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Singe My Nights: Dragons of Blood and Bone #2: A Viking Dragon
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Aspicy, slow-burnreverse haremdragonshifterromance withfatedmates, enemies-to-lovers, anda kickass heroine, the Dragons of Blood and Bone seriesisforadultaudienceswholiketheirdragonshot!
At mysignal to get going, we breakfromour trio, donninghelmets and gloves and returningto our bikes. I fire up my Ducati,turningithardandpeelingout,backtothewindingcoastroad.
Done up to the nines for Beltane, the village is a riot of flowers, colorful ribbons, and party lights strung fromevery thatchedroofandwhite silberskrae timber.AlltherusticVikinglodge-houseshaveflowersandstreamersoverwhelmingtheir ingresses,lightscascadingbetweenthehousesintothecity-centeranddownthesteep,windingcausewaytothewharf. Beltaneisagaytime,thebestfestivaloftheyearhere.Thebeautyandlightofthisweek’sfestivitiesareonlymarredby portraitsofMarysearoundtown,drapedincolorfulstreamersandflowersforherpassing.
Blackcrow feathers and white ones fromgulls are woveninto those streamers, to speed Maryse’s flight to the Void of Ancestors. She was a pillar of the community, and a member of the Black Dragon Knights, the covert ruling body that commandseveryaspectofBloodDragonlife,evenmoresothanourKing
Ifeel notjustmyloss buteveryone’s now, as Bjorn, Ström, and Iparkour bikes and cuttheir engines before Maryse’s traditional lodge-house near the highestedge oftown,backedbythe cliffs Flowers engulfthe porch,streamers andfeathers everywhere;wehavetopalmthemasidetogettotheopenfrontdoor,servantscomingandgoingastheyprepareforafamily waketonight It’sdarkerinsidetheloftyhallthanoutinthebright,springday AsIenter,Iblinktoadjustmyvision
Andamaccostedintoamassivebearhug.
TrublutLakkviegrowlswithdelight,heavingmeupandspinningmearoundbeforesettingmebackdown.He’sdressedin blacktacticalgear,combatboots,andawhitewolfpeltlikealways;hiskindlavendereyesbeaminhisgrizzled,battle-scarred face Basicallymyfathersincemyteens,he’snoteventhatmuchbiggerthanme ThestrengthinthewiryTrublutismassive, though,asheroarswithjoy,clappingmyshouldersandkissingcheeks.
Hecramsmeintoanother ofhisbighugsthen,asifwehaven’tseeneachother inages Heknew Iwascoming;Icalled yesterday telling himwe’d be here for Maryse’s send-off, and also to talk with himabout a Bloodbonding ceremony she mentioned in her last words to me, to help bond my drakes better and gain more control over my Bloodwalker power EverythingwithTrublutislikethis,though,asheroarswithlaughtertoseeme,despitehisbelovedlifemate’spassing.
I blush instantly. Trublut has always been very frank about sex, and though I am a grown-ass woman now, it still embarrassesme Ibrushmyinnatesqueamishnessaside,however Ifuck;Ilikeit
AsTrublutgripsmymen’sshoulders,thenmine,givingmeakindsmile,Ifinallyseethesadnessinhim.Itgripsmyheartas myownache returns it; he sees myagonyand pulls me into a gentler hugnow. He holds me as we breathe together for a moment.
Rusticandcomfortableyetelegant,builtinatraditionalstylewithaginormousfirepitinthecenterandaventingholefar above,Maryse’sabodewithhermatesismadeofsoaringsilberskrae timbersthatcreatevaultslikeashipfarabove.Suitesof rooms sprout off the sprawling main area, with heavily carved white wooden doors; every timber and beamare lovingly decoratedwithBloodDragonsinbattleandcelebration.
Our classic rune-language tells ancientstories ofvalor as itwinds around everypillar, evenonto the elegantyetrustic woodenfurniture.Thehayandcedarscentofthelonghousecontrastswithasharp,muskyincensethatwaftsthroughthegables frombeautifulsilvercensersthatsmokeblue-whiteastheyhangfromtheeaves.
Bearskinrugsandwool blanketsareeverywhereonthedriftwood-carvedcouchesandchairs;thepolishedtimber floors are covered with massive, woven rugs. Charms of feathers, driftwood, nautical rope, and dragon scale dangle fromevery vaultedwindowanddoor
Topushbackdarknessandkeepevilaway.
Adozenmassivetrestle-tablesareladenwithfoodanddrinkaroundtheperimeterofthehallnow,however,inpreparation for tonight’s wake. This evening’s partyis onlya familyaffair, butmore food is still comingfromthe kitchens a veritable feastbeingpreparedfortonight.
WhenBlood Dragons party, theypartyhard; since so manyofus die inepic battles thanks to our Berserker nature, we celebrate life rather than mourn death. Only after we have thoroughly celebrated our dead do we send them off to the Ancestors
As lively music starts outside in the town, I know tonight is about to get crazy. Because we’re celebrating not only Maryse’slifethisnight,butalsothestartofBeltane.Everyoneintheentirevillageisgoingtogetroaringdrunkinanhouror less,asthesunsets.
AndIplanonbeingoneofthem.
AsTrublutleadsmeintothecommotioninsidethelodgenow,Iseemysecondstepfather,KhoshHarrowsblut,conductinga symphony of servants cleaning, decorating, and getting food out. With a long blond mane shaved on both sides into ornate patternsofknotworkanddragons,Khoshisdressedinhisnormalforestleathers,likehe’sbeenhuntinginthewildernessfor weeks.
Withfeathers andbeads braidedintohis longhair,Khoshwears a triple bandofbraidedcrimsonleather aroundhis left arm,decoratedwithravenandgullfeathers.It’saBloodDragondeath-celebrationband;mythirdstepfather,VjenJormunder, wearsonewithamoderncharcoalvest,whiteshirt,andslacksasIcometowhereVjensitsatatrestle-table Vjenhasalargewhitelambswoolnetstrewnacrossthetableandbowlsofcraftingsupplies,likecolorfulbeads,feathers, andribbons.It’sabeautifulsend-offnethe’sweavingforMaryse,accordingtotheoldesttraditions,butwithalovely,modern touchlikehisownsensibilities
BothVjenandKhoshbeamas Iarrive,Khosh’s eyes a vividlavender like Trublut’s,thoughVjen’s are a stunning,clear bluelikeaSiren KhoshstepsintokissmyforeheadasVjenrisesfromthetabletokissmycheeks “Yava!Finally,”Khoshsaysashewelcomesme.
