Burning Bright

by Chris Cannon

  “What’s going on?” Bryn asked.

  “Loitering is not allowed,” the guard said.

  “He wasn’t loitering,” Bryn said. “He was waiting for us.”

  “No one is allowed to stand around in the street or on the sidewalk. When you come here you shop, or eat, and then leave.”

  “Okay.” Bryn wanted to argue, but the guard looked like he was minutes from exploding. She could play the do-you-know-who-my-grandparents-are card, and if the guard had tried to arrest Clint she would have, but right now it was easier to make peace and then figure out what was going on later. “We’re going to eat now.”

  The guard loomed over Clint. “Do not let me catch you disobeying the rules again.”

  Clint held up a piece of paper. “Maybe someone should hand these out to people as they come into town. It’s hard to obey rules when you don’t know they exist.”

  The guard opened his mouth to counter Clint’s argument. Ivy grabbed Clint’s arm and tugged him down the sidewalk. “Time to eat.”

  “What was that about?” Bryn asked as they walked at a brisk pace toward the Snack Shack.

  “Let’s wait until we’re inside before we talk,” Clint said, “because something about that didn’t feel right.”

  Bryn inhaled the scent of caramel corn as they entered the restaurant. “That smells amazing.”

  After they were seated and had placed their order for burgers and fries, Clint said, “I was standing there, minding my own business, when the large, angry guard came over and started lecturing me about loitering. When I acted clueless, he pulled out this list. I swear he was ten seconds from arresting me. And this list is ridiculous.

  Anyone in Dragon’s Bluff who is not shopping shall be detained for loitering.

  Anyone in Dragon’s Bluff who is not dining shall be detained for loitering.

  Loitering or congregating without purpose is not allowed.

  “So the moral of the story is, don’t-stop-to-tie-your-shoe-between-shops-or-you-could-be-arrested?” Bryn asked. “What’s this about?”

  Their waitress delivered their drinks and a bucket of caramel corn. “Be careful,” she said. “They aren’t kidding about arresting people. My boyfriend was waiting for my shift to end, and they took him in. I had to go identify him before they’d let him leave.”

  “Where did they take him?” Ivy asked.

  “Those huts at the parking lots aren’t just places for the guards to hang out. There are cells inside.”

  After the waitress left, Bryn said, “What’s the purpose of this? Why pass laws to detain people who aren’t doing anything?”

  “No good reason comes to mind,” Clint said.

  Ivy frowned and examined the list again. “They escort us here in armed cars, and then harass us? That doesn’t make sense.”

  Bryn leaned in and spoke in a quiet voice. “I’d bet money that the Women’s League did not sponsor the anti-loitering campaign. That sounds more like Ferrin.”

  “You’re probably right,” Ivy said.

  “I hate that we feel like we have to whisper these conversations when we’re in public,” Bryn said. “Like we don’t have the right to discuss things in the open anymore.”

  “That’s not on the list,” Clint said.

  “No, but common sense tells me that whoever is behind the list is looking to make an example of someone,” Ivy said.

  Chapter Four

  Bryn’s phone rang half an hour before curfew. Who could that be? She had a sneaking suspicion but hoped she was wrong.

  Crossing her fingers for luck, she answered the phone. “Hello?”

  “Hello, Bryn,” her grandmother’s voice coming through the phone was a relief. “I know it’s late, but I wanted to stop by for a visit.”

  That was strange. “Is everything all right?”

  “Yes. I’ll be at your door in five minutes.”

  “I moved down the hall,” Bryn said, in case her grandmother didn’t know.

  “I’m aware,” her grandmother said. “How do you think I knew which room to call?”

  “Right.” She hung up, feeling sort of stupid. Whatever.

  Her grandmother knocked exactly five minutes later. Bryn opened the door and was surprised to see Lillith by her grandmother’s side. Jaxon’s mom was due to give birth any day now.

  Bryn stepped back to let them in and then gave her grandmother a hug. “It’s nice to see you, but what’s going on?”

  “We’ve heard rumors that students aren’t being made to feel welcome in Dragon’s Bluff,” her grandmother said.

