Cason sucked in a breath and sent the small bolt exactly where Brela had instructed.
Dulphi’s bonessang.
Light and humming, it was a musical note that carried off the wind. The sand sprites around them stilled, and though the air seemed to hold its breath, that soft note echoed through the pits.
It was the second most beautiful sound he’d ever heard.
The most beautiful sound was the soft and happy squeal that escaped Brela’s lungs.
She beamed up at him, pale eyes sparkling. Something flashed within, maybe surprise, but she only cleared her throat and looked back at Dulphi. “She likes you.”
Cason followed her gaze to the vaarasuxa who was still staring at him, but that curious gaze had turned into one of anticipation and relief. And right where his lightning had hit, a small, sparkling crystal had crusted over the bone.
With a grin, Cason squeezed Brela’s hand. “Tell me where to hit next.”
So she did, and four hells if that beast didn’t sing the most incredible song that could exist in the desert. Gods, it could rival any music he’d ever heard on the continent.
After a few bolts, Oni gave them the all clear. No vaarasuxa were being drawn closer.
For twenty minutes, Brela instructed Cason where to hit, and when he learned what crystals each lightning strike could produce on Dulphi, he took over and built her armor. At one point, he could have sworn Dulphi’s tongue lolled out of her mouth as she panted like a dog. Atuphe even joined and seemed thrilled that her baby had perked up.
He was playing lightning with two vaarasuxa. He would have pinched himself if Brela’s hand in his hadn’t been a constant reminder that this was real.
As they worked, she introduced a few of the sand sprites who came to watch. Most only spoke in their language, of which Brela translated very little. The only one to stick around for an extended period of time was Lesnibhol, who also commented on the good company Brela kept. She’d glanced between Cason and Brela, not hiding that she was clearly smelling them, and then spent the rest of the time flirting with Farrah.
By the time the sun set and the non-magic fires were lit around the pits, Dulphi’s armor was fortified and she was rolling and scratching all around the arena as if she were testing out her new look.
Farrah and Serill sat across the fire with Lesnibhol, the water wielder making ice figures to mimic the sand sprite’s crystal creations. To their left, Elias had folded his legs underneath him, and though he looked to be patrolling their surroundings, Cason could see his eyes dart to Farrah every time she let out a laugh. He wondered if Elias knew that Farrah could easily see the little smile that tilted his lips whenever he pretended to not be looking at her.
Cason sat on a hard and slightly uncomfortable crystal bench, but Brela had sat on the ground and tucked herself between his knees so he decided he could put up with it. She’d claimed it was to keep his scent masked, but the idle movements her fingers made as she rested her hands on his legs said otherwise. He wasn’t going to bring that up either.
Not when Oni was still watching them closely. He hadn’t spoken anything more to them after thanking Cason profusely for helping Dulphi.
“Oni, you’re staring at the sun,” Brela said after a minute.
Elias snorted. She flashed him a grin.
Oni grumbled. “I’m staring atkria qigribecause I still can’t believe you hid him from me.”
Your dragon. Cason didn’t let on that he’d picked up a few words, or that he’d learned Brela had called himherdragon earlier.
He liked that. He wished he didn’t, wished it meant more to her than just a means to get back at Oni, but he understood.
Sort of.
Not really.
“Zvocz,” was her only reply to that. He still didn’t know what the word meant, only that she didn’t seem inclined to discuss it with Cason present. “Answers, Oni. You promised to tell me what you know. Don’t think I haven’t noticed your father and brother aren’t here.”
Oni let out a grating sigh. “You are correct. Ahmulshus and Nemhal are investigating the wall. I was there, too, before I sensed you.”
Serill raised his eyebrow. “You smelled Brela from that far away?”
His fangs elongated in a knowing smile. Brela only flashed the sand sprite an obscene gesture.
Lesnibhol chimed in, her voice higher and sharper than Oni’s. “Xyra xib,both of you. We know what happened the last time you fought.” Her own fangs glinted in the fire. “He can’t get that crystal spear out of his throne without shattering both.”
Brela let out a soft chuckle. “I figured that was why he tried to poke holes in me earlier.”
