Matt stared at me. “And if you can’t?”
I met his eyes. “Then my father and Isobel and I will have a chat.”
His handsome face twisted.
“She won’t be alone.” Lucas squared up to Matt. “Nikolai is with us.”
The Dire’s gaze fastened on Lucas. “Believe me, that is the only reason I am even listening to this crazy idea.”
It’s the only way, Matt.
He ground his teeth.I know, Angel. But I don’t have to like it.
Talakai stared at the castle, and I squirmed out of the sword harness to hand it to him.
His eyes glowed at me. “That is your sword now.”
“No. It isn’t. The name on it says,Dragon of Indigo Night.”
He stiffened. “I have a long way to go before I am that Dragon again.”
I shook my head. “No going back, Talakai. You are becoming something new. The sword was given to you for a reason.”
His entire body had gone rigid, and I sensed the chaos within him.
Take it, Tasi,Matt pushed.Her weapon is her mind. I need you to protect her.
He stood like a statue. I could have called upon the power within me and forced him. But instead, I met his gaze. “Do you trust me?”
I saw him swallow. “Yes.” It was all the more powerful, for the fact he’d considered the question.
“Then take the sword, Talakai,” I said. “It is time to spread your wings.”
A low, grinding rumble came from him, but he reached for the harness. His eyes glowed at me.You intended to do this.
Yes,I admitted.
He snorted and slipped it on.
Resistance is futile.A muscle spasmed in Matt’s jaw.
It would seem so,Talakai agreed.
I turned to Maddy.
“Let’s go.”
* * *
As we approached the gate, Matt filled my mind with a million reasons why it wasn’t a good idea to split up.
Finally, Talakai had had enough.Stop. Her plan is the only viable route forward.
Silence for a few seconds.How can you say that?
Because I am right. And so is she.
His endorsement was unexpected, and it effectively silenced Matt. For long enough for us to follow the wagons right to the gate, anyway.
