“Thanks, Mom.”
“No need to thank me.”
“Promise we’ll always be together?”
“Promise.”
Raikidan tilted his head as he watched me. “If you’re artificially created, how can you have a mother?”
I sighed. “I was created in a tank, that’s true, but in order for me to exist, they needed DNA, and in order to obtain the DNA, they needed donors. For me, my donors were from a male and a female, so I have a mother and a father. I’m also one of the few who had contact with even just one of them.”
“Do you at least know who your father is?”
My eyes began to wander as dark, angry thoughts swam in my head. But I caught myself before I could become consumed by them. “No.”
“You sure? That look would say—”
My eyes tightened as I snapped my attention on him, my teeth bearing a bit. “I said no, so don’t bring it up again!”
He reeled back. “Okay, noted. Sorry. Are you close with your mother?”
I nodded. “I was.”
“Was?”
A pain pulsed in my chest. “She was murdered…”
Raikidan stared at me, as if too shocked to speak.
“She was one of the few people who associated with me willingly. It hurt to lose her.”
He regarded me for a moment. “What do you mean?”
“I have a bad reputation. That’s all I’ll say on that matter.”
Raikidan nodded. “Where did she learn the song?”
“From someone else. I never learned more than that.” I looked at him. “Why do you ask?”
“It’s a dragon lullaby.” My brow rose with interest. “It’s the only one we have, and I couldn’t see a dragon teaching a human it, so that’s why I was curious.”
“Sorry, I don’t know much more than that. She only ever hummed it to me, so I had no idea it belonged to another race. It’s possible she learned it from a dragon and never told me, or learned it from someone else who had contact with one. We may be told dragons are extinct, but that’s not to say someone wouldn’t come across any of you and chose to keep their mouth shut.”
“You’ve chosen to do the same, even though we’ve yet to discuss what to do about that.” He rubbed his chin. “Why show such loyalty to someone who means nothing to you?”
“Honor isn’t common in humans these days, but it’s not lost, either. For me, loyalty is of utmost importance, and I must hold myself to that standard if I expect it as well.” I glanced at him. “If you find a human with that kind of loyalty standard, consider yourself lucky and don’t take it for granted.”
He smirked. “Well then, I must be one lucky dragon.”
My cheeks burned as they flushed several shades darker, and I looked away from him. All these compliments today were throwing me all out of sorts. I didn’t need him seeing just how much it actually affected me.
“What is a boyfriend?”
My attention snapped back on him. “What?”
“Your friends kept calling me your boyfriend, or words similar, but you were quick to correct them. What is it? A kind of mate to your kind?”
I thought about how to word it in a way he’d understand. “Well, I guess it depends on what you mean by mate. I’m going to guess permanent or long-term partner of sorts, since your kind is monogamous as a whole, in which case the answer then would be no, it’s not a mate. It’d be akin to a trial phase before taking them as a mate. This would be to figure out if you’re compatible with each other in the long run.”
“Sounds strange to me, but if that’s how your kind does things, then so be it.”
I eyed him. “Like your kind’s way is less strange? Strictly monogamous and claiming a mate just by meeting them? Like life really works that magically.”
“Yes, we are monogamous, and no, I won’t explain further about how we find our mates to make you believe me.” My brow rose and he chuckled. “You refused to answer one of my questions, so I know I don’t have to answer yours.”
I half laughed. “Well okay then. Then answer me this, how strong are your ties with your mates?”
His brow furrowed. “I don’t understand your question.”
“Can your bond with them be fractured or weak?”
“Of course not!”
I recoiled from his intensity.
“We’re loyal to them. We’ll do anything to protect them and ensure they’re happy. To show any weakness in that is to disgrace our bond and what it stands for.”
“No need to get mad. It was only an inquiry.”
His gaze lowered, and I noticed his shoulders sag. “Sorry, I know.”
I looked him over and noted his defeated expression, though guarded. He’s hiding something. My expression softened. “But you have seen weakness, haven’t you?”
He sighed. “Yes. Rare, but I’ve seen it and it’s a serious matter to my kind.”
This topic wasn’t a good one to continue. I noted the brighter look to the sky and knew it would only be a matter of hours before the sun rose. I got to my feet. “We should head back. We’ll need our rest for the journey ahead.”
I turned around but stopped dead in my tracks. Standing before me at the edge of the forest stood a nu-human man about my age, with tawny-beige skin common from the west desert region of Lumaraeon. Normally his identifying features would be obscured by the hood of the cloak he wore—customary attire for shamans who ventured outside the town—but he had pulled it down. “Ken’ichi?”
His blue eyes stared at me. “It’s true… you’re really back.”
“For a day, yes.”
“You’re alive…”
I smiled and approached him. He didn’t move. I reached out and placed a hand on both sides of his face. “I’m really here, bonehead.”
He reached up and touched my hands, holding tight to be sure I wasn’t a spirit here to trick him. Then suddenly, he wrapped his arms around me, lifting me off my feet, and spun us around. “You’re alive!”
