I knew she hated me before; I hated her too. But her true disgust for me was fully laid bare earlier. She isn’t going to want to see my face, and I can’t comprehend what comes with seeing hers.
“I need to breathe, Baron.”
“It’s not going to happen.”
“Baron!”
I huff at him, and he mirrors the action, only, it’s not just black plumes of smoke that slip from his nose, but heat. Fire chars the grass beside me, exposing the weight behind his words as defeat threatens to claim me.
“Get on.”
It’s a command, not a request, and I need to follow it.
Boots forgotten, I slip under his wing and climb onto his back, a move we’ve done a thousand times, yet when he darts into the air, euphoria rushes through me as if it’s the first.
Pressing my forehead against his scales, I bask in the blissful sensation, appreciating the way the wind whips around my hair.
Now I’m grounded.
It’s ironic that it requires the loss of the actual ground to get me there.
I don’t look where we’re going, letting him guide us as our racing hearts soften and fall into sync, connecting us as one. Slowly, I tilt my face to the side, pressing my cheek against his scales as I open my eyes.
We’re in the clouds.
It’s perfect.
I exhale, finding the strength to release the strain of my emotions with no witnesses. It only ever happens when I’m so far away from everyone else that no one will ever know. Except for Alaric.
All too quickly, he dips beneath the clouds, offering a panoramic view of campus.
My gaze snaps to the nesting dragons off in the distance, while spying a few Water Protectors in the cove. It’s humbling and serves as a reminder that the world continues on despite my issues.
Being up here has a special way of putting everything into perspective, cleansing my soul and making me whole again. Theclouds drift away into the distance, leaving nothing but clear blue skies ahead and the promise of a stunning sunset tonight.
Maybe I can convince him to come back up here later.
I shake the idea off immediately as I recall the struggles he’s had with flying since worry has claimed him.
That’s my fault.
Frustration immediately bubbles inside of me.
I came up here for clarity, but I always hate it when it becomes crystal clear that I’m the problem. Taking accountability isn’t my preferred direction, but when it comes to Alaric, knowing there’s only me in his world, I have to shake the negativity and compromise.
Guilt swarms me.
Not just for Alaric, but Ivy too. Not that she would even listen to some bullshit apology now, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do something for my dragon.
Before I can change my mind, I run my hand over Alaric’s scales and exhale.
“Head to the Fire Protector Dorms.”
His wings falter for a second, but there’s no time to panic before he darts ahead, relief flooding me as if it’s my own, and a crack of a smile cuts the corner of my mouth. It only lasts for a few seconds before he hits the ground with athud, rounding us to a stop outside of the building in question. Doubt seeps in, and uncertainty creates my first obstacle as I stare at the protected entryway.
The only way I can get inside is by reaching out to Archer or Ivy herself, and I don’t like the sound of either of those options. Before I let my dragon down, I spy a Fire Protector about to head inside.
“Wait!” I snap, jumping from Alaric’s back and eliminating the distance between us while barefoot. The girl blinks at me inconfusion, clutching her bag to her chest as she frowns at me. “I need you to let me inside.”
