Fuse, page 13
While that was noble and selfless, it left her confused. “If the dragon wishes to be free, why is he fused at all? Why does he continue to remain connected with you?”
When Flare looked down, it was clear this was a question he didn’t want to answer. It crossed the line into personal territory.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to pry.”
Instead of him snapping at her or storming off, his voice came out quiet. “I know. Flare and I fused a long time ago. It’s been so long now that I don’t even remember when it happened.”
She hugged her knees to her chest and hung on every word. She knew this information was important, even groundbreaking. He was confiding something deep, something he wouldn’t tell anyone else.
“I…” It was the first time he’d ever faltered in his speech. He had the confidence to say what he needed to say without hesitation. But now he wasn’t himself. He was practically weak. “When Flare and I fused for the first time…I forced him to do it. I broke him down until he was at his weakest point. Then I infected his mind and made it mine to mold.” He wouldn’t meet her look, the shame etched into every feature of his face. “I controlled him for years.”
Cora squeezed her knees, her hands starting to shake. To hear such horrific words escape his mouth left her speechless. She assumed he was one of the good guys, one of the rare people who actually respected the dragon species. But now she knew he was just another monster.
“One day, I realized just how horrific it was. Being linked to his mind for so long forced me to understand his suffering. He was a captive in his own body, unable to do anything else but pray for the sweet release of death. That was when everything changed. I grew to love the dragon, and somehow, he grew to love me.”
She tried to keep her breathing quiet so she wouldn’t disrupt him. Every word was vital, and she didn’t want to make a sound in case he stopped.
“I decided to free him and unfuse. He deserved to be free after all the things I’d done to him. But when I attempted the transition, Flare wouldn’t allow it. He kept me bound there, refusing to let me go.”
The dragon didn’t want to unfuse? She didn’t know such a thing was possible. “Why wouldn’t he release you?”
His eyes were glued to the thick blanket on top of the bed. He didn’t make eye contact again, too ashamed to face her head on. “Dragons are immortal, while humans are not. This is something you already know. But when you’re fused, you retain that immortality. Just as the dragons live forever, so does the human. Since my life-span had come and gone hundreds of years ago, I would die if we unfused. My body would quickly accelerate through the aging process, and then I would become dust in the wind. I accepted that fate freely. It should have come long ago. But my dragon wouldn’t allow it.”
It was the sweetest and saddest thing she ever heard. “Because he loves you…”
Flare nodded. “He’s agreed to release me after I repair all the damage I’ve caused. Once the dragons are free and the world is as it should be, he’ll allow me to go.”
Agony ripped through her heart like a knife. “You want to pass on?”
He nodded.
“Why?” She remembered Flare mentioning this in the past. Long life might seem like a blessing in the beginning, but as the years wore on, it became a curse. Elves took their own lives just before they became insane.
“I’ve done a lot of evil things in my life. Flare isn’t the only dragon I’ve tortured. I was directly responsible for a lot of things that happened during the Great War. In fact, I was instrumental in it. Just because I feel differently now doesn’t excuse my previous behavior. I deserve a gruesome death. It’s wrong that I’ll go so quickly and peacefully.”
Without Cora realizing it, her eyes had welled up with tears. The story was heartbreaking to hear. He captured the dragons with his bare hands and imprisoned them, and now he was their savior. “I don’t think you deserve death.”
“Why not?” he said coldly. “There’s not a single person who would agree with you.”
“Not even Flare?”
“Person. Not dragon.”
“What about Bridge?”
He shook his head. “He doesn’t count.”
“You may have done terrible things in the past, but you aren’t that person anymore. Flare wouldn’t love you unless you were a good person.”
“He’s been with me for too long. Love the one you’re with.”
“There’s more to it than that.”
“Maybe you think so.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “There’s nothing left for me to live for. If I destroy the castles of Anastille and return the power where it belongs, I’ll feel better. But that won’t heal me.”
“Maybe you’ll feel differently when that time comes.”
“Doubtful. I’ve felt this way for a hundred years now. I doubt anything will change in the next hundred.”
She eyed his hand on his thigh then grabbed it with her own. Even though she wasn’t a dragon, she could sense his sorrow. It was heavy like a rain cloud about to pour. She should hate him for what he did, but she simply couldn’t. She saw the light shine through him as well as the remorse. “Everyone deserves a second chance.”
He eyed their interlocked fingers. “Not me.”
“When this is all over, you’ll feel differently.”
He brushed his thumb across her fingertips. His skin was dry and cracked from gripping the pommel of a sword. His hand was twice the size of hers and twice as warm. “Maybe. Or maybe I’ll hate myself even more.”
Fifteen
“So, what are we doing?” Bridge stood with his arms across his chest in the entryway.
“You and I are going to the coast.” Flare was dressed for the journey. His typical black clothes fit him to a T, and his dark cloak covered his shoulders and chest. He pulled up his hood and obscured his face. “Cora is going to Eden Star.”