Khosh’s gaze is furious now, however, as he snaps a correction at one of the servants, directing her to set a plate of myrkdall bloodsausagetothefarrightofthenearesttableinsteadofontheleft.It’soutofcharacterforthegood-naturedand normallyultrazenKhosh LikeaBuddhistmonkcombinedwithamountainman,he’susuallyextremelycalmandteasing Isee howMaryse’sdeathhastornupKhosh’szen,however,asheglancesatme.
“Well. Youshould go getready, youngling. Youcancatchup withold drakes later. Acelebrationawaits. Yes?” Trublut says, interruptingour sorrow as he turns to me. As he nods me towards a door thatleads to a bedroomwingofthe lodge, I knowhe’stellingmemyoldroomhasbeenmadeupformeandmymates,sowecangetcleanedup.
Theyseemto know everythingthat goes oninher house, as I head over to mymagicallydownsized duffel onthe bed, restoringitviaashrinkcharmonmybikekeys.Wepackedlightforthistrip,butstillhadtoshrinkourduffelstogetthemon ourDucatis,thosecrotchrocketsnotknownforstoragespace
AsIunpacksomesexypartyclothesnow,courtesyofStröm’sextensiveguestwardrobeattheOldPalace,BjornandStröm unpack as well Delving into his suitcase, Ström flings club-chic pants, vests, and shirts around like he hasn’t a care A differenttemperament, Bjornunpacks methodically, pullingoutneatlyfolded and rolled items fromhis military-issue duffel. UnlikeStröm’sattire,Bjorn’sstuffisall-purposeoutdoorswearorwarmtacticalgear.IwonderifBjornevenownsasuit,asI lingerandstare
As we stare ateachother,Ifeel how we all take a momenttogather our strengthnow as we prepare for tonight’s party Becausethoughmydrakes’andmyenergysnarlsforbattle,weknowtherecouldbealion’sdenofBloodDragonleadershipat thispartytonight.WestilldonotknowwhobetrayedMarysetoherdeathandwhy.
I see anecho of that creature inmymind now, fromthe visionI had whenall this shit started of a dead, bone-white dragoneye staringat me ina snarlingface ofbones that’s somehow blackas death. It rolls me for a moment and Ishiver, blinkingawayasuddenfuguestate.
IsayasmallprayerfortheAncestorstowelcomeMaryse’sspiritnow,asIaddafew knivesfromtheParisHoteltomy persontonight IcanusuallygutamanjustasfastwithamagicalBloodblademanifestedfrommypowerasanactualweapon TonightIjustfeel off, though, and itfeels better to wear somethingsharp. Two knives getstrapped into holsters highonmy thighs,invisiblebytheruchingofmydress Onegoesintoaslimsheathinmycleavage,becausethat’smygo-tohidingplace Boobscanhidealotofthings,andforme,it’sweapons.
Atlast,Itakeafewminutesformyhandstoflythroughanornatelywovenbraid,cascadingdownovermyshoulderwith my long Scandinavian-blonde hair. As I work, I murmur prayers, setting my braid with crow and gull feathers to speed Maryse’sflighttotheAncestors.
Their flutteringsoothesmeasIexitthebathroomandarrivebeforemydrakes,dressedandsittingonrusticchairsinmy oldroom.Theystandinunisonastheyseeme,theireyeswideatmydecidedlysexyappearance,whentheyusuallyonlysee meinmotorcycleleathers,BloodDragonbattleleathers,orothercasualattire
Myeyes arejustas wide.Dressedinaclassicblacktuxwithawhitebear peltchainedaroundhis shoulders,medals of BloodDragonvalorclippedtothetux,BjornismagnificenttonightinawayI’veneverseenhim.Strömisalean,meandream inhis sleekcharcoal suit withdarkgreenpinstripes, plus a gold and greendragon-patterned liningthat makes his stunning emerald eyes ridiculously vivid. His watch, ring, and cufflinks are gold and malachite; the overall effect of both men is absolutelyarrestingastheyoffermetheirarmsattheexactsametime
Thenglanceateachotherwithprotectivejealousy.
“Isupposewe’rebothyourescortstotheball”Bjornliftshischin,notcedingtoStrömashewaitsformetotakehisarm “Beautyand wit before brawn.” Strömis cheekyas he maintains his position, not loweringhis armeither as I feel his energysubtlycontestwithBjorn’s.
“What? You’re the beauty, Bjorn’s the wit, and I’mthe brawn?” I lift an eyebrow at Strömas I solve the problemby steppingbetweenthemandtakingbothmen’sarms,BjornonmyrightandStrömonmyleft.
It makes Bjornscowl, but he onlygives anirate rumble that I tookStröm’s armat the same time as his Because even thoughhe’s pissed aboutit, Ifeel throughour new Bloodbond thatBjornknows the score. He doesn’tlike thatI’mtreating Strömasanequal tonight someonewho’snotBloodboundtomeyet,onlychosenbymyBloodwalker power asapotential mate.
Bjornis our Blood DragonKingHuttr Erdhelm’s top securitycommander, though. He’s savvywithpolitics, especially whenintensedangerisinvolved,andknowswehavetoshowsolidarityinfrontofanywhomaybeourenemiestonight Andfightaboutourpersonalissueslater,inprivate.
“Andoneinthecleavage Iknowyou,”Bjornsays,hislipscurlingupinrareamusementasheshakeshisheadatme Ipursemylipsandgivehimamockkissthatheguessedright.EvenasIdo,IrealizeBjorndoesknowme.HeandIwere together on and off for over twenty years before everything blew up so spectacularly between us and how I left himso suddenlyonthenightoftherebellion.
AsIlookatStröm,however,Ifeelhowhealsoknowsme Weworkedfortheentiretyofthosesametwentyyearstogether inthe Kingsguard;thoughthat’s notmuchtime indragonyears, itfeels like a lotto me. Atnearlyeightyyears old, I’mstill consideredayoungling;ourkindcanreachthousandsofyearsifthey’recraftyorcareful.
But havingtwo drakes bymyside is new to me bothof themwicked fighters, highlydecorated inthe Blood Dragon Kingsguard,andhigh-statusinoursociety,thankstotheirJarl-heirbloodlines.IfeelprideanduncertaintybothasIprepareto exitmyroombetweenthem,dressedtotheninesandreadytofuckshitup
Mostofthedragonsherearealreadyroaringdrunkthoughthesunhasjustset;ineverycorner ofthehall,BloodDragon songs are starting, ale and mead are being quaffed, and people have begun to play drunkenly on Maryse’s traditional instrumentsallaround
IexpectStrömtobethebiggestdrinkeroftheevening,however,andamsurprisedwhenheisn’t.Hehasonlyasipofhis mead, thensets itresolutelyaside As Bjornlifts aneyebrow, Strömshakes his head Ihave no time to askStrömwhyhe’s holdingback,however,asTrublutturnstous.
