Page 205 of Upon Buried Embers
“The dragons, they’ll die.”
Forty Eight
Elf
We land at the front of camp. Rohan’s welcomed by the rest of the clan, and surprisingly, so am I.
“Ewf!” Melle runs up to me.
“Hi.” She crashes into me, and I pick her up, smiling wide. “How have you been?”
“I went and caut a fwish in the wiver.”
I gasp. “You did?” She nods, looking proud. “Wow. Well done!”
She giggles, and I spot Nora coming over, clearing her throat. “She wants you to come with us some day.”
I swallow, my chest feeling warm.
“I would love to,” I tell her softly, and she nods.
“Come on Melle, let’s help prepare the food.”
“Okway!”
They walk off and I feel burning eyes on me—Rohan. My cheeks heat as he licks his lips, eyes darkening.
I blow out a breath. I know that look, it’s the one he gave me before he adorned his mask and chased me. I eye it on his hip,wondering when we can do it again. The moment is broken when Kaldar pulls his attention away from me.
“How are you, dear?” Asseya comes up to me, giving me an unexpected hug.
It’s awkward for a moment, but then I lean into her embrace, feeling warm inside.
“I’m okay.”
She pulls back and takes my face in her hands. “I’m sorry for what has happened to you. With Darcia and Rhett.” I tense, and she tuts at me. “You’re not in trouble, but I fear I may be if I don’t release you soon. Your Dragonbond would have smoke coming out of his nose if he were a dragon.”
I turn to look at Rohan strolling our way, Sparks still in his grip and I smile.
“Ahh,” Asseya says, and when I look back at her, her eyes are kind. “It seems you do have a Dragonbond at your back, after all.”
My cheeks heat and she cackles, patting my arm. “I shall see you later.”
I watch her go, hearing the dragons in the distance and smile to myself.
I’m home.
“Welcome back!” I turn to Beau and smile softly. I’ve let go of some of my hurt since he helped me in The Glade. “Tofa is in the stables, want to come and say hi with me?” He lifts the bucket of apples.
“Sure.” I look at Rohan who holds Sparks by the scruff of his neck and he nods, though he glares at Beau as we walk off.
“He’s scary,” he shivers, and I nod.
“He certainly can be.”
“But not to you, right?” My cheeks heat and he laughs. “I’m happy for you,” he says. “What better way to make sure you are safe than to have him next to you?”
I smile because he’s right. “I’m thankful, though it’s scary.”
