“What happened?” he asked, and I was grateful to at least hear concern in his voice. A towering, thorny wall had risen between us now, one I might never break through. “You fell and the thorns let you pass before sealing closed. Even I couldn’t get to you after that.”
“There’s no curse,” I said as the others joined us. “Lydel recognized me and the spell my mother placed on the island let me through.” I reached toward my aunt, taking her hand andtugging her over to stand with us. “This is my Aunt Vera. You know Vexxion.”
She smiled his way. “Nice to see you again.”
“I remember you,” he said in a neutral tone. His gaze returned to me, and I looked for warmth there, but all I had was foolish hope.
Not yet. Not yet. Hewouldremember me. I had to trust it would happen.
“You showed me an image of Tempest, and my mark . . .” Vexxion lifted his hand and tilted it to reveal the underside of his wrist. Late-day sunlight flashed across the mate mark that matched my own.
I didn’t share mine. Reminding him that I had the same mark would make no difference if he didn’t care.
My chest compressed, my ribs curling inward, gouging at my heart.
What we’d had was perfect. Sublime. I wouldn’t allow anyone to steal it away, not even him.
“Layla,” Vera said softly as my sister and Zayde joined us. Reyla, Brodine, and Airia hung back, and I’d bring them forward and introduce them soon, but this moment was for a reunion. If only I could remember more of our mother than a wisp of a vision. If I touched the bone, would I be sucked back to that time again? Then I could stare at her and savor the moment.
The two women hugged, though Layla looked more startled than excited.
Vera leaned back, bracing Layla’s forearms, and tears fell freely down her face. “I’m so happy you’re here. Welcome.” Hersmile encompassed the entire group, and her voice lifted. “Welcome to you all. We have much to talk about, but it can wait until tomorrow.”
I introduced her to my friends.
“You’ll be quite happy here,” she said. “Let’s go inside.” As pink and orange rays gouged across the sky, her bright smile took on a worrisome slant. “It’ll be dark soon. I’ve prepared a small celebration. It’ll be just us for now, but soon, the city will echo with joy.”
I noted the dragons shifting on their haunches. “Where’s the aerie?”
“The cliffs are due north,” Vera said. “There are plenty of open stalls. The dragons left ages ago. It’ll be nice to have some here again.”
“They left with the people?” Airia asked.
“More or less,” Vera said brightly.
Airia glanced toward me. “Would you like me to take care of them? I can make sure they have food, water, and clean sand.”
“I’ll help.”
She shook her head. “Visit with your family. I don’t mind. It’ll keep me busy.” Her muted laughter slipped out. “I want to feel needed, and I imagine I will fairly soon. But for now, I’m happy to fall back to what’s familiar. Dragons. You know what I mean.”
She must feel as lost as me, still trying to find her footing on a new, uneven surface.
“Thank you,” I said.
“We’ll hold dinner for you, my dear,” Vera offered.
“Please don’t.” Airia’s eyes swept across our group, landingon Vexxion. A frown curled across her brow before it smoothed. “I’ll grab something from the kitchen later. I need to spend time alone if that’s alright.”
“Of course,” Vera said graciously. “The cold box is full. Eat whatever you’d like.”
“Thanks.” With a nod, Airia walked over to the dragons. She climbed onto the blue one, and they took flight.
I’ll come to the aerie and take care of your scales,I told Madrood.
Airia will do it for you.
You’re sure?
