Page 85 of Fallen Nocturne

Now none of them look angry.

Theo’s guarded expression softens as he studies Coral’s damaged back. Glenn and Kieran lower their gazes, as if the sight is too painful to watch.

Even Eacharn, who once called Coral a runt to my face, looks away when he sees the missing scales.

No one speaks. The silence is worse than their usual coldness.

Alys enters last. Her eyes move from the drops of blood on the stone to the missing scales along Coral’s spine.

“Oh, little one,” she murmurs and steps forward.

She reaches into the leather pouch fastened to her belt and removes a small tin. I watch her approach with my shoulders squared, waiting for the barb that always follows her presence. Instead she kneels beside Coral and unscrews the lid.

“What is that?” I ask.

“Fireweed salve. We use it when harness straps rub against the scales.” Alys opens the tin, releasing the cool scent of mint and crushed herbs. “It will soothe the raw skin until Tarian comes.”

I stare at her. Alys has never offered me anything except hostility. The gesture startles me.

Coral presses herself against my side. Alys looks at me before touching Coral, waiting for permission.

I nod.

Alys spreads a thin layer of balm across the exposed skin. Coral shudders, then slowly relaxes beneath her fingers. She examines one of the loosened scales without pulling it, her touch careful enough that Coral barely flinches.

“There,” Alys whispers. “That should ease the burning.”

“Thank you,” I say.

Alys nods once, but the haunted look on her face scares me. The others remain nearby instead of returning to their duties. Glenn brings a bowl of water. Theo kneels several feet away and speaks softly to Coral until she raises her head to look at him. Kieran sends someone to retrieve her favorite treats, though she turns away when he offers the chicken strips.

That frightens me most of all. Coral never refuses food. I tighten my arms around Coral’s neck. Landon’s gaze finds mine. Pain travels along the golden string, but he says nothing.

We wait.

Each minute stretches longer than the last. I pace from one end of the enclosure to the other, listening for footsteps in the corridor. Whenever Coral shifts, I hurry back to her and examine the damaged scales again, terrified that another one has fallen.

Alys remains beside Coral, refreshing the balm whenever the raw skin begins to dry.

The salve has eased some of her discomfort, but she still turns her head to nose at the damaged scales. I pull her snout away gently. She lets me. Minutes pass.

By the time the keeper arrives, I’ve counted seventeen missing scales. Coral shifts her weight, uncomfortable under our scrutiny.

Tarian lifts loose scales with gentle fingers and checks the raw skin beneath. But I can feel that Landon knows the truth. The golden string pulses with dread.

“Your Highness.” Tarian straightens and looks at me. “I need to show you something.”

“Show me what?” I ask.

“Come with me. Outside.” He gestures toward the door, and Landon takes my hand as we follow him out of the room. We leave Coral alone in her enclosure.

“What are we doing?” I ask.

“Watch,” Tarian says quietly.

We position ourselves where we can see through the doorway but Coral can’t see us. I feel foolish standing here, spying on my own wyvern.

We wait in silence.