Page 156 of The Bond That Burns

I thought of the red scales that had covered me just a few hours before. In some small way, Pendragon and I matched now. I wondered if I’d ever be able to tell her that.

As we pivoted slowly on the floor, I caught sight of Regan across the room. She stood alone near one of the refreshment tables, her blonde hair pulled into an elaborate twist, her white gown covered in tiny jewels that made it sparkle under the chandeliers. Objectively, I knew she looked very pretty. But she couldn’t hold a candle to the woman in my arms.

Our eyes met. I inclined my head. I meant it as a small gesture of acknowledgement, maybe even respect. But as I watched, her lips curved up into a cruel smile, her eyes glinting with that familiar malice, before she turned away.

So much for that. Regan wasn’t one to forgive or forget. I doubted she’d ever forgive me for rejecting her. Still, it had been worth a shot.

I glanced at her retreating figure, wondering what awaited her next. Was she really about to be betrothed to my uncle? Was that what she really wanted or had her father convinced her she had no other choice?

The music began to fade and I finally snapped.

“Come with me,” I murmured, looking down at Pendragon.

She looked up at me, her green eyes searching mine. “Where?”

“Just outside. Only for a moment,” I added quickly, already seeing her eyes dart to her friend.

But Florence seemed fine. The dark-haired girl was sitting at a table with Visha, Theo, Lace, and Vaughn, and laughing at something Visha had just said.

Pendragon nodded and I led her across the room, my hand holding hers.

We passed by the House Orphos tables. Briefly I saw Lysander. He was leaning across to speak to his sister. Lunaya’s head was down and she looked sullen as her brother tried to talk to her.

But I didn’t have time to wonder about any of that. The moment we stepped out onto the terrace, the cold hit us like a slap in the face. The winter air was sharp and biting. Above us, the sky stretched out, black and endless.

Pendragon shivered and I quickly shrugged out of my jacket, draping it over her shoulders.

Her lips parted in surprise but she pulled it around herself. “Blake, you’ll freeze. Let’s just go back inside.”

“No,” I said stubbornly. “I needed to get you alone.”

I stepped towards her, my hand sliding up to cup her cheek. Her skin was soft and as my thumb brushed against her jawline, her eyelashes fluttered. I leaned in, my lips finding hers in a kiss that was anything but gentle.

The kiss was heat and desperation. A clash of want and need that I couldn’t hold back. She responded instantly, her hands sliding over my chest, her mouth deepening the kiss.

And then it hit me.

A prickle along my back and neck. The telltale itch of scales threatening to erupt.

I pulled back, my chest heaving.

“Blake?” She reached out her hand, cupping my jaw. “What’s wrong?”

I forced a smile. “It’s nothing. Just...” I hesitated, the burden of Rodriguez’s plan hanging over me like a shroud. I hated what I was about to do. But I had no choice. Not if I wanted to keep her safe. I’d put this off too long as it was.

I took a deep breath and took the plunge. “Look, I’ve been meaning to ask you all evening. Are you in contact with Nyxaris?”

She grimaced. “If you can call it that. He doesn’t really want to talk much lately. But I know where he is, roughly. I know he’s safe.”

“Great. Good. Can you get him to come back to Bloodwing tonight? At midnight?” I blurted out. “To the Dragon Court.”

She frowned. “Why would I get him to do that?”

I’d rehearsed this in my mind. Thought of what I was going to say. But now that the moment was here, I felt myself scrambling for the right words.

“I want to apologize to him,” I said, stumbling a little. “For not treating him with the respect he deserved when we first met. Or his rider.” I met her gaze, willing her to believe me. To trust me. Feeling like a total asshole for what I was doing. But knowing it was the only thing I could possibly do if I wanted to keep her alive. “But also, because I have something important to tell you both. Something he needs to hear.”

She studied me for a long moment. “This feels...strange. Why can’t you just tell me instead? I’ll pass it on.”

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