Page 25 of Artemis

Alexander’s sobs had quieted down, but he was still shaking uncontrollably as Finley lowered himself into the sturdy rocking chair next to the cots. He arranged the boy’s legs to drape across his own, his arm draped protectively around Alexander’s back. “Deep breaths,” Finley murmured, automatically slowing his own breathing. “We’re going to do a calming exercise, okay? Give me your hands.”

Slowly, Finley brought each of Alexander’s fingers to its match on the other hand, until all five were touching. “Now it’s your turn,” he said.

The concentration required took Alexander’s mind off of crying, until finally he stopped altogether.

“Good.” Finley gently held both hands in one of his, marveling at how tiny the boy was. He gestured around the room with his free hand. “What can you see?”

“A bed.” Alexander sniffed and pulled one hand free to wipe his nose on the back of it.

“Good. What’s special about this bed that you can see?”

“There’s no pillow.”

“You’re right. That’s kinda odd, isn’t it?”

“Maddie said we don’t need pillows for naps.”

“Fascinating. What else can you tell me about the bed?”

“The blanket is blue.”

“Nice. That’s my favorite color, didn’t you know that?” Finley asked.

Alexander looked up at him. “Is that because you’re a blue dragon?”

“You betcha.” Finley booped Alexander’s nose with a finger, making the boy giggle. “That’s better. Whenever you’re feeling like you can’t catch your breath and you’re crying, find a quiet corner and press each finger to its pair. You can do that many times, until you’re calm. Then find one object and look at it really closely. Find one special thing about it. Do you think you can do that?”

“Yes.” Alexander nodded solemnly.

“Do you want to finish your movie now?”

“Can I sit with you?”

“Of course.”

* * *

Maddie returned not long after,but Finley stayed until the end of the movie because of his promise to Alexander.

After getting a tight hug from Maddie, Finley left the daycare. He had just enough time to go home to grab his gear and a quick bite to eat before his match at Valhalla’s Throne.

He checked the match board when he arrived to see that he’d be fighting Emerald. He nodded thoughtfully. She was lithe, fast, and controlled. Probably the fighter who had the best chance of beating him, if he was honest.

Once in his private ready room, he got changed and rolled his dice; he was to attempt to win his match. Finley headed for the backstage to stretch and loosen up his muscles.

“Are you ready to get trounced?” Emerald greeted him.

“You wish,” Finley replied with a snort, sitting on the floor and sticking his legs out in a V. He bent over his right leg. “You might be good, but I’m going to take home the win tonight.” They’d had this conversation before every match. It was almost ritualistic. He smirked. “Maybe you could beat me if you kept an eye on your left hook.”

“My left hook is perfectly fine, thank you very much,” Emerald said with a sniff. “Youneed to watch your balance after your right kick.”

Finley’s grin widened. That was his normal “weakness” that allowed him to lose credibly. “I’ve been practicing.”

“Against those brutes you call your brothers?”

Finley switched sides, stretching out over his left leg. “Sometimes. Mostly, though, I practice my forms on my own. Hey, can I ask you something?”

Emerald raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. He was deviating from their script. “I can’t promise an answer.”

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