Page 68 of Red Marked

I suck on my finger again and put down the jar. I forgot how many delicious foods there were. I can’t wait to eat them all again.

Right now, I need coffee.

I find the machine, the filters, coffee grounds. My hands remember all of it. Even after all these years, I can go through the motions like I never left. While it’s brewing, I take the cream out of the refrigerator door and put it on the counter, ready to pour.

The machine gurgles to life, and the aroma alone makes my knees go a little weak. Who can blame me? The smell of coffee is almost better than the taste of it.

Almost.

I quickly go back to the window and take a peek outside. The sky is starting to change color. The group up ahead is a little bigger, but there is no sign of approaching dragons.

Flint is no longer pacing. He is standing, still looking for the team.

I pour myself a cup of coffee, adding in some cream. The first sip is glorious. It’s rich, hot, and so, so perfect.

I groan softly, taking another sip.

Oh, how I’ve missed this.

I hold on to the cup and savor the moment. There is a part of me that feels bad for the females still waiting at the mountain. I need to do right by them, and I will.

I’m here.

They are stuck there.

I need to save them.

I go back to the window and look outside. A group of dragons is approaching. My heart beats faster. They fly closer and then slowly descend.

They land. The biggest dragon shifts and goes to Flint. It’s clear they know one another. I’m sure they are friends. In fact, I think it’s Magma. The male puts on a pair of sweatpants.

A human female climbs off one of the beasts and walks over to them. She is smiling. She and Flint embrace, and the three of them talk.

The female leaves with one of the shifter males I recognize from last night. They head in this direction toward the buildings and disappear inside. There is still no sign of the Draig females.

Then a human male in a suit arrives and shakes Magma’s hand. I watch them talk for a few minutes, and then the male leaves. Flint and Magma go for a walk up the slope. I finish my coffee while I watch them talk. It’s too far to see their expressions. I’m certain they’re talking about us…more specifically, about me.

I hope Flint is still going to help me get to Mistveil. I pray his friend doesn’t talk him out of it.

Then Magma and Flint walk back to where the group is assembled.

I gasp when I see the three Draig females. I have to work to hold still. I want to push the drapes aside and plaster my nose against the window.

They look well.

They’re talking animatedly to one another. Koa is smiling. I smile too and put a hand on my chest.

This is exactly what she needs.

They arrive at the group, and the females, one by one, start saying their goodbyes to Flint.

They undress and shift. Then they’re taking to the sky, surrounded by Draig dragons.

“Go well,” I whisper. My eyes sting.

I blink a few times and then pull myself together.

Right! On to breakfast, or I won’t have it ready by the time Flint returns.