“Things you knew you couldn’t control.” Given a choice, of course I would’ve fled Bledmire all those years ago. I’d walked along the fine wire stretching across the cavern for most of my life, waiting to fall.
I still walked it, only others had joined my fury and I, perching on various sections of the thin band. Some waited to cause destruction while others had placed themselves between them and us.
“You’re right about that,” Vera said. “Knowing is both a gift and a curse. You had to remain there, or you wouldn’t be here today. And if you weren’t by my niece’s side—”
“She was born to be the strong woman she is today.”
“But she’d be harder, so much harder.”
“We’re all molded by our past.”
“And those we love.”
“If you need my forgiveness, you have it.” I didn’t blame her or anyone but the monster who called himself my father. He’d dragged me down a horrifying path, not this frail woman sitting beside me.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “I, too, have done things I hope no one ever discovers.”
I glanced her way, but she watched Tempest. “What have you seen of what comes next?”
“Many things and nothing.”
“I imagine it’s hard to interpret some of them.”
“You’re correct. I see wisps of this and that, and too often, they’re pieces of a puzzle missing their picture. Some could belong to a puzzle sitting in a box I haven’t opened. Others could be duplicates from puzzles I’ve already completed. I sort through them and listen to whatever they’re trying to tell me. Then I hope I can place them correctly on the board.”
If she could tell me, did I truly want to know how this would turn out? I had to hold onto my belief that we’d end it and emerge from the storm unscathed. Otherwise, how could I go on?
I clung to the dream that Tempest and I would finally have a moment to breathe together. To love and laugh and drop down into a bed of flowers and kiss.
No fear. No anger. No more betrayal.
I wasn’t sure such a glorious place existed, but if it did, I’d find it and bring my fury there.
Vera released my hand and rose. “I should go to my rooms. I’m tired, and we have many things to do over the next few days until . . .”
Until it was time for us to rise for the final battle.
“I’ll stay here with her.” Watching her. Protecting her with my magic, the might of my arm, and my everlasting soul.
Vera stroked her fingertips across my face to my scars, and they twitched from her touch. “I’m so sorry,” she choked out.
“Don’t be.”
She nodded and slowly walked along the path, finally stepping inside the manor.
When everyone had left, leaving only me, Fury, and Madrood in the courtyard, I left the bench and joined them.
Madrood’s gaze met mine.I leave her with you for the night. Protect her well. She has more to face.
As do we all.
He dipped his head forward before turning to gently nudge Fury’s chest. They spoke in their minds, and she smiled before leaning forward to kiss the dragon’s brow. He huffed, shooting sparks, though he took care not to send any across her dress.
With that, he backed away and sprung off the ground. He soared over the courtyard a full circle before peeling away to fly toward one of the aeries.
Tempest leaned into my side, linking our fingers, and watched until he was no longer in view.
“I still can’t believe it,” she said with so much joy, it sliced through me. “We have an army. Dragons. Riders. Generals. Our power’s growing every moment. I finally believe we can do this.”
