Page 30 of Mountain of Dragons and Sacrifice

I pulled my shoulders straight, clenched my fists, and faced the door. I’d confront the dragon in possession of my dignity. “Come in.”

The dragon stepped inside, though he halted at the door as always.

“Your steward mentioned that you would be willing to bring me home to visit my parents.” I refused to shrink, even as I could feel the weight of his gaze in the darkness.

“I’d be happy to take you home for a visit.” The dragon’s response was almost too fast, as if he had been expecting the request.

Of course he had. As always, Evander’s first loyalty lay with the dragon, not with me.

“Whatever you want from me in exchange, I’ll do it.” I kept my voice level, with the same unconcerned tone I’d use when haggling for salt in the village market.

“I don’t require anything in return.” His voice dropped lower, though it was still too harsh to be considered soft. “It’s the least I can do for you.”

Somehow, I doubted the dragon’s kindness came without strings. But I was going to take him up on it anyway.

“Thank you.” I couldn’t force my fingers to unclench. “When can you take me?”

“Tonight, if you’re ready.”

That was even better than I’d been hoping for. The sooner I could visit my parents, reassure them that I was alive, and discuss the confusing jumble in my head, the better. “Yes, I would like that.”

The dragon’s silhouette made some kind of gesture toward me in the darkness. “You’ll want to bundle up. It’s frigid outside, especially in the air.”

In the air. We’d be flying again.

I gulped, but I pulled on the cloak, mittens, and hat that I’d worn earlier that day. I missed the feel of Evander’s hands holding the cloak steady.

If only I had asked if Evander could go with me tonight. It would be reassuring to have him at my side so that I wasn’t alone with the dragon.

Could the dragon fly while carrying two people? I wasn’t that big, but Evander was tall and muscular.

Oh, well. It was too late now. I wasn’t about to test the dragon’s kindness by asking him to wait while I searched for Evander. I didn’t even know which room was Evander’s.

Terrifying as it was, I’d have to go alone with the dragon.

Surely Evander wouldn’t have suggested I ask the dragon if he thought doing so would put me in danger. His loyalty might be with the dragon, but surely I wasn’t imagining the safety I felt around him.

As soon as I was ready, the dragon turned back toward the corridor. “Come along.”

I forced myself to follow him, trying to ignore the sharp scrape of his wings against the stone walls and ceiling, a reminder that I was in this dark corridor with a monster.

Instead of heading for the tunnel to the outside, the dragon halted inside the cavern with the waterfall pouring down along with way too much moonlight for comfort.

As the dragon turned back around, I quickly squeezed my eyes shut. I’d see his face if I looked at him now.

“I need to pick you up. Is that all right?” The dragon’s voice came closer as he spoke.

“Yes.” My voice squeaked. Ugh, I hated how scared I sounded. I’d volunteered for this. I was going to see my parents again. I couldn’t shirk now.

The dragon’s strong arms wrapped around my back and under my knees, lifting me as easily as if I were a child. As he cradled me against his chest, I found myself relaxing rather than tensing. As if my instincts were telling me he was safe.

Why? Why would I find the dragon safe?

The dragon’s grip tightened, his body tensing. Then his wings beat the air, and he launched himself upward.

We climbed higher, the roar of the waterfall growing louder. Mist washed against my face, droplets spattering my hair. Then we were outside, cold air tearing at my cloak and any exposed skin.

I tucked myself tighter against the dragon. He was toasty warm, despite the cold.

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