Page 86 of The Bond That Burns

I knew he didn’t mean my being a rider.

“And you?” I asked. The question came out more challenging than I’d intended. “Do you trust me?”

The intensity in his eyes seemed to deepen. “I’d like to think we trust one another.” He paused. “If you ever need help, you’ll come to me.”

It wasn’t a request.

I stared at him, my mind still whirling with unanswered questions. But before I could voice any of them, Neville darted past us with a delighted yip.

“Looks like your fluffin is on a rampage again,” Kage remarked. “Good luck keeping him from tearing the library apart.”

I laughed. “Hopefully it won’t come to that.” As Neville shot down another aisle, I sighed. “But I’d better go and find Florence.”

Kage nodded. “Good night, Medra. And good luck.”

I nodded, suddenly awkward. “Thank you.”

I watched him as he stalked down a row of books, his back ramrod straight.

Mmm,my mother said appreciatively.I like a masterful man. Especially one capable of taming wild beasts.

Neville is the size of a cat,I pointed out.Not exactly a ferocious monster.

Still, that Avari boy is capable. He has...finesse.

She had a point.He’s very competent,I agreed.

Lacks Blake’s fire though,she said.How does the saying go? A prince in the keep, a dragon between the sheets?

There is no such saying, I protested.Besides, Blake is most certainly not princely in the keep. He’s as hotheaded and explosive as he is...I paused, suddenly aware of what I’d been about to confess.

As he is...?My mother prodded, sounding as if she were trying to hold back laughter.

I refused to reply.

Back in my room, I placed the dagger on the desk by the window, kicked off my boots and flopped onto my bed.

Poor Neville had been carted back home to Florence’s room in shame. We’d been forced to resort to trapping him in a basket, his little paws scrabbling at the sides while Florence muttered apologies and Jia shook her head in exasperation.

I couldn’t help but grin as I remembered Florence marching out of the library with him tucked under her arm like a contraband toy.

My amusement faded as my thoughts drifted back to Kage.

Sighing, I sat up and crossed my legs.

Nyxaris? Are you there?

For a moment, nothing. Then I sensed the dragon stir, almost as if he’d been sleeping.

What do you want?His voice was a huff of irritation. If I’d woken him up, that made sense.I thought I made myself clear. I do not wish to speak with you until you have earned the conversation.

I tried not to roll my eyes in case he could sense it.I know. But I have something you might find interesting.

A pause, then a skeptical growl.Go on.

I hesitated. I wondered if Kage knew I’d go straight to Nyxaris with everything he’d shared with me tonight. But then, it wasn’t as if he’d sworn me to secrecy.

I spoke with Kage Tanaka tonight. He’s the school House Leader of Avari.

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