Page 84 of The Bond That Burns

Before I could react, he moved. One moment he was facing me and the next he was crouched low, his hand gripping the little fluffin by the scruff. Neville squirmed in his grip for a moment, then froze, sniffing the air, as if sensing that Kage wasn’t one to mess around with.

Kage held the fluffin out to Florence. “I believe this little troublemaker is yours?”

“Thank you.” Florence took Neville and cradled him to her chest. “He’s usually so well-behaved,” she lied shamelessly. “I don’t know what got into him tonight.”

Kage’s lips twitched. “Wild creatures can’t help their nature.” His dark eyes went to my face and something about the look he gave me sent a shiver down my spine.

My, my,my mother said admiringly.Does anyone have a fan? I feel like the temperature in here just rose a few degrees.

I tried to ignore her. “Perhaps the library was not the best place for Neville,” I agreed. “We’ve learned our lesson.”

Neville gave a half-hearted rebellious yip, but one look from Kage had him nuzzling into Florence’s arms for safety.

“Walk with me?” Kage asked, his tone low.

I blinked. “Now?”

“Unless your friend still needs you,” he said, his gaze moving to where Florence and Jia were arguing about what to do next with Neville.

I hid a smile. “All right. I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

As we walked, the cool air of the library surrounded us. Kage’s pace was measured, his presence a steadying force. I felt calmer with him. Safe.

We reached a quiet corner and he turned to face me.

“I know you’ve been working on controlling Nyxaris,” he said, his voice low and even.

I tensed. “How did you—”

“You’re the first dragon rider in generations. It’s not exactly hard to guess. Especially when you’re in here, scouring the library for answers.” There was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “I pay attention.”

I crossed my arms, trying to quell my nervousness. “So? What of it?”

He shrugged. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Nyxaris is not just any dragon.”

“No,” I agreed. “He’s not.”

Kage leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. “Many dragons flew for House Avari. We bred and raised some of the strongest dragons Sangratha has ever seen.” His tone was threaded with quiet pride. “And Nyxaris was one of the strongest.”

My heart skipped a beat. Of course, they’d have records about Nyxaris in their archives. “You’ve read about him? What do you know?”

Kage’s gaze didn’t waver. “There’s a saying in my house: ‘A rider’s strength comes from their dragon. But their wisdom comes from every dragon who ever lived.’ We have records going back centuries. We recorded what each dragon was like, who their riders were, their medical histories. Countless details. I’m sure you’d find most of them quite dull.”

I stared at him, my heart speeding up. I wasn’t so sure about that. “And Nyxaris? What do you have recorded about him?”

Kage’s expression turned thoughtful. “Nyxaris possessed a more tempestuous personality than most Duskdrakes. He had a mind of his own. He was loyal to his riders but that loyalty had to be earned first. He didn’t give it freely.”

That struck a chord. “Earned how?”

Kage held up his hands. “This is where I tell you I don’t have any easy answers for you.”

My heart sank.

“But reading between the lines, Nyxaris seemed to appreciate it when his riders showed him respect. When they listened to him. He wasn’t just a beast of war. He was...” He smiled a little. “Sorry, heisa creature of immense intelligence. Not to mention pride. If someone training to be his rider ignored him, refused to take his advice–well, they didn’t remain a rider for long. He wasn’t easy to command.”

I swallowed, thinking of how easily Nyxaris brushed off my pitiful attempts to control him. “What about his riders?” I asked curiously. “Who were they?”

Kage hesitated, then shrugged. “The records don’t say much. Names, a few deeds in battles—if they ever had to fight any. But one thing is clear. Nyxaris was usually devoted to them. He didn’t choose lightly or often. Dragons are much longer-lived, after all. But when he did, he’d fight to the death for his rider.”

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