Page 18 of Dragon Eternal (Dragon Kings 4)
CHAPTERSEVEN
The instant Shaw left the city he breathed easier.
“If you don’t like Stonemore, why do you stay?”
He swiveled his head to look down at Nia. She kept her gaze on the well-worn path that led from the city to the Ferdon Woods. She wore dark blue once more. The clothing wasn’t as dressy as it had been the night before, but the material spoke of wealth. He glanced at a long wave that had come loose from her bun. He wanted to touch it, but he stopped himself. “I never said I did no’ like it.”
“Your sigh says otherwise.” She shot him a knowing look.
“Sometimes, I can no’ stand the crush of people.”
She chuckled as they reached the edge of the woods. “The lower portion of the city is more crowded than the upper.”
Shaw reminded himself that he needed information. “How long have you called Stonemore home?”
“All my life.” Nia hesitantly entered the forest.
“You never wanted to leave?”
“I didn’t say that.”
He frowned at her choice of words. “Is that an aye?”
“Aye?” she asked as she jerked her head to him.
Shaw shrugged and forced a smile. “It means yes.”
“I like it. I might start using it,” she replied with a smile. “I wonder if it would catch on in the city.”
He highly doubted that, but he didn’t say it. “What’s your answer?”
“I’ll leave eventually.”
“What’s holding you back?”
She stopped and nervously looked through the tall trees and thick undergrowth. “The forest stretches far on either side. Many dangerous animals call it home.”
“There are dangerous animals everywhere.”
Her honey-colored eyes met his. “Not the kind I speak of.”
“It doesna matter if they’re animal or human, there is danger. Sometimes, humans can be more deadly than animals.”
“You speak as if from experience.”
If only she knew. Shaw lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Tell me of the animals here.”
“There’s the brineling. Huge beasts with two horns protruding from their foreheads and thick green skin. They breathe heavily but move quickly despite their size. If they see you, they’ll run you down.”
“How do you get away from them?”
She flashed him a smile. “By not meeting one.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said as his gaze scanned the forest. Sounds of birds and other animals filled it. The forest ecosystem was as simple as it was complex. His enhanced senses picked up a sound in the distance: heavy breathing. It was moving away from them, so Shaw didn’t mention it to Nia since she was obviously ill at ease in the forest.
“The giant owls are a sight to behold at night,” Nia said as she started strolling along the path.
Shaw was immediately intrigued. “How big are you talking?”
“The wingspan would be longer than you.”
“Impressive.”
“And deadly,” she added. “Then there are the wildcats. They might be magnificent creatures, but they’re incredibly lethal. You won’t be able to miss them. They have black-spotted fur and green eyes.”
Shaw thought about the wildcat that had fought with Cullen. “Have any been domesticated?”
“Never,” she said with a laugh. “We keep our distance. One got into the city once. It wreaked havoc on the occupants until some soldiers cornered and killed it. Its hide hangs in the citadel.”
He’d hoped that she would bring up the Divine. “Have you been there?”
“On a few occasions,” she said, though she wouldn’t meet his gaze.
Shaw noted that it was the second time she had refused to answer his question. Nia was forthcoming with information, but nothing useful. He wondered if she was intentionally holding things back from him. “Do you still think I’m a spy for your leader?”
“It wouldn’t matter if you were. I have nothing to hide.” She briefly met his gaze, a smile on her lips.
But it was different. Strained, tense. That set him on edge. Something had changed, but he didn’t know when or how. Maybe he had been too quick to think that Nia was just some beautiful woman. What he did know was that she definitely had something to hide.
“You said last night that everyone has secrets,” he reminded her.
She paused to pick a wildflower, tucking the steam of the purple bloom behind her ear. “Because everyone does.”
“That means you have something to hide.”
Nia faced him then. “Nothing the Divine needs to be concerned with.”
“Do you fear him?”
“Every leader is feared somewhat.”
“That is no’ what I asked.”
“Things are as they are,” she replied.
