“Reka’s coming,” Heath said, the words tumbling out joyfully. “He’s coming here!” They all stared blankly at him. “Don’t you realize how amazing this is?” Heath pushed on. “I haven’t seen him—I mean, properly seen him—in months!”
Bianca blinked. “I’m…I’m happy for you,” she said carefully. “But how do you know he’s coming?”
It was Heath’s turn to stare. In his excitement, he’d forgotten that his growing abilities were a secret.
“Never mind that,” he said quickly, his mind returning to the situation before him. His family dilemma could wait. He was going to see Merletta, no matter what it took to convince Reka. But one thing he wanted to settle before the confrontation was over. He turned to his brother.
“Did you keep this secret from me because you knew I’d disapprove? Or did you really think I would report you?”
Percival’s expression was unreadable. “I don’t know what to think anymore, Heath,” he said, more calmly. “It’s hard to tell where your loyalty is.”
Heath didn’t know how to answer him. He’d always considered himself unshakably loyal to Valoria, but he was also loyal to his family. Once, the two allegiances had aligned comfortably. Now, he felt anchorless, unsure where to tie his rope.
But no response was required of him. He and Percival were still staring at each other when a rushing sound filled the meadow. Heath stared up into the sky, his heart leaping at the familiar sight of a dark shape descending, wings outstretched. Reka must have flown with unbelievable speed—perhaps as quickly as he’d done the time he carried a half-dead Heath back from Vazula.
The dragon landed lightly in the snow. He barely disturbed the white powder, but the snow sizzled and melted around his taloned feet. His scales flashed yellow in the cold morning light, and his eyes were fixed on Heath.
“I’ve missed you, Dragonfriend,” he said quietly, his gravelly voice breaking the silence that had descended on the clearing.
“And I’ve missed you,” said Heath, reaching out and laying his hand on Rekavidur’s side. The dragon’s scaly hide felt warm under his fingers. “I’m sorry for what I said, after I woke from my injuries.”
“Your words were harsh,” Reka said frankly. “But I did not stay away because I was offended.”
“Why did you stay away?” Heath asked.
Reka glanced around the group. “It is not a matter I am willing to discuss with you,” he said with his usual candor. “Certainly not with your family.”
Heath followed his gaze. He’d almost forgotten that his cousins were there.
“There is a noticeable concentration of magic in this place,” Rekavidur said with interest. It seemed they were done discussing the matter of their estrangement. “What are you all doing here?”
Bianca cleared her throat, looking dazzled. Power-wielders or not, it was highly unusual for most of the family to see a dragon this close up, let alone converse with it.
“Greetings, Mighty Beast,” she said, her voice a little breathless. “We are practicing our magic, trying to develop our abilities. We are honored by your presence among us.”
Rekavidur inclined his head in a manner more regal than King Matlock receiving homage from his subjects. Heath barely refrained from rolling his eyes.
“It is a good idea. Your power must be worked, kneaded, or it will not reach its full potential.” He turned his reptilian head back toward Heath. “Heath should follow your example.”
Percival threw Heath a triumphant look, and Heath actually did roll his eyes this time. Reka, young and inexperienced among his own colony, was clearly loving the opportunity to grace the overawed humans before him with his sage words. But Heath had more important things on his mind than the dragon’s vanity.
“Reka, can we speak in private?” he pressed.
The dragon regarded him with a curious eye. “You do not wish to speak your mind in front of your own family?”
“Honesty isn’t much of a family trait at the moment,” said Heath bitterly. He regretted the petty words as soon as they were uttered, and not just because of the winces of his cousins. Reka’s head swiveled between Heath and the others, and Heath could tell the dragon’s curiosity was now well and truly woken.
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing,” said Heath quickly.
“It is absurd to suggest that it meant nothing,” Rekavidur said calmly. “There was a definite meaning behind it, and I wish to know what it was. I am happy to wait.”
He gave Heath a steady look, and Heath deflated. His friend knew how to manipulate Heath’s weak point. Reka must have sensed the urgency in Heath’s request, and unlike Heath, Rekavidur was in no hurry whatsoever.
To his surprise, Bianca came to his rescue.
“He was talking about our secrecy in meeting here without telling him,” she said, sounding half-ashamed, half-defiant. “We didn’t mean any disrespect to him, but we thought it better if our activities didn’t become widely known.”