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They swirled rapidly as I watched, and the dragon's breath sped up, his sides heaving in front of us.
"What's happening?" shouted Liam, voice seeming to come from far away.
"Are — are you able to hear me, bond-weaver?"
Chapter 24
Kaiya
Itried to reply to the dragon in my mind, but nothing came out.
When I'd spoken to the vrytra in Gleyma, I'd always needed Eli to provide the link, and it seemed that was still the case.
"I — we — can hear you." Liam's honey-like mental voice was a familiar caress on my mind, and my heart stuttered in response.
"How are we able to speak when the Sage still lives? The others — I —" The dragon sounded terrified.
Liam looked from the dragon to me, confusion knitting his brows.
"It's okay." Liam's green eyes were glassy as he reached out a hand, tentatively placing it beside mine. "You know me. I'm no threat. I — it's nice to finally speak to you."
The dragon said nothing, just watched Liam with those large, golden eyes.
"I've called you Stryek since I don't know your true name. But I'd be honored to learn your it …"
I ignored the buzzing and watched Liam, his expression warm and full of wonder — so reminiscent of the old Eli.
The buzzing rose louder, and the memory of that mischievous grin filled my mind …
… Eli convincing me to work with him, those sparkling green eyes, wide with excitement when we found the entrance to the ruins …
… those freckled cheeks, warm with the effects of Lynk's wine …
… the shape of his back and shoulders as he dove in front of me and into the path of Lady Ellingsworth's blade …
NO!
Slamming my eyes closed, I forced my thoughts to still.
Then a new vision appeared.
A burning manor in the night. Jaiel rowing, gazing over his shoulder at vision-me with a worried blue gaze. Dozens of vrytra wailed in the water around us — wailing at the loss of their queen, and for the closure they'd sought for so long…
I knew that manor, but those were not my memories.
Another vision. A crowded train platform.
The observer stood back from the crowd, hidden behind Jaiel's larger form, as a person, bundled in bloodied clothes, was loaded onto a stretcher, and carried away.
Eli had been there … watching me the whole time?
"You were in love." The dragon spoke. Almost a question — but not.
I didn't dare breathe as I looked at Eli — Liam.
He looked disoriented, glancing between me and the dragon with anxious green eyes.
The dragon let out a low huff, then stiffened.
