Page 39 of Scales ’N’ Spells: Volume Two

“From what I’ve gathered from his clan—and they are extremely proud and protective of their king—that man carries a grievous injury from the Dragon Wars. He can’t even fly, and still, he doesn’t ask for anything for himself. He’s worried about his clan. That his mages won’t be able to heal those truly injured. That people might die on him because of the attacks they can’t always prevent, because they don’t have the necessary medical knowledge. And despite all of that, he won’t demand anything from me. He won’t demand to speak with any of you. He respects our caution, our fears, and doesn’t order me to do anything contrary to my family’s wishes.”

She made a deflated noise. “You’re angry about this.”

“I’m livid.” He was nearly shaking with it, that was how angry he felt. “I’ve made true friends here in the past six days because they welcomed me with open arms and smiles. They trusted me today without question, left the care of their hurt clansmen entirely up to me. Thanked me for it, helped me, praised my skills. And I’ve repaid them with lies. I can’t stand myself right now.”

“I understand this goes against your nature, but…well, all things considered, isn’t it a sign that we shouldn’t go to them? I think you should come home, Sora.”

“This clan just suffered an unexpected attack, and you want me to come home? I just spent eight hours either healing a dragon—the dragon that defeated the bomber at significant cost, with multiple contusions and broken bones to show for it—or repairing a castle well enough for him to be able to sleep. He can’t even shift out of dragon form, lie in his own bed to recuperate, and you want me to abandon them here? They don’t have enough help to even properly ward this place!”

His mother blew out a breath. “You’re very strongly attached. My son, I know how soft-hearted you are. But these people aren’t your responsibility.”

“Maybe I’m going to make them my responsibility.”

“Sora—”

“I know we are raised to believe that it’s a dragon’s duty to protect us, but is it not also our duty to care for those who would give their lives for us? I want to be able to face myself in the mirror every morning, Kaa-san. I want to be able to sleep peacefully at night. If I abandon them right now, I’ll never be able to do either again. These people are at war. Do you understand that?”

“Is it truly that bad? It’s not just random attacks?”

“Every single mage in this clan has faced off with the Jaeggi in some form or fashion; some were even kidnapped. Does that answer your question?”

She uttered an oath. “Kuso. Alright, that does tell me how dire it is.”

“Most of them are still mages in training, to boot. Two of them didn’t even know they were mages until the dragons here found them and explained. We’ve had multiple people show up at the gates to be tested because they had mages in their family line but no idea if they were mages or not.”

Sora threw that in because he knew it would shock her as nothing else would.

“Wait, what?!”

“You heard me. That’s how little magic is left in the outside world. We might be the largest depository of magical knowledge still in existence. Everyone else has forgotten magic. Or barely remembers that they have mage ancestors. When I said they had no real knowledge of healing spells, I wasn’t exaggerating. Basic course books, I think that’s all they retained after the war ended.”

“Shimatta. How have they even survived this long?”

“Sheer determination, from what I can see. And they’re good at supporting each other. Their teamwork today was impressive to watch in action. Kaa-san, I can’t keep lying to them anymore. I don’t want to. I’m going to come clean to them tomorrow.”

“Now, wait, Sora, think this through. I’ve never seen you make an emotional decision before.”

“Apparently, I’ve never been riled up enough for my emotions to take over.” Sora himself was a little surprised by it, but he stood by every word that he had just said. He couldn’t stomach this situation any longer.

His mother blew out a stream of air, a sure sign she was stressed. She always did that when her stress levels were through the roof.

“I understand how frustrating it must be for you. And, certainly, their situation sounds grave. I do not underestimate how much trouble the Jaeggi can bring. Ever since I reported this to everyone else, I’ve been getting nothing but stories about some of the things the Jaeggi pulled during the war. The Council has been in near constant meetings. But…”

Sora could hear her hesitation. No doubt she had no idea which way to jump, what would be the best for everyone. As a leader of the family herself, she couldn’t take just one side. She had to consider what was best for everyone.

It was underhanded of him. Nigh smacked of manipulation, in fact. But Sora was feeling upset enough that he did it anyway.

“I think I found my mate.”

His mother gave a high-pitched squeal. “You have not! Don’t pull your mother’s leg.”

“I think I have. The wind dragon who defeated the bomber? His name is Ravi. And I’m…strongly drawn to him. I can’t explain it, Kaa-san.” Sora’s eyes went blind to his surroundings. “He threw himself into danger to protect this clan, that’s how brave he is. How quick thinking. The king appointed him as one of his personal bodyguards, and I can see why. But even as he woke up, in so much pain and confusion, the first thing he did was joke with me. And make sure his clan was safe. He’s not uttered one serious complaint. He’s an incredible man.”

“Have you tried courting him?” his mother asked eagerly.

“I haven’t had the chance. It’s been too hectic here, and I was still sounding out my feelings about him before this shit happened.”

“But do you intend to?”