Page 143 of Under Restless Skies

Meanwhile, my mind’s reeling, wondering how I’m going to get the little dragons out of this castle, and if there’s any way to save them without losing Alayel.

The instructor’s words sound foreign and distant, as my thoughts try to find a solution. An impossible solution.

When the instructor assigns us a chapter to read, I don’t even know how I walk to the front to get the book. Celine should be here, reciting the words in her melodious voice. Still, I try to read as well as possible, so that at least Nelly understands the chapter.

My voice is slow. “Dragons can have different types of tails, and they can use them to hit sentinels. It is very important to be ah-aware⁠—”

“You’re reading well,” Nelly says.

The compliment is bittersweet. I’ll never sound like Celine, and I’ll certainly never be as enthusiastic as our friend.

The chapter lists different dragon tails. Some have spikes, some are smooth and flexible, some are thick and heavy. The idea is that just because a dragon isn’t facing you, it doesn’t mean it won’t strike you, and you should pay attention so that you know the kind of damage they can inflict.

“Did you understand the chapter?” I ask.

“Yes.” Nelly snorts. “If the dragon’s facing you, you’ll be roasted. If the dragon’s turned the other way, they’ll slice you, smash you, lacerate you...”

I don’t know if she’s trying to joke, but the grim images she’s conjuring do nothing to improve my mood. I wonder if Ava and Vos will one day come to our kingdom and use any of their body parts to harm anyone. So far, their tails look smooth, but they could change.

When all the tables finish reading, Katrine walks to the front and claps her hands. “Let me check how much you learned. Who here can tell us what kind of tail Auranius has?”

If Celine was here, she’d probably forget she’s not supposed to answer anything and raise her hand, excited to prove her knowledge. In her honor, I raise my hand, and the instructor points at me. “Yes?”

“Smooth,” I say.

“What makes you say that?” Her condescending tone would grate me if I wasn’t used to this class and to the way she talks.

“It looks smooth?” I shrug. I saw that dragon from up close, as well as flying above us many times.

“Does anyone else have a different opinion?” Katrine looks around.

“It’s heavy,” a girl says.

The instructor chuckles. “It’s certainly heavy, but we’re talking about the kind of tail he has. Any guesses?”

“Sword edge,” a young man says.

Katrine looks at the classroom. “It’s actually barbed. And you’re going to say: impossible! It looks smooth. The reason it looks smooth is his size. He’s so big that his barbs can’t be noticed. But that won’t happen with the smaller dragons who attack us. You’ll see their tails.”

I saw an attack. In the confusion, gliders collided against each other. I doubt anyone had time to check any dragons’ tails.

Attack. There was another one last night. More bodies sent to Auranius. My stomach churns.

The class drags on as the instructor asks stupid questions to each table, while my mind spins, still trying to figure out a way to save the hatchlings.

I’m glad when the class is over and I head to the refectory with Nelly. Somehow, I’m still starving, and I make a little mountain of rice, beans, and some fish on my plate.

When we sit, Nelly whispers, “There will be another star nectar party tonight, and… I have an invitation. Do you want to come?”

I hold my fork in the air, wishing I could stab something with it. This isn’t Nelly’s fault, but it’s horrific that recruits can get excited after a night when some of our colleagues died.

But that’s not even the biggest issue. I shake my head. “It would remind me too much of Celine. Do you mind if I stay in?”

“Makes sense. And don’t worry about me. I’ll manage.” She takes a deep breath. “I’m upset too, you know? It’s why I need the distraction.”

“Oh, I understand. It’s why I wish I could come with you, but I just… can’t.”

She bites her lip and stares at her empty plate. “Eventually, it will pass. The pain.”