Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 86059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 430(@200wpm)___ 344(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 430(@200wpm)___ 344(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
“What?” I sputter. “Not without me you aren’t.”
You will be free of our bond if I die. He makes it sound so positive. I know you were afraid at first. If I die, there is no need to be afraid.
I don’t want to be free. I want to be with you.
Jurik’s thoughts whirl faster, more emotional. I do not wish to risk you, my Rachel—
Then don’t go. Neither of us goes. I slap the pancake down on the table.
Everyone stares at us.
“He needs proof,” I mutter as an explanation.
Azar inclines his head. “I can open my mind to your drakoni and show him what I have seen.”
Never. If I let him in once, he can push his way in again. Never will I join minds with him.
“He says no.”
“That much was obvious from his expression,” Azar comments dryly. “Let the other show him, then.”
“The ‘other’ has a name.” Gwen’s voice is sharp with irritation. “It’s Vaan, remember?”
“Of course.”
The woman lets out a little huff of annoyance and looks over at us. “Vaan says he’s happy to show you some of the images from Claudia’s dreams.”
I can feel Jurik’s skepticism even before he answers. How do we know his dreams are not simply images planted by the Salorian? How do we know we are not being misled?
I convey this to the others.
Azar’s exasperation is obvious. “You give me far too much credit. I am as neutered in my powers in this world as any other.”
“Yes, but all we have is your word for it,” I point out. “And everything Ju—my dragon has told me shows that you can’t be trusted.”
“So you’re just going to turn around and leave?” Melina looks upset. “If there really is a problem, you’ll turn your backs on everyone when we need you?”
I remember how kind Melina was when she patched me up. How she thought of my comfort before anything, forcing Azar to wait until I was ready. She’s been good to me. In a way, Azar has, too. And if there is a problem, I can’t abandon everyone I know. I came back here for Jenny and Manda, but there’s so many people in the Fort that deserve to be safe. Even Tinker, that asshole. He’s just scraping a living as best as anyone can these days.
Even if we leave the fort and they’re right…we won’t be safe.
It still sounds so incredibly ridiculous, though. Like a story made up to keep us in line, and with just enough details to make sense.
“We’ll think about it,” I say, and pick my pancake up again. No sense in wasting food.
34
RACHEL
The rest of the meal is stilted, and I keep shoving food into my mouth so I don’t have to make conversation. Gwen watches me closely, as if she has more to say but doesn’t want to say it in front of Azar.
“We’ll let you know what we decide,” I say to Azar. “For now, I’m going to check in on my friends and get settled in my bunk.”
“You and your drakoni will be given quarters here in the main building as my guests,” Azar says. “I will have someone show you to your new rooms. And I would prefer if you not tell your friends about particular aspects of the volunteer program.” He gestures at Jurik.
I frown at that. “How do I explain where I’ve been for three days if I can’t tell them what’s happened? Or why I’m being moved?”
“You’re working on a special project for me.” Azar’s reply is as instant as it is smooth. “You can’t discuss it with them right now, but it’s about something you found on a scavenging run and you’re looking to incorporate it into the fort’s defenses. Give them just enough details to sound believable.”
Like he does? Ugh. I’m filled with even more distrust. “And how do I explain Jurik’s presence?”
“You don’t. Not yet. It can be explained…later. If you stay.”
I scowl at that.
“I know where your rooms will be,” Gwen says suddenly, jumping to her feet. “Come on. I’ll show you.” She gives me a meaningful look. “Vaan will want to talk for a bit anyhow, and if you’re visiting, that’s the perfect time.”
I open my mouth to protest that I haven’t agreed to be separated from Jurik, but something in Gwen’s manner stops me.
It will be all right, Jurik reassures me. They cannot keep you from me anywhere in this hive. I have your scent in my nose and our spirits are shared. I will find you anywhere and they know that. He will have no luck trying to keep you from me if that is his goal.
If you’re sure.
Oh, I am very sure that I could find you anywhere. Jurik stands next to me, toying with my ponytail, and he gazes down at me with that utterly confident expression that makes my insides flutter.