The looming forest doesn’t scare me anymore.
Nothing worse can hide between the trees than what I have already faced.
The dragon I thought was mine, refused me.
Showed me just how wrong I’ve been all these years. Just how close I am to destruction.
What I am capable of.
What I’m becoming.
All this time wasted, away from my government, not looking for Vera…And for what?
Oh, Vera.
If she’s dead by now because I’ve chased a fantasy all this time…I’ll never forgive myself for it.
When the forest ends and the view of the white building emerges in the distance, my legs give out. A sob escapes me the moment my knees hit the dusty ground.
I only allow myself a moment of reprieve before I push myself back to my trembling legs and aching feet, and continue towards the monastery.
The moment I approach the entrance, it swings open and Elder Arcon greets me with a worried expression.
Thankfully, he spares me the embarrassment of asking where my dragon is. He simply dips his chin and rushes me inside.
“Where’s Jax?” I croak, my throat raw.
“He left for Jaakii the day after his return to the monastery,” Elder Arcon says. “He left you this.”
Elder Arcon hands me a piece of folded paper. My steps halt. With shaking hands, I unfold it to find a message:
I’m sorry I couldn’t be more of use on your journey to bonding your dragon. Maybe I’ll be more useful in Jaakii. I’m going after the Talbots. I’ll get Vera back. Promise.
—J.
My heart tumbles out of my chest. I sway a little, unsteady.
Jaakii lost in flames and the bodies of those I care about littering the ground flash in my mind for half a second.
The vision of the future I’ve seen is already happening.
Oh gods.
If Jax goes after the Talbots by himself he’ll be as good as dead.
I can’t let him get hurt.
“Where are my Ezkai?” I look up. “We must leave for Jaakii. Now.”
Elder Arcon gives me an odd look.
I frown. “What is it?” When he doesn’t speak, I snap, “Just tell me.”
Elder Arcon hesitates. Clears his throat. “It’s better you see it for yourself. Come with me, General.”
I follow Elder Arcon through the dimly lit monastery. With each step, dread grows inside me. We turn right into a narrow corridor. At the end is a door. Ezkai Bjorn and Ezkai Emil stand on each side of it.
The moment they notice me, they press their fists above their hearts and bow at the waist. “General.”