Rakingusallintobig,inebriatedhugs.
“Younglings!”Hegrinsashekissesmycheeks “Youlookfabulous!Herdrakescleanupgood,eh,Vjen?” “Better thanwedo,”Vjensays now as hekisses mycheeks also,grippingmyhands.As Khoshsets his foreheadagainst mine briefly, I note how all three drakes are dressed in what they were wearing earlier As if all their preparations took everythingtheyhad,all threeareatleastsixalesinnow asTrublutwavesfor Bjorn,Ström,andmetofinishour drinksand handsusanother WesmashtankardswithMaryse’sdrakesanddrink Nobodyholdingbacknow,aswecelebratethelifeofthedead.
As we gather, Trublutwaves his hand, producinga complexblood-sigil withhis fingertips He creates anenergylike a warmwindwithhispower;ahaloofblooddropletssofineitlookslikemistseethesout,nearlyinvisibleasitgathersaround ourgroup
“Easy,Rikyava,”Vjensayswithwarningnowinhismellowtenorvoice.“We’realllookingforanswersthisweek,aswe hold our three-day send-off for Maryse We need to find out who killed her, and nearly killed you with that insane bonedragon’sattackontheBlackDragonKnight’sCouncil.Youshouldknow,theCouncilhasputamoratoriumonTrublut,Khosh, andmeinvestigatingherdeath They’vethreatened us withdeathifwegetinvolved Youcanseewhyall ofthisneedstobe donequietly.Withouthittingthequestionstoohardorwithtoomuchpissandvinegar.”
“That’stheir ruling”Khosh’svoiceisquiet,thoughhis demeanor holdsdanger ashis violeteyes flashdragon-red “The Council wantstohandlethematterwithoutinvolvinglower-level Knights.ThoughweweretheirHighMatriarch’smatesfor years,itdoesn’tmatter We’renotontheCouncil sowedon’tgetasay”
“Fuckinghells!” Mywrathsurges now,terrible.Awashofintense darkness takes myvisionas a roar surges all through me.Amassive,blackdrakerisesinsideme,threateningtoswampmyregular,blood-brightdrakainaasIchurn,furious.
Bjornfeelsitthroughour new bond
Hetakesmyhand,ashisbrillianteyesflashpuregoldwiththepower ofhisdrake Though he’s usually one to bust heads, I feel himpour a deep, grounding energy through me now via our new bond. He’s CaptainoftheBloodDragonKingsguardinStockholm;thoughhe’sahothead,he’salsoacommanderthroughandthrough
I haven’t properly bound Ström yet, but I feel his refreshing river water energy pour into me also through the unconsummatedbondwehave Itbolstersmewiththoughtfulrestraintashereachesoutalsonow,touchingmylowback It’snotasstrongasBjorn’sdeepfloodofpower,butit’sthere aBloodbondmymagicstillwantstomake.Mydrakaina likesStröm’sdrakejustasmuchasBjorn’s Sherevelsinthebright,lance-sharpsensationofStröm’senergysurgingintomeas wetouch.
Rollingaroundinit,likeacat.
“Calmyour beast, youngling.” Trublutadmonishes me now as his intense violeteyes pinme. “Council members maybe heretonight,orfortheotherfestivitiesthisweek.They’reallfarmorepowerfulthanyou,andyoucan’tjustgoroaringoffand ripanyofthemanewone”
“Hey.IfyouwanttostormintotheKnight’sCouncillikeabullinachinashop,I’min.”Strömischucklingwithhumoras heglancesatme “ButI’malsoaproponentofwinningwhenweraisehell KickingpricelessMingvasesoveralltheway ” As he pierces me withhis bright, carnal gaze, witflashes inStröm’s emerald eyes, so sharp and clear they’re like new grassonasummerday Herubsahandthroughhisshort,ash-blondhairandoverhistrimblondbeard,liftinganeyebrow at me,andIloveit.Cocky,there’sasideofStrömthat’sallbusiness,though,asdarknessgleamsinhiseyes.
“You’reright”ItakeadeepbreathnowasIglancearoundMaryse’smatesandmydrakes “ButIcan’tstopthinkingabout thatmonstrousbone-dragonthatkilledMaryse.WhenitsmashedinthroughtheBlackDragonKnights’GrandCouncilHall,its roar called my blood right out of my body, breaking all my bones That was beyond powerful curse-work That thing’s appearancewasn’thappenstance;someone knewaboutthatbeast.AndwhyitwentstraightafterMaryseandme justafterwe wereaccusedofconsortingwithBoneMagesbytheBlackDragonKnightsCouncil”
“Youcan’tpushtheCounciljustyet,Rikyava,”Trublutsays,hisintensityeasingtoasadsmileatmyferocityforhisdead lifemate. “Maryse was certain someone on the Council betrayed her because she was learning about Bone Magic and its connectiontoherBloodwalkerpower HerBloodwalkerpower,andyours Wewillinvestigateherdeath,buteverything must bedonecovertly,withouttheCouncil’sknowledge.AmIclear,youngling?”
As someone toweringlylarge shoulders throughthe crowd, straight to our little group, I recognize that massive voiceboomingthroughTrublut’ssoundproofingcharm MyuncleKingHuttrErdhelm’svoicethundersthroughthedin ofthepartyandallthegeneralnoiseashereachesus.Ashepushesthroughthethrongandpeoplepartforhim,Trublutmakesa quicksigilwithhisfingersandcrasheshissound-silencingbarrier.
As Huttr nears us, he opens his enormous arms, rakingme in. He’s beendrinkingheavily;myblood-uncle’s embrace is bone-crushingasheroarsinmyearwithabellow,thenthumpsmeonthebackandshakesmebymyshoulders
The looky-loos are close enough to observe their King and his blood-family, but not close enough to listen in to our conversation ItstrikesmethenthatthoughMarysehadextremestatusinourworldthankstobeingontheBlackDragonKnights Council, she had no royal family. Borna simple fisher-dragon’s daughter, she was raised inthis village and earned respect overherlifetimebybeingclever,magnanimous,andpowerfulinhermagic.
Whoever gottoher alsotriedtogetme,butIwas inaroomfull ofenemies then Now,I’minaroomfull offamilyand friends.
