5
GRAVE
As if I could ever say no to anything she might ask, I sent a message down the mental line to Zalzre, requesting not only he respond but Dysis too. They were likely curled up next to each other among the brood.
Every wyvern had an open connection to its rider. It was useful not only in battle, but for daily tasks too. The messaging worked both ways, and though my mount was fairly quiet, he’d occasionally sent a message back. It was typically only complaints, but I welcomed whatever communication he offered.
“You need a jacket,” I said as the two wyverns landed. Dysis’s green eyes darted between Audryn and me, with Zalzre’s doing the same. The two of them were likely gossiping among themselves, like two friends over a beer.
“I’m fine,” she said, pulling the knitted shawl around herself.
I gave her a smile. “You know, my father brought wyverns from the Alden Islands, specifically when he came to court my mother. Hers even breathes?—”
“Are we leaving, or not?” She shot an annoyed look at me.
“Yeah, as soon as you’re properly dressed.” I raised a brow.
“I’ll stay warm,” she said, tugging on the shawl. Her gaze turned to Dysis. “Am I not riding with you on Zalzre?”
I walked up the stairs, leaned inside the doorway, and found my spare flight jacket on the hook. “Here.” I threw it out to her. “You’ll borrow one of Amalee’s tomorrow, but you can wear mine for now.”
She considered her options, running her hand over the thick black leather, before shrugging it over her shawl. I moved to stand in front of her and held it out, gesturing for her to push her arms through the sleeves. She complied and kept my stare, letting her body relax slightly.
I stepped to her and zipped the jacket up, urging my fingers not to show my nerves. When I made it to the top of the metal teeth, my stomach tilted as I gazed at her lips. Slowly, my stare trailed up and our eyes connected; it would be so easy to lose myself in her.
“Why are there two?” Her tone was soft as she stared up through long lashes.
My mind was full of fog, and my belly filled with bees. “I don’t know.”
“If you don’t know, then who does?” Her voice cracked, bringing me back into reality. “Do they have to fly in pairs?”
I gestured to Zalzre’s partner. “I assumed you’d want your own. You wanted your own horse in Rivale.”
Walking over to Dysis, Audryn extended her arm toward the creature before taking another step inward. Her palm glided along the wyvern’s sleek skin, stroking the beast. Dysis lowered her head and their eyes met. I knew the creature was enamored with her, just as I was.
“I don’t know how to ride,” she admitted and turned. “Maybe teach me during the day before making me ride on my own at night? Unless you don’t want to take me with you?”
Of course I wanted her to ride with me; I only wanted to give her the choice Sutton refused to give her himself. ButZalzre had taken a long flight, and with the extra weight, he was likely exhausted. Dysis was the slightest bit smaller, but I had never ridden on her with a second person. I kept her only as my backup mount.
“We can take Dysis,” I started, but my wyvern huffed a breath at me. “Okay, I guess we’re taking Zalzre. Dysis can fly alongside us.”
My wyvern dipped low, taking every free inch of space between the townhouse and the building across the street. I went to help Audryn up, but dropped my hands immediately when she drew back, remembering her shouts the last time I had offered.
I braced myself for her sharp tongue. To my surprise, she said nothing. Instead, she focused on the wyvern, struggled for a moment, and hauled her leg over the other side of his neck. Settling into position, she looked more like a rider than someone who needed an escort, but I’d take advantage of the opportunity to sit behind her once again.
I settled into the saddle at the base of the animal's neck. Audryn shifted back without prompting, her floral scent tickling my nose. It had been a long two days, but I’d ride for weeks if it meant I could continue feeling her warmth in my arms.
From the moment I met her, I’d felt something between us. But when I saw Ryder hurting her, there was more than just my own desire. I knew there was nothing I wouldn’t risk to keep her safe, including the stability of my kingdom.
Zalzre flew into the air without hesitation as if he weren’t tired, though he definitely was. Wings spread wide, he flapped into the night sky and found the current to glide on. Dysis stayed at our side, stealing glances at Audryn.
We ascended the steep incline, and Audryn’s weight shifted back. I wished the climb had taken longer, but we reached the summit quickly. Zalzre landed while Dysis made large circles above. There was barely enough room for one wyvern, let alonetwo. It wasn’t even wide enough for the creature to sink down entirely.
“You’re going to have to let me help you.” I dismounted and extended my arms up, gesturing her down. She sat for a breath, staring at me … considering.
A few moments passed before she let out a sigh then dragged her leg over. “Better not let me fall,” she called.
“I promise,” I said, my heart skipping a beat.
