Page 17 of Buoy
“They look good.”
Sea stars, why was this all so awkward now?
Rhys handed over a package, his usual gift of food. Soren clutched it to his chest, breathing in the rosemary bread through the cloth.
“What’s wrong?” Rhys watched him, his head tipped to the side.
Skies, his voice was beautiful. The sun caught the bronze color of his eyes and made them sparkle.
Soren squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head.
“Soren?”
He didn’t want to see the look of concern on Rhys’ face. “I’m just glad you’re here.”
“Me too. Eat up.”
Soren turned and started towards the shed built a few years before. It was on the dock and provided shade if they wanted it. Rhys’ steps were soft behind him.
Soren settled on the planks and leaned against the small building. He unwrapped the present of smoked fish and cheese, enough of everything to share, of course. Rhys settled in beside him. Close. Not even a hand width away. Soren had to stop himself from scooting even closer. He enjoyed how hot dragons were, even in summer, because he was always cold.
Rhys crossed one ankle over the other and leaned into the shed. “Are there other dragons on the ship, or is it just Vex?”
Soren bit into the smoked fish. “Just Vex. Refuses to let other dragons join. Sees them as a threat to his authority.”
Rhys laughed as he watched Soren. “You always talk with your mouth full.” He brushed a flakey piece of fish from Soren’s chin.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, then took another bite.
“Don’t be. It’s cute.”
Like a damned guppy, Soren open and closed his mouth. Cute? Rhys thought Soren was cute? He cleared his throat. “Why do you ask?”
“Dunno. Just curious. I hadn’t seen any others. Just humans, wolves, Vex, and you told me a couple years back Bellani and Kane are ravens.”
“Just the one dragon. But Ash is the only human. She’s been around longer than I have. And besides Bellani and Kane, we have more hawks and wolves than anything. But—” Fuck.
Rhys’ lips tipped to a smile. “Didn’t think you were human. You’re part-fae, aren’t you?” He lifted a hand and fiddled with the tip of Soren’s ear, which had started to point over the year.
Skies it felt nice. But Soren stayed frozen, willed his breath to stay even. He couldn’t tell Rhys the truth. He would in a heartbeat if only it weren’t for the stupid word binding magic that kept him from saying anything without stealing his voice. “No. Not fae. Part or otherwise.”
Rhys dropped his hand. “Oh. Sorry ‘bout that.”
“Don’t be.”
“Then what—”
“Don’t ask me that. Please.” Soren scrunched his eyes closed and dug his nails into his palms.
“If I guess right, will you tell me?”
“No. It’s for your own protection. Only three people know what I am. You can’t get hurt because of me if you don’t know the truth.”
“But you’re not human. Or fae.”
Soren finally opened his eyes again.
“Just one more question and I’ll stop. It’s not about what you are.”
