Page 82 of Blood of Dragons

I turned back to him. “She left me to mine, didn’t she?”

Khazmuda’s eyes narrowed on my face.Talon?—

“She has a dragon. And she has whoever the fuck these people are. When I said she was dead to me, I meant it. She’s on her own.”

TALON—

“She betrayed me. I told her what happened to my family and how desperately I needed these dragons, and she took the one dragon I actually found and deserted me. She said she never wanted to see me again—and she’ll get her wish.”

I understand that she hurt you?—

“I don’t want your pity, Khazmuda. I’ve moved on.”

If you won’t go to her aid, then I will.

I stared him down, stung by his betrayal. “She betrayed me…and you choose her.”

I’m not choosing her over you?—

“She chose herself over your kin. She abandoned you as much as she did me.”

I agree. But there are moments when your hurt and pride should be placed aside, and this is one of those moments. You know what he did to her. You know how much he hurt her?—

“And I would have given my life for her protection, but she chose to leave anyway.”

Khazmuda hung his head slightly.Talon.

I turned away and headed to the double doors manned by guards. “Go if you want. I won’t stop you.”

Talon.

The guards opened the doors for me and allowed me to pass through. “But don’t bother to come back if you do.”

9

CALISTA

Commander Luxe walked with me through the forest, keeping several feet between us at all times, like he wanted to make it clear that he heeded my request to remain platonic.

I wasn’t used to such a respectful response to my wishes. I either didn’t have a say in the matter, or I was coerced into submission. But Commander Luxe accepted my answer without argument and didn’t pursue it again.

I held my bag of fruits and vegetables that I had received at the market, all the things I would prepare for my meals over the next few days. There was no one to cook for me like there’d been at the castle with Talon or even in the Arid Sands. I had to learn how to wash, prep, and cook everything, because I’d never really learned.

“Commander Luxe, do you mind if I ask how old you are?”

“Luxe.”

“Sorry?”

“You can call me Luxe. I consider us friends now.”

“Oh.”

He gave me a slight smile. “And be careful when you ask that question. Elves consider it deeply offensive.”

“Why?”

“Because the older you are, the closer you are to madness.”

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