He didn’t say anything.
Neither did I.
We didn’t even look at each other again until he’d closed the heavy doors to the armory, sealing us alone.
“Did you find anything?” he asked, no hope in tone, eyes, or energy.
I shook my head. “You.”
From his belt, he extracted bits of thick, torn rope, like the one the Northern Clans had used to cascade into the crater. He threw them onto the ground like they were nothing more than trash. “She’s gone.”
I stared at the pieces of rope, wanting to tear them all over again. “She’ll be back.”
“Soon.” He kicked the door, the wood vibrating in its hinges. “We need a defense plan.”
“Of course we do.” I clenched and unclenched my fists in the same rhythm as the ticks in his jaw, both of us scarily close to the edge. “You’ve just come back from the greatest war our generation has seen–after you won it, by the way–and instead of being allowed to mourn in peace, now you have to fight again.”
“And you, instead of finally taking a breath after you beautifully defended Solkar’s Reach without any army or support, are now forced to face those bastards again.” He rolled his shoulders, but it did nothing to calm the hectic energy bubbling just underneath the surface.
“It’s not fair,” I said, fire pulsing through me.
“No, it’s fucking not.” He stared at the countless weapons hung on the walls and protected behind glass. “I’m tired.”
“Me too.” My power stirred inside of me, incensed as well. “I’m pissed-off.”
“Furious.” He bared his teeth. “They destroy everything and we have to pick up the pieces. Every. Single. Time.”
“And the worst part? Nevermind that they’re mentally tormenting us, but they’re hurting innocent people–”
“Why do they hurtsomany people?”
“Because they’re selfish. And greedy. And they don’t care what cadavers they have to walk on as long as they get their way.” The blue tendrils snaked around my wrists. “I’m sick and tired of them ruining lives just because they can–”
My power surged forward. Thankfully, it avoided Ryker with a wide berth. Unfortunately, it hit one of the glass displays, shattering a side of it.
I snapped my wrists back, eyes wide with disbelief. I hadn’t had an accident like this since my toothless, youngling days.
“I’m so sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean it this time, I swear.”
After all, I had a history of breaking his things.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said, confused, and watched him walk to the display. The weapon inside of it–a cross between a fish hook and a dagger with scales on its pommel–lay inside, perfectly undisturbed. “At least the blade’s fine.”
“They’re sturdy enough to withstand a fire.” He looked at the display. Then at the shards. Then at me.
Under my disbelieving gaze, Ryker, Solkar Reach’s Commander, known for his composure, pushed the case to the ground. He grinned as it shattered at his feet, the echo of ruin bouncing around us just like my voice had weeks ago.
“What–” I licked my lips. “What are you doing?”
“Losing my mind, most likely. But you made it look fun when you stomped on the table.” He walked to the next glass case, this time kicking it into oblivion. The arrows which had been resting undisturbed on top of the purple velvet for generations flew onto the floor. “Care to join me?”
I looked at him.
Looked at the shards.
Then I grinned.
