Page 84 of Marked Dragon

“Is that them?” Vlad’s cornflower-blue eyes reflected the rising moonlight, now that darkness surrounded us.

“Yes, but Tyson’s reddish color is lighter than it was.” Saphira’s eyes narrowed. “Like a shade lighter. And he isn’t flying wobbly like before.”

The two dragons descended and landed in the open area beside us.

Tyson flapped his wings and threw his head back, roaring faintly before taking to the sky again.

“You did it, Thorn.” Cassidy beamed, her attention locked on Tyson. “I’m so proud of you.”

I’d expected the pride to return to Thorn, but the bond constricted in a way that stunned me.

He said he felt different, and his color has changed.Thorn’s breathing turned ragged.I don’t know what that means.

You had to use some of the ancestors’ essence to make his dragon whole. Maybe that’s the result.I burrowed into his side, placing my head on his shoulder.It makes sense that it would no longer be exactly the same magic, and he did say it felt mostly the same, just a little odd. Maybe that’s why. To heal him, you had to change him a little. But the point is, you did heal him, Thorn.I needed him to focus on the miracle.No one but you could’ve done that. Now he won’t be in danger, like before.

A happy lightness filled our bond, and when he smiled, my heart skipped a beat. The anger disappeared as he watched Tyson fly high into the sky.

This was what he’d needed. A true win. Maybe…just maybe…he’d stop seeing the magic as a curse and understand the possibilities it could open for his people—the safety he could provide.

* * *

The next fewdays were rewarding. I was competent enough to hold my own, and Tyson joined the dragons’ training. His enthusiasm was better than anything else to make the atmosphere feel less threatening. He’d acclimated to his dragon, which he found to be more similar to his original dragon than he’d feared. All he’d needed to do was shift and fly with it for them to settle in with each other.

Eva still hadn’t decided whether she wanted to become a dragon, and I was thankful she wasn’t rushing into anything. It wasn’t a decision to take lightly. Thorn had agreed to turn Elliott, but only after Eva had made her final decision, regardless of what she landed on.

Saphira and I were in the middle of a fight. She stood in front of me, waiting for me to make a move. Despite the chill of the late May breeze, our bodies were slick with sweat.

Not wanting to disappoint, I glanced at her stomach to make her think I was going to kick. When she shifted her weight to protect that area, I lifted my leg to continue the ruse and tapped her jaw. We’d agreed on no hard hits to the face.

She frowned and gritted her teeth. “Dammit! That’s the second time I’ve fallen for that!” She settled back into a fighter’s pose.

“That’s good,” Vlad called from his corner where he was sparring with Tyson. “You’re learning your weak spots. Keep it up.”

He was an excellent teacher. Tough when needed but also encouraging when someone felt discouraged.

I prepared myself. The one thing I’d learned about Saphira was that, when she was emotional, she tended to be rash.

Ev, Theron is here,Thorn connected with me from his spot with Eva, Elliott, and Peter in front of the barn.I thought you might want to know.

Hearing his voice, I was slow to notice Saphira’s kick and pain exploded in my stomach, and I doubled over, falling to the ground.

“Whoa!” Saphira squealed. “Everly, I’m so sorry. I thought you’d block it.”

Eyes burning and blurring, I hissed through my teeth. I had let Thorn distract me, and now I was paying the price.

Everly, what happened?Thorn’s voice popped into my head.I’m on my way.

My thoughts were scrambled, but I knew he needed to stay there with Peter. There was no telling what he’d say or do around Theron if one of us wasn’t with them.I’m fine. Stay with Peter and Theron. I’ll be there soon. Saphira kicked my ass. That’s all.

His dragon roared.

It was my fault, not hers.Unable to see the world around me through my unshed tears, I watched a blurry form hurry over to me and place a hand on my shoulder. A musky cinnamon scent wafted around me.

Vlad.

“Hey, you okay?” he asked, concern thick in each word.

My skin prickled, indicating that everyone was watching me. I hadn’t gotten hurt like this before, meaning I’d royally screwed up. I gritted, “Yeah. Thorn connected with me and said Theron is here.”

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