  “And we wanted to make sure that students weren’t intimidated at Orientation tomorrow,” Lillith said. “So we thought you and Jaxon could act as a hospitality committee to show everyone they are truly welcome at school.”

  Bryn had learned to keep her sighs of frustration on the inside. Outwardly, she smiled and nodded. “Sure. We can do that.”

  Lillith looked at the couch and then chose to sit in a chair at the table. “I’m afraid if I sit on the couch I won’t be able to get up without assistance.” She stroked her belly. “I keep telling Asher that he can make his appearance any time now.”

  “I thought you had another two weeks until your due date,” Bryn said.

  “I do,” Lillith said. “But I swear there isn’t any more room for him to grow.”

  Someone knocked on the door. “Are we expecting someone else?” Bryn asked.

  “That will be Jaxon,” her grandmother said.

  Great. Bryn walked over and swung the door wide. Jaxon stood there looking as happy as she felt. “What fun new event are we attending now?” he asked in a tone that sounded like he was mentally rolling his eyes.

  “We’re hosting student orientation,” Bryn said with obviously fake enthusiasm.

  “How wonderful.” Jaxon entered the room and nodded at her grandmother. “Mrs. Sinclair, Mother…how nice to see you both.”

  “Young man, I doubt your sincerity,” her grandmother said.

  “As you should.” Jaxon walked over and sat on the couch. “It’s been a trying day. Please explain what you’d like me to do so I can return to my room.”

  “Coming back to school must have stirred up so many memories,” his mom said. “Are you all right?”

  Jaxon glanced at his mother and then reached up to rub his forehead. “Which answer would you like…the truth or the socially acceptable response?”

  “The truth,” Lillith said.

  Jaxon stared down at his hands. “Everything reminds me of Rhianna. I’d literally rather be anywhere other than here.”

  “I’m sorry,” Lillith said. “But I’m not sure what I can do to help.”

  “The only thing that helps with this type of loss is time and distraction,” Bryn’s grandmother said. Her tone was more kind than Bryn would have expected.

  “What do you want us to do tomorrow?” Bryn asked, hoping to move this along. Maybe she could talk to Jaxon after his mother and her grandmother left.

  “You can greet incoming students with enthusiasm…fake enthusiasm is acceptable as long as it’s believable,” her grandmother said. “Once everyone is seated, one or both of you should give a short speech about the exciting prospects of the year ahead.”

  Bryn and Jaxon both snorted at the exact same time, which made Bryn laugh.

  “I’ll give this speech, you can give the next one,” she said. “Although I have no idea what to say.”

  Her grandmother pulled an envelope from her pocket. “I took the liberty of writing down a few points you can discuss if you can’t come up with anything appropriate.”

  “It’s the appropriate part that might be the issue.” Bryn took the envelope from her grandmother, removed the paper inside, and read the message aloud. “We’d like to welcome you back to the Institute for Excellence. A new school year is always exciting. Now that hybrids and throwbacks are out in the open, dragons can no longer be categorized by Clan color alone. Individuals must be judged
on their deeds and their intentions and their loyalty to the Directorate.” Well that was interesting. “What dorm will the hybrids stay in?” Bryn asked. Everyone was normally assigned by Clan.

  “I think dragons should be allowed to live with the Clan they identify with,” her grandmother said.

  “So if a Black-Red hybrid identifies as Red then he’ll live with the Red dragons?” Jaxon said. “What if the Reds aren’t interested in taking him in?”

  “That would be rude,” Bryn said.

  “They didn’t want you,” Jaxon stated.

  “Asshat much?” Bryn asked.

  He glared at her.

  “Jaxon raises a valid, if somewhat rude, point,” Lillith said.

  “He does, which is why I’ve talked Bryn’s grandfather into opening the Orange dragons’ dorm up to hybrids or anyone else who doesn’t feel that they would want to live in one of the traditional dorms. And before you even make a smart-ass comment,” her grandmother said, “no, you may not move to the Orange dorm.”

  “I know you too well to even ask that question,” Bryn said. “I might have thought it, but I wouldn’t have asked.”

