Page 80 of The Infirmary for Dragon Burns and Midair Mishaps

“I have a very good feeling about this prototype,” I said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so close to figuring out a way to genuinely help dragon riders.”

Her lips twitched. “You’re brilliant, you know that?”

I could feel a blush creep into my cheeks as she gazed at me, knowing she meant those words. “I would never have figured it out without your help.”

Min made a noise from outside.

“And Min’s,” I added, placating the dragon. She huffed more steam against the glass.

“You would have,” Vaela insisted. “I’m certain of it. You’re one of the most determined people I’ve ever met, and I know you never would have given up.”

She stepped closer, into the circle of my arms, and I found myself drawn to her as easily as a moth to a flame. The feelings inside me were still at war. I knew how dangerous this could be for my heart. But my heart also refused to stop wanting her.

And I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life wanting.

What if you have to spend it mourning? my mind asked.

I didn’t know how to answer that question.

I didn’t want to answer it.

Couldn’t I just have a bit more time in the bubble we’d created?

This perfect bubble of time where nothing and no one existed except for each other. The only thing I cared about right now was the way she looked at me and how wonderful it felt to be pressed against her. Couldn’t we stay safe behind these walls?

“What do you say to some dinner now?” Vaela asked, pecking me on the nose. “We could go down to the pub so I can get you that pie I promised and see what nonsense everyone’s getting up to?”

“I say…” I nipped at her jaw lightly. “I’d like that.”

She tipped toward me, grinning in an enticing way, and I felt the heat of her breath on my lips. My pulse started to thunder in my ears, but before we could seal the moment with anything more than a kiss, Min growled and something collided with the door. Hard.

Vaela and I jumped apart.

“The armor,” I hissed, eyes widening. “Hide it!”

Vaela darted for the chestplate, stuffing it out of sight of the door. I grabbed the handle a beat later and pulled the door open just a fraction. But it was only⁠—

“Nisse?” I said, confused.

“Vaela. You have to come quickly!” she cried breathlessly.

Vaela appeared behind me. “What is it?”

“The kingsguard are looking for you,” she said. “The Wretch has escaped.”

“What do you mean it escaped?” My heart skipped a beat as fear coiled around my spine. “It got away? Was anyone hurt?”

Nisse shook her head, looking horrified. “It didn’t leave town.”

And then, I heard it. A thunderous roar that sent the leftover scales around the cottage rattling. Vaela darted out the door first, catching Min’s attention long enough to scramble up her back and lift off. Nisse and I ran down the path after them.

When we rounded the side of the infirmary, fire was already burning through town.

Min landed not far from us. “It’s the rooftops on the west side of the square, mostly,” Vaela called. “But it’ll spread.”

“Stars,” I said as orange light filled the night sky, unsure of what we were meant to do.

“Look out!”