After I saw it, I asked her, and she denied having it. She packed her bag that morning. She’d know if it was there. I can’t imagine why she’d lie.
Question her, and you may learn not only why but the reason she’d betray you.
The only other person here is Aunt Vera, I said.She wasn’t with us earlier.
She can flit wherever she wants, even to the dense woods along the edge of that meadow.
I know nothing about her, but I was inside her mind, and I didn’t sense any malice toward me.I told him about the pixies and the bones.
His wings faltered.You have some of the king’s treasure with you? Interesting.
What does that mean?
Nothing—yet. I’ll let you know after I’ve given it thought.
They’re grisly. I’ll be happy if I never have to look at them again.
Keep them close. You may still need them.
I patted my pocket where they rested—if bleached white things stuffed inside a small leather sack could be considered finding rest.Should I touch them again?
They may not tell you anything else or they might reveal a clue you’ll need to end this.
Then I’ll do it.
Did Vera know who you were when you were inside her mind?he asked.
I believe so. Her finger bone brought me to that moment for a reason.A twisted one since it made me believe Brenna andVexxion were betrothed. It made me doubt him for a short time.
Unless I was meant to see it in a different way. She may have assumed I’d know I was Brenna. She hadn’t asked my name, and I hadn’t offered it. If I’d known I was Brenna, the dream would’ve given me reassurance.
Pixies were known for being twisty. The bone was their gift, not my aunt’s.
There are no other suspects,I said.
You need to watch everyone.
I will.
He soared up over a series of hills peppered with small homes and people frozen outside them. On the other side, he coasted over more of the city.
You said you needed to tell me two things,I said.
Turning away from the city, he aimed for the aerie.Your mate was there. He knows what I did.
An ominous feeling growled through me, and I sensed what he had to say would change things.Tell me.
He swooped into the aerie opening and landed lightly in his stall, curling his wings down at his sides.
I burned your mother,he said.
Voicing a guttural cry of pain, I flitted off him, landing near the gate. Nausea washed over me, and my guts clenched.You . . . Why?Tears trickled down my face.You killed her?
Grief and rage collided violently inside me. I couldn't catch my breath, couldn't think. All I felt was raw anguish consuming the trust and affection I’d felt for this dragon.
I told you I’ve done things for the king that I regret,he said in a cracked voice.This is one of them.
He commanded you to do it.The words jerked out of me in a desperate rush.You didn’t want to murder her.
