Page 63 of Caged

“They all died. It was my fault.”

“Were you trying to make things better?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“Did you force any of the others to join you?”

“No, but…”

“Then they chose to do what they did of their own free will.” I cover his hand with mine. “I know it’s hard. I know there is so much you can’t process, but it wasn’t your fault. You have to remember that.”

Sylas runs a hand over his face. He’s unsure and vulnerable, and I know what he needs, but I want him to confront his fears with a clear head. Then he can have a reward.

“Will you remember?” I repeat.

His brow furrows.

“You are not at fault. Say it.”

He hesitates, and I curl my fingers around his viciously clawed hand.

“Say it.” I lower my voice to barely a whisper.

“I…was not at fault,” he says.

I squeeze his fingers harder, knowing I can’t possibly hurt my big Gryn.

“Say it like you mean it.”

“I wasn’t at fault,” he growls.

“I guess that’ll have to do.” I release him and shove my hand into the feathers at the shoulder of his wing. Almost immediately, Sylas slumps, the look on his face going from haunted to beatific. “And you get your reward for being a very good Gryn.”

He attempts to speak, but all I get is my name and a few words I can’t catch before a massive arm wraps around me and I’m deposited on his lap without even breaking contact with his wing. My Sylas is finally, finally happy.

“Looks like you’re both feeling better,” Sontok says, popping her head around the door. “Is he drooling?”

“He does that,” I reply. “And yes, I am feeling better. Still weak, but better.”

“Mhfff,” Sylas says.

“Interesting.” Sontok narrows her eyes and inspects him like a specimen. “I’ve heard Gryn can have sensitive spots, but this is something else. Do you mind if I…?”

She extends a hand, and as I withdraw mine, she shoves hers in.

Sylas opens his eyes with a growl.

“Very interesting.” She pulls away, lifting up my arm and guiding me back to the original spot.

“Have you met other Gryn? Other than Sylas and the gladiators on Trefa?”

“I have. Others like him, brought here for a brief period to acclimatize.”

“Acclimatize? Why?” I ask. “Sylas said he was sent here as punishment for the rebellion he led.”

“There was a reason Sylas was brought here before the dome,” Sontok says. “And it’s about time the Gryn knew the truth.”

SYLAS

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