“We enter Fyrehold, and together, we’ll solve this problem—either by forging a true alliance, or by revealing our enemies,” I hissed, keeping my voice to a whisper.
“Yes!”
“And then, when we return, we’ll likely face outright war either against Fyrehold, or alongside them. I’ll return to Battle Commander duties, while you’ll be thrown straight into the next mission. Probably, even more dangerous. And this time, on your own.”
“It was always going to happen—”
“Not like this,” I snarled. “Do you understand what subterfuge Furyknights actually do? Shadowfang or not, do you know every facet of that role?”
“Of course not. I haven’t trained yet. I won’t have time to learn much before we go, but if I canstart—”
I wanted to shake her. “Hear me, Bren: A part—just a small piece—of a stealth agent’s role is toattractthe enemy. Of course the men were happy to have you move into that role, they knowyou’d be highly successful at it. I don’t think you’re incapable, Bren. I’m certain you’re both capable, and committed. Idespisethis idea because I fear you are too committed to the purpose, and not enough to your own safety. You will put yourself in the hands of men who could snap you like a twig. At least when other Furyknights determine if they’ll take those risks, it’s man on man. They have a fighting chance of freeing themselves if they’re attacked. But you? You’ve just told me you can’t be expected to take a man hand-to-hand.”
“No, but—” She cut herself off then looked aghast. “Are you afraid I’m going tocheat?”she breathed.
“No! I’m terrified that some dark prick out there will hurt you. That you’ll put yourself at risk for the greater good, because you don’t seeyourselfas worth saving. You think if you’re lost, it’s worth it to save others. But that isn’t true. We need you for so much more.Ineed you. And it’s not forthis!If I lost you… If you were taken…”
I was beginning to tremble, and had to take hold of myself.
Bren’s face, still fearful, still wary, softened and she reached for me. “Donavyn—”
A knock sounded on the front door and we both froze.
But we’d prepared for this. “Go,” I whispered, then, when she nodded and moved to her hiding spot, I turned on my heel, storming out of the bedroom and closing the door behind me as I crossed to the front door and swung it open like I was impatient and had been interrupted.
My heart sank at the sight of the king’s sigil on the bib of the messenger boy, standing in the hallway.
He bowed the moment I opened the door. “Sir, the king sends his urgent summons.”
I slumped. “Very well. Run back and tell him I’m on my way—”
“No, Sir. Forgive me, General, but I was asked to lead you. He’s not in his usual chamber, and he says there’s no time to lose.”
What the fuck could be happening?‘It’s the king. I have to go.’
‘Go—I’ll wait until you’re well away, then I’ll go to the stable. Tell Kgosi to let me know when you’re back. I should have taken my fly-bag there anyway.’
Nerves trilled in my chest as I nodded and reached behind the door for my jacket. “Very well, then lead on.”
But I cursed under my breath as I locked the door behind me and followed the young man down the stairs at a jog.
Why did it have to benow?And what could be so urgent that it couldn’t wait even a few minutes?
I barely dared think.
27. Complicit
~ DONAVYN ~
“The Draeventhall squad has been eradicated,” Alexi growled.
“It’s confirmed?”
He nodded once, tightly. “Eye-witness reports of three dragon corpses seen in the wake of multiple dragons scorching—including marks that burn feet into the ground. And the same witnesses saw the living dragons fly away, though clearly pained,” the king said grimly. “This is a fucking disaster.”
I sighed. If the dragons killed their riders and hadn’t returned, they weren’t going to.
I took a deep breath and reached for Kgosi, struggling to balance the grief I knew the dragons would carry at this confirmation, and my own sense of satisfaction that the men had been burned out of their boots for what they’d done. Dragon scorching was a weapon—used against stone and brick. If it was applied to anything flammable, there would be literally nothing left but ash.
