Page 60 of Swift Wings Shadowed Heart
“Who hit you?”Vaylen asks for the third time.
I stand across from him in what looks like some sort of strategy room. There’s a large oak table in the middle, and a set of shelves replete with rolled-up maps behind him. My chin is held high, my back straight. I still have a slight headache, but nothing I can’t handle. Yesterday, I spent the entire day in the infirmary. That is two days of training missed. I can’t afford more. Bonded or not.
“Who hit you?” he insists.
Honestly, he should know better. I’m not going to answer him.
He sighs. “Why are you protecting him, Skysinger Wyndward?”
Him? He must be assuming.Women, civilized as we are, don’t solve our problems with our fists.
Again, I offer no answer.
“I know it was Silas,” he says.
Wyrm’s rot! Who in all the hells told him?
“Of all your mates, he’s the one who needs your protection the least.” He sounds tired.
“With all due respect, High Prime Stormsong,” I say. “If you already know, why question me?”
“I expect my Clutch members to fully communicate about all issues.”
“I’m not a snitch and can fight my own battles. And besides, what purpose would it serve to report him? It won’t make a difference.”
“That isn’t true,” he says with certainty.
I frown, hoping he’ll elaborate, but he doesn’t. He just gives me this knowing look. Lord Basil Pyrewing, Silas’s father, is a powerful man. He owns a fortune and is close to the King, but it seems Vaylen knows something I don’t.
“If that is all, Sir,” I say, “I’ll go back to my room to review signaling and formations.” We learned all of this material at the Academy, but I need a refresher. The other Skyriders are already flying and putting into practice what, up until now, has been nothing but theory in our heads.
“That is not all,” he says, coming around the table.
I stop and turn to face him, my expression aloof. Cold.
Standing in front of me, he looks me up and down, blue eyes scanning me from head to toes. The force of his gaze gives me a shiver that I fight to conceal. I’m reminded of his mouth on mine, of the pressure of his manhood, and a thrill of desire spirals to my core.
Ignore it, Rhea. Remember, this man isn’t part of your plans anymore.
I look straight ahead, giving only indifference away.
“Chief Inspector Cragmere will be here to talk to you tomorrow,” he announces.
The heat I’m fighting to conceal dies as if doused by a bucket of icy water, and I’m grateful for the indifferent expression I’d put on, or I might have given away more than mere surprise.
“May I ask why?” I say in an even tone I can only be thankful for.
“I don’t know. A Boltgram arrived earlier today announcing his visit, but it mentioned no details.”
—Is everything all right? I sense you’re in distress,Zephyros asks inside my mind.
I can’t formulate an answer. My thoughts are moving too fast.
—Oh, I see, Zephyros adds.
Wait, was he able to discern my thoughts from that jumbled mess?
—Yes.
