Page 150 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
He could understand why she’d be upset. It would mean far fewer to keep the dragon world in line, and that much more pressure for the remaining slayers to keep their bloodlines going. Bailey wouldn’t be included in that since their offspring would have shifter blood to counteract the slayer side.
“I overheard several sorcerers from the coalition were killed and two locals,” Rayna said.
Aidan frowned. “Any that we know?”
“One was Javier’s, but that’s all I’m sure about.”
The sorcerer had lost a female apprentice earlier in the war and was undoubtedly upset over another loss. Javier could be ruthless to get what he wanted, but he genuinely cared for his people. Aidan could understand and respect that.
“Damage in Norman?” he asked.
Bailey gave him a tightlipped smile. “A few neighborhoods took damage from fire or falling dragon bodies, but thankfully most of the battle happened over open land with few homes. Xanath’s tornado took out a lot of trees and leveled some farmhouses. I’ve heard parts of the west side of Oklahoma City got hit worse, but most of that area is still standing.”
“Okay,” he said, glancing at the sky. “It’s getting dark. We should clean up, eat, and plan our strategy for tomorrow.”
The recovery of bodies was best done in daylight, and everyone was still exhausted from the long war. He wouldn’t force anyone to work too many hours when he knew they needed rest and time to come to terms with their losses. Tomorrow,they’d finish recovery efforts, and the day after that, the funerals. He already had a team digging graves in preparation.
“I’ll head to the village then,” Rayna said, gesturing in that direction.
She still had her horse and personal items stored at Bailey’s brother’s home. By some miracle, only one house there suffered some roof damage. Everyone else was able to return to their residences after the war ended.
“Good.” Aidan met her gaze. “But I’ll expect you in the great hall for the midday meal.”
Surprise flickered in the slayer’s eyes. “But I didn’t think I was welcome there.”
“You’ve more than earned your right to dine with us,” he said solemnly.
She’d only been allowed limited visits until now and no meals within the castle. He’d heard of her bravery while fighting in the south, and he’d seen it firsthand the night before. Aidan could hardly deny such a brave woman a place at his table.
He smiled. “I’d invite your horse as well, but he wouldn’t be a good fit. We will make certain he gets the best oats and hay in reward for his services, though.”
They couldn’t very well have him going around eating the dead.
“Oh.” She grimaced. “You heard.”
“That he killed Kandoran and consumed their flesh? Yes. Word did reach me.”
Bailey laughed. “Only you would have a horse like that.”
Rayna shrugged. “I suspect it’s the long-term use of the fireproof potion. He started acting differently after about six months and did more strange things as time went on over the years. Eating dragons was new, though.”
“I remember him licking them before,” Bailey said, shaking her head.
Aidan cleared his throat. “I think we’ll have to consider these potions will have side effects with long-term use and warn everyone that it would be good to limit their use.”
“Definitely,” Rayna agreed.
They parted ways. Aidan and Bailey headed for the castle and let out sighs of relief when they arrived at their rooms. Early that morning, they’d barely had the energy to wash the grime away and collapse onto the bed. This time, they took thorough baths and put on nicer outfits than they’d worn in many weeks.
“You look beautiful,” Aidan said, gazing up and down at Bailey.
She grinned. “Thank you. It’s weird being this clean.”
The slayer still wore black camrium, but the tunic and pants had no rips or holes. Her thick, black hair was down and loose, tempting him to run his fingers through it. While dark circles still lined her eyes, at least her skin was unmarred by injury for once.
“If I weren’t so hungry, I’d be tempted to take you to bed now”
Bailey snorted. “Orion would have a fit. We promised he could eat the midday meal with us, and we should spend time with him.”