  “If you’re clear on your role tomorrow, then Lillith and I can let you both return to your regularly scheduled evening.” Her grandmother stood gracefully.

  Lillith leveraged herself out of the chair. “Excuse my awkwardness.”

  Only a Blue who was nine months pregnant would be embarrassed at her lack of grace. Any other female would be happy they’d managed to get up and out of the chair.

  Bryn hugged her grandmother and Lillith. Jaxon followed them to the door and kissed his mother on the cheek. Once the women were gone, Bryn expected Jaxon to bolt. She was surprised when he shut the door and paced back and forth in the living room.

  Not sure what to say, Bryn waited.

  Jaxon stopped walking and dragged his hand down his face. “I should go.”

  “You can stay, if you want,” Bryn said and then mentally kicked herself. Why had she told him that? She didn’t know what else to say. “I wish I could help somehow.”

  Jaxon nodded and then he headed for the door, letting himself out without another word.

  …

  The next morning, Bryn dragged Clint and Ivy along to Orientation. “Why are we here again?” Clint asked.

  “Because misery loves company,” Bryn said. “Plus I think you’ll make the other tattooed dragons feel more comfortable, since Jaxon isn’t exactly relatable and I’m the odd man out.”

  “You’re not the odd man out anymore,” Clint said. “Hybrids have been invited back to school.”

  Yes, but will they come? If Bryn had had a choice a year ago, she would have agreed to be homeschooled in a heartbeat.

  Tension flowed through the room like a murky fog as soon as she entered the dining hall. The students had congregated by Clan, which wasn’t surprising. Along with the Red, Blue, Orange, Black, and Green groups there was a group which appeared to be predominantly Black, but some of the girls had auburn or hazel hair instead of the standard black. There was another group of students who had the dark complexion of Green Dragons, but their eyes were blue rather than brown. The combination of dark skin and light eyes was striking. There were several students with coloring that hinted at intermixed heritage that must have gone on for generations. A pale blonde with green eyes resembled an ethereal elven princess.

  The dragons from the traditional Clans seemed to be eyeing up the hybrid and throwback dragons with suspicion. The breakfast buffet sat mostly untouched.

  “Is it me, or is this awkward?” Bryn said.

  “You’re always awkward,” Jaxon said. “But this time it isn’t just you.”

  Bryn considered huffing a small fireball at his head, but in this tense climate she might start a battle. “Keep it up, and I’ll tell your mom that you want to be present at Asher’s birth but aren’t sure how to ask.”

  Jaxon grimaced, which made her laugh. “Use your superior event-planning-knowledge to find me a microphone and we’ll get started.”

  Jaxon stalked off.

  “That was fun,” Clint said. “What’s next?”

  “No one is eating. Why don’t you and Ivy go through the buffet line and maybe some other students will follow your lead.”

  “I suppose I can eat bacon for the greater good,” Clint said, like he was making some sort of sacrifice.

  “Grab me a cup of coffee,” Bryn called after them as they walked off.

  Jaxon returned with a cordless microphone. “I can make the speech if you aren’t up to it.”

  She held out her hand. “No. I’ve got this.” She’d stayed up until midnight coming up with what she hoped would be the perfect speech.

  Pushing the button to turn the microphone on, she said, “Good morning, everyone.” People turned toward her. Some of them seemed curious. Some looked annoyed. “I know it’s early and it’s your first day here. The good news is there’s coffee and bacon on the buffet. The bad news is none of us knows what this year will bring. Last year, I thought I was the only hybrid around, but now I know that wasn’t true. Having other hybrids and throwbacks out in the open will make me feel more comfortable, but it may take the traditionalists a while to adjust.

  “And I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but the Directorate did investigate and approve every student before allowing him or her on campus. After the attack, I know they wouldn’t take any chances with our safety, so please don’t feel like you have to be suspicious of the student sitting next to you.” She glanced over at Jaxon. “You may find some people annoying or overbearing, but none of them should wish you any serious harm.”

  A few students chuckled. Jaxon was not one of them.

