Page 18 of Hero of Havoc

“Maybe, but it's not fair for you to hear it from me.”

“Hear what?” I push, and he gives me a pointed look. “If this is your apology, you're not really taking any accountability,” I grumble as we reach the clifftops.

The horizon lures me in like usual, making me feel so small, despite the madness that consumes me.

“I’m sorry, Vee, for so many things, but most of all, for causing you pain. I know you've already been handed enough.”

Emotion clogs my throat, but I swallow it down.

“What does Viola and everyone want from me?” I mumble, keeping my gaze fixed on the horizon.

“Balance.”

My eyebrows furrow. “That doesn't make any sense,” I grumble, and he squeezes my hand, but it offers no reassurance.

“As much as they know what you are, they've never understood the importance of it. The Fates haven't blessed them with that information. They're still researching, but from what I'm aware, it's all about restoring balance, and none of that can be done without you.”

I absorb the information, but it doesn't take root because I don’t understand its meaning. If anything, it just leaves so much more up in the air.

“Will you ever forgive me, Vee?” he asks, and I sigh.

“You know I'm too soft on you.”

The ground shakes from behind me, and I jerk my attention over my shoulder to find Lucky. She looks fierce as hell with her orange scales glistening under the sun.

“I wouldn't forgive him. He's an asshole,” she declares.

“Hey!” my brother exclaims, and I snicker.

Unlinking my arm from Hugo’s, I’m thankful when he doesn't try to hold me back as I turn toward his dragon.

“He's an asshole, but he's my asshole, and as much as he's excelled at omitting things from me, important things, he's still my greatest supporter, biggest rock, and favorite person to exist,” I declare, and Lucky shakes her head, blocking the sun for a moment before she inches closer.

“I’m glad you said person, since I'm a dragon.” I smile, the sensation warming my chest. “Because you're my favorite person,” she adds, and my brother scoffs.

“I’m standing right here.”

“Unfortunately,” she retorts with a side eye, and I eliminate the rest of the distance between us, stepping closer to stroke my hand over her scales.

For the first time in what feels like forever, true warmth floods my veins.

Hugo stands in disbelief at our connection.

“Do you want to take to the skies?” Lucky blurts.

“Not yet, I’m⁠—”

“Not you… her.”

I rear back, hand against my chest, as I gape at the dragon before me. “Me?” I reiterate, and she nods. “But dragons don’t⁠—”

“You are an exception,” she states, and I exhale slowly, shaking my head in awe. “It's like, you know it's on my Life Goals list or something,” I mutter as Lucky nuzzles against my palm.

Acceptance is on the tip of my tongue when Hugo's device goes off, and he curses under his breath.

“Rain check, I have to deal with this,” he states, disappointment flooding my veins, but I'm too tired to spend any time dwelling on it. Instead, I wrap my hands around Lucky's leg as a makeshift kind of hug.

Stepping back, I fall into my brother's arms. The essence of the love we have for each other is thick in the air, and despite the pain he continues to play a role in, I feel light from the interaction.