Page 62 of Swift Wings Shadowed Heart
I shrug in non-answer.
“You can stay here for as long as you wish, if you need a moment.” He leaves, his steps silent.
Emotions churn inside me. Sadness, fear, anger—everything as fresh as the first day. People say that, with time, the wounds heal, but it must be a lie because whenever my thoughts veer toward that day, I want to rail against the world. Killing the culprit hardly seems enough. There are others who hid what Cindergrasp did. They need to pay, too. Need to die.
Suddenly, a soothing sensation spreads through my mind. It’s almost like the purr of a cat, a vibration. For a moment, I’m confused, then realize it’s coming from Zephyros. I close my eyes and let it spread all over me. My mind clears, all the raw emotions retreating, hiding in the various corners where I normally hide them.
—Thank you, Zephyros.
His response is only a feeling that conveys a simple message: there’s no need to thank me.
I leave the strategy room and head to my room. Training starts in only fifteen minutes, so I have that long to study. Once I’m done reviewing the material, I hurry to the lifts. A Claw salutes me, and I’m still surprised by the deference. She opens the metal doors and allows me in. The clanking sounds of metal echo through the shaft as I ascend.
—You’re different with me, I say.
—We are bonded now.
—So you would still be a jerk to me if we weren’t?
—I know you now. I have seen your soul. You are fierce and fight for the right reasons. I can trust you. My instinct to bond you was true.
A feeling of peace descends over me. I know it comes from Zephyros, but part of it comes from me. Can I trust it? Ever since my mother died, I have lived with my guard up. I had forgotten what peace was, and the feeling is foreign now.
I think for a moment, then shake my head. No, I can’t stop looking over my shoulder. I have to protect myself.
—You are not alone anymore, little one. No one will ever harm you again.
The lift stops, and I open the door. Sunlight bathes the enclosure, blinding me. I step outside, a hand over my brow. When my vision clears, the first thing I see is Zephyros, his silver scales shining like a beacon. I head in his direction. He follows my every step. I sense the connection between us, a Tether much stronger than the ones that fastened us two days ago, so strong that I know only death could ever break it.
Vaylen and Phoebe face their dragons, their backs to me. I step next to Phoebe, and she startles.
“Rhea! I’m glad you’re here,” she says.
“Thank you, Phoebe.”
Vaylen turns from Fragor. “Skysinger Wyndward, do you feel well enough to join us?”
“I do, Sir.”
“Good.” He addresses Phoebe. “Go and practice maneuvers with Trueno. I need to go over the basics with Wyndward.”
“Yes, Sir.” She takes off toward Trueno and is atop his head, securely Tethered, in a matter of seconds. Then Trueno jumps off the cliff, and they’re gone.
I smile at the sight, eager to join her.
Vaylen’s gaze lowers from Trueno’s shrinking shape to me. That same electric feeling that struck me the first time I met him assaults me again. He is achingly beautiful, from his strong jaw to his perfectly straight nose, to those intense blue eyes that always seem at the verge of glowing with power.
A vibration goes through me, different from the one I felt earlier. It’s an acknowledgment from Zephyros. He’s letting me know he sees whatever this is between Vaylen and me. Does the dragon disapprove? I can’t tell one way or another. I only perceive uncertainty. Either way, I hide it all from Vaylen, showing only disciplined attention.
“You were Tethered securely the last time,” Vaylen begins. “I’m sure Zephyros was controlling those Tethers since you were completely immobile. However, you need to be able to control your own Tethers and keep them to a maximum of two. I trust you’ll have no trouble since you’re bonded. It’s a lot easier for us. Now, get up there and show me you can do it, so we can get to the fun part.”
He gives me a crooked smile. It surprises me. He’s always so stern, I was beginning to think his lips didn’t know how to curve upward. But why is he being friendly now? Is it because I’ve been indifferent to him? Because he doesn’t see me as a threat anymore? And the inevitable question… is he glad or does he miss the attention and wants to reignite it?
Whatever the case, it doesn’t matter. I’m ready to fly. I start toward Zephyros, then notice someone walking in our direction. A Claw.
“Sir,” she stops and salutes Vaylen, “An urgent Boltgram just arrived for you.”
Vaylen takes the message and frowns at the seal. As is customary, the Claw waits in case there’s a response.
