Page 34 of The Storm of the Empire

She looked down at our naked forms, right there in the Goddess’ temple, and laughed. “We definitely should. I shudder to think of a priest finding me this way.” Her cheeks heated in the most endearing way, making my cock throb.

I stepped aside so she wouldn’t see I was half hard again so soon. I didn’t want her to take it as an insult, like I wasn’t satisfied. The truth was, much the opposite was true.

She retrieved her clothes, and we both dressed in silence. I didn’t want any awkwardness to develop between us, so I helped her straighten her tunic just as an excuse for some physical contact, but I was at a loss for words. What does one say after a quick tryst in the temple basement? Not awkward at all.

She arranged her belt and then took a beaten water skin from a hook at her hip and offered me some. I took it gratefully, and she watched me drink.

“I think I’d like to hear everything,” she said at length.

I choked. “Everything?”

In all my life, I’d never told anyone everything. I even had secrets from Zaria. I wasn’t proud of them, but it was self-preservation. Always keeping a little back to keep myself intact.

She took a seat on the floor among some sacks and leant her back against a crate, clearly settling in for the rest of the storm, however long it might last. I dropped down beside her and handed her back the water skin.

“I think I need to know, so that I can understand.”

“But—” I swallowed. “I am under orders to only report to Nyx and Jaxus. I don’t want to give information I shouldn’t, or worse, involve you in something dangerous when I could protect you by leaving you out of it.”

“Have you forgotten who I am? Even as a failed flyer with no ryder, I’m one of the most skilled fighters in the kingdoms. And I’m a storm dragon, not a delicate flower.”

“My apologies. I didn’t mean to infer anything of the sort.” I dipped my head in acknowledgment. “You’re tougher than me, I’m not disputing that, but I don’t know how big this thing is yet, and I don’t want anyone put in danger.”

“But you are in my kingdom, alone, with no plan. Nyx doesn’t know you are here. What happens to you if you are discovered?”

“Whatever happens, happens. That’s my whole point. I have no one who will miss me. I’m expendable. It’s worth the gamble.”

She frowned at me. “I don’t think that’s true.”

A spark of something warm, like hope, flickered inside me. Could it be that she would miss me if I just disappeared?

“Zaria would be devastated if you just did not return, and I know Nyx. He wouldn’t bring you in like this if he wasn’t fond of you, too.”

My tiny hope was dashed before it even took hold. Of course Zaria loved me but that was a familial love. I just—I guess—I just wished I’d had the kind of life which had allowed me to cultivate a different connection with someone.

“What is that look for?” she asked as she reached out to touch my arm.

“Nothing. You’re right, Zaria would miss me.” I swallowed back any feelings that were stirring, reminding myself that this was nothing. Merely a tryst.

“Exactly, so you need to make sure you return to her. And the best way you can do that is make sure someone else knows what is going on and can help you.”

“Now you’re offering to help me?” I gawked.

“I don’t even know what you’re up to. Maybe I will, or maybe I will just talk you out of your madness. We won’t know until you tell me everything you know. But one thing is for certain: you won’t get far in Storm without my help.”

Maybe she was right.

Could I take the risk? The deepest part of my gut told me to tell her.

I sighed and gave in, somehow knowing it was the only way.

I told her everything. From the days at the compound, to the Dragon’s Bane supply network, to getting caught up in that whole undead army situation, to coming to the First Kingdom.

We whiled away the storm with my confessions.

I explained how I ended up on the ship, but really, I hadn’t had time to make sense of everything I’d discovered since. The eggs were a new twist I was baffled by.

“So you dressed up as a priest and chased some dragon eggs here? That’s what you want me to believe?”

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