Page 170 of The Kingdom's Reckoning
"What?" Ellie snapped. Scoffing, she folded her arms over her chest. "No, of course not."
Kallie arched a brow.
Ellie looked around the room—everywhere but at Nyrri. "Maybe. I don’t know." She pointed a finger at Graeson as she narrowed her dark eyes. "Nyrri nearly killed you several times."
Graeson rolled his eyes. "And like I said, Nyrri is better trained now."
Kallie scratched Nyrri’s head. The drakonis peered up at her with a bored and annoyed gaze. "You won’t kill Ellie, now will you?"
Nyrri considered the warrior as if debating. Her nostrils flared, and she flexed her wings at her sides as she tilted her head. Then the drakonis released an exasperated huff.
"Why does she sound upset?" Ellie asked, glancing at the four of them. "She sounds upset, doesn’t she?"
Menz shrugged, unfamiliar with the drakonis’ habits.
"Kind of," Moris admitted with a shrug.
Ellie glared at Moris.
"What? You asked!"
"You’re lucky you’re going with them, flyboy," Ellie said, sneering. "Or else I’m not sure Dani and Sylvia would ever get the chance to see you."
A retort was on Moris’ tongue, but a groan from Graeson cut him off.
Graeson shoved his hands into his pockets. "We’re wasting time as it is, Ellie. Make up your mind. You can either take a horse or let Nyrri take you. It’s your choice, but make it quickly."
Ellie glared at Nyrri.
Unfazed, Nyrri simply licked her paw, cleaning the debris that had gathered between her claws.
"Fine," Ellie said, stomping her foot. "Let’s get this over with."
Kallie grabbed her hands. "It’s going to be fine."
Ellie snorted. But Kallie didn’t miss the small, thankful smile that momentarily twitched at the corner of the warrior’s mouth.
Ellie took a deep breath and approached Nyrri. When she grabbed the pommel, Nyrri looked back at her and snarled, sharp canines gleaming.
"Oh, stop that," Kallie scolded, booping Nyrri in the snout.
Ellie tilted her head to the sky. "Nerva, help me," she implored, praying to the goddess of strength. Then she hoisted herself onto the saddle, using the new stirrups to help propel her.
Stepping back, Kallie gave the pair two thumbs up. "Go easy on her."
Ellie scoffed. "I’ll try."
Kallie’s smile wavered. "I was talking to Nyrri."
Ellie rolled her eyes and fixed her attention on Graeson. "Leave some of the fight for me, yeah?"
"No promises," he said, giving Ellie a rueful grin that sent a chill down Kallie’s spine as the dragon surfaced.
Nyrri nudged Graeson’s hip. He scratched behind her ear and planted a gentle peck on her forehead. "I’ll see you soon," he whispered.
Nyrri licked his face, leaving a trail of saliva on his cheek.
With a shudder, Graeson bunched his nose in disgust and patted Nyrri on the side.
