Page 48 of A Forgery of Fate

“Because I know what it’s like to want something impossible. How it keeps you up at night when everyone else is sleeping, and it ticks in your mind and haunts your every thought.” His gaze met mine, and I wondered what a half dragon like him could possibly want. “You wish to know the truth about your father? You’ll find it in Ai’long.”

“When I meet the Dragon King,” I finished for him, still fuming. “How convenient for you that our missions should align so neatly.”

“The fates are not known for being kind. But they do have a sense of humor.” Elang plucked the drawing out of my hand, and it vanished at his touch.

“Hey!” I cried.

“For safekeeping. It will be returned to you at the end of our arrangement.”

He was maddening, but for all that I fantasized about smashing a lantern over his head, I couldn’t deny the inkling of hope slithering into my heart. I grabbed his sleeve. “Yousaid my art was found in Nazayun’s palace. You really think my father is his prisoner?”

Elang eyed his sleeve, glaring until I dropped it. Then he replied, “It is likely that he was.”

“Was?”

“I’ve inquired as to whether he’s still alive. Thus far, I’ve found nothing. I can search more, if I am able to return to Ai’long.”

Something about the raw look in his eyes told me he wasn’t lying. Moreover, he needed me as much as I neededhim.

Then I had no choice. My hands fell to my sides. “I’ll need to know my family will be safe.”

“Nothing will happen to your mother and sisters. You have my word as a dragon.”

“As a dragon?” I echoed.

“Immortals are bound to their promises,” he explained. “They cannot break them without suffering divine consequence. Something useful for you to know.”

That did seem useful. I wet my lips, remembering a point that Mama had brought up yesterday. “I’mnot going to become an immortal by marrying you…am I?”

“You’ll only become an immortal if you take the Oath of Ai’long,” Elang replied. “You’d have to swear fealty to the Dragon King, and I’d give you a piece of my pearl. That can’t happen if I don’t have a pearl.”

Thatwasa relief, though Mama would be disappointed. I had one last question, but I hesitated. “WillIbe safe?” I asked. “You say your grandfather is cruel. I’m…I’m mortal.”

“So you are.” Elang loomed near. “My grandfather and I have an accord. He’s sworn an oath not to harm my HeavenlyMatch. As long as he believes you are the one to break my curse, he cannot have you killed.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Why would he swear not to hurtme?”

“Dragons have some honor” was all Elang would say, rather tightly. “Even my grandfather.”

That wasn’t particularly reassuring. “What if he doesn’t believe I’m the one?”

“You’re a swindler, aren’t you?Makehim believe.”

It was a struggle, holding back my glare. “I’ll try.”

“You will.” His tone matched mine then, quiet and firm. “I’ve seen the lengths you’ll go to, to protect your family. You should know, I would not have selected you if I didn’t believe you up to the task.”

Was he threatening me or offering a compliment? Whatever it was, his gaze was resolute, both eyes—light and dark—unwavering. He meant it.

“Then I have no more questions,” I said. “I’ll come withyou.”

An invisible string lifted Elang’s chin. “I have your word?”

The way he said it, almost a whisper, made me look up. Had I heard the faintest trace of hope in his voice?

“Yes, you have my word…but only as a human.”

A half laugh. “That’s all I can ask for.”

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