which now has tiny lines at the edges of his eyes. But that smile? Those
eyes? It’s really him.
And his one condition being me eating something before he takes me to
my dragons? It’s the most Brennan move ever.
Not that Tairn ever waits for permission, which means—
“I, too, think you need to eat something.” Tairn’s low, arrogant voice
fills my head.
“Yeah, yeah,” I reply in kind, mentally reaching out for Andarna again
as one of the kitchen workers hurries by, offering a quick smile to Brennan.
There’s no response from Andarna, but I can feel the shimmering bond
between us, though it’s no longer golden like her scales. I can’t quite get a
mental picture, but my brain is still a little groggy. She’s sleeping again,
which isn’t odd after she uses up all her energy to stop time, and after what
happened in Resson, she probably needs to sleep for the next week or so.
“You’ve barely said a word, you know.” Brennan tilts his head just like
he used to when he was trying to solve a problem. “It’s kind of creepy.”
“Watching me eat is creepy,” I counter after I swallow, my voice still a
little hoarse.
“And?” He shrugs shamelessly, a dimple flashing in his cheek when he
grins. It’s the only boyish thing left about him. “A few days ago, I was
pretty sure I’d never get to watch you do, well, anything again.” He takes a
huge bite. Guess his appetite is still the same, which is oddly comforting.
“You’re welcome, by the way, for the mending. Consider it a twenty-first-
birthday present.”
“Thank you.” That’s right. I slept right through my birthday. And I’m
sure my lying in bed on the brink of death was more than enough drama for
everyone in this castle, house, whatever it’s called.
Xaden’s cousin, Bodhi, strides into the kitchen, dressed in uniform, his
arm in a sling and his cloud of black curls freshly trimmed.
“Lieutenant Colonel Aisereigh,” Bodhi says, handing a folded missive to
Brennan. “This just came in from Basgiath. The rider will be here until
tonight if you want to reply.” He offers me a smile, and I’m struck again at
