Page 71 of Empire of Death
He shook his head.
“You said you see everything…”
“When I know where to look. I knew their previous location, but they’re a blade of grass on the sea now. Though we know where they’re headed.”
“I hope we make it there first.”
“There’s a chance of victory either way. With their ships trapped against the shore, you’ll have your opportunity to destroy them. And once those ships are gone, you can call for aid from your dragons.”
“Perhaps…” If Zehemoth ever wanted to talk to me again.
His eyes were like daggers that penetrated my flesh. “What is the meaning ofSunieth?”
It took me a moment to understand the question, the subject changing from the war on the horizon. “Sister.”
He nodded slightly.
“You can hear Zehemoth’s thoughts?” I asked in surprise.
“No.”
“Then where did you hear that? He’s the only one who calls me that.”
“Hawk said it in your last conversation.”
Realization hit me, recalling the nickname he hardly ever used.
“I wish I could hear both sides of your conversation with Zehemoth. Not to pry, but to understand. I know the two of you have a deep relationship. It’s the one part of you that remains a mystery to me.”
“We’re close. Have been since he was born. We grew up together. I watched him learn how to fly. We’ve had our ups and downs like any two friends, but the love is there.”
“What ups and downs do you speak of?”
“Well, a couple years ago, I told him I didn’t want to rule the Southern Isles. Asked him to keep it to himself because I didn’t want my father to know. But he told his father, who told mine. Obviously, my father and I worked it out and everything was fine, but it still bothered me that he betrayed my trust.”
“Have you shared this resentment with him?”
“I don’t resent him.”
“But it’s something that still bothers you. That qualifies as resentment.”
“No, I haven’t talked to him about it. I’m sure he didn’t mean to. He wouldn’t hurt me on purpose.”
“Then perhaps a conversation would be beneficial. That way, you can forgive him.”
My eyes dropped down to the map on the table between us. “Maybe. But right now, we’re in the middle of another spat.”
“I felt the tension of your parting.”
“He said he wanted to come, and I said no.” My eyes stayed on the map, picturing eyes as dark as midnight…and as mad as the underworld.
“A dragon’s instinct is to protect their hatchlings and kin. If he considers you a sister, then letting you go must go against his nature.”
“I know, but it’s too dangerous.”
“And now I understand why you’ve rejected his offer to fuse.”
My eyes lifted to his again.
