Page 93 of Upon Buried Embers
More importantly, do I trust myself to even make this decision when everything has always been decided for me in my life?
The other dragons look at me, and for once, I don’t feel scared of them. If anything, I feel safe in their presence right now.
Something wet suddenly slides down my cheek.
“Eww,” I groan, looking up at Escor, he’s watching me, black tongue out. “Gods, you’re like an unruly child.” He tilts his head to the side, and his tail bounces up and down. I smile despite it all, and walk to the center of the cave and lay down, looking up at Escor as he follows me.
“Hi Escor,” I whisper to him as he curls around me. “Can…can I tell you a secret?”
Twenty Three
Rohan
It’s after dark and she hasn’t returned.
I pace my cabin, cracking my neck. I shouldn’t have left her there to begin with, but I wanted her to make a choice on her own.
I wanted her to make the choice to come tome,and she hasn’t.
I continue pacing, giving her a little more time.
For her to have run to my dragon’s den,cryingon her own and searching for safety after overhearing Rhett telling me to sell her on… what has her Master done to her for her to go there?
She’s coming around to them, but she’s still scared of them.
Scared of everything it seems. That’s why I tried not to look at her body too much. Fear of what I would do, the control I would lose.
I’ve seen some scars on her, little lines on her back in particular, but nothing that shows anything horrific.
I stop my pacing.
I know better than anyone that scars don’t have to be visible to exist.
I chastise myself, running a hand down my face.
This tiny woman has me conflicted. I’m a hard man, never been soft to anyone apart from my mother. Yet with her, I find myself wanting to protect her.
I keep telling myself it’s because she’s different too, not like other Dragorie. But it’s more than that, I feel it.
Know it.
Looking at the door, I decide enough is enough. She isn’t ready to make a decision, so I will continue to do it for her until she can.
I leave the cabin.
Sheshouldbe here by now.
She looked so scared at the thought of me selling her, but she’s mine. I found her and I’ll keep her.
I’ll figure something else out. I have to.
Until you have no choice.
I growl the thought away and grit my teeth.
Fuck it.
I pick up the pace and before I know it, I’m running.
