“Would like another phoenix,” Sol chirps. “There’s room in the roost.”
I think about it and decide I’m utterly complete. But love isn’t finite, so I imagine I’d have loved a fourth firebird just as much as I love these three. “I’m happy just the way we are.”
But being happy doesn’t stop the usual questions from pushing into my head. Having a real family now doesn’t mean I won’t continue to wonder who and what my birth parents were, and why they gave me up.
We fly around Upper Drayke Lake and the forest beyond Drayke Mountain until Embersol cools down. When she finally does, she goes from a baby’s boundless energy to barely keeping her eyes open, and Fyrestar and I have to carry her home.
I’m on the mid-mountain terrace enjoying the sunshine, autumn views, and a bit of alone time. It’s quiet and peaceful until Bale flies over the stone railing, scaring me half to death.
“Blazing stars.” My hand flies to my chest. “One second there’s nothing but blue sky and then…” I wave my hand at the huge black-and-crimson dragon in front of me. “You.”
Bale transforms with a frown already firmly in place, his booted feet carrying him toward me after his scales and fangs recede. “Stay vigilant, and nothing will startle you.”
“This is literally the safest place in Ellonrift,” I toss back, my pulse still thumping like dragon wings. “I thought I could let my guard down.”
“You were half asleep out in the open. That’s never a good idea.”
“Fine. Sorry, Your Majesty. It won’t happen again.”
His eyes narrow at my tone, and shadows swirl over his skin like thunderclouds creeping over a mountain.
“Bring Rimblaze with you to Porthwood tomorrow. He’ll be your wing guard.”
I gape in shock. “He’s not ready. He hasn’t passed his tests.” Did I think my heart was pounding before? Now it’s violent. “And who’ll look after Sol while Fyrestar and I are gone?”
“Embersol is perfectly capable of hunting by herself and flying back through the right window to go home.” His expression softens. “But don’t worry. Rimblaze isn’t coming to fight. I just want him to stretch his wings and see how he does on a substantial flight.”
My throat tight with expanding fear, I rasp, “Because you think he’s almost ready to fly into battle again?”
“We’ll see.” Bale looks past my shoulder, his expression hardening again, and whoever just walked out onto the sun terrace must turn around and leave. I hear the footsteps fade.
“Convincing Rim not to join a fight that’s right in front of him is going to be nearly impossible.” I’m supposed to have nerves of steel—and usually do—but right now, I quake like a reed. It’s been almost sixteen years since I had to worry about Rim, and three since I had to worry about Sol. As much as they could help me in battle, I’d rather not see them fight at all.
I hide my trembling hands behind my back, but I doubt there’s any hiding the dread and panic lancing through me, my skin suddenly bloodless and cold.
Bale’s sharp gaze flicks over me. “You know they can come back.” He might almost reach for me. I’m not sure. All I know is that even the potential of a touch from his big, capable hand doesn’t help my thrashing heart.
“Can they? What if Cealastra is really gone, and that kind of magic went with her?” My fear is so real that stars splatter across my vision. Abruptly, I sit, but the only seats on the terrace are low, lounging chairs, and I pop up again, swaying. I’m not going to recline while the Dragon King looms over me.
“Sit.” Bale pushes me back down with a firm but gentle hand. He steps to the side so he’s not shading me. “Get some sunlight. It’ll help.”
I nod jerkily as I swing my legs up and lie back in the chair. The afternoon rays warm my iced-over skin and do seem to help. “I know I should be excited for Rim and encourage him. You think he’s almost ready. He thinks he’s ready. I don’t know why I don’t.”
“It’s normal to want to protect those you love. It’s…” He trails off, his mouth thinning.
“Human?” I supply sarcastically. “Because we all know I’m not.”
“Universal,” he finishes, his gaze shifting away from me.
My frustration rises like a flash flood. “You’re ancient. You’ve really never encountered anyone like me? I look human, but I’m too fast, strong, and old. I have no magic, no shifting ability, no thirst for blood…”
He swivels back to me, scowling. “I’m not ancient. And isn’t there magic in the way you fight? When you’re focused, you’re nearly unbeatable.”
“When I’m focused,” I grumble. “And nearly doesn’t count. If you were my enemy, you could still burn me up from a distance unless I had some of that Bloodwold magic.”
“Why would I be your enemy?” he mutters.
“I don’t know. I just want to know where I come from. I want to know why I’m…alone in the world.”
