Page 161 of Cursed Evermore
“Thank you. My training is going great.” I played along, but given what I knew about Dreynthor, I couldn't help wondering why she didn't know the truth.
Wolfe had specifically cautioned me against talking to anyone whowasn'ton the ship about the ring, the mission,andmyself. It seemed she was included in that category. Perhaps he was protecting her. The less she knew, the less she could accidentally reveal if questioned by someone like Dreynthor.
With that in mind, it was best she didn't know who I truly was. I wouldn't want her,or anyone else, to hand me over to the citadel.
“Arielle is one of the finest mages and such a kind-hearted pleasure. That said, she just worships Wolfe a little too much for my liking.” She waved a dismissive hand.
“Does she?” My smile felt strained. Arielle had been nothing but kind to me. I would hate to seem like I was gossiping about her.
“You'll see what I mean when you spend more time with her.” Zyrra's expression softened. “That aside, I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself here.”
“Thanks.”
That melody still echoed in my bones, and the thought struck me that she might have heard it. Or maybe it had come from her? “Were you by any chance singing just now?”
“Me?” Her brows lifted and she laughed. “Oh no. Sadly, singing isn't among my talents.”
“Did you hear music? A melody?”
She drew in a slow breath, curiosity sharpening her features. “I heard nothing. What kind of melody was it?”
“It came from over there.” I gestured toward the distant caves, and her lips parted in surprise. “It was so enchanting I couldn't resist following it.”
Zyrra's gaze flicked between me and the jagged cave entrance, wonder creeping into her expression. “Dragons nest in those caves. I think... you may have heard their song.”
My heart stuttered. “Dragons cansing?”
“They can. But hearing them...” She studied me with new intensity, as if trying to see beneath my skin. “That's an extraordinarily rare gift. I've never known a mage capable of such a thing.”
The bottom dropped out of my stomach, and the ground seemed to shift beneath my feet. “Really?”
She nodded, slow and certain. “Yes. To be honest, it's a rare skill for anyone. I’m from a dragon blood line and I’ve never heard them, so I suppose you're even more special than you knew.” She sounded intrigued, but I was having trouble breathing as I processed what she'd revealed.
First, I'd portalled, a skill known to high-level mages and beings, now I could hear dragons singing.A rare skill.
I didn't know what to make of it.
“Don't look so frightened.” She reached out and tapped my shoulder gently. “You probably didn't know you had such a talent because mages don't usually have anything to do with dragons.”
“Oh, that makes sense.” I considered the possibility. “I'd love to see the dragons.”
“If you could hear them singing, it means you're meant to see them.” Her smile brightened, reaching her eyes. “Perhaps next time, they'll sing longer and show you the way to find them.”
“Wow, is that how it works?”
“So I've been told. My father and brothers loved regaling me with tales of dragon songs. They have a melody for different memories they share with those who can hear them.” She gave me a fond smile. “You'll have to let me know what happens when you see them.”
“Sure, if I get the chance.” My gaze drifted to the caves once more. Wolfe didn't want me anywhere near them. I was more than aware that dragons were dangerous creatures, but that didn't mean I didn't want to at least catch a glimpse of them. Especially since I could hear them singing.
“Elariya,” Arielle's voice suddenly echoed around us, pulling me from my thoughts.
Gods. It was time to do the spell. I looked back at Zyrra and gave her an appreciative smile. “I'd better get going. Will I see you at dinner later?”
Zyrra's smile faded. “No. Maybe some other time. Wolfe and I aren't speaking at the moment.”
“Oh.” I was surprised, though at the same time, I could imagine Wolfe offending her. They seemed like complete opposites. “I'm sorry to hear that.”
“You're very sweet. Wolfe and I are often at odds with each other. I've just been coming here to tend to the flower garden. Our mother grew these.” She pointed to a cluster of custard-yellow roses across from us that beamed with such radiance they looked like they'd been infused with pure sunlight.
