I understand what he’s saying. But I refuse to accept it. That connection I felt to the dragon I foughtwasreal.
“Also you must know that these mountains are not empty, General,” he says.
I frown.
“Spirits of the gods roam the wilds freely,” Elder Arcon says. “Some…test those who walk the path. I’m sure you’re intimately familiar with the ways of the spirits of the gods.”
His eyes dart to my chest before returning to my face.
My cheeks warm up, but I keep my chin high.
“I’m well prepared, Elder Arcon,” I say sharply.
“Good,” Elder Arcon says. “Then you’re ready. We’ll provide the mountain horses to make your travel easier and prepare the provisions for you and the Blood Sentineal.”
“Thank you,” I say curtly, running a finger over the carving of the snowy peaks.
Soon, I’ll have my dragon.
And there won’t be anyone who dares stand in my way or threaten what’s mine.
ASH
“The ash reveals what the fire could not destroy.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
PHOENIX
It turns out, monks know how to celebrate.
On my last evening at the monastery, they organize a celebratory dinner to honor my journey. The large dining space is lively tonight.
A group of monks make space in the corner for a band. Some monks sing, while others play various instruments. It’s actually impressive how talented they are in the musical arts.
The tables are full of massive plates stacked with delicious dishes, and plum blossom wine flows freely.
For a moment, I forget the anxiety, guilt and responsibilities that weigh on my shoulders.
Monk Dravon approaches Ezkai Ravenna and with a shy smile, offers her his hand. She takes it confidently, and the monk leads her closer to the band where a couple of monks are lined up for a dance. I can’t help a giggle that escapes me as I watch Monk Dravon walk Ezkai Ravenna through a number of steps so she can join them in a dance. But she keeps tripping over her own feet.
“A mighty fighter doesn’t always make for a mighty dancer,” Bloom says and barks a laugh.
Ezkai Emil laughs right as he sips from his glass and chokes on his plum blossom wine. Kazh, next to me, snorts.
Bloom catches my eye across the table, still laughing, and I find myself smiling back without thinking. It’s easy with her. She’s always been like this: easy warmth, quick to laugh, quicker to pull people in. Even as she stood at Kata’s side back at the Academy.
I’d never asked her about it. She’d switched allegiances so cleanly after Kata’s disappearance as if she hadn’t spent all those months tormenting me…
And I’d let her. Told myself people make choices under pressure they later regret.
I watch her refill Fern’s cup and laugh again.
Probably. Who knows with the damn fae.
“Clearly we should stick with what we’re good at,” I say, amused.
“Nah, sometimes you just need someone to guide you,” Jax says with a wink.
