Page 123 of Flame and Sparrow

“When you’re curious about something, your forehead gets a very deep groove.” He pointed to his own forehead, trying to mimic it. “And your lips part, as if you’re trying to inhale it all in, in every way possible.”

I tilted my face away from him, blushing.

“You don’t have to hide it. I like that look on you.”

I kept my eyes averted, focused on Farak. “I’ve often been told I’m too curious for my own good.” I didn’t mention the person who most often told me that; Dravyn and I were actually talking again—actually getting along—and I didn’t want to ruin the conversation by mentioning Andrel’s name.

“Better too curious than willingly ignorant,” Dravyn said. He considered me for a moment, then said, “Wait here. I’ll grab some tack, and you can learn firsthand.” He rushed off before I could question this plan.

So I waited, running my hands over the nervous bumps that had erupted along my skin. Farak stood stoically by my side, like a seasoned warhorse, while Zell galloped circles around the yard, occasionally leaping into the air and giving a wild, carefree kick.

Dravyn returned a short time later with the promised equipment—though it was only enough for a single rider, I noticed.

I frowned as he hoisted the saddle onto Farak’s back. “Only one?”

“I’ll teach you to ride on your own in time, but it would be irresponsible to let you immediately jump on the back of one of these creatures. So for now, I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.”

“I know how to ride a horse. I’m quite skilled at it, actually.”

“But these are not horses,” he said as he slipped the headgear on and adjusted it. “They answer only to their creator—which would be me—and even then, only just. Even the tamest among them still have a deadly wild streak no matter how hard I try to work it out of them.”

“More flawed creations of yours?” I mused.

“Indeed.” He gave a wistful smile as Zell trotted over to us, tossing his head. “And yet I keep trying.”

“Moth and I get along well enough,” I reminded him. “I’m not afraid to try my luck with another of your failed designs. Zell seems to like me.”

“The last time I tried to ride him, he nearly bit my foot off.”

The selakir in question gave a loud, playful whinny, as if proud of his near-accomplishment. I caught a flash of teeth that were distinctlynothorse-like—there were at least two rows of serrated fangs. I couldn’t help but gasp at the sight, which drew a smug, victorious grin from Dravyn.

“…Fine,” I mumbled as he knelt and offered me a hand up.

He boosted me easily upward with only the strength of one arm, holding Farak steady with the other, and then he hauled himself up just as effortlessly.

Farak seemed even larger from above. The distance to the ground was dizzying, and I quickly decided I’d made the right choice by agreeing to a tandem ride. Dravyn settled in behind me, pressing against my back as he reached around for the reins. The feel of his strength wrapping around my body was reassuring—though it sent a very different kind of nervousness rolling through me.

“Make sure you stay relaxed. They’re very sensitive to any strong emotions, much like Moth.” His tone was low and teasing, and though I couldn’t see it, I suspected a wicked grin was spreading across his face. “Don’t want them getting too aroused.”

I released a slow breath before I replied, trying my best to sound unaffected. “Will they burst into flames as Moth does when he gets overly aroused?”

“I’ve never witnessed such a thing. Normally they just throw their riders, attempt to rip them apart with their teeth, or stomp their heads in…Valas was kicked in the head by one a few years ago; I think that’s part of his problem.”

“Oh good—that all soundsmuchbetter than being incinerated.”

He laughed, the sound rich and rumbling against my back as he pressed closer.

Then we were off, launching so quickly into motion it took my breath away.

Chapter35

I wasa coward for the first few minutes of our ride, afraid I might lose my balance—or my breakfast—if I tried to watch the scenery flying by us.

But my curiosity eventually won out, as it usually did; I peeked one eye open, then the other, and for a moment I was so stunned I forgot to breathe.

We were moving so quickly I couldn’t make out distinct landmarks. I just knew it was beautiful—the colors of Dravyn’s territory all swirling together—dark earth, occasional bright cracks of molten rock, hills of silver-green grass dotted with flowers. The air held a subtle scent of smoke, but there was also a hint of spice that grew more predominant as we made our way deeper into the wilds, farther away from the palace. The wind blowing through my hair—pulling it loose from the crown of braids I’d put it in—was warm, invigorating, sending pleasant shivers across my scalp and down my spine.

Several of the selakir herd had rejoined us. They raced alongside Farak, weaving in and out of our path, golden bodies flashing like shooting stars across the dark landscape. They left magic in their wake, sparks of red and orange that occasionally blossomed into brief, brilliant displays of fire that made me gasp every time.

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