  “This year is a fresh start for all of us. Now that no one has to hide who they really are, we can all get to know one another. The Directorate has opened the Orange dorm to any student who may not wish to live in one of the traditional dorms. If you’re a hybrid or throwback who identifies with a certain Clan because that is how you were raised, then you can move into that Clan’s dorm. Basically, you can present yourself as whoever you want to be.” She reached up and touched the cherry-red stripe in her golden-blond hair. “Rather than hiding your heritage you can be proud of it. Or, if you’re a more laid-back person who’d rather not attract attention, you can blend in. Basically, this school year is about options. If you have any questions you can ask to meet with Jaxon or myself since we represent the Student Directorate.”

  She turned to Jaxon. “Anything you’d like to add?”

  He held his hand out for the microphone, which surprised her, but she passed it to him. He cleared his throat. “Many of us have lost loved ones or friends. I’ve been informed that Miss Enid, the librarian, will be hosting a support group in the library Thursday evenings. Everyone is welcome. Now, please feel free to visit the buffet.”

  Bryn decided that meant she was dismissed, too, so she went over to join Clint and Ivy at a table. Ivy pushed a cup of coffee toward her. “This is for you.”

  “Thank you.” Bryn grabbed a packet of sugar and ripped it open. Half of the sugar crystals landed on the table. “I’m glad Jaxon wasn’t here to see that.” She dumped the remaining sugar into her coffee cup and stirred before sweeping up the stray sugar with her napkin.

  “Nice speech,” Ivy said.

  “Thanks. My goal was to make sure that no one felt as uncomfortable as I did last year.”

  “Hard to believe that a year ago Jaxon had a hissy fit when he found out who you were, and now you’re planning on getting married,” Clint said.

  “Agreed,” Bryn said. “But I’d appreciate it if we could bring up that fun fact as few times as possible. I like living in denial. It helps me cope.”

  “Understandable,” Ivy said. “So what’s next on the agenda? Do we have to stay here, or can we go roam the campus?”

  Her grandmother would say that since she was sort of hosting, it was her duty to stay until ev
eryone left, but her grandmother wasn’t here. “I’m going to grab some food. After we eat, I think we’re free to leave.”

  Bryn scarfed down half a dozen pieces of bacon and a stack of pancakes without dripping anything on her blouse, which was an accomplishment. She finished off her coffee and smiled. “All done. Now what?”

  “Let’s go flying,” Ivy said.

  “Good idea.” Bryn spotted Jaxon across the room, talking with some Blues. “My grandmother’s voice in my head is telling me that it would be polite for me to let Jaxon know I’m leaving.”

  Clint frowned. “You should look into having that voice removed.”

  “I’d love to, but it seems to be part of my new Blue life.” Bryn pushed to her feet. “I’ll meet you guys outside in a few minutes.”

  Jaxon noticed her approach and frowned. She smiled just to annoy him.

  “Did you need something?” he asked before she could get a word out.

  “No. I just wanted to let you know that I’m leaving, so if anything comes up, you can handle it.”

  He nodded and went back to his conversation. It’s not like she was thrilled with this situation, but if he didn’t start being a little nicer, she was going to have to come up with ways to annoy him…like telling his mother that he wanted to go shopping for baby clothes for Asher.

  Before she made it to the door, a girl with auburn hair and brown eyes stepped directly into her path. “Your mother asked me to give you this.” She held out a folded piece of paper. “She said you should read it later when you’re alone.”

  That probably wasn’t going to happen. How could she be sure the letter was real? “Thank you. Who are you and how do you know my mother?”

  The girl smiled. “I’m Veronica. I met your mom in Sanctuary when she and your dad helped fix up my family’s cabin. She hoped to come meet you today, but the Directorate seems to be blocking the adults from leaving the town.”

  “My grandmother thinks that those restrictions will be lifted soon,” Bryn said.

  “Your grandmother?” the girl said in a snotty tone. “Wow. You really have gone native.”

  What the hell? “You don’t get to judge me because you don’t have a clue what I went through when I thought my parents were dead, or what my grandmother went through when she mourned my mother twice. I suggest you drop the attitude because I may look like a Blue, but I still have a Red’s temper.”