Page 332 of The Dragon 5
And then I saw his dragon-shadow rising up behind him.
There you go. I was wondering if you were okay.
It rose above Kenji's head like black smoke curling upward. It was wispy too, barely visible. Its eyes weren't red anymore. There was no menacing vibe coming from it.
Long day, huh? Are you okay?
It stared at me.
I gave it a sad smile.
It watched me and rested its chin right on the top of Kenji’s head.
I wish I could pet you.
Kenji smiled beside me laughing at something Reo said while lifting his sake cup up and making some celebratory toast.
The dragon-shadow stayed there.
Chin on Kenji's head.
Sad eyes on me.
We watched each other while the room laughed, argued, and ate around us.
And I understood that the shadow and I were the only ones in the room who knew the truth.
Kenji’s putting on a strong face, but he’s just as heartbroken that Hiroko and his other men died. He’s scared too. Terrified to lose more. . .
And yet, I knew without a doubt that there was more war. . .and death. . .to come.
