Page 64 of Salt in the Seas
“Did you?” the boy whispered. He was too old not to catch the meaning behind Durriken’s actions, but too young to fully understand. Tears filled his eyes, and he pulled the baby away, back toward their grandfather.
I’m sorry.The words reverberated in Aeliana’s mind again, the boy unaware of the dragon’s apology.
Aeliana stayed silent with Durriken long after the people left the clearing, unsure how to help him. But a strange warmth invaded the brand binding them, as if this time he was grateful for her presence as he curled up in a ball.
I’ve come to set you free.Letting the words cross their connection felteasier this time, and she felt confident they reached him even before she sensed his curiosity.I knew the brand connected our thoughts in some way, but I thought you were giving me memories with your magic. I didn’t know I was taking both your memories and your magic.
A grumble passed through their shared space.I never let you see anything I don’t want you to. And any magic stolen from me has been too little to be missed. Unlike Mayvus, you’ve never forced me.Was he… grateful?
Either way, I want to set you free. There are some things you should know first, but I promise I will remove your brand today. I don’t want to risk using you in ways I shouldn’t, in using the brand in ways I shouldn’t.
Durriken uncurled to lift his paw, holding it before his face to give her a view of the brand mark on it. Without his other paw available to balance, he was forced to sit back on his haunches. Even so, he managed to lift a hind leg and bring a claw to the edge of the bond mark.I could have cut it out at any time. Mayvus would have stopped me from cutting out hers, but not you.
Aeliana hesitated, her update on Mayvus on the tip of her tongue and at the edge of her mind. But his admission left her curious. Whyhadn’the removed it? She shook away the distraction.
Mayvus is alive.The thought came out in a rush as she tried to move on from what his words implied.The tension in Durriken’s muscles left Aeliana’s own body trembling in a way that made her too aware of the fact that her body was back on a ship. It made it difficult to maintain a constant connection through the thread of the brand.
How?
We’re not entirely sure. The admission burned.We’re trying to figure it out, but... either way, we suspect that she’s crossed the barrier to Ahmranas using a starbridge. She’s out of our reach.Sylmar wants me to ask you to watch the fortress, maybe intervene on our behalf. I’m not willing to force you to do anything. This is our battle, not yours. So I want to release you.
The quiet that settled between them was comfortable, punctuated only by the twitter of birds in the forest, who somehow seemed unconcerned about Durriken’s presence.
And what if I wish to make it my cause? She is my enemy as much as she is yours.
His answer left Aeliana stunned into silence. At most she’d expected him to want the brand as a protection like Sylmar had suggested. But it almost sounded like he wanted to be allies.
His words slowed as he sent his thoughts her way.A connection like this isn’t all bad. My ancestors tethered themselves to half-lights. Maybe not with a brand, but it was still a voluntary submission of vulnerability. A willingness to work together that was blessed and sealed by the Stars. I’m willing to accept this form of connection for now if it allows us to communicate.
Her presence in Durriken’s mind flickered as her gratitude swelled. She wanted to shout with joy or throw her arms around him, and the inability to do so reminded her that this wasn’t her body, that this was unnatural. Daisies unfurled in the grass near his paws, and while he nosed at them, this time he let them grow and blossom.
She dared to voice her suspicions.It almost sounds like you trust me.
A growl emanated from his lips.I have no reason to trust people. But perhaps I trust you above the others. Enough to sacrifice some of my freedom and preferred solitude for an advantage over an enemy.
His attempt to salvage his pride wasn’t lost on her, but rather than call him out, she gave him an even better reason for his offer.There’s also the possibility she has more of your blood somewhere. Since I branded you on Summer Solstice, her brand wouldn’t be as strong as mine. If she tries again, I could help you fight it.
A shudder ran through him.Another excellent point.
So you’ll watch for her return?
He yawned and smacked his lips.I won’t go back to the fortress again unless I can destroy it.
No. Aeliana said the word perhaps too quickly, and she sensed his interest pique.My parents are still there, along with Orra and many of the soldiers who aim to protect them. You would do more harm than good to destroy it.
His sigh was almost comical, but it gave Aeliana confidence he wouldn’t attack them.I will let you know if I hear anything from afar, then. And for now, we remain tethered, little one.
There was that word again.Tethered?
It’s what they called the connection with your kind. Not through something as barbaric as a brand. But this will do for now.He curled up in a ballon the forest floor, tucking his snout under his tail. She sensed his grief over the boy’s sorrow returning.Now I wish to be alone.
Even though it was a clear dismissal, something warm rushed through her with his acceptance of their connection, something that made the string connecting them feel thicker, sturdier. It also made her concern for him grow.
Will they come after you for revenge?
He didn’t answer right away, and she wondered if he would. But then he sighed in disappointment.They can’t hurt me.
As she released the string binding them, she sensed that he almost wished they could.
