“I can’t,” I say weakly.
“I’m going to be completely honest with you, Sand. I know my brother better than anyone, but I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with him lately.” Raef’s voice takes on a rare, more serious tone.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean… we all see how he looks at you. How you look at each other, actually. We’re not blind.”
I lower my gaze.
He continues. “He’s keeping secrets from me in a way he never has. You know hestillwon’t tell me what Maethrel said? What the fuck…”
“I actually… understand that.”
I look up as I feel him recoil slightly. He cocks his head back, looking betrayed.
“You can’t mess with the future,” I say. “IfMaethrel told him something, something that will help us succeed in our quest, and us knowing would jeopardize everything… then he needs to keep that to himself. It’s the only way. Maethrel wanted that private moment with just Daegan for a reason.” I lock eyes with him, squaring my shoulders. “I trust him in that regard.”
He rolls his eyes, along with his head, then releases a smoky breath. “I guess,” he mumbles begrudgingly. “I absolutely can’t stand not knowing, though. I just need you all to know that.”
“Noted.” I smile.
“Anyway, I don’t know what that has to do with him acting like a real bastard.”
“He says he doesn’t deserve me…”
“Oh, that fucker. Always so damn dramatic.”
I laugh a little. It’s a sad laugh though.
“There’s more to it than that,” he says, sounding sure of himself.
“What is it?”
“I don’t know.” He shrugs.
“Great. Thanks for the help.”
“Anytime. Now get out of here before he burns a hole in my head. I’ve never seen a dragon shoot fire with their eyes, but miracles happen every day.”
I chuckle as Raef drops my hand and gently nudges me away.
I walk toward Daegan with confidence, and he keeps his eyes on me the whole time. He’s leaning against a wood post with his arms crossed, his face so very serious.
Ass.
“Thanks for keeping a close eye on me all night, but you’re off duty. I’m going to bed.”
He smirks, nearly letting out a laugh. “Okay.”
I raise my eyebrows and do an awkward sort of head bow thing before I turn and walk off. Then my cheeks flush with embarrassment. What the fuck was that?
I pass the rest of our group on the way out. They’re all huddled around the table, except for Gaethri, who gazes upon the room with a distant look. They break apart and look at me as I approach. That’s weird.
“Goodnight, everyone. See you in the morning.”
“Goodnight,” they all say back, smiling. All of them.
I raise an eyebrow and give them a weird look, but I’m too tired to question them.
