“Benji,” he growled quietly. “Tell me why you’d come here looking for Flameborne Kearney?”
It was a moment before the boy responded, but when he did, my jaw dropped. “Iknow, Sir. The stables, and you’re there sometimes and… I haven’t told anyone. I asked Kgosi, because I wasn’t sure. He told me that it was of theutmost importanceto keep it secret and not speak of it to others. I haven’t, Sir. I swear!”
Donavyn’s head snapped towards me, his eyes wide.
I’d gotten dressed, but still had no boots or jacket on. Donavyn turned back to Benji, reaching through the gap and pulling him in, closing the door right behind him. Benji saw me and waved, but Donavyn jerked him back to face him and leaned down to be eye-to-eye with him. “Benji, you’re telling me, Kgosi spokewith you aboutme and Bren?”
“Yes. Well, he answered my question, and… was I not supposed to tell you that? I’m sorry, I’m still learning what’s okay to share from the dragons and—”
“No, no, that’s not it.” Donavyn clawed a hand through his hair. “That’s a great honor, Benji. Agreathonor to be trusted with such important information by Kgosi.”
“I know, Sir,” the boy said, blushing to his roots. “That’s why I was so careful not to tell anyone aboutanything,” he said scratching the back of his neck. “But the problem is, the man doesn’t know about that and he’s looking for her at the stable because that’s where everyone else thinks she is. I gave him astory, but I think if she doesn’t show up soon, he’ll say something to the wrong person and then it might come out—”
“Yes, yes. You’re right. You’re right,” Donavyn said, catching my eye over Benji’s shoulder. “You did the right thing coming. But now, you run back. If anyone asks why you were here you brought a message forme,do you understand?”
Benji nodded. “I understand, only there’s one thing, Sir. I don’t know if it’s true, but…”
“What is it” Donavyn growled. “Quickly.”
Benji swallowed, then looked at me over his shoulder, then back at Donavyn. “Sir, he says he’s her father.”
Donavyn’s shocked gaze snapped to meet mine and I froze.
~ DONAVYN ~
‘I’ve asked Kgosi to alert your brothers. They’ll take him to the lounge in the barracks. Make sure you have some privacy.’
‘My father?’Bren sent, as if I hadn’t even spoken, her tone hollow with shock as she ran down the backstairs of the building. We’d arranged to meet on the path to the stable so it could appear I had sent for her.‘How would he even know to look for me here?’
‘Ruin,’I sent back reluctantly, and felt the word slide into her like a blade.‘He knew you’d come to see Ruin. He must think Ruin kept you here somehow.’
I felt her in the bond, felt the sinking conviction and despair creeping up behind it.
‘Bren, don’t—’
‘I’m not. I’m just… what do I tell him?’
I sighed and pushed out of the Officer’s building, walking towards the stables at a quick march, keeping my eyes peeledfor her.‘You tell him the truth. And we make sure he knows it’s true,’I sent grimly.
A jab of gratitude and grief reached me from her.
‘Bren, you don’t have to deal with this alone. We’re here for you. Me, Akhane and Kgosi, your brothers. You don’t have to face him alone.’
‘I know. Thank you. I just…’
It was the smallest I’d seen her since she’d opened up and shown me her past. I wanted to curse. I wanted to find this man and plow a fist into his face and beat him senseless. Wanted to find a way todemeanhim the way he’d done to her.
Kgosi rumbled in my head. I didn’t answer him, but I sighed and clawed a hand through my hair that I’d forgotten to tie back.
‘Donavyn,’my dragon growled.‘This is exactly the moment we spoke of. Let the Creator determine what role you will play. Do not pursue violence.’
‘I won’t. I can still think about it, though,’I snapped back.
There was a rustle in the bushes, then Bren appeared in fresh leathers, her hair tightly braided, and her chin high. In the darkness she appeared composed and ready to fly. But I could see how pale her face was, and feel her shaking through the bond. God, it was so hard not to pull her to me and hold her.
‘I’m here. Your brothers are here. Whatever he wants, you don’t have to face him alone.’
She nodded once, her jaw tight, and we kept walking. At pace.
