Page 49 of Of Steel and Scale

“Unless they’ve countered that possibility with another spell.”

“Why would they?”

“Why would their first attack be on an outpost like Eastmead? These people arenotfollowing expectations when it comes to the tactical rule book.” He studied me through narrowed eyes. “If you can’t break the pins, how long will it take you to reach the Beak from the other side of the barrier?”

“Presuming there’re no further traps or waiting guards? Half an hour.”

“If you’re not back in an hour ten, I’ll be taking the other tunnel and heading up to find you.”

“I’ll inform Kaia not to eat you, then.”

He did not look amused, and I somehow managed to contain my grin. “I’ve been roaming these tunnels for years, Damon. I reallywillbe fine.”

“The gilded birds and their riders haven’t been here for years, though, have they?”

“No, but a fire hot enough to burn the body of a drakkling should be able to cinder a rider, with or without their golden armor.”

And I hoped that in saying that, I hadn’t snagged Túxn’s interest. The goddess of luck could sometimes be very fickle with her favors.

“And how much fire do you actually have left after everything you expended in that cavern?”

“Enough.”

“That is not a comforting statement.”

I smiled. “I have a drakkon to heal, remember, and besides, there’s the promise of hot passionate sex to claim.”

“I love that the drakkons come first over everything else.” He shook his head. “We really will have to find an active aerie for you in Zephrine, won’t we?”

“Well, it would not only get me out of your hair, but also your father’s. A double bonus, I’d say.”

He raised his eyebrow again, the movement somehow both mockingandamused. “I don’t keep enough hair to worry about these days, so don’t let that bother you.”

I laughed and gripped his arm. He slid his hand briefly over mine and gently squeezed it, and I did my best to ignore the desire that surged at the simple touch. But there was a big part of me that wished I’d taken time to explore the muscular perfection of this man before... I shut the rest of that thought down.

There was plenty of time ahead for such exploration. Besides, sexual arousal wasn’t uncommon after a near death experience, and this “surge” could surely be put down to that.

And if I kept telling myself that, I might even end up believing it.

“If I can’t break the barrier, I’ll return as fast as I can.”

“I would prefer you be as careful as you can, but given the propensity of your family to throw themselves headfirst into the middle of trouble, I won’t be waiting with bated breath for that to happen.”

A statement I didn’t bother refuting. I tried pulling away, but his grip tightened, preventing me. I frowned up at him, saw the devilment and desire in his eyes.

Fires sparked within, a deep-down heat that had nothing to do with flame.

“What?” I said, voice edged with a huskiness I couldn’t quite control.

Though he hadn’t appeared to move, he was somehow so much closer. “I believe the custom you started in Esan’s courtyard should be continued.”

His breath brushed heat across my lips, and I swallowed against the sudden rush of wanting. It was insane to be kissing this man right now, given we had no idea what dangers might even now be approaching, and yet... and yet, was that not also a good reason for doing so?

I softly cleared my throat and said, “What custom would that be?”

“A kiss goodbye before you fly away with your drakkon.”

“I’m not?—”

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