Page 74 of Blood of Dragons

I almost rejected the offer, almost sidestepped it like I did with everything else. But the name came to my mind so quickly that I couldn’t push it away. It made my chest hurt…and made it feel warm at the same time. “Lena.”

It’d been almost a year since Khazmuda and I had last spoken.

As time passed, I felt guilty for the way we’d ended things. Maybe it was the sea cleansing my soul, or maybe it was from the guilt that festered like a bad wound. It became heavy on my mind like a storm of clouds, and with every passing day, it grew heavier and heavier…until it started to rain.

I didn’t know where he was, but he’d said there was no distance too great for the connection of our minds. When he left, we didn’t unfuse, so that power was still in my veins. It gave me an edge in battle that built a reputation which had spread across the seas. Now I was known as Commander Talon, one of the fiercest pirates who ever lived.

I stood at the edge of the ship, my hands on the banister, looking out at the vast sea that had no end and no beginning.I’m sorry.I spoke the words into my mind and heard a faint echo.

Then there was silence—a great silence.

The breeze moved through my hair, which had grown long from not cutting it. A gust came and almost lifted my hat from my brow, but it was so snug on my head that it remained. Thescent of salt suddenly entered my nose after a big wave crashed against the hull. Time trickled by…and there was no answer.

It’s good to hear from you, Talon.

I closed my eyes, the relief washing over me like the tide.

I’d only hoped to hear from you sooner.

I’m sorry. I just…I didn’t have words. I didn’t have a justification.

I understand.

How are you?

My search has been fruitless. If there are dragons who remain in this world, they’re very hard to find.

I’m sorry.

I haven’t spoken to anyone since we’ve parted. It’s been a lonely experience.

I felt even worse.You should have reached out.

I felt unwelcome.

I’m sorry I made you feel that way, Khazmuda. But know that you’re never unwelcome.

There was a pause before he spoke.You sound much better. That makes me happy.

I didn’t know what to say to that.

Are you still in the village?

No…it’s a long story.

I want every detail.

I was taken prisoner by pirates?—

His mind immediately exploded.Why didn’t you call for my aid? I would have sunk their ships to the bottom of the ocean?—

I didn’t call for aid because I didn’t need it. I didn’t mind the change in scenery.

His mind calmed.And now where are you?

Well, I’ve become part of their crew. Got promoted to commander. Now I’m one of them.

You’re a pirate.The disappointment was heavy in his voice.A fisherman…and now a pirate.