Page 65 of Swift Wings Shadowed Heart
“We’ll have to agree to disagree.”
We both laugh. Phoebe slows her pace and flashes a look toward the lifts. Silas is there with Nate and two Skyforges: Robert Silverin and Lysander Oreton.
People at the Academy also used to hover around Silas, imagining his friendship would grant them some sort of benefit. I thought we were friends, but I guess he only saw me as one of his sycophants, a spendable acquaintance that helped him look better.
These two were never close to Silas before. Of those who used to surround him, only Nate made it here. Instead, Robert and Lysander led their own packs, both great students in their own right, and already looking good as Skyriders. I caught a glimpse of them flying their grays. They looked strong and in control.
At the sight of them, Phoebe won’t budge and gives me a pleading look.Please don’t get into a fight, her green eyes seem to say. I want payback. I can’t let Silas get away with punching me. He’ll think he can bully me, but?—
—One flick of my tail, Zephyros says.
—I can take care of him myself.
He huffs, which feels like a brush across the surface of my brain.What a strange feeling!
“Don’t worry, Phoebe,” I say. “This isn’t the right time.” I’m not going to do anything that delays our departure to the front lines.
She grimaces. “There is no right time, Rhea. The best thing is to ignore him.”
The lift in front of Silas arrives. He glances in my direction with a mixture of contempt and triumph. He thinks I’m afraid of him. He has no idea. Zephyros huffs again. It seems we’re in agreement. Silas Pyrewing doesn’t scare us—not even with Ignemara as his dragon, who is said to be formidable.
Phoebe and I take the next lift. On the way down, I suddenly remember the Chief Inspector’s impending visit, and panic returns. I’ve already told them I don’t remember who my Neutro was, and I will stick to my story. Now only my father can give me away. He tried to denounce Cindergrasp in the beginning, but the Neutro’s story held. For years, my father dreamed of exposing him. But Neutros protect their own and their reputation, and every time he complained, they dismissed him as the weak, grieving husband, who lost his mind due to an unfortunate event.
So when Cragmere questions my father—if he hasn’t been questioned already, and the Chief Inspector is only coming here to arrest me—he won’t hesitate to accuse Cindergrasp.
My throat tightens. I pull on my collar, swallowing with difficulty. My breaths come short and fast. When we reach the bottom and a Claw opens the door, I hurry out and head for the lavatory.
“See you in the mess hall,” I call out to Phoebe.
I bar myself in one of the stalls, trying to control my panic. All that I’ve built could come crashing down.
—It will not, Zephyros assures me.
—They’ll lock me in a cell.
—They will not.
—I killed him, Zephyros. I’m a murderess.
—He deserved it for what he tried to do to you.
—That won’t matter to them. They’ll want to make an example out of me. I’m a… Weaver.My panic redoubles. I bend over the commode as my stomach churns.
—None of that will happen.
—How can you be so sure?
—Because you will visit your father tonight and will ask him to keep your secret.
* * *
No matterhow many times I ask Zephyros to tell me how I’m supposed to visit my father when it’s forbidden for Skyriders to leave their post in Sky’s Edge, he refuses to answer. All he says is for me not to worry, then proceeds to give me the silent treatment.
Leaving the privy, I expect to be consumed by worry, but by the time I reach the mess hall, a strange calm has settled over me, thanks to the constant, soothing vibrations emanating from my dragon.
As I take a seat next to Phoebe and Adelaide, I’m still curious, but not anxious. It seems wrong for him to manipulate my emotions this way, but I can’t say I really mind the peace of mind.
Shrugging it off, I devour my steak and vegetables, barely coming up for air. The fare is considerably better than what we used to get at the Academy, which is saying a lot. I look up, considering going for seconds. My gaze catches on a set of blue eyes firmly set on me. The intensity of Vaylen’s expression catches me by surprise. Something stirs inside me, a wave of desire accompanies the strange feeling.
