Page 148 of Under Restless Skies

“You’re my charge. I took you in and told you I’d protect you, so that’s what I’m going to do.”

I look down. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. Some things are meant to be. Now, do you know how you’ll get the dragons out of the castle?”

A chill takes my stomach. “I’m thinking I can hide them in some bag, something. Right now, I’m allowed to walk in and out of their room, and I could get them out like that—I hope. But I’ll also need to find something to disguise their scent from Auranius. And then I just need the boat.”

“No. You’ll need to go somewhere else, change clothes, and then walk to the port. We’ll rent a little room in the city, get you a wig and a cloak. How big are the dragons?”

“Like kittens, but with wings.”

“Satchels, like book satchels, would they work?”

I’m surprised at her ingenuity. “Yes, but with some holes, so the dragons can breathe.”

“Come here in two days. Maybe I’ll have news about Roco and his Rosalinda.”

“What should I tell Mallor? He said he’d get an internship for Kaio.”

“Tell him your brother’s going on vacation with me. You can tell him that you hinted at the possibility of running away, and I decided to protect him.”

Some of the heaviness lifts from my chest. “Thank you. A thousand times thank you!”

“You’ll see. Everything will work out in the end.”

Thunder rumbles in the sky, and I remember Alayel’s request. “I have to go.”

“Come back the day after tomorrow. I’ll get some spices for you, so you can figure out a scent that will distract Auranius.”

I wish I could hug her, but it’s too late for that, after ten years, so I wave and run back to the academy, my heart lighter.

Rain clings to my hair when I reach Alayel’s room. Now that my mind is clear and that I’m starting to see a way to save Ava and Vos, I feel lighter, and I’m even looking forward to seeing my handsome betrothed—whom I’m about to betray.

The thought of leaving him, of abandoning my life in the academy, ruins some of my mood, but then I remember we’re under a pile of half-devoured bodies, and my will to leave this place strengthens.

Alayel opens the door and gives me his dashing, heart-stopping smile. I wonder if it’s on purpose, because now I wish I could stay with him forever, marry him, become a queen if it comes to that. How can I be willing to throw it all away?

He kisses me with the force of the thunderstorm raging outside, then holds me as something precious. We make love as if we were meant to be together. Forever.

I lie down beside him, the dying sun glowing on his stunning body, as I mentally debate if there’s any way to save the little dragons without losing Alayel.

“Where were you yesterday?” he asks.

“I went to the hatchlings’ room and fell asleep.”

He runs the back of his hand over my face. “You sure love to spend time with these little dragons, don’t you?”

“Well, they won’t be around forever. Let me enjoy their presence while I can.”

“Dragons live for a long time, Mayara. Perhaps one day you could even bond to them. Wouldn’t that be incredible?” He frowns, confused. “What do you mean they won’t be around?”

Does he really have no idea? I could tell him some of the truth, but then he could get suspicious.

“I mean as little dragons. Soon they won’t lie on my belly or perch on my shoulder,” I say, keeping my tone light. “But you’re right. If I can bond to them, it will be great.”

He kisses my forehead. “Are you planning to become a dragon rider?”

“Maybe. For now, I’m quite happy being Alayel’s rider.”