Page 35 of A Dragon's Curse
The way she said “who” made me wonder if she knew more about this so-called brother of mine than she’d yet to say.
I’d been attempting to put the pieces of information together since Dawsyn told me what she knew. The only solution that made sense was that he had been my mother’s child before I came along.
Her lineage was where my lightning energy came from. It seemed as if he’d acquired the same trait and was using my father’s fire power to increase the destruction.
I had so many questions, ones Mantha might be able to answer, but it didn’t seem as if she was in the mood to chat. She’d kept her back to us while inching closer to the exit of the room.
My other hope in getting answers was to rescue my father, assuming he was the same Darius that Dawsyn had mentioned, but taking care of the people here and making sure Dawsyn was safe had to take priority for the time being.
My eyes cast back to my mate. I wanted to tell her that she couldn’t come with us, but if I was being honest, I knew she could handle herself. Having her close would actually make this easier.
“We’ll take two groups,” I said. “I’ll still bring Lykem to help Dawsyn know what to help load, while Sereph and Daron grab what they can. Anything besides food and clothes needed?”
“That will be sufficient for now,” Mantha said, then surprised at least me when she finally turned around, directing her silver eyes right to me. “What your grandmother chose to do has no reflection on you. I hope you know that.”
I’d thought I did, but the relief that coursed through me once she said the words was something I hadn’t known I needed.
I bowed my head briefly in respect. “Thank you.”
She exited the room without another word, and it was just the four of us. Daron ran a hand over his jet-black hair. “We’ll get the nets and meet you outside the caves?”
“That works. Lykem is near the portal, but I’ll shift and call for him.” I stood and grabbed Dawsyn’s hand.
She followed without saying anything until we were in the tunnels again and going the opposite way as the others. “You’re sure you can trust these people?”
“Why? Did something seem off to you?” I’d always thought I had good intuition, but seeing as my own grandmother had turned on us…
“No, but I don’t understand the dynamic here, so I wanted to be sure,” she said. “It’s odd that there’s no clear leader.”
“We’ve never needed one, but then again, we’ve never faced something like this,” I replied. “I can see how having one before now might have prevented some of this shit from happening.”
She squeezed my hand. “Bad things happen all the time, even when there’s a good leader.”
We continued toward the cave exit that we’d come through previously, and I didn’t stop until we came to a clearing big enough for me to shift.
Dawsyn stayed further back, her eyes on me and alight with curiosity. Her questions earlier about what I was capable of made me realize there was a lot we didn’t know about each other, but that would change soon.
I quickly called my dragon forward and was careful not to stretch my wings or tail too far, knowing our mate was close.
We’re going on a supply run, I said, searching out Lykem’s energy.I need you to help me with Dawsyn.
You want me to babysit her?He chuckled.Are you sure that’s a good idea?
My chest rumbled.No. I want you to help her load the nets, you idiot. Are you and Penn almost done?
Already on our way back. Be to you in less than five.
At least he knew when to joke and when not to. Most of the time.
I shifted back so that I could tell Dawsyn he’d be here soon, but she was laughing before I could say anything.
“You and your dragon get the same pinched expressions on your faces when you’re annoyed,” she said, then smiled widely. “It’s adorable.”
“How do you know I was annoyed?” I countered, closing the distance between us.
She took several steps forward, helping to do the same. “Because your chest rumbled at the same time.”
“That could have been for many reasons.” I kissed her softly, then made the same sound. “Like because I’m happy as well.”