Page 9 of Surrendering Her Heart

“Then we kill them,” the Zmaj answers simply.

His tone is so flat, so certain, that a shiver runs down my spine. Dan hesitates, then nods.

“A small group could work, move fast. If there’s anything left, bring it back.”

Shana glares, but she doesn’t argue. I swallow hard, already knowing the next words out of my mouth are a terrible idea.

“I’ll do it,” I say.

“No,” the Zmaj’s head snaps toward me.

“Yes,” I say, pulse spiking. I put my hand on my hip and meet his glare with my own. “Remember? I don’t take orders from you.”

The flicking of his tail and rustle of his wings are the only sign of his frustration.

“It is not safe.”

“Nothing is safe,” I huff with a bitter laugh.

Dan clears his throat and takes a half-step between the Zmaj and me.

“We leave in ten minutes.”

“I hope you’re right about this,” Shana says with a sigh. “Nyanna, you agree?”

Nyanna frowns, her gaze on the group crushed into the space of the cavern.

“We’ll lead them on,” she says grimly. “You’ll have to catch up but we can’t stay here. The other Zmaj will help us, but waiting here is asking to be a buffet for guster and who knows what else.”

“Okay,” I agree, expecting Shana to argue further but she sighs and shakes her head.

I don’t know if anyone is right. But I do know that we have to try. Our odds of surviving without those supplies are worse than the odds of it raining. And whether I like it or not, the Zmaj is coming with me. I look up at him and he smiles. A smile. Great.

Stupid heart. Pitter-patter for someone else. Betrayer.

6

AVA

Itear my gaze away from the Zmaj, scowling at my own foolish reaction. Now is not the time for this. Not the time to notice the way his golden eyes gleam in the dim cavern light or the way his smile softens the sharp lines of his face. Focus.

Dan is already moving. Gathering what little we have to bring with us. Another one of the Zmaj and one more human whom I only know by name, Shaun, will go with us. As we prepare Shana and Nyanna murmur instructions to the others. The plan is set. The Zmaj moves closer, the cool chill of is scales radiating against my side.

“Stay close to me,” he murmurs.

“I can take care of myself,” I say, frowning as every muscle tenses.

His tail flicks once, the tip curling in irritation.

“You fight well, but you are not a ready for Tajss.”

“And you’re not my keeper,” I snap, shoving past him to join Dan.

The truth is, a part of me wants to listen to him. Wants to let him shield me, but I can’t afford that kind of weakness.

“We move fast. No hesitation. If we run into guster, we cut our losses and get out,” Dan says, handing me a small pack.

“Got it.” I tighten the strap, inhaling deeply to steady my nerves.

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