Page 71 of The Death King
It dulled my rage the way it dulled heat.
You’ve been spending a lot of time with Calista.
“You don’t know that.”
Trust me, I do.
My eyes avoided his by fixating on the flames.
What’s your plan?
“She’s decent with the sword. I had low expectations, but she exceeded them.”
Has she trained before?
“No. So I was even more surprised.”
What does that mean?
“It means the dragon breathes fire in her blood.” My eyes shifted back to his. “Her arms and stomach were covered in bruises when we were done, but not once did she complain or show weakness. When we trained, she didn’t ask me to go lighter, didn’t even wince. Her pain tolerance is either high…or her pride is higher. The armor and sword were too heavy for her, but instead of complaining about the hand she’d been dealt, she made the best of it. I don’t usually admire people, but I found that respectable.”
You don’t admire people—you hate them.
The only time she asked me to be gentle was when we were together, when her vulnerability escaped from the hard shell that encased her body and she held on to me like I was a ship and she was lost at sea.
Do you think she’ll be enough? Even if she becomes everything you want her to be, she’s only one person.
“Two is better than one—and hopefully I’ll have more.”
Do you trust her?
“I don’t trust anyone.”
Khazmuda released a low growl.
“Except you, obviously.”
You’ve asked her to pledge her life to your cause. But if it’s servitude rather than loyalty, that could have dire consequences…
“I said I don’t trust her.”
But you’re weaponizing her with information and a dragon—both of which can be used against you.
I’d already thought about all of this. “I don’t have a choice, Khazmuda. I alone am not enough to defeat him and his army. When I found her in the Arid Sands, I had to seize the opportunity and hope for the best.”
Then you need to earn her loyalty, Talon. Without it, she has no obligation toward you. Remember, she holds you personally responsible for her suffering. If I were her, I’d be biding my time…waiting for the opportunity to strike.
I rose to my feet and grabbed the spit, rotating it so the other side of the meat would cook.
Khazmuda’s eyes followed me. You know I’m right.
I returned to the log, looking at my dragon head on.
Your paths have crossed before. Until you know how, you can never trust her intentions.
“I thought you liked her.”
I do—but I love you.