Page 47 of The Lost Siren

I had to agree. Domik sighed.

“As for Benedict, there are several things that could mean. Perhaps he knows where the lost daughter is, but she is a captive. Or she could be dead, and he knows that knowledge will destroy the Drakens here. Taking away hope is a dangerous, deadly business. As for staying within the mountain, many would argue his job as King is simply to keep as many Drakens alive for as long as possible. In this regard, he has done his duty admirably.”

I stood and ran my hands through my hair. It was easier to have more sympathy for Benedict when I realized what a weight he carried on his shoulders. He likely hadno oneto confide in. I turned back to Domik.

“Do you think she’s dead?”

He shook his head, a small smile at the corner of his mouth.

“No. I think Benedict knows exactly where she is; he has a few extra abilities as King that we don’t. It makes sense to me that she is alive, but out of reach. After all, wouldn’t she be subjected to the same curse of immortality we are?”

That did seem like a nice perk. Domik, came around the table and sat across from me, folding his hands neatly in front of him. I latched onto another subject.

“Can you tell me about the last female Draken? Rhyfel?”

Domik’s eyes grew dark.

“There isn’t much to tell. She wasn’t a member of the royal family, and not particularly gifted with white or black magicks. She tried for years to have her own Draken young, and this pregnancy was her first.”

How awful to finally have your dreams come true, but only in your darkest hour.

“Who was her mate?” I ventured, wondering if he was here in the fortress. Domik flipped opened a book, only half paying attention to me.

“He died a week prior to her capture, which was probably a blessing. He likely would have died in a misguided attempt to rescue her. Draken instincts are a great strength, but also our greatest weakness.”

The library fell silent, the only sound Georg’s fingers running over the book spines, counting the colors of the different tomes.

“What can you tell me about D’Arcy?”

He gave me a bemused look and started flipping through another book. “The king’s uncle? What do you need to know about him?”

I shifted uncomfortably. How did you go about asking if someone was a traitor?

“I just think there’s more to him than he lets on.” A twinkle glimmered in Domik’s eyes, and I thought some flattery with the reclusive Draken may work in my favor. It had worked for Bair, after all.

“You notice things that the others don’t, I bet,” I began, putting a hand on his shoulder. “You probably know everything about everyone!”

Domik preened a bit, his wings flaring upwards. I felt Kieran and Ronan stiffen behind me, aware that I was lying through my teeth.

“You’re not wrong.” Domik trilled. “I do know quite a bit about every Draken here. D’Arcy though, he is aninterestingone. He is the only Draken that always wears a shirt or tunic. Did you notice that?”

“Benedict said it was magick gone wrong.”

Domik shook his head. “Half of a truth! Benedict was supposed to be part of the rescue party that day with King Fane, to rescue Rhyfel. As it was, he had been wounded fleeing from battle, and forced to stay behind. Thank the gods he had!”

Thank the gods, indeed.

“When D’Arcy returned alone, Benedict’s fury was terrifying as he challenged D’Arcy in an honor match. D’Arcy tried to perform white magick to protect himself, but it backfired, exploding and killing three other Drakens. It burned the skin down to the bone on his shoulder, Benedict figured it was punishment enough.Thatis why we wears a tunic.”

I blinked, trying to take it all in. Domik continued.

“D’Arcy loves intrigue and games of wit; he is manipulative of other Drakens and loves to cause discord, just to see what will happen. He is a white chaotic force to Benedict’s controlled darkness.” Domik froze, as if just remembering who he was speaking to.

“Or at least, that’s just myopinion.”

I snorted. After another hour or so, Georg’s stomach started rumbling, and mine grumbled in sympathy. It was the first time I'd felt hunger in a few days, so Kieran and Ronan were quick to usher me up and out of the library. I convinced them to go on ahead and send for food, so it was there waiting for me. They were so relieved I was willing to eat that they left me alone with Georg without another thought, rushing ahead to prepare.

I still didn’t feel well but having something else to focus on for a few hours had done wonders for my mood. I allowed Georg to lead me back to my quarters, but halfway there my legs gave out, weak and unsteady. I was confused by my sudden bout of weakness and reached for Georg.

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