“I don’t know how much help I will be,” Bridge said. “If there are beautiful women bathing in the sea, I’ll be too distracted to be of much assistance.”
Flare chuckled. “I’ll make you focus.”
“We don’t know where this island is,” Bridge said. “You want to figure it out when we get there? Sounds reckless.”
“We can’t hide here forever.” Flare’s black sword hung at his side. “And we shouldn’t waste unnecessary time. I can’t stay in one place for too long. They’ll track me down eventually.”
“Who?” Bridge asked.
Flare shrugged. “Everybody.” He pulled a map from his pocket then stared at Cora. “Are you sure you’re up for this? Maybe we should escort you there.”
“That’ll take a whole month out of your journey.” He might be a dragon, but that trip would still be exhausting. “And it’s unnecessary. I’ll be fine.”
“I’m not worried about you being fine,” Flare said. “I’m just worried you might get lost.”
Cora took the map and examined it. “It’s pretty straightforward. It’s almost a straight shot to the hills.”
“Not really.” Flare snatched the map then pointed to the left side of a riverbed. “There’s an orc clan here. Stay away from them. They may be mindless, but they’re strong. They could crush your skull with a simple squeeze.”
“Good to know.” Cora marked the spot with her pen.
“And don’t forget about the poisonous frogs.” Bridge pointed farther up the stream to a small pond. “That stuff can kill you instantly.”
She wasn’t afraid of frogs; that was certain. “Thanks for the heads-up.”
“If they come your way, just run.” Flare marked the map even though it wasn’t necessary. “Even if you stab them with your sword, you risk contracting their poison.”
Would she need to stab a tiny frog? “I think there are far more dangerous creatures than a poisonous frog.”
“Have you seen them?” Bridge gave her an incredulous look. “They’re as big as us. A frog may be a frog, but a gigantic frog is terrifying in my book.”
“As big as us?” She didn’t know that was possible.
“And they jump high,” Flare said. “And I mean, high. If you had to pick an enemy, you’re better off with the orcs than these guys.” He turned back to the map. “Avoid the sandpits here. They’ll pull you under and suffocate you.”
“That sounds like a terrible death.” It was just like drowning.
Flare sucked his inner lip as he moved his gaze to her face. Hesitation shone brighter than the sun. “Maybe I should just come with you. A lot can go wrong on your journey.”
“I’ll be fine. Really.” She could handle herself.
“You almost died last time you went somewhere alone.” Flare would never let her live that down.
“I made a mistake, and I won’t do it again.” How many times did she have to admit he was right? “I’ll keep my head down and just focus on getting there. You have my word.”
“She seems strong enough,” Bridge said. “She’ll be alright.”
Cora gave him a grateful look. “Thank you.”
Flare was still hesitant. “I can’t afford to lose you. You’re one of the few allies I have.”
“You’re overthinking it. You’re just as likely to come to a terrifying death as I am.” He was a dragon after all. The Shamans wanted him more than her.
“I don’t know about that…” He closed the map and folded it. “After the sandpits, it should be an easy road.”
“How will I know if I’ve reached their land?” Cora asked.
“They’ll see you before you see them,” Bridge said. “And they’ll approach you or shoot you down where you stand.”
That was a little terrifying. “Should I hold up a white flag or something?”
“No,” Flare answered. “Just look harmless. Sheath your sword and stash away your bow. It’s important not to alarm them.”
On the surface, she looked like easy prey, so that shouldn’t be hard to accomplish.
“And finally,” Flare said, “stay hidden at all times. Don’t go into any villages or towns. You understand?”
She hated it when people spoke to her like she was an idiot. “Yes, I understand, asshole.”
Bridge chuckled. “Don’t use that language with the elves. They won’t like it much.”
“Well, they aren’t going to like me much either.” It didn’t matter who she was speaking to. If they were rude to her, she’d be rude back. “Where do we meet when we’re finished?” They couldn’t return to this house.
Flare rubbed his chin as he searched his mind for a good place. “Do you remember the place by the river? Where you healed my wing?”
“Yes.” It was close to home.
“Do you know how to get there?”
“Yes.” She grabbed the map from his hands. “I can figure it out.”
“That will be the rendezvous point,” Flare said. “And hopefully, there will be others among us when we do meet.”
Dragons, specifically. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Alright.” Flare watched her with concern in his eyes. “Are you sure you want to do this? If the road gets difficult, you won’t be able to change your mind.”
“I’m sure.” A little danger didn’t scare her.
Flare was silent for a few moments, giving her the opportunity to really think it over.
She rolled her eyes. “Let’s hit the road. The sun is about to come up.”
They snuck out of the city and entered the wilderness. Once they were a league away from unfriendly eyes, they stopped.
Cora pulled out her map. “Alright. I’m headed this way.” Her journey would take much longer than Flare’s since they were already near the coast. But then again, if he had to sail across the sea, he might be gone for a long time. She folded the map and stuck it in her pocket. “I guess I’ll see you guys later.” She kept the farewell light because it was too difficult to say how she really felt. Despite his harsh demeanor, Flare had become a close friend. She couldn’t return to her village and see her friends and family again, so he was the only comfort she had. Even though she hadn’t known Bridge as long, she felt the same way toward him. The possibility of never seeing them again saddened her heart.
