This is incredible.Her delight sang through the connection.It’s like I’m aware of your thoughts hovering just beyond reach. Not reading them, but sensing them.
That’s exactly how it is. An open door between us. You can push through anytime you want.
Can you sense mine?she asked.
Only what you project. Your emotions come through strongest.
I felt her curiosity spike, followed quickly by embarrassment. She was probably remembering every feeling she’d had during our time together, wondering what I’d picked up on.
Don’t worry.I let my amusement come through in my tone.I’ve known you wanted me since you first looked at me at our wedding.
I did not. I felt her blush even without seeing it.Fine. Maybe I did. You’re very distracting.
Only returning the favor, sweet. You’ve been distracting me since you rushed over to me and talked about weather.
She laughed, the sound carrying both out loud and through our link, and warmth spread through my chest.
We flew onward, Adele occasionally asking questions about the landscape below. I pointed out landmarks, explaining the territorial boundaries between courts, the old treaty lines that kept an uneasy peace.
Around mid-afternoon, I felt her weight shift, settling more heavily against my neck. Her mental voice had gone quiet. Her breathing had evened out. She’d fallen asleep on my back, high in the air, completely trusting me to keep her safe.
A fierce need to protect her surged through me. I adjustedmy flight, making my wing beats smoother. No sudden movements. No sharp banks or altitude changes. Just steady, gentle progress through the sky.
My wings began to ache. The muscles burned with the effort of maintaining this much control. We should land, rest, eat, and stretch. But I kept flying because Adele was resting, and after the energy she’d expended at Brightmore, she needed it.
The weight of her against my scales felt right in a way I couldn’t explain. Natural. Like she was always meant to be there.
As we climbed higher to cross a mountain range, the temperature dropped. She pressed closer, seeking my warmth. Even in sleep, she turned to me.
I would do whatever it took to keep her safe.
Late afternoon sunlight was painting the sky in shades of orange and gold when she finally stirred. Her confusion rippled through my mind before she fully woke.
Where—oh.Embarrassment flooded the connection.Did I fall asleep?
For a while.
The sun’s setting. That’s more than a while.She sat up straighter.I’m sorry. That’s incredibly rude. You’ve been flying this whole time while I?—
Needed rest. You solved an atmospheric crisis this morning. You’re allowed to be tired.
Still.Her chagrin was palpable.Some traveling companion I am.
The best,I said.Even when you drooled on my scales.
What? No! I didn’t.She paused, and her internal voice lowered to a bare whisper.Did I?
No.My laugh rang through our connection.But your reaction was worth it.
You’re terrible.
You’re beautiful when you blush.
You can’t even see me right now.
Don’t need to. I can feel it.
I caught a flutter of pleasure beneath her exasperation.
