Ferrula raised an eyebrow. “Good. I expectmanyorgasms as penance for your lack of judgment.”
Silence.
Then Riven choked on her laugh, Naia shook her head, and Tae looked suddenly fascinated with the knot in his boot laces.
I bit my lip hard enough to sting.
Jax just grinned wider, unbothered and clearly proud. “Of course.”
Ferrula didn’t smile, but her gaze lingered on him a moment longer than necessary, and when she turned away, her expression was softer than I’d ever seen it.
And somehow, despite the blood and bruises… it felt like Thrall Squad was finally breathing again.
Riven broke the quiet first, her voice low and tight with worry. “Has anyone heard from Cordelle?”
We all paused, the question hanging in the air heavier than it should’ve been.
I sat up straighter, tension coiling in my chest. Cordelle was dependable. Predictable. He didn’t just disappear.
Without responding aloud, I reached out through the tether.
Zander.
A pause. Then a flicker of warmth, tired and strained.
Is Cordelle on a mission? For the crown?
No,Zander answered. I could feel his frustration pressing against the words.
Are you okay?I asked.
A beat. Then,Yes. But Inderia is making my life hell. I’m trying to find her a suitable husband to get out of this engagement. Our negotiations are... not going well.
I winced.
I’m sorry,I offered.Good luck.
I cut the connection gently and turned back to the squad.
“He’s not on any official mission.”
Riven’s brows drew together. “So he’s just… gone?”
The others looked at me, but I could see the silent exchange between them—they didn’t know about the private channel between Zander and me, but theydidknow our dragons could speak to each other.
“Do we look for him?” Riven asked.
Ferrula didn’t hesitate.
She reached for her armor, strapping on her breastplate with swift, practiced movements. “If he’s not back in an hour,” she said, voice like stone, “we search the castle.”
No one argued.
Because when one of us vanished?—
We didn’t wait.
Tension ran high in the barracks.