“Yes.” Bridge gripped both of her shoulders and gave them a gentle squeeze. “Later.” He embraced her with a pat on the back. “You better bring us some elven treats when you do.”
He was attempting to cheer her up, and she smiled in gratitude. “I’ll try.”
He gave her another pat before he stepped back.
Flare stared at her without moving, his arms hanging by his sides.
She knew he wouldn’t hug her. It simply wasn’t something he did. The kiss they’d shared the other night was random and full of lust. She wasn’t interested in that. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Yeah.” He gave a slight nod, his face barely visible behind his hood. “I’m sure you will.”
Now that she was about to turn around and walk the opposite way, fear gripped her by the throat. She tried to combat it and keep her head held high, but it was a struggle.
Flare was the first one to step back. “Good luck, Cora.” He turned around and walked off, Bridge following him a moment later. Their backs receded into the distance, their powerful shoulders slowly disappearing from sight as they departed. When their outlines were no longer visible, she knew they were really gone.
She turned around and stared at the terrain before her feet. The whole world was out there, waiting for her to pass through. The month would be long without any companionship, and the road would be difficult, pushing Cora to her limit.
But that didn’t stop her from taking the first step.
Sixteen
Flare and Bridge approached the wooden door and blew out the torches mounted on either side. When darkness blanketed them completely, they picked the lock with a dagger and a nail.
“You’re sure this is the place?” Flare worked the lock, trying to find the exact spot to make it click.
“I know where the Grand Library is.” Light was unnecessary to see Bridge’s exaggerated eye roll. It was clear in his voice.
“Do you think anyone is awake?” Flare’s hood was still pulled up as he worked the lock.
“Academics never sleep.”
“Then we’ll kill the accolades.” Problem solved.
“Whoa, hold on.” Bridge stopped scanning for the guards and looked at Flare. “We aren’t killing anyone.”
“Then what else are we supposed to do?”
“Tie them up. Did you think of that? Why do you always resort to killing?”
“Because they’ll tell a steward we were here. Idiot.”
Bridge’s eyes narrowed in the dark. “We’ll be long gone by then.”
“They’ll figure out what we’re doing.”
“And if we kill them, they’ll still figure it out.”
Flare couldn’t argue with that. “But they won’t know for sure.”
“Who else would be responsible, other than the dragon they’re trying to recapture?” Venom seeped out of Bridge’s voice. “Everyone in Anastille must know about it by now.”
Flare turned the knife and finally heard the distinct click in the keyhole. “I got it.”
“Wait.” Bridge grabbed his hand. “No killing, alright? These accolades are just students of history. They’ve done nothing wrong.”
Flare had a much different attitude about right and wrong. “If they’re in the way, that’s not my problem.”
“I’m not going in there unless you promise me. And you know how much you need me.”
Bridge’s unrealistic morals showed Flare just how ignorant he was. “Fine. We’re wasting too much time talking about it.” He opened the door and walked inside first. The stone stairway led to the different floors of the library. Low-burning candles illuminated the room, showing the volumes of hardbound books on the mahogany shelves. “Where do we start?”
Bridge walked through the shelves and searched for the map. “I’ve never been here before. It’ll take me some time to figure out.”
“Great.” Just what he needed. He pulled out his sword and scanned the room, making sure there were no surprises lurking about. He kept his eyes on the stairs and the door, waiting for an assailant to approach.
After twenty minutes of searching, Bridge came back. “It’s not here. Next floor.”
Flare took the lead and leaped off the stairs without making a sound with his boots. The floor was identical to the previous one with the same number of shelves and books. Tables were dispersed around the room where a few open books lay. The red rug underneath his feet silenced his steps. “Get to work.”
Bridge searched the floor, pulling books off the shelves and scanning their pages at a table. He moved quickly, making more noise than he should. Flare focused for the sound of approaching guards. Fortunately, he didn’t hear anyone.
“Goddammit.” Bridge came to his side, empty-handed. “Nothing.”
Flare hadn’t gotten his hopes up in the first place. “Let’s move.” There was one more floor they hadn’t explored. Hopefully, they would find what they needed there. They moved past the open windows that displayed the city below. The moon glowed high in the sky and was particularly bright on that summer’s eve.
They reached the tallest room of the tower but stopped when they spotted an accolade sitting at a table. His back was to them, and an open book lay on the table’s surface. His red robes reached to the floor, and his head was shaved down to the skin.
Flare turned to Bridge and silently asked what they should do.
He mouthed, “Don’t kill him.”
Flare mouthed back, “Then what am I supposed to do?”
Bridge shrugged. “Knock him out.”
That wasn’t the worst idea in the world. Flare approached him from behind then gripped his sword by the hilt. With lightning speed, he smashed it against the back of the accolade’s skull.
