Page 48 of Swift Wings Shadowed Heart
I bristle for more than one reason. I feel there’s truth in his words. Moreover, I hate that he's kicking me out. I would rather if he invited me to stay. But I guess we’ve grappled enough for one night.
“As you wish, Vaylen.” I bow and head for the door.
“One question,” he says as I turn the handle.
I glance over my shoulder.
“What was the name of the Neutro who performed your Cleansing?”
I nearly choke, and it takes my entire presence of mind not to let my reaction show. Not the question I was expecting. “I… don’t remember.”
He narrows his eyes.
“Why?” I ask because even though I know the reason, it’s the natural thing to do.
“Part of Neutro Cindergrasp’s murder investigation.”
“Sorry, but I don’t remember.”
“No matter. Chief Inspector Cragmere is working on retrieving the old records. I suppose he wanted me to ask to save time.”
“Once more… sorry I couldn’t help.” As I face the door, my composed expression disfigures, and I can’t get out of his room fast enough.
24
Rhea
Isit at the edge of my bed, staring at my hands. They shake uncontrollably, all the stress from the day hitting me at once. It’s been a long day, and the pressure has gotten to me.
I nearly died. Again.
But Zephyros was there to save me. Again.
I never tried to kill you. If I had, youwouldbe dead.
With a grunt of frustration, I admit he was telling the truth.
Zephyros wasn’t happy about the stunt but assured me I was never in real danger.
“Thank the Goddess!”I exclaimed when he caught me in one of his large wings, gently slowing down my deadly descent.
—No need to thankher. I am the one who is here, not Heratrix,he sneered.
“That bastard tried to kill me.”
—You were never in danger, human. Fragor knew I was nearby. Clearly the only reason the man dropped you. He would not have dared otherwise. He would not risk becoming my next meal.
But I was so angry at Vaylen that Zephyros’s words barely registered, and as soon as my dragon landed, and I slid down his front leg, I went in search of the fucking,obey-me-I’m-your-masterHigh Prime.
I sigh, clenching my hands into fists to stave off the trembling. Glancing around the chamber, I finally notice its similarities with the Academy. Last night, I was too exhausted to pay attention. Same standard issue narrow bed, same foot locker, same thin wardrobe. The only difference is that the room is private, not a shared dormitory. I guess the nearly identical design makes sense. Everything we’ve been through so far was meant to prepare us for the Sky Order. Maybe I expected things to be different, but of course that was irrational. Even though I’m a Skysinger now, I’ll be inhabiting the same type of facility, taking showers in communal stalls, and receiving orders through a metal board hanging in the corridor. So much for the privilege of being a dragon rider.
I sigh again.
Today, I’ve seen ghosts and monsters. I nearly died. And now, Cindergrasp’s murder investigation is headed straight in my direction.
Heratrix, help me!
Before long, they’ll retrieve the official records and find that Cindergrasp was my Neutro, that things went wrong at my Cleansing, that my mother and…
