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Standing once more, I walked closer and crouched before him. “And why doesn’t she let you?”
“She says I have to be fifteen, but I want to be a warrior like my daddy.” He wiped his nose with the back of his hand, and my gaze lifted to his sister.
“Who is your father?”
“His name was Samuel. He served Chief Sacha, until last year.”
Her words shook me in a way I wasn’t prepared for, and I immediately recognized the girl’s face. How hadn’t I recognized her sooner? Shame and emotion travelled through me at once. Her father had died with my Amma, fighting Azazel so we had enough time to take our people to safety. He had been one of her Elevated Warriors.
It took more effort than it normally would have for me to compose myself, but once I had, I stood, and brought her close for a hug. I would never forget a face again. I vowed to it.
“I am so sorry, Mila. Your father was a hero.”
“I know,” she whispered with a smile, the glistening of tears grazing her eyes. Yet, she also seemed shocked that I had hugged her so freely, though she returned the hug.
Pulling away, I lowered myself to Eli’s height and hugged him too. “Let me ask you something. What kind of warrior do you want to be? Aland rider, or asky rider?”
“Does that mean you’ll let me be one?” His brown eyes almost popped out of his head with the possibility, and a smirk curved my lips.
“That depends on whether you choose the right thing.”
“Sky rider!” he yelled, and everyone laughed around us.
“Perfect answer,” I assured, though there was no wrong one to be honest.
“Unfortunately, your sister is right. You have to be fifteen in order to join their ranks and start training. BUT, I’m going to make an exception today. If I get you your very own Dragon babe, would you promise to take care of them daily, feed them and make sure they are safe?”
“Yes!” he shouted, barely containing his excitement.
“And do you promise to start visiting your Dragon each day, and forming your bond until you can actually join the other warriors at fifteen?”
Eli nodded so enthusiastically I was afraid his neck might break.
“Great.” I stood, extending a hand to him, which he took swiftly. “Then, let’s go get you a Dragon.” When we began to walk, my gaze instantly went to where Braxton stood with the others. “Do you want to come with us?”
My stomach clenched while I waited for his answer, not seeing him in the past few days had been torture. Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait for long. His lips curved into a brilliant smile, and he nodded, making his way to us.
“Would you walk with me?” I asked Braxton, perfectly aware of Kingston’s scowl. He flanked me instantly to block Brax from standing too close. What he didn’t realize was his move was counterproductive, because that was exactly what I wanted. To have him close to me. I missed him.
Braxton nodded, but didn’t dare move as my guardian stood between us.
Sighing, I faced Kingston. “Would you mind allowing him to walk with me?”
“I do mind.”
My eyes began to narrow, but I forced the smile to remain on my face. “I was hoping to have a chat with him, and I can’t exactly do that with you standing in the middle, now can I?”
Kingston did not move an inch, and I sighed, sending an apologetic glance at Braxton. I would find a way to talk to him alone, there was so much he needed to know, and so much we had to find out about his father. I owed him the truth.
