Page 85 of The Bond That Burns

I stared at him. He was lying about something. But why lie to me about Nyxaris’s riders? What was there to hide centuries later?

“Did House Avari...” I hesitated, but forced myself to continue. “Was House Avari responsible for what happened to Nyxaris and the other stone dragons? Did they do that to them?”

Kage’s eyes darkened and he pushed off the wall to stand straight. “No,” he said firmly. “My house had no hand in that. We’d never have given up a single dragon. Whatever happened to those dragons was not by Avari design. It was a tragedy for all of us.”

Something was wrong. He doubted what he was saying, even though I knew he’d never admit it.

“But you know more about what happened, don’t you?” I insisted.

He frowned. “I know enough to see that Nyxaris’s awakening is a sign that power in Sangratha is shifting. Not everyone will welcome the changes the dragon heralds.” He looked at me steadily. “Especially if Nyxaris’s loyalty returns to House Avari.”

I hadn’t even thought of that possibility. Would Nyxaris really do that? Did he still care about his former house at all?

I thought of something else. “Do you think I’m in danger? Is that what you’re saying?”

“You’re the only rider. You’re always going to be in danger. But if you mean from Nyxaris, no. I doubt it. Earn his respect and he’ll protect you if you let him.”

I exhaled, trying to slow my racing thoughts. “If only it was that simple.”

His gaze lingered on mine and for a moment I couldn’t breathe. Kage’s dark eyes seemed to see straight through me. What would it be like to have someone like him by my side? Someone steady, commanding, loyal.

I flushed, horrified at the thought, a wave of guilt flooding through me. What was wrong with me? I’d just come from Blake’s bed, and now...

I bit my lip. Still, I didn’t owe Blake anything. What was it that I’d insisted earlier that night? That I wasn’t his. That what we’d done together wasn’t going to turn into a regular thing.

Kage tilted his head, a faint smile ghosting across his handsome face. “Distracted?”

“No,” I lied quickly. Too quickly.

“Good,” he said, stepping a little bit closer. The scent of pine mixed with something darker, something wilder, reached me and I felt rooted in place. For a fleeting moment, I imagined what it would be like to touch him, to trace the inked line of that crescent moon with the tip of a finger. “Because there’s something else I want you to keep an eye on.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

“Blake,” Kage said. I nearly jumped. “Have you noticed anything unusual about him lately?”

I couldn’t help rolling my eyes. “You mean besides him acting like an egotistical, controlling maniac?”

Kage smiled slightly. “Besides that, yes. Just keep an eye on him. If he starts acting strangely, let me know.”

“Strange how?” I said, frowning.

His expression didn’t change, but there was something about the set of his jaw that told me he had deeper concerns. “You’ll know if it happens, trust me.”

My thoughts whirled. “Do you think he’s dangerous? Would he hurt my friends?”

Kage hesitated, just for a fraction of a second. “No more dangerous than he usually is,” he said lightly.

His cryptic tone set me on edge. “You’re not telling me everything,” I complained with frustration.

“I’m telling you what you need to know right now, Medra,” he countered. He took a step back and I let out a breath. “By the way, about your request to move to House Avari—”

“Yes?” I said eagerly.

“—I’m still working on it. These things take time,” he added quickly, catching the look of disappointment on my face. “And there are...some complications.”

“Complications? What kind of complications?”

“My mother,” he said. “She doesn’t trust outsiders easily. Especially when it comes to someone in your unique position.”

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