Everybody in the room glared at me.
“What?” I blurted.
“Shut up, Rorik,” Alaric said, not unkindly. “We don’t do that self-deprecating wallowing here.” His gaze softened. “And it worries me how much you sound like Poppy when you say that.”
My stomach twisted. Poppy wouldn’t tell me the truth, not even after rekindling our friendship. Had he told anybody at all? Or was he burdened by it all by himself?
“Maybe if he agrees to return, Viol will agree to do the Games,” I suggested.
“Poppy’s had an open invitation every single season,” Jade pointed out. “And he’s accepted them all, knowing that the bachelor wasn’t Viol. Biding his time, perhaps. Or seeking an opportunity to talk with Viol.”
Alaric scoffed. “And he always helps other people win. It’s annoying.”
My heart squeezed. Poppy had helped me during two challenges, too. Had he gone out of his way to assist other omegas every time? When would he finally help himself?
“I’ll talk to Poppy,” I said.
“Whatever you do, don’t encourage him to stay here on the island between seasons,” Alaric warned. “I tried that and he didnotlike it. Said he wouldn’t be someone’s dog, sitting alone in a corner.”
I took Alaric’s caution to heart, but it only fueled my concern for my friend.
I soughtout Poppy as he prepared to pack up and leave the island. His hotel room was empty, save for a single beat-up suitcase. He’d always been naturally tidy and organized, though I suspected his speedy packing was due to practice from recurring visits on the show.
“So, what did you want to talk about?” Poppy asked, folding the last shirt.
I didn’t come all this way just to lie to him, but I figured opening with good news would be best.
“Saffron and I are expecting,” I told him, unable to hold back a smile despite my worry.
Poppy fumbled the shirt with a gasp. “Oh, Rorik!” He flew to hug me. His thin arms felt like twigs poking into my big belly. “I’m so happy. You have no idea…”
Tears made his eyes glisten.
“You were right about everything,” I said. “Sorry for ever doubting you.”
He shook his head, smiling ruefully. “You deserve all the credit. All I did was encourage you to give dragons a chance.”
“I’m glad I did.” I paused to gather my words. Not for the first time, I wished I was better at speaking. “Poppy, you’re coming back next season, right?”
He pulled away and blinked up at me, then averted his gaze. “I don’t know. Am I?” he asked softly. “The only bachelor left is…”
His voice trailed off. He lapsed into silence.
“Back on the hill, when I fought Kaskian,” I began carefully. “Did that upset you?”
A momentary flash of pain skirted across Poppy’s warm brown eyes.
“No, it wasn’t you,” he murmured. “It just… reminded me of something.”
I spoke as gently as I could muster. “You still haven’t told me what happened that day.”
“I overreacted.”
“Not during the challenge. I meant when Viol attacked our clan.”
A visible shudder rippled over Poppy. He sat on the bed. His gaze was distant.
I wouldn’t let him face this alone. I slid next to him, hesitated, then put my arm comfortingly around his small shoulders. Back in our clan, omegas were discouraged from showing platonic affection to each other. It had taken me a while to clear that conditioning from my mind. Saffron and his family taught me that displaying fondness was okay—and if anybody needed that, it was Poppy.
