Page 111 of At the Edge of Surrender

My stomach twisted at his vulnerability. At the way he could read mine.

That chain that shackled us cinching tight, tugging between us on a keening bow. I had no idea where it’d gotten its power. How it was possible that he affected me this way.

I shouldn’t delve any deeper, but there was no stopping the question, and I wasn’t entirely sure if it was some kind of jealousy driving the question. Wondering if he’d ever had someone who’d gripped him by the soul.

Wondering if that’s exactly what he’d done to mine.

Me

Who?

It took forever before he finally responded.

Dragon

My mother.

Sorrow flooded out with the response, and I felt swamped with it, as if my mattress had become a pool of his grief.

Me

I’m so sorry.

Dragon

It was a long time ago.

Me

But it doesn’t change the pain, does it?

Maybe it got distorted. The edges worn out and frayed. But it would always be there.

Dragon

No.

The single word came through, and I watched as the bubbles jumped then paused then jumped again.

Dragon

I wasn’t strong enough to protect her from the ones who hurt her. I failed her. Something that won’t ever happen again.

I thought he was all wrong, and he might not be the dragon after all. Because even if he was battle-worn, I could see him in his armor.

A white knight standing for what was right.

Was I crazy for thinking it?

For trusting him the way he’d asked me to?

When I could feel the shroud of secrets hovering around him? Storm clouds that darkened and concealed?

Me

I trust you with her.

My stomach tightened. I wanted to trust him with myself, too.

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