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I felt his assent rather than heard it.

Did you speak to the dragon? Where did he go?

He vanished before I could receive any answers as to his identity. He fled from me. Nyxaris sounded shocked and even a little hurt. From me. When we are so few.

I’m so sorry.

For a moment, I believed I knew him. For a moment, I truly thought he was Vorago, Nyxaris said again. And then …

And then?

And then I thought he might be the other.

The other? What other?

No answer.

Do you mean Molindra?

Indeed. Molindra. Nyxaris’s voice was tight. How are your thighs?

I jolted. They’re … they’re fine. I shifted a little, trying to relax the sore muscles.

You lie, he rumbled, a faint hint of smugness there. I can feel their tremor. They ache as you sit upon me. We have pushed you hard enough. We will return now. We will continue to work on your endurance. You must be able to ride me without trembling.

Heat flooded my cheeks; I thanked the Bloodmaiden that he couldn’t see their crimson color. Very well, I said a little primly, sitting up straighter and trying not to writhe against him as I’d just been doing. I’ll be ready.

Good, he said, sounding amused, as he flew back over the school. We’ll meet at dawn. I intend to push you hard. Recover while you can.

I slid off his back when he landed, careful not to show him my face, which was beet red. Sounds wonderful, I said carelessly. I’ll see you in the morning.

Ice your thighs.

I paused. I beg your pardon?

Ice. Or cold pads. My riders used to tell me it helped.

Thank you for the kind suggestion, I said, trying to gather up the little dignity I had left.

I walked back to the castle, doing my best to ignore the feeling of the dragon’s eyes on my back, as I moved stiffly up the hill, sore from our flight, aching where my body had met with his.

CHAPTER 21

FLORENCE

The day had come much too soon. I felt trapped. Out of time. Sunlight spilled across the courtyard. I squinted, adjusting my stance, then pulled back and let the next arrow fly.

Whoosh. Thwack. It hit the target. Dead center, again. I smiled, and a hand slapped my lower back.

“Good work, lass.” Professor Stonefist’s voice was gruff. She stood beside me, stroking her beard. “Pretending the targets are highbloods, mayhaps?”

I looked down at her in surprise.“Well, maybe a few in particular.”

Her mouth twitched. “Not your betrothed, I hope. He seems decent enough, for one of them.”

“He does,” I agreed. “I’m … lucky.”

“Lucky, are you? Let’s see if your good fortune continues with your shooting.” She folded her arms over her chest and stalked back to the sidelines, being careful to stand in the shadows, avoiding the sun.