Page 76 of City of Secrets and Shadows
“Maintain altitude!” Ferris shouted from below. “Complete the circuit around the eastern tower!”
“Duty calls,” Jalend said dryly. “Try not to give the Legate an apoplexy before noon.” With a subtle shift of his weight, he guided his bronze into a perfect banking turn.
The rest of us banked in unison, dragons moving through the air with deadly grace. I stole a glance at Jalend, even more curious about him now. He rode with casual confidence, onehand resting loosely on his dragon’s neck, his body moving instinctively with each shift and turn. This was no novice rider.
For the next hour, we performed increasingly complex manoeuvres around the academy grounds. Sirrax responded to my lightest touch, to the subtlest shift of my weight, as if he could read my mind. Perhaps he could. Our connection hummed between us, stronger than ever before, a bridge of understanding that transcended words.
When Ferris finally called us down, satisfaction rippled through Sirrax’s consciousness and into mine. We’d outperformed every other pair, even Jalend and his bronze, executing turns and dives with a precision that drew grudging nods from the instructors and sullen glares from most of the other cadets.
“Dismount and report to the changing rooms,” Ferris ordered as we landed. His eyes narrowed when they fell on me. “Cantius, remain behind.”
I slipped from Sirrax’s back, patting his neck in silent thanks before approaching the Legate. His weathered face was set in lines of disapproval, but something else lurked in his eyes — calculation, perhaps.
“That display was reckless, undisciplined, and completely outside protocol,” he said, voice low enough that the departing cadets couldn’t hear.
I kept my face carefully neutral. “Yes, legatus.”
“It was also the finest flying I’ve seen from a competitor in two decades.”
I blinked, caught off-guard by the unexpected praise.
“Don’t look so surprised, Cantius. I recognize skill when I see it.” His eyes flicked to Sirrax, who watched us with unnerving intensity.
“We... understand each other, legatus.”
Ferris studied me, his expression unreadable. “Indeed. Well, next time, follow formation protocols or your progression through the trials will be halted regardless. Dismissed.”
I hurried toward the changing rooms, mind racing. Praise from Ferris was as rare as rain in the desert. I was still processing his words when I pushed open the heavy door to find the room filled with female cadets in various states of undress.
Conversation died as I entered, a dozen pairs of eyes tracking my movement across the stone floor. I ignored them, focusing on removing my flight leathers with efficient movements.
“Well, if it isn’t our star performer,” Valeria’s voice cut through the silence. “Such... dramatic flying. One might think you were trying to compensate for something.”
I continued changing, methodically unfastening buckles and straps.
“I’m speaking to you, Cantius,” she said, stepping closer.
I turned to face her, keeping my expression neutral. “I heard you, Valeria. I simply had nothing to say.”
Her eyes narrowed, the perfect oval of her face tightening with anger. “You think you’re special because you have a dragon? Because you can fly a few fancy tricks?”
“I think I completed the flight trial successfully,” I replied, pulling my clean tunic over my head. “As did you. Congratulations.”
My disinterest seemed to infuriate her more than any insult could have. She stepped closer, her expensive perfume wafting between us.
“It seems the legate isn’t the only one who's eye you’ve caught,” Valeria continued, her tone shifting to false sweetness. “Lord Varin couldn’t take his eyes off you this morning. Quite the... dedicated admirer.”
“Lord Varin’s attentions are neither sought nor welcomed.”
“Oh, how charming. She thinks she has a choice.” Valeria laughed, a sound without warmth. “Varin always gets what he wants, Cantius. Always. Ask any girl who’s caught his interest before.”
Something in her tone made my skin crawl. I glanced up to see several girls exchanging knowing looks, their expressions a mixture of sympathy and relief — the faces of those who had escaped a predator’s notice.
“I’m not concerned,” I said, unlacing my boots with deliberate calm.
“No?” Valeria leaned closer, lowering her voice. “You should be. The last girl who refused him took nearly a storm to recover from her injuries.” She straightened, smoothing her immaculate uniform. “But perhaps you’ll be lucky. Perhaps he’ll grow bored before it comes to that.”
She gathered her things with exaggerated leisure, gesturing to the other girls. “Come along. We have a dance tonight and I want time to get ready.”
