Page 162 of Ashborne: Defiance

‘You should tell Grace of that—let her know she isn’t alone in that early joy, and fear.’

I tensed, not in anger, but the crackle of those nerves again. ‘This isn’t the time—’

‘Not your story, Voski. Just that portion. The newness. The joy. She is a dear heart, and Koa loves her deeply, but struggles to tell her in words she can understand: She is not as different as she believes herself to be.’

Oh.

As Grace leaned with Koa and stared out over the ocean with a smile, I tried to find the right words to encourage her—and battled the urge to keep my mouth shut. Why? I had always maintained that a leader could be strong, and sharp when necessary, only if they were equally prepared to encourage and identify strength.

It was a philosophy I lived by. One I’d trained others to use.

Why did I so resist the idea of bolstering her?

I cleared my throat again. “Grace, this feeling you’re having—the thrill of it, how special it is to fly—that’s very normal. And even though one day you’ll fly just to get a task done, or maybe wish you didn’t have to fly a patrol because you’re tired, you’ll never lose that. It’s very real. And it stays with us. When you’re a Furyknight, it will no longer be an impossible dream. But it will never stop being something for which you’re grateful. Life with the dragons is unique. I’m glad Koa shares that with you.”

Her shoulders rose and fell once before she turned her head to glance at me over her shoulder, and answered. “Thank you. I’m glad that it doesn’t stop feeling like this.”

“Never,” I said sincerely. “Flying with Kham is still the best way I know to find rest and clarity. I haven’t been able to do it just for fun for a while—we’ve traveled so much, and with the new matebond, I’ve had to let him conserve his energy.” It wasn’t a joke, but the color in her flushed cheeks rose. “But it’s the first thing I want to do when I need time or just to get away from difficulties.”

She nodded. Her hands tightened on the straps. “I’m looking forward to the chance to do that. Alone, I mean.”

“I understand that. Well, let’s turn and go back and practice landing then. The sooner we get you consistently landing without falling, the sooner you can have your assessment.”

“Oh, we’re working for that already—they’re testing me next week.”

The cool air passing by us, fluttering our hair as Koa banked, suddenly felt frigid on my skin, as if I wasn’t wearing leathers at all.

“I… what?”

Grace glanced at me. I kept my face blank so she wouldn’t think I was angry, but it took all my training.

“The general and Ronen talked yesterday. The queen wants to watch my assessment, and they want me in the air as quickly as possible so Koa can spend more time with the herd. I’m assessing on Thirdday.”

I had to take a breath before I could speak calmly. “Did Donavyn mention why he would rush you to assess?”

She shrugged and didn’t turn again. “I think it’s mostly about the dragons. But I know I can do it. I’m practicing every minute I can. I’ll be ready.”

“I’m sure you will,” I said faintly.

“Don’t be worried,” she said a moment later. “I think we need this. Koa and I need to be free to fly—just like you do.”

When she checked over her shoulder, as if she was uncertain of my response, I nodded, and gave her no indication of the fury burning in my chest.

I was the consummate professional, assisting her in landing and taking off a dozen times in the hour, until finally, we returned to the ground.

I had one more hour before I was on patrol again. And I knew precisely how to spend that time.

“You did well,” I told her as I made my farewells. “I’m sure you’ll be ready. Keep practicing.”

“Thank you, Voski,” she called as I strode away. I raised a hand to acknowledge her call, but didn’t turn.

What the hell were they thinking? She’d barely have more than two weeks from the day she arrived until she’d be assessed. A woman.

What the actual fuck?

56. WTAF

~ VOSKI ~