Page 66 of Red Marked

Then Magma clears his throat, the females step back, and the Draig team spreads out across the grass.

They shift together. Koa’s is the smallest, a soft bronze color with her wings held close to her body. Savanna’s dragon nudges her. Caldera’s moves to her other side.

Robyn comes over to me. “When are you coming for a visit?”

“Soon.”

“You promise?” she asks.

“I do.”

“I’m not letting you forget it. Ridge would love to see you.”

“I swear I will. Tell him I say hi.”

I want to ask her about how it’s going. I know she and Ridge are desperate for a baby, but I don’t. It feels too much like prying.

“Take care of yourself, and of them.” I look over at the Draig females.

“I will.”

We hug for a few seconds.

“Bye, Flint.”

“Thanks for coming personally. Let me know when you’re back safe and sound.”

“I will.” She waves as she walks away.

Robyn climbs onto a saddle on one of the dragons’ backs. Magma shifts last. His dragon swings its head toward me and holds there, and then he blows a long stream of smoke across the grass at my feet.

I lift a hand.

They go up in a rush of wings, and the team folds in around the three females, close on every side. I stand and watch until they’re just small, dark shapes against the light.

The gate opens behind me.

Pryce comes to stand next to me. He’s got his hands clasped behind his back, and he’s looking at the sky where they went.

“And there they go.”

“Yep.”

He rocks on his heels. “I’ve had the head of the Council on the phone. He asked me to pass on the Council’s thanks to you and your team.” He pauses. “He was very complimentary about the program, including the night training. And also about the initiative shown.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“So.” He turns to me. “About that outline for the night flights. Get it to me by the end of the day, if you can. Routes, personnel, safety protocols, all the things we discussed. I’m confident I can get it approved quickly.”

“You’ll have it by lunch.”

“Good man.” He pats my arm twice and heads back toward the gate. Halfway there, he stops. “And Flint, well done. Really. Well done.”

I nod, and he turns to leave.

Being able to go out at night freely will open up possibilities. It’s going to take a few days to approve.

I glance over at the apartment building and find my window. I’m sure Star is still watching.