If Sorscha hadn’t appeared when she did and distracted us, either Kylian or I would be dead.
She and I brought Kai to the healer together. He was in such bad shape, he missed the wedding altogether.
That was the day we became friends.
It makes me sick to see that Kylian’s old habits still rage as hard as ever. He’ll never admit it, but Kai is a threat. He just doesn’t know it yet.
Grains of sand cling to my back as I sit up and wipe the sweat from my eyes. I push to my feet and start running again, simply to avoid cuddling up with Serena, Zadyn, and Kai.
There’s no room for me in there.
And that’s fine. I prefer being alone.
27
SERENA
“We need to get on the road.” Jace stands above me, blocking out the bright sun at its midday peak. “We’re pushing it by staying here any longer.”
“Furi isn’t ready to fly yet.”
I squint down the beach toward my dragon, lapping up saltwater from the ocean. Sometimes I don’t know how a creature so ancient and wise can be so dumb.
“My shield is thinning, Serena. We need to move.”
“I can’t leave her, Jace. It’s out of the question. Where will we even go?”
“We could head back to the city,” Zadyn suggests, his eyes linking with that female—Ilayna—who’s rejoined us. “I’ve been renting a place for us. We can hide out, just for a day or two until she’s ready to fly again.”
I frown, making my way over to Furi’s side to smooth her warm scales. “Where will she stay?”
Here. I will stay here. You must go.
No, Furi.
I will be fine, Blackblood.
I don’t like leaving you like this.
She blinks a giant green eye at me.I can protect myself. I’ve been doing it in my sleep for two thousand years.
I roll my eyes.I don’t trust Kylian.
I can hear you now, wherever you are. You must go. Stay hidden. When I can fly, I will call.
If you hear so much as a tree rustle, I want you to call me. Okay? Promise. I will rip Kylian apart if he touches you.
So will I. Now go.
Her head swings, nudging me forward with her snout.
“Well?” Jace prods.
Furi gives a light growl in response to his voice. She’s never been his greatest fan.
“She said to go. She’ll stay here until she’s fully healed, and then she’ll call me.”
“Alright. Good. Let’s move.”
