Page 88 of Swift Wings Shadowed Heart
“Caution is a laudable trait, Skysinger. I’m glad you have the sense to exercise it. I would suggest you continue to do so unless directed otherwise.”
“Yes, Sir.”
His serious expression gives me pause. What does he think I’m capable of?
—Zephyros? Should I be worried?I ask, sensing amusement from him.
—It is not you who should worry. It is the Screechclaws and perhaps others.
—What do you mean byothers?
—Those who might inevitably see you as a threat.He sighs in contentment.It has been an extraordinarily long time since I felt a bond this strong.
Head lowered to hide any expression that might betray me, I approach Zephyros, leaving Vaylen behind. I feel his inquisitive eyes on my back, sense the way his mind works, likely wondering about the breadth of my power the same way I am.
—How long?I ask.
—At least six centuries, give or take.
—That’s… insane.And who gives or takes a century? Only Dragons.I add,Why is that?
—I think you can figure that out all on your own, little one.
An answer immediately materializes in my mind, and my entire body quakes. I crouch and pretend to retie my bootlaces in an effort to hide the way my legs turn to jelly. I breathe fast and shallow, and it takes me a moment to even form a coherent thought.
—It’s… my Weaver power, isn’t it?I ask.
Zephyros hums. Crouching there, I look up at him, his long neck and head against the backdrop of the blue sky. He looks out at the horizon, his silver gaze lost on a faraway point. His mood covers me like a heavy blanket, delivering a rainbow of emotions I can’t fully comprehend. He’s pleased, but also sad. He’s hopeful, but also afraid. He’s angry, but also?—
I shake my head and close my eyes, imagining my boot stamping on our connection to stop the flow of overwhelming feelings that seem to pour from him like warmth from the sun. The pressure building in my chest disappears, and I can, at last, take a deep breath.
“Breezehart,” Vaylen says behind me, “practice Wind Blast a few more times. Try to vary the level of intensity in each blast, but please, don’t bring down the plateau.”
Phoebe laughs nervously. “I don’t think that’s a legitimate concern with me.”
“You never know,” Vaylen offers jovially. “We’ll move to Wind Wall when you’re done.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Vaylen’s steps move in my direction. I clear my throat and do my best to compose myself.
His hand falls on my shoulder. “Everything all right?”
“Yes.”
I sniffle, rising to my feet and smiling awkwardly. “I’m ready for more. I’ll make sure to dial it down.” I try to circumvent him.
He pushes lightly on my shoulder to stop me, then sets his hand down. “What’s going on?”
Theboomof Phoebe’s Wind Blast sounds behind him. Dust scatters, a sheer curtain against the sky.
I frown up at him. “I…” Thumbing my lower lip, I grasp for a lie. It doesn’t come as fast as usual, but, in the end, it does. “I… am worried.”
He cocks his head to one side, a strand coming loose from his otherwise precise hair. “Worried?”
The lock of hair is blessedly distracting. I imagine pushing it back in place, letting my fingers caress his forehead as I do so. He notices the way my gaze wanders and pushes the strand back himself. His eyes tighten around the corners, then rove around us. When they meet mine once more, he seems to say,Careful. Someone could notice.
I lick my lips slowly, deliberately. He looks down, swallows thickly. A muscle ticks in his jaw.
