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“It’s bullshit,” I agreed. “But I guess I’ll play along. She’s got me wrapped around her little finger.”
Theo was laughing again. “I think you like it that way.”
“I’m a tame dragon when it comes to her.” I set down my mug. “Looks like you feel the same way about Vaughn.”
Theo was still smiling. “We got lucky, didn’t we?”
“Didn’t seem like luck when Viktor was forcing us together, but shit if it wasn’t the best thing he’s ever done in his wretched life.” I looked at my cousin, remembering. “Maybe second-best.” I leaned back on the couch, wondering what Pendragon was doing right now. What she was thinking, feeling.
“So, you’re staying at Bloodwing,” I said at last. “And I’m leaving.” Theo and I looked at one another in silence for a moment. “What made you decide to stay?”
Theo’s lips twitched. “Regan.”
“Sorry. I think I just had a stroke. What was that again?”
Theo smirked. “Never thought I’d be saying it either.”
“Regan.” I picked my words carefully. “She’s not the girl she once was.”
“No,” Theo agreed. “I never thought I’d be saying this, but if she’s going to be the headmistress again, then she needs support.” He met my eyes. “I’ve talked to Lysander. Regan’s fragile right now. She doesn’t know how to ask for help. Or how to accept it.”
I grimaced. “Sounds familiar.” I frowned. “Kage and Lysander seem …”
“Yeah,” Theo agreed, meeting my eyes. “They do seem.”
“Something’s going on there. Not sure what, exactly,” I murmured.
“Whatever it is, I think it’s a good thing. They’ll help Regan. So will Vaughn and I. Together, we’ll help protect the blightborn students at Bloodwing. Vaughn’s grandfather is going to be living at the school, too. Once he’s in better shape, he’s going to start a new job working in the refectory.” He met my eyes. “This school’s not perfect, but it’s ours. We can’t let Elaria and the other high-bloods fuck it up again.”
I nodded. “I’m going to miss you. A lot. But you’re doing the right thing. I know it kills Pendragon to be leaving, but …”
We had to trust the plan. But I couldn’t say that. Not even to Theo.
“So, tomorrow,” Theo said softly.
“Tomorrow,” I confirmed. “Bright and early.”
Theo glanced around. I followed his gaze, but the common room was still empty.
“A dwarven quest for dragon eggs,” he said, his voice low. “That sentence doesn’t sound real.” Then he grinned ruefully. “But then, neither does the idea of my cousin being a dragon.”
I grimaced. “It’s real. I still wish it wasn’t, but …”
“But if you weren’t, this wouldn’t work.” He studied me. “What are you afraid of?”
“Afraid of? I’m afraid of fucking everything up, Theo. I’m afraid we’ll be too late. I’m scared Viktor will get those eggs, and we’ll all be left in the rubble. I’m scared I’ll do something terrible again. Something worse than anything Viktor could possibly do.”
“That won’t happen.”
I shrugged. “I’m scared for Pendragon. I’m scared that she’s going, but I’d be scared to leave her behind.”
Theo chuckled. “As if she’d let you leave her behind.” He was quiet for a moment. “So, what happens if you succeed?”
I stared at my hands. “Best-case scenario? We get the eggs. We keep them away from Marcus, Catherine, and Viktor. We buy some time. End game? Maybe Bloodwing becomes a real school, not just a training ground for cruelty. Maybe Sangratha becomes a place where blightborns have some say in things.”
Theo whistled. “Lofty goals.”
“Then, there’s the worst case,” I said quietly. “Viktor gets all the dragons. He uses Florence like a puppet. He cracks open the Veil. Worlds collide. Things crawl out of the dark that don’t belong here. Highbloods switch from worshiping the Bloodmaiden to idolizing our uncle for all eternity because they’re terrified and he’s terrifying and terror makes everyone stupid.”
