Page 67 of The Gilded Ones

“Well, he doesn’t seem like the type to eat cooked food. And from the way he follows you, it looks like he’s used to having a caretaker. So how are you going to feed him?”

I pause. I hadn’t thought of that.

As I frown, considering the answer, a splash draws my attention to the pond. Ixa is swimming out of it in his drakos form, a fish wriggling in his jaws. He snaps down half of it, then offers the rest to me.

I nudge it back. You can have it, I say.

De…ka? Ixa asks, uncertain.

Eat, I tell him.

He obeys, gulping down the other half of the fish.

“Well, that takes care of that,” Britta says, and sighs.

But now there’s a horrified expression on Belcalis’s face. “It can’t change into human form, can it?”

I whirl to Ixa. Can you?

De…ka? Ixa seems confused by the notion. He starts nuzzling at my feet.

“I don’t think so,” I say, sitting down so Ixa can get comfortable on my lap. I pet him and he rumbles, licking the blood crusting my shoulder.

Don’t do that in front of them, I tell him.

He immediately stops, cocking his head up at me.

Belcalis’s eyes narrow. “You’re talking to it, aren’t you,” she says – a statement, not a question.

“Him,” I correct her. “And yes, I hear his voice in my head…and I talk back the same way.”

Britta gasps. “Ye said none of that to White Hands, Deka!”

“Because I didn’t want to give her any information that might turn her against Ixa! You wanted to know why I thought he was safe. This is why. I can hear him…although he barely speaks, really. I think he’s a baby.” I look up at her. “You won’t tell White Hands, will you?”

Britta rolls her eyes, then puffs out a breath. “No, I’ll let ye and her sort it out.”

“Thanks, Britta,” I say, smiling.

She sighs. “I know ye think I’m being silly, but I’m worried about ye, Deka. Ye keep changing an’ not in normal ways. I’m afraid for ye.” There’s a note in her voice, a plea that forces me to my feet.

“I’m all right, Britta, really,” I say, walking over and embracing her. “Everything is all right.”

She groans. “Just make sure that’s true.”

It’s my turn to nod.

I glance over to Belcalis. “You said he’s used to having a caretaker. Do you think he thinks I’m his mother?” I ask.

Belcalis shrugs, kneeling down, then reaches out to him. Ixa lets out a welcoming chirp, and she begins petting him. “He’s so soft,” she murmurs. “And he doesn’t seem unfriendly. White Hands did say you could keep him?” she asks, glancing between me and Britta.

“She said she’d try to learn more about him, which means he’s here to stay.” I lift Ixa up, kiss his fat little cheeks. “Yes, you are, aren’t you, Ixa?”

Ixa chirps, rubs his face against mine.

Britta groans. “Just don’t let it sleep on my bed.”

“Him,” I correct.

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