I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. Ken’ichi and I had hit it off quick when I’d first arrived. His kind nature toward everyone unsettled me at first, but it came in handy when I went to learning the ways of a shaman. While my mentors Del’karo and Shva’sika worked with me most, Ken’ichi taught me what it meant to be a Guard, showing me a tougher side of him than I thought capable from him.
He also helped Xye teach me how healing worked, even though I had no innate ability for it. I’d learned from that experience how rare it was to find someone who was both a guard and a healer due to the different temperament requirements.
Ken’ichi put me down and smiled. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
I snickered. “I can tell.” I slapped him in the arm. “You’re looking good. Especially for someone who has the night watch.”
He shrugged. “I’ve always been a night owl.”
I looked around. “How did you find me? Chance happening?”
He pointed into the forest. “The Guardian kept returning to this area, so I thought something might be up.”
My brow furrowed. “How many times?”
Ken’ichi thought for a moment. “Four times in the last hour, maybe?”
That wasn’t good. It had to be sensing some sort of problem. Are there Hunters lurking about in the woods?
“I see that look, and don’t worry. I checked the area out. There’s nothing here. It was acting like this in another location earlier today. The village is safe.”
“I’m still hunted, Ken’ichi.” I looked up at him. “It’s why I’m out of here tomorrow. Maka’shi threw enough of a fit over that. And if the Guardian is acting this strange, then it’s obviously found something. I don’t need to be causing issues for all of you again.”
He cupped my cheek. “You worry too much. But if you’re that concerned, head on back into town and I’ll keep an extra vigil on my watch. I took out a number of Hunters five years ago. They won’t get past me to you.”
He smiled at me, but it disappeared when he noticed Raikidan. “Who’s this?”
I looked at Raikidan and then back to him. “Raikidan. He’s giving me a hand with the situation back in Dalatrend.”
Ken’ichi stared at Raikidan, a displeased look on his face, but he didn’t say anything to my dragon companion, nor did Raikidan say anything to him. He returned his gaze to me. “I won’t hold you back anymore. Have a good night, Eira.”
His eyes lingered on me for a moment before he walked off. I watched him until he disappeared into the forest, and then motioned for Raikidan to follow. The two of us moved through the underbrush in silence until we came to the road leading back into the village.
“Hey, Eira, can I ask you something?” Raikidan said.
I looked at him. “What’s that?”
“You said something about my kind being extinct. What’s that about?” His lips twisted. “I know we’re secretive and all, but I never thought we were that secretive.”
I nodded. “It’s said dragons died out because of the Great War.”
“I see. That makes sense, thank you.”
His gratitude perplexed me. Why thank me for such a trivial answer? It wasn’t like I’d given a whole lot of detail on the subject or anything.
“That friend of yours back there,” he said, “he’s seen me with this new form. I’m sorry if it causes you any issues later.”
I waved him off. “I’ll figure it out when the time comes. I’m not worried about it.”
“You’re worried about the Guardian’s activity though, aren’t you?”
I nodded. “Yes. Activity like that would indicate intruders of some sort. So, either it’s managed to kill a few Hunters, or they’re running and its pursuing them. Either way, it’s a clear enough sign we have to leave tomorrow. I wanted to get my things, but they’re not worth these people’s lives.”
“You’re loyal to them.” He smiled, his captivating eyes unusually soft. “I like that.”
I found myself unable to look away from him. Normally a compliment would get me all out of sorts. But the way he said it— I ripped my gaze away. Get a hold of yourself! It was just a way to lure me into a false sense of security. That’s how that stuff worked. I won’t fall for that game…
The forest was the only one to speak the rest of the walk back to the inn. The Guardian showed up once, but didn’t bother us, making me uneasy. I really hated that I put these people in danger. They didn’t deserve that after all they’d done for me.
My first day here rolled through my mind like a movie. I hadn’t meant to stay, but before I knew it, I’d been convinced to give it a chance and these people grew on me little by little. Raikidan got one thing right about me with them. I held them close and wanted nothing more than to protect them.
My resolve to fight Zarda hardened. They’d be safer once he was gone. One more reason to destroy him.
The two of us made it back into town about a half an hour later. A light in front of the inn caught my attention, but before I had the chance to think on it, Daren came around the corner, lantern in hand and dressed in sleep wear including a sleep cap.
He held the lantern higher as we approached. “Ah, there ye are. I heard ye two movin’ aboot earlier. Thought ye was runnin’ away again.”
I chuckled. “No, I wouldn’t do that to you, Daren. I just needed to go for a run. Raikidan chose to join me.”
Daren turned his focus to Raikidan and cranked his head to the side as his brow twisted. Confused, I also looked his way, my heart stopping. He still had his nu-human disguise on. Shit!
I had to think of something quick. I didn’t want to lie to the man, but I also couldn’t tell the full truth. “Before you ask, Daren, it’s one of the abilities he possesses. I thought it’d come in handy when making my decision to recruit him.”
Daren nodded slowly, though I could tell he wasn’t sure if he should believe me or not. “Ye, lad, will need tae be careful around Maka’shi as well, then. She already be mistrustin’ o’ ye because o’ Eira, and this ability won’t help ye any.”
Raikidan nodded and changed his form back to that of an ordinary human. “I’ll do my best to remember that. Eira warned me not to use the ability while here, but I didn’t listen. I now know I should have heeded her council.”
Nice diplomatic response. And it wasn’t because it painted me in a better light. I could see how it eased the tension from Daren.
Daren waved us to follow him. “Guid. Now both ye get back tae bed.”
The two of us complied and headed to our room while Daren went off to his.
I sighed when Raikidan closed the door behind us. “We’re lucky it was Daren who saw you. Ken’ichi did too, but we could have easily played that off.”
“Sorry,” he said. “I forgot I’d changed forms. I found it comfortable. More so than this one.”
I nodded as I headed for the vanity. “I understand. Once we leave here you’ll be able to take it permanently.”
With my hands over my head, I stretched. My hands glided over my skin, touching a few of the scars I’d received in my lifetime.
“Is it common for females of your kind to fight?” Raikidan asked.
My arms dropped to my sides and I threw my head back to look at him. “Yes. Women are part of the military, and there are a number of scrappy female civilians, too. Even shaman Guards can be women if they so choose. Why do you ask?”
“It’s hard not to notice the scars you carry.”
I couldn’t help but notice the slight scowl on his face. “They’re just scars. It’s not like they’re a big deal.”
“To a dragon, they are. They mean you’ve seen fights beyond simple disagreements.”
I leaned on the vanity. “So, females of your kind don’t fight?”
He shook his head. “Not unless they absolutely have to, and if they do, then we males aren’t doing our job. We protect them no matter what.”
“What if two females fight?”
Raikidan rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s where things get a bit tricky. We struggle to intervene in those situations.” He chuckled. “If you human females are anything like ours, you’re ruthless against each other and could make a male second-guess his entire life’s choices.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, that sounds about right for us, too.”
Raikidan reached out suddenly and took my hand. His free one traced a few of my scars, their sensitive nature sending a jolt through my arm. I noticed his darkening eyes and the way his lip curled into a snarl of disgust. “These bother me the more I look at them. They don’t belong on you.”
I pulled my hand away, holding it close to me. This was getting too personal. It risked too much. “Well, nothing can be done now. Can’t change the past.”
I removed my hairclip, and threaded my fingers through my hair. Raikidan pulled a flower from the vase arrangement and looked at it for a moment before reaching out and tucking it behind my ear. “It adds to your beauty.”
I looked away as an uncomfortable feeling writhed in me. There is that random charm he was trying to… the gods only know what!
“Thank you for putting up with me. I know I’ve made this difficult on you in ways, but you’re not complaining. I see it as a kind of loyalty and I do appreciate it.”
I pulled the flower out of my hair and tucked it back in the vase. “You’re putting up with me, so it’s not that big a deal.”
I headed for my bed. As I did, I thought about our conversation and the large scar on my abdomen. The day he saved me ran through my head. “We protect them no matter what.”
Was that why he did it? Did he have a primal instinct, one that was stronger than his conscious thought, which drove him to save me even though I wasn’t a dragon? Or was it something else that drove him? I had to know. “Is your way of seeing females the reason why you saved me instead
of leaving me to die?”
Raikidan remained quiet for a moment. “I… don’t know why I saved you. Something just compelled me to. It could have something to do with how we treat our own kind. Even if you are a human, you’re still female.”
I sat down on the bed. “Well, thank you. I didn’t deserve such kindness and I don’t deserve the time you’ve devoted to putting up with me.”
I lay down and closed my eyes, deciding it best to end this conversation now. I needed rest for the long day to come, and if I wasn’t careful, I was going to start breaking rules with this dragon. And that wouldn’t be smart.
Chapter Six
I awoke to the sun peering through the curtains. Although tired from a less than restful night’s sleep, the new day was greatly welcomed. Sitting up with a yawn and stretch, I looked about the room. Raikidan slept soundly on the floor, his dragon-like snores an indication he slept better than me. I didn’t feel like waking him yet, in case he chose to play twenty-questions this early, but it would be good for me to get ready for the day. Maka’shi would be expecting us to leave before noon.
Sliding off the bed, I maneuvered around his head and squeezed between his shoulders and the wall. I did my best not to touch him, but he shifted slightly, and I miscalculated my next step. Before I could catch myself, I landed on him. Raikidan stirred and slowly lifted his head. Yawning, he looked at me and tilted his head in confusion.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.” I looked over at the vanity. “I’m just trying to get over there.”
He yawned again, giving me a good look at his razor-sharp teeth, and then moved away to give me the room I needed. Making it to the vanity, I went about brushing my hair until someone knocked on the door.
“Laz, it’s me,” came Valene’s voice on the other side. “I have some clothes for the two of you, and Daren is almost done making breakfast.”
I glanced at Raikidan to find him shifting to his human form. As I made my way over to the door, I pointed at his discarded clothes and he let out a long drawn out sigh. I shook my head and didn’t open the door until he had pants on.
Valene greeted me with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling. “Good morning.”
Destiny (Experimental Heart Book 1) Page 9
