Page 105 of The Bond That Burns

“Pendragon won’t care if you kill me,” I said flatly. “So leave Aenia out of it. She’s a child. She’s our blood.”

Viktor’s face twisted into a sneer. “Do not associate that foulblood animal with our family name. She is not of my blood and never will be. She is your great mistake.”

“My mother accepted Aenia like her own daughter,” I said tightly. “And my father...”

“Enough.” Viktor shook his head in revulsion. “You say it as if it’s a good thing. After all I’ve taught you, Blake. You should know better.”

“I care about the girl,” I said, my voice thick. “If she comes to harm, you’ll have lost more than her life.”

“You threaten to withdraw your loyalty? From me? You dare?” He started to walk away.

“Wait,” I called, my voice sharp enough to make him pause. “If she’s here, I’m staying with her. On the platform.”

Viktor turned back slowly. “I don’t recall that being part of the arrangement today, Blake. I’m afraid there aren’t enough seats.”

“I wasn’t asking,” I growled, stepping closer to the old man. My voice was unyielding. “Marcus can give me his. If Aenia’s up there, if Florence is up there, then I’m up there. Or do you want to explain to the Tribunal why your little piece of leverage suddenly went feral and attacked them all? Because I promise you, Viktor, she will if she feels unsafe. And you know damn well I’m the only one she really listens to.”

Viktor scowled. “You’re testing my patience, boy.”

I held my ground, my pulse pounding my ears. I could see he wanted to hit me. If he wanted to, he could end me, here, now, in front of all these people. It would be a bit of a scandal, sure. But Viktor Drakharrow could get away with it if anyone could.

“And you’re testing my limits,” I said, my voice sharp as a shard of glass. “You can use me. You can push me to my breakingpoint. But I will not leave them unprotected. Not the blightborn girl. And not Aenia.”

The wind whipped around us, stirring Viktor’s long black cloak as he studied me. For a long moment, neither of us moved.

Then Viktor gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “Fine. If you’re so determined to play the protector, go ahead. But remember, your presence there changes nothing. If you or the rider or that dragon step out of line today, someone will pay for it. And the Tribunal will not be on your side if you challenge me.”

I nodded, but didn’t rise to the bait. I stalked past Viktor and marched towards the platform. I took in Aenia, her tiny frame perched on a wooden chair beside Marcus’s hulking one. Her eyes met mine and for a fleeting moment I thought I saw gladness in them.

“Blake,” she exclaimed, jumping up. “Sit with me.”

My heart clenched. She could sound so much like a regular child still at times.

I tried to smile at her. “Of course I will.” I glared at my brother. “Uncle wants you. You’re giving me your seat.”

Marcus stared at me, then he shrugged and stood up. “Fine by me.”

He stomped off the platform and I nudged Aenia over, taking a seat in between her and Florence.

“No one will touch either of you,” I muttered to the blightborn girl, my voice low but steady.

Beside me Florence sat so still I didn’t think she’d heard me. Then she nodded stiffly. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Where’s Medra?”

And then we both heard it. The sound of beating wings.

CHAPTER 27 - MEDRA

Nyxaris banked sharply over the cliffs. Below, the crowd on the field looked up, their heads craning like a startled flock of birds.

They’re all staring. I feel like a prize pig at a town fair, the dragon complained.

Oh, please. Part of you likes the attention. Admit it.I clutched the parchment that was folded in my sweaty hand.We’ve gone over the list. You know what they want us to do...

It was a little rich to use the word “us” when I mostly felt like a package Nyxaris was delivering. He’d be doing all of the real work. I had no words of advice. How could I even think of advising a creature this experienced and ancient? All I could do was hope not to fall off or make a complete fool of myself.

Well, that and hope that Nyxaris actually did as he was asked.

The dragon let out a rumbling snort that vibrated through my legs where they gripped his sides.Maneuvers. Fireworks displays. A child’s checklist of tricks. This is what passes for a rigorous exam? Hardly worth my time.

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