
“Semantics.”
I approached the large open tents on the side, where cadets could find food, water, and get bandaged. I made my way to the tent, where cadets wore baby blue tunics, with a few in black among them. Ophelia saw me and came over, signaling for me to sit down. It felt fitting that she was theone who cared for me during my struggles on the pass in basic training, and also the one who checked on me after my head injury.
“How bad this time?”
“Flesh wound, not bad. I don’t need a mender, just some stitches and a bandage.”
“I can do that.”
In the distance, I saw someone wearing all black walking to the tent. As he got closer, I saw his golden wavy hair and blue eyes beaming at me.