ThoughourBloodDragonKingisHuttr,Rhennicisnolesspowerful andsomewouldarguequitealotmore,sincehe’s King of the largest Dragon Lineage in the world He’s Huttr’s youngest son, half Blood Dragon by birth, and raised in StockholmwithHalfdir. ButRhennic’s magic manifested as StormDragoninhis teens;his aura crackles withstorms as he approaches
“Hey,girl,”Rhennicsaysinhissmoothvoiceasheembracesme.“Thankallthegodsyou’reokay.” Handsomelyput-together,Rhennicwearsamidnightbluevestandslacks,thesleevesofhischarcoal shirtrolledup.Tall and slender thanks to his mother’s FrenchStormDragonheritage, but withgood shoulders fromhis father Huttr, Rhennic’s chiseledfeatureslooklikehisfatherandolderbrother.Golden-blondwithatrimmedred-blondbeard,hecouldbecastinthe showVikings,he’ssuchalooker He’sgotthebestheartIknow,though;asIpullback,herestshisforeheadagainstminewith ahardsigh.
“Fuckinghells.IwishIhadbeenherewhenallthatshitwentdownlastweek.IwantedtocomerightawaywhenIheard, butIwastiedupwithStormDragonbusiness”Rhennic’svioleteyesgoadarkstorm-purpleinangernowashepullsback,his irises flickeringwithlightning.Hegrowls as his dragonseethes,actual starbursts oflightningblisteringaroundus now from hispower RhennichasexcellentcontrolofhisDragon,though,andtheydon’tharmanyone Justputonquiteashow,whicheveryone’swatchingnow.
Myfavorite familymember, I never ignore Rhennic’s calls. He’s extraordinarilybusythese days, however, leadinghis massiveLineageafterhismother’srecentdemise
Rhen only sips his ale, setting it aside as he embraces his father and older brother He eyes the roomnow, taking in everyonewatchingusashisfierceprotectivenesssurges.
Rhennic’s, Halfdir’s, and Huttr’s powers blister around me now, alongwithStröm’s and Bjorn’s, and Maryse’s drakes Because it’s notjustmyass onthe line withall that’s happened it’s all theirs, too. The political arena is boilingwiththe BloodDragonsandIceDragonsonthebrinkofanew war,thankstothemagicalexplosionthatstartedallthisshit,whichis connected to the Bone Mages and everything with the Council It’s a situation my mates and I were investigating before everythingwithMarysewentdown.
Wedoalittlehappydanceaswehug;LaylaPrice’sjadeandgoldeyesbeamasshepullsbacknow,kissingmeoneither cheek.Adrakaina I’ve onlycome toknow inthe pasttwoyears since she firstdiscoveredwhatshe was,Layla is a fucking powerhouseofaRoyalDesertDragon,andsomethingrarecalledaRoyalDragonBind.
Ifeelsurroundedbylove,myheartglowingasIflickatearaway Now isn’tthetimetogetallsappyandcry,soIlaugh instead,seizingLaylainanotherbighugandshakingheraroundabitintheBloodDragonway.
LaylaandmycousinRhennichaveacomplicatedlovelife;he’sKingofanentireDragonLineagewithabillionthingsto do, and she’s life-mated to four other drakes besides him, all witheither Kingships oftheir own, or prominent, high-profile lives.Plus,she’sanambassadorfortheRedLetterHotelchainintheTwilightRealm,andtravelsallaroundtheworldwhen she’snotwithhermates,helpingsolveproblemsforthosehigh-classestablishmentsandtheirultraA-listguests
She’s a busycookie and so is her love life, as she steps backfromme now, cuddlinginto Rhenand wrappinganarm aroundhimliketheycan’twaittogetsomealonetime Shekeepsmyhand,though,squeezingitlikeasister.
“Rhennic and Iwere atthe startofour two weeks together whenHalfdir called us aboutwhatwentdown” Layla nods, sober yet furious, as red-gold fire blazes in her eyes now. “I’mso sorry, Rikyava. Don’t worry, though we’ll catch the bastardwhodidthis”
“Bad business, all around” Huttr cuts into our conversation now as he turns to me from where he was talking with Maryse’sdrakes.Givingamassivebark,heslapsmeontheback.“Well!Can’tkillanAndersenoffeasily,canthey?Notlike Riksfold”
IfeelhowBjornandStrömchurnwithbitterfuryalsoatmyuncle’ssuddenmentionofRiksfold.Sixty-plusyearsago,the Battle of Riksfold betweenthe Ice Dragons of Russia and the Blood Dragons of Norwayand Swedenwas a battle Bjorn, Ström,andIalllostclosefamilyin Explosive,thatbattlewastheopeningattackofawarthatwouldlastuntiljustafewyears ago,whenourKingnegotiatedapeacetreatywiththenewKingoftheIceDragons.
Bjorn’sjawissetalso,hisenergyroaringnowasitpummelsthroughmeviaourBloodbond.Helosthisbelovedmotherin that battle, the only one who supported himagainst his merciless father His father had already banished Bjorn fromtheir territoryandfromeverinheritingtheJarldomdecadesbeforewhenBjornwasjustateenager,thoughBjorn’sneversaidwhy.
“She will.” Iclinkgoblets withmyuncle as Ström, Bjorn, Halfdir, Rhennic, Layla, and Maryse’s drakes all take drinks, celebratingthedead Thepartyisgettingraucousall aroundnow,butweholdacalmspaceinournookaswechatwithour King.
“Iknow the Outer Island explosionstill has yet to be solved, but I’mtakingyouoffthe case, Rikyava, for now” Huttr eyeballs me. “You, Bjorn, and Strömare released fromall duties, so youmayfollow up onthis attackthat killed Maryse. Thoughthe higher-ups aredoinganinvestigation,Ifeelyouwoulddobetterlaunchingyourown”
“The higher-ups don’twantanyonelookingintoit,”Isaynow,usingthecodewordmyuncle,cousins,andIhavehadfor yearsfortheBlackDragonKnightswhenwementiontheminpublic.
“Anyofus” Trublutsnorts as he lifts his latestale,takinga swig,thoughIknow now thathe’s notas inebriatedas he’s pretendingtobe,togetinformationoutofpeopletonight.
