He kept walking, without looking back. “Somewhere I’m wanted. Which obviously isn’t here.”
Xyn was stillin her human form when she smelled that warm, sweet scent that was her Urian. For the longest minute, she started not to change. To tell him that she’d been the one who’d handed him the cup earlier after Apollymi blasted him.
That she’d finally felt the silk of his hair with her flesh that had burned from the memory of it ever since.
If only she dared …
Hating herself for the cowardice, she changed into her dragon body and tucked her black wings down so that she could meet him by the falls.
By the sharpness of his scent, she knew he was furious.
Most of all, she knew he was upset, and emotionally hurt.
What happened?
“We gutted every last one of them.”
That made her feel better for him, but his mood confused her all the more. Shouldn’t he be happy?Good.
Judging by the stunned expression on his face, her comment seemed to catch him off guard. “You’re not horrified?”
Should I be?
He gave her a pointed stare. Then spoke slowly, enunciating each word. “I slaughtered them, Xyn.”
She nodded slowly.I got that, Urian. They killed your mother. They deserved whatever it is that you did and then some.She nuzzled him with her snout to offer him comfort.I just wish I could have been there to help you.
He latched onto her and held tight.
Xyn savored his embrace, wishing it were a real hug with their bodies pressed against each other. Why couldn’t she find the courage to tell him the truth?
But then, she knew. She was terrified of losing what little contact she had with him. How would he react?
What if he never wanted to see her again?
It was a chance she just couldn’t take.
Urian kissed her snout and pulled back. “Did you see Apollymi’s priestess today?”
She froze at his unexpected question.Pardon?
“A redheaded woman brought me water from your falls earlier. I know how you are about trespassers. So I was wondering how she got it.” He stroked her scales. “Her hair matched your coloring.”
She swallowed. Hard. Then did her best to keep her voice and tone level and even.Did it?
He scowled, then tilted his head to study her eyes. “Aye. It did … Even her eyes.”
Stumbling back, he shook his head as he stared at her in disbelief. “Sarraxyn? Can you take human form?”
Why did he have to ask her that?
Why now?
Fear wedged itself inside her heart. She wanted … nay, needed to lie to him. She knew it was the prudent thing to do.
If only she could.
Gods, help me.
