The force ripped through my arms as the illusion lifted into the air, my magic stretched thin between us, trembling under the strain. Panic flared, sharp and sudden, as my body,strapped to the dragon, lifted in the air. I realized if I didn’t let go, I would fly as high as headmaster Marvek had programmed his dragon illusion to fly. So I extinguish my fire ropes before I went too far in the sky.
The drop was only ten feet, but it hit hard enough to drive the breath from my lungs, pain exploding through my left ankle as something inside it cracked or tore. I screamed, more from shock than sound, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. I forced myself upright and ran, each step sending white-hot pain through my leg as I closed the distance to the box.
I was less than twenty feet away when the dragon slammed back down in front of it.
The arena shook beneath the impact, stones vibrating under my boots as if a real dragon had landed before me. I knew it was only an illusion, but its weight felt terrifyingly real, the tremor rolling through my bones and reminding me just how close I was to failure and how little time I had left.
I forced myself to slow my breathing, drawing the air deep into my lungs the way Lorik had taught me, steadying the fire inside my chest instead of letting it surge uncontrolled. I used
my fear and pain to guide my magic in rage to use fire for combat this time. I shaped my magic with intention and sent a focused strike toward the dragon’s side. The blast didn’t take it down, but it staggered the beast just enough to create an opening.
I used it.
Keeping low, I circled wide as the dragon turned, its tail sweeping across the arena in a blazing arc. Heat brushed too close to my skin as I ducked beneath it, my pulse roaring louderthan the crowd, and I slipped behind the dragon’s massive body. The ruby flashed beneath its tail, bright and impossibly close, close enough that I could almost feel its weight in my hand.
I reached for it.
The dragon reacted instantly, its tail snapping back toward me with brutal speed, forcing me to step away from the box. Then the arena timer sounded loud and final. The dragon vanished in front of me.
My time was over.
After Soehl healed my broken ankle and I drank an extra healing potion to help with the pain and regenerate the bone fully, I went to the library. Even if I was in pain, I was not going to stop my schedule.
I grabbed books about the stars, the King’s Forest geography, and one on the history of the Velvet King era, hoping to find something about Adrienne Solenhart.
It was a lot to cover in a single day, but I planned to do it in silence, hidden somewhere deep in the library. Since Lorik had somehow known I was in the meadows the day before, I intended to stay far from there and, hopefully, avoid his presence altogether.
After hours tucked into a corner of the library, I lost track of time. By the time I realized it, I was late for the sunset fights on the Sky Terrace. I gathered my books into my arms and ran through the library halls toward the entrance.
As I took the last turn into the main corridor leading out, I crashed into something solid. Books flew from my arms, skidding across the floor. I would have fallen flat if a rough hand hadn’t caught my waist and pulled me upright.
I didn’t want to look up. I already knew which eyes would be waiting for me. I recognized his scent instantly and his big hands with a steady grip on my waist. I was too embarrassed to meet his gaze. But I did anyway. And there they were, those deep silver eyes, looking at me again.
Chapter 29: The Dragon Guide
Lorik’s steadying grip slipped as he stepped back. His eyes never left mine. Watching me with an unreadable expression, he picked up four books from the floor, handed me three, and kept one. I grabbed my books and gazed at him, my body silently shaking.
“Sorry,” I said, looking at the floor. “I wasn't looking.”
“Don’t apologize for what’s not your fault.” He met my gaze. The weight of his words was unmistakable.
Lorik studied me before continuing. "How's your ankle? I heard you fell. Tried to rope a magma dragon from its wings, did you?"
“How do you always know?” I shot back, sharper than intended. “Yes, my ankle’s healed.”
“Next time, don’t try to apprehend a magma dragon with your flame ropes. That might work with regular fire dragons, but magma dragons are stronger, even if they’re illusions,” Lorik said flatly, seriously. “Still, very impressive. With more time, which you will have in your trials, you will pass.”
I raised an eyebrow. Was that a compliment? The air felt thick with unspoken things as a long, silent moment held between us. I fidgeted awkwardly, uncomfortable, while Lorik seemed at ease, his posture calm and his expression carefully composed, revealing nothing.
“Well, I’ll let you go. You were in a hurry.” Lorik added, intending to turn around. My heart started pounding just at the realization that he was leaving. Was it that I needed more answers or that I wanted his presence even though I asked him to stay away? Either way, I whispered:
“Wait,” I grab his strong forearm. Lorik met my eyes again, his mouth half-open, and he was clearly willing to say something, but he didn't. I let his arm go and added:
“How did you know where I was yesterday? You told my friends I needed space and that I was fine swimming in the river.”
“Would you rather I hadn't told them? Your wild friend might have called the Emberkeep guards, only to find you swimming in your underwear.” Lorik smirked. I blushed because he had seen me in my underwear. Again. The blush quickly became intrigue.
“Were you spying on me?” I asked, tamping down a smile.