EvenourKing
“I don’t give a damn what they say!” Crimson blazes in Huttr’s eyes now as his gaze rakes us all. “They’ve been too clandestineforcenturies;nowwiththisdirectattack,Ibelievethey’reatrisk It’sunacceptableforthehighestrulingbodyof ourLineagetobeunderthreat.Iamintalkswiththemrightnowtoallowmywarriorstoprotectthem,andforthemtoletmy peopledigintowhomevermaybebehindthis.Inthemeantime,Iknowyouallaregoingtogorogueandlookintothisonyour own Whateversupportyouneedfromme,youshallhaveit SuchatrocitieswillnotgounansweredbytheBloodDragonKing, andIhaveafeelingyouallmaybemoresuccessfulthanmostatfindingoutwhodidthis.”
Huttr’swordsliftatremendousweightfrommyheart.GettingdirectpermissionfromourBloodDragonKingtolookinto this matter is massive, because itgives us bargainingpower ifthe BlackDragonKnights decide theydon’tlike whatwe’re doingandhaulusinforacourt-martial.
Notonlythat,buta carte blanche offerofhelpfromHuttrisabigdeal,eventosomeonelikemewhoishisownfleshand blood.It’sanall-accesspasstowhereverwemightneedtogoandwhomeverwemightneedtotalkto,intheentireLineage.
Tofigureoutwhodidthis andbringthemtojustice
“I’lldraftupaformalBloodSealtonight,soyouhaveproofofmywords.”HuttrgivesasobernodtoTrublut.“Andyou two”HuttrturnstoStrömandBjornnow,eyeballingbothmenastheystandatmysides Huttrisjovial,buthedoesn’tmiss much; aneagle eye and a sharp mind, he reads everythingabout me and mytwo drakes before he speaks. “Keep myniece companytonight Nobeautifulyoungdrakainashouldbeseenwithanythinglessthantwofuriouswarrior-drakesathersides, sosayIandsosaymost.ThoughmyYavacanholdherowninafight,ifshegoesaboutbrawlingtonightbecauseofgriefather mentor’sloss,youtwomustjoinher.”
“Good,” Huttr says now as he watches the three ofus Butthere’s nomore time,as he’s approachedbyhis Consulate,a bearofamannamedBennerHjus.BennerspeakslowtoourKing,andHuttrnods.Heturnsbacktous,motioningforhisson Halfdirtoaccompanyhim
“King’sbusiness.Wemustgo.Iftimepermits,I’llseeyoualltomorrownightforMaryse’sbonfirevigil.Mycoinispaying forthispartytonight,however,soyoubetterenjoy.Anddrinkmostirresponsibly,tocelebrateagoodwoman’slife.” Huttr eyeballs his youngestsonRhennic as he gives this lastorder, who is never a bigdrinker, before he grins atLayla Theylaugh,Laylasteppingforwardtokissmyuncle’scheeksnow,asthetwoareonverygoodterms.
As my drakes and I turn towards it most likely an impromptu brawl, as happens at these things Bjorn and Ström straightenlikeawhip’sbeencrackedacrosstheirbacks
Aterrible roar rises inside me as Isee myfavorite stepfather chokingto deathatthe party Ishove throughthe gawking crowd, hammering people away fromme now with blasts of Bloodwind so I can rush to the table. Vjen’s Heimlich maneuver hasn’t worked Trublut is blue now, unable to breathe as his eyes bulge Khosh summons a hard thrust of targetedBloodwindtopunchTrublutrightinthesolarplexusandejectwhateveritishe’schokingon,andIseeitdoesnothing. TerrorrisesinsidemeasIwatchTrublutcontinuetochoke.
Itheaveslikeatoweringdemoninsideme,myblackdragonsnarlingtomyverybones Itsfurious,world-devouringvoice roarsthroughmylipsaspurepowertearsfrommythroat,amassiveblastofenergyslammingpeopletotheirassesallaround me
The voice of myBone Magic is a terrible sound, made of deathand wrath, as a roaringleviathanof blackBloodwind leavesme.Adeathlyvioletlightflashesthroughmyveinsasthatunhingedpowershootsfrommeandmytwodrakes,rightto Trublut
Trublut’s gasping air, coughing now as whatever was choking himis launched fromhis throat by my power I feel my darkestmagicfloodintohim,revivinghimfromthebrinkofdeathnowassomethingdarkskittersacrossthefloor.
I’monit,fast.Beforeitcangetaway,I’mstompingonit,roaringwiththefull power ofmyBoneMagicinmyvoice;it hammersallthroughmybodyasmyhandsandfingersshiftwithshimmeringviolet-blackscales,surgingdownmylegsintomy feet.
I stomp on whatever shot from Trublut’s throat; the movement of my Bone Magic thunders the house I look down, withdrawingmybrokenstilettoheelaswrathseethesthroughmeatwhateverwaschokingTrublut.
“The hells?” Icould have swornwhatIsaw was some kind ofdemonspider, large as a baseball, as Ibroughtmyheel downonit.AsIstareatitnow,however,Iseefaintblackandred-scrawledrunesflickeroutwithalastflareofdeathlyredvioletlight.Theyleavebehindthesameterribleredandcaustic,oilslick-blackrunesfromtheOuterIslandexplosion,andfrom thebone-dragonattack.
BoneMagic
“Cursed!Itwascursed!”
Iblinkas Khosh’s words lance throughmydragon’s mind Confusiontakes me now,as IfindIhave noenemytofight;I wrestlewiththewrathful,annihilatingragethatisstilltryingtoswampmefrommyblackdragon,asmyvisionfloodsblackat theedgesratherthanred,myearsroaringwithsound.
Khosh rushes to me, swiping the crushed fragments of the walnut up as Vjen stays with Trublut, rubbing his back and helpinghimbreathe.IshouldhavetoldKhoshnottotouchit,though,foritsloughstodustonhisfingers,removinganyclues wemighthavehopedtofindaboutwhocursedthewalnutmeatandwhen
The evidence is plain, however. Someone killed Maryse, almostkilled me, thenfinallyattempted to kill the strongestof
Maryse’s drakes. As Maryse’s mates and Istare ateachother inshock, the partysilentall around us, Iknow all this shitis linked.
“Idon’tknow.”Khoshscowlslikeathundercloud,glancingaroundasiftofindtheassassinwhocursedthewalnutandtear himto pieces “Trublutknows all the proper sigils for the Bloodbondingritual, though He is the onlyone who does, since Marysetaughthim,butnotVjenor me.IfIwas someonewhowantedtostopyoufromopeningfullytoyour mates andyour Bloodwalkerpower TrublutistheoneI’dtarget ThisiswhathappenswithBloodwalkerpower ifyoudon’tsecurethose bonds.Deathtoyourchosenmates.”
The Head Battle Matronofthe Knights doesn’t come after us, however, as we take a side-hall that leads into mythree stepfathers’livingquarters.AsweallenterandKhoshshutsthedoor,VjenhelpsTrubluttoaseatonMaryse’senormousbed, thatlookssmallnowthatshe’snolongerinit
As Vjengets himwater, Trublut takes it; he still looks shakenas he drinks, thoughhis color is muchbetter. Mymagic basicallyrestoredhislife,Iunderstand,asItakeamomenttoprocess
“No,” Trublut says, firmas he looks betweenme and mydrakes. “Youthree need to master your power. Althoughyou saved me tonight, tradingtwo lives for one is a bad deal, always And your Bloodwalker power would have drained them both,Rikyava,toreviveme.YouknowitaswellasIdo.”
thenbothmymen.“ControloveraBloodwalker’spowercannotcomewithoutthemagicbetweenyouallflowingbothways alongas manynew paths as yougive it.Rightnow,itgoes onlyone direction towards Rikyava,whenever the blackdrake insideherneedsit Youallcannotmasterthisbondgrowingbetweenyoubyneedalone Itrequirestemperanceandstrength, cunningandartistrytowieldit.Notjustthepureintentionofanhonestheart,tryingtosavethosesheloves.”
As I hear mystepfather’s words, I understand what he means As he speaks, somethingclicks for me so right, yet so unknown still. “I’m the honest heart who needs to save people,” I say, understanding what he’s getting at. “Ström is the temperance, and Bjornis the strength” Ifrownnow, however, notknowingthe restofthe riddle “Butwho is the cunning? Ström?Andwhoistheartistry?Bjorn?”
“First,youdonothing,”hesaysashenods,knowingwe’reready.“Iwillgatherthenecessaryingredientsfromtheforest over the nexttwo days, and Khosh, Vjen, and Iwill make the ceremonial instruments readywithour power Youthree will spendyour daystryingtogettoknow eachother;sortyour shitoutbeforeweapproachthebondingceremonyinthreedays’ time WewillcancelthethirdnightwakepartyanddoyourceremonyrightafterMaryse’ssend-off Untilthen,dosweatlodges together, eatmeals together, take trips downto the water to meditate and engage inrelaxed intimacylike tradingmassages. You’re inJurggadden; it is anocean-side haven. Relax, as your onlyduties to Maryse are at these parties for the next few nights.Wewilltakecareofeverythingelse.”Trublutgesturestohimself,Khosh,andVjen.“Untilitistime.” “Alright.”AsIrisetogiveMaryse’sdrakessomespace,Trublutsnagsmebythearm.
Hisfirmgazedrillingintomysoul
“Be intimate withthem, child.” He admonishes me, sternnow and knowingmyweakness. “Sleep withthem, wake with them,takebreakfastwiththem,brushyourteethwiththem BecausetoBloodbondisforlife Ifyoufindyoucannotstandyour drakes’company,better toripawaythosebondsnow beforetheyarecompletethantospendalifetimehatingeachother.Or worse.”
StrömandI,however,have always beenfriends;Isee his eyelashes flicker now as Trublutholds his gaze Somethingis goingoninsideofhim,asIfeelhisenergyroilthroughourmodestconnectionnow.
Maryse’sdrakesandmygroupwereunprotectedatsuchapublicevent,andallofuswerestilldrainedfromnearlydyinga weekago Anyone couldhave sidledin,cursedthose walnuts,andmade their wayrightbackoutagain Trublut,Khosh,and Vjenwere too busyto see it, Iwas too preoccupied withmydrakes, and evenMaryse’s servants were too flustered to be watchful,runningaroundrefillingeverythinganddolingoutcopiousamountsofalcohol.
As Ström, Bjorn, and Ishutthe door to myroom, Ifinallyknow I’mexhausted. Myhead spins hard fromthe booze and whatI’mcertainnow isamagical drainfromearlier.AsIblinkhardandshakemyhead,Bjornliftsaneyebrow atme,then
All atonce, itfeels like too much. Myold rooms inMaryse’s lodge feel too small and stuffyas a hard flushheats me; steppingtoasectionofgabledwindows,Iunlatchoneandthrowitwide.
Butmypeace is stolenas Ifeel mytwo drakes step towards me. Justone whiffofthem, plus the radiatingheatoftheir bodies,isallittakesformydrakainatosurgeupinmyveinslikewildfireoncemore.
IrealizetoolatethatI’mnotinmyrightmindasIreachforthem,affectedbytoomanydrinksandthedrainingofmymagic earlier, plus everythingwe’re up against. The nightspins as Strömcurls close to myback, wrappinghis arms around me. I revel inBjornas he presses his massive frame tomyfront,andwe all listentolovers getitonoutside for the firstnightof Beltane.
As Bjorn, Ström, and I find ourselves ina cozycuddle before the openwindow, alarms go off inside me Thoughmy drakainawantsthembothwithapowerfulheat,andmydarkermagicwantsthemevenmore,Ihaulmyselfawaynow,not readyto give into whatmymagic wants As our bodies touch, I’mall too aware ofhow tired we are We wanteach otherbutwe’vehadtoomuchtodrink,there’sbeentoomuchpowerdrainonustoday,andwe’reexhausted.That,plusitbeing thefirstnightofBeltane,isworkingapowerfulcocktailinoursystems.
AdrinkIdon’tthinkiswisetoindulgein muchasIwantto
Ipulloutoftheirarms,headingbacktotheminibarandpouringmyselfanotherscotch.BjornandStrömblinkatme,Ström withconfusionandBjornwithatightfrown Theysaynothing,however,justcometotheminibarwithme,gettingrefills We sipinsilence,thoughadeeptensionstillsurgesbetweenus.Likethreeleviathansreadytothrowdown,we’reonebreathfrom afightorafuckormaybeboth
“Well. What now? The night is, unfortunately, quite young,” Ström jokes as he glances out the vaulted windows. The eveningisclearandcoldoutside,themoonshininghighabove
“StrömandIarestrongerthanthat,Rikyava Youknowit”Bjorncomestomenow,takingthetumblerfrommyhandand settingitdown, as ifhe canfeel the alcohol hittingme too hard now. He hesitates, thensets his bighands to myshoulders. WhenIdon’tpushhimaway,hemassagesme,niceandfirm.Bjorn’shandshavealwaysbeenacomfort;theyjustfeelsogood nowthatI’malreadyleaningintohim.
“I’d take that chance” Strömsidles forward, thoughthe cockylookinhis eyes dies to seriousness as he arrives With hesitation,hereachesout,cuppingmyjawandrunninghisthumbovermycheek.“YouknowIgavemyselfwillinglytonight,to saveTrublut He’salwaysbeenafriend,someoneIcouldcountonforafriendlytalkandalaugh,orawalkinthewoodswith abeer.Ididn’twanttoseehimdieanymorethanyoudid,Yava.Whenyourmagicaskedformyenergytosavehim,Ijust… gaveit.”
Ourtensionispotentnow,however,asourtrio’sintimacyisbroughtbackup.BecauseI am fondofStrömandBjornina biblicalsense Mydrakainaheats,slitheringthroughmyveinswithaluscioussensation Eventhoughmypowernearlykilled bothdrakestonight,Istillwanttogetdownanddirtywiththem.It’shotbeingbetweenthem;Ilikeitandwantmore. Ifeelmydesirescorchthembothnowfromtheconnectionweallshare
“You look cold, drakaina, in that little purple dress. Here, let me help,” Strömsays by my cheek now, his breath like scaldingfireonmyneck BloodDragonscan’tbreathefire,butwegetroaringhotduringbattleorsex;Ström’sbreathallbut singesmenowasitcurlsovermyskin,hislean,forge-hotbodymoldingtomyback.
“We’ll never know until we try,” Strömsays, his voice soft now as he maneuvers our group away fromthe windows towardsthebed.Hisbodyisscorchingashesmootheshisfingersbeneathmyjaw,liftingmyheadupashetightenshishandon myneckpossessively,hisbreathscaldingmycheek “Yourpowerwantsus,Rikyava Youcan’tdenyit,notanymorethanyou candenyhowstrongyourBloodwalkermagicis.Orwhatitcando,savingTrublut’slifetonightwithouthardlyanytrainingat all Thatwasamazing,andyouknowit”
“What my inner dragon wants is not the issue,” I say, arguing, though it’s not just Strömwho’s pushing this heat now, blazingbetweenus. Bjornhas pulled me inclose bymyhips;his bighands knead mywaistas Ström’s hothand strokes my neck.Ström’sfingerssearashetouchesme;theyslipdownmynecktomycollarbonesnow,caressingmeanddrawingagrowl ofdelightfrommeasmyheartbeatshard.
Bjornhasnoobjectionsanymoreashismassivebodytrapsme Hislipsarescalding,andsosofttokissdespitehishard pressingandbiting.Ican’tcontrolthespeedofmyheartnowasitthundersinsideme.MybreathishighandmypulsefastasI make a needful sound, my hands coming up around Bjorn’s solid waist as I kiss him, with Ström kissing and sucking so decadentlyatmyneckasheworksmynippleinhisfingertips.
I’mlost, then I’mjustgone as bothdrakes hold me, their heatand desire cascadingthroughme as myvastneed rushes throughthem.Ashechangespositionbehindme,Strömgrabsmyhipwithonehand,strokingdownintomyhipcreasenowas hekeepsuphisworkonmynippleandbiteshiskissesintomyneck.
Evenastheybothmakeittome,I’moutofBjorn’sandStröm’shandsfast.Iscoochoffthebedinmylittlepurpledress, pushingto standingquickly I’mshakyas Iheave hard breaths, adrenaline rushingthroughme now thatmyblackdragonhas raiseditsuglyheadrightinthemiddleofournearlysexytime.
As Bjornmoves towards me,frowning,andStrömpushes upoffthebedwithanintenselook,Ibackaway,holdingupa hand.DespiteTrublut’srecommendationsforusalltogettoknoweachother,IfeelhowthedemonofmyBoneMagicwillrise ifweconsummateourconnectionfurther.Ifwegetallfreaky,thisdevouringdarknesswilltakecommand.
“Myblackdragon, myBone Magic.” Ipress a hand to mychest, feelinglike Ihave to physicallyhold itbacknow from rushingupanddevouringthemboth,thoughwearen’teventouching.“Ifwegetalldown-and-dirty,it’sgoingtoriseagain.It tastedyoubothtonight,andit’snotsatisfied Itwantsmore andit’sgoingtodrainyouifwedothis AndIwon’tknowhow tostopit.”
“It’slike…aleviathaninsideme.”Itrytodescribewhatthisenormouspowerfeelslikerightnow.“Itfeltlikethisbefore whenthatbone-dragonkilled Maryse, butmypower wasn’tfocused onyouthen. Itwas focused onher onsavingher, on protecting us, and on fighting the creature Even after, when I was injured, my power was focused on keeping me alive, drainingyoubothonlytofacilitatethat.Beingwithyounow,though,touchingyou,kissingyou…itmakesthatleviathanfocus onyou Itmakesithungry Especiallybecausebothofyouareraringtogo”
“Maryse warned me that my power would need multiple mates to stabilize it” I watch Bjorn now “So why is it not stabilizing?”
“MaybeweneedtheofficialBloodbondingritualtobalancewhatwehave”Bjornscowls,thoughhisangerisnotforme “Ithoughtthings would getmore complicated betweenus interpersonallywhenyoutold me your magic had alreadychosen StrömtobeyourSecondDrake,butIneverexpectedthis Ineverthoughtthingswouldgetharderforus metaphysically and thephysicalsidewouldsuddenlybeeasier.”
As Bjorn says this last, a serious departure from how stalwartly he’s previously insisted he wants to be my only Bloodmate,Iunderstandhe’sgottenaserioustasteforwhatever’sbeenhappeningbetweenourtrio.BecausewheneverStröm kissesandtouchesme,BjornfeelsitthroughournewBloodbond.Iseethatknowledgesimmerinhiseyesnowasheadmitshis truth.
Andthenhejerks shuttingthatheatoffwithapowerfulsnap. Iblinkas Irealize what’s happening.Bjornis notattractedtodrakes;he justisn’tandnever has been.Butwhatever my magicisdoingtohimnow,whateverit’slettinghimfeelasIkissandcanoodlewithStröm it’schangingBjorn’smindabouta lotofthings.
Isee himquestionhis sexualitynow, ina wayhe’s never done before Bjorndoesn’tlike it Where one momenthe was openandsharing,thenextmomenthe’sdarkasathundercloud.Ifeelitasthedeeprageofhisgoldendrakerisesinhimlikea hurricane
“No,” Bjornsays. I feel a darkfrustrationheave throughhim, alongwithanger. He crosses his bigarms. Thenfidgets, uncrossingthemandsmoothingahanddownhistux “I’mnotattractedtoyou,Ström Getoverit”
Justas Bjorngrowls and steps intowards Strömto do I-don’t-know-whatand Strömlurches fromhis slouchagainstthe table,Istepbetweenthem,raisingmyhandsandslappingtheirchestswithpowerbehindit. Andsendthemstumblingback.
“Enough!”Ibark,usingthecommandingtoneIreserveformyGuardsmenattheRedLetterHotelParis “Canit,youtwo!” “Hestartedit.”BjornwavesabighandatStrömnow,viciousangerstillvibratingallthroughhimtoshiftandbattleitout. “I’mjust pointing out the obvious, Bjorn” Strömgives a hard smile, his lean body tight as a bowstring now, to fight “You’rehomophobic.”
“I’mnot. Ihave a lotoffriends inthe Kingsguard thatare homosexual and bisexual.” Bjorn’s gold eyes sear. “Youjust don’tknowwhentoputyourdickinyourpants,Eriksson.DidyouthinkIturnedablindeyetohowmanydrakesanddrakainas youwerefuckingintheKingsguardwaybackwhenyouwereundermycommand?Sixteenatonecount,Ibelieve.AndInever reprimandedyouforit,notonce”
“Soniceofyou.”Ström’stoneisbitterashisgreeneyesglitterlikeaserpent.“Butweallknow youneversaidanything aboutmyantics becauseyouwerefuckingtheKing’s niece Whowas alsounder your command,bytheway,asituationthat shouldhavegottenyouaone-waytickettothecells.Exceptitdidn’tbecauseyouandRikyavaweresooff-again-on-againwith your furious relationship that no one ever knew whether youwere off or on. Whenshe would have done a lot better with someoneelse.Adrakewhowasn’tsuchafuckingrage-cageallthetime.Andgotbanishedfromhisclanbecauseofit.”
“How dare you!”
BjornlungesatStrömnowasStröminsultshissorespot hissituationwithhisfather,andhowBjorn’snotwelcomeback in his clan or still Jarl-Heir. As I wrestle in-between them once more, both men growling and flooding with scales and Bloodwindastheypre-shiftforafight,Igetpunched Idon’tknowwhoitcamefrom,prettysureitwasanaccidentasIstagger backoutofthefray,massagingmyjaw.
“Thisisn’thelping!”Iroaratthemnow,asmydrakainarisesinmyveins Sheknowshowtowrangleill-behaveddrakes, surgingthroughmyveins so hard now Ishudder witha pre-shiftaura. Red and gold scales blossomall over me, thoughmy
blackdrakeliesstrangelysilentnowwithin.
Watchingeverythingthat’shappening.
“Forgiveme,”Bjornsaysashisfacereddenswithangerandchagrin “Ijust don’tknow how tofacewhatI’mfeeling Whenhetouchesyou,andkissesyou.AndforhimtoinsinuateIwasnevergoodforyouandheis ”
“Iknow Igetit”MydrakainasettlesinmyveinsasIheaveadeepbreathnow Imassagemyjaw,thenrunahanddown mybraid, smoothingit. “But I’ve always beenattracted to youboth. I chose youwaybackwhen, Bjorn, because I wasn’t comfortable taking multiple mates I always put up a firm boundary between myself and any of the other drakes in the Kingsguardbecause Ididn’twanttofindoutwhatmyBloodwalker power mightdoifIexploredit.Ialways feltsomething whenIwas aroundStröm,though.SoIputupa bigfuckingwall,because Inever wantedtofindoutwhatmighthappenifI indulgedinit OrhowImightchange turningintoadrakainaIdidn’tknowandcouldn’tcontrol Whichishappeningnow fuckmylife.”
“That makes so muchsense now” Strömchuckles There’s no humor inhis eyes, though, at what I’ve just admitted “I alwaysthoughtyouwerestonewallingmebecauseyoudidn’twantustogettogetherforotherreasons.”
“What? Like your pastyounever talkabout? Or all the strange things your magic cando?” The questionblurts frommy mouthbeforeIcanstopit.
I’veheardspeculationaboutStröm’slifebeforetheKingsguard.Somesayhewasamercenary,talons-for-hireforanyone who had a job for him Some sayhe was a thief, takingcontracts inthe shadows and keepinga whole hiddenlife he never divulged,alongwithamassivehoardoftreasurehesoldinthehumanworldforcash.Whateverthetruthis,IknowStrömhas almosttwodecadesofhislifeheneverdivulges
“Bone Magic.” Strömsets his jaw. He doesn’tgetup, as ifwhatever justhappened seriouslyhurthim. Throughour notquite-bond,Ifeelhowextradrainedheisnow.Heshudderswithabone-deepexhaustion,bothhandstremblingasifhehasa palsy
“Jesus, Ström! Are youalright?” I’mdownonone knee before I know it, havingdarted around Bjornto set a hand to Ström’sshoulder Settinghisjawinatightgrimace,Strömshrugsmeoff ThoughIfeelhowsomethinginhimdiestodoit.
“No!Gods,no.” Ahorrifiedlookcomes over Ström’s face thatBjorncouldevensuggestsucha thing.As he attempts to riseagain,Ilendhimahand,thoughBjornsnarls IignoreBjornasIwatchStrömtrytogetaholdofhimselfandfail Shakenbywhatjusthappened,inawayI’veneverseen.
“Ström. Whatis goingon?” Iasknow, warybutconcerned. Gradually, Strömcanbreathe againand his skinlooks less pale.Asheheavesadeepbreath,straightening,hetakesuphisscotchandhasalongdrink. Downingit.
“Onemore”Hegritshisteeth,holdingtheglassouttome “Sure.” Ipour himanother as he nods,thenaccepts it.He sips this one a bitmore responsibly,thoughIcanfeel how he wantstojustgetroaringdrunktocoverthepainstillsurgingallthroughhim He’stoodrainedtohideitfrommenow;Ifeelit, like a thousand megawatts of electricityjust zapped the fuckout of him, that vicious painstill surgingthrougheverylimb. Strömshuddersitoff,twistinghisheadandcrackinghisneck. Thensighs,settinghisscotchdownonthebar.
“I’mnotatlibertyto say, Rikyava ThoughI’d like to” Strömgives the darkestchuckle ever His greeneyes glintwith anger,butIunderstandit’snotforus.It’sforwhoeverputthatviciouscurseonhim.
“Well,Ican’texactlytell you.”Strömgrowls,scrubbingbothhands throughhis hair now as heglances outthewindows and grimaces. “I can’t tell you what I did because I don’t know. This Bone Magic curse on me. It prevents me from rememberingthattime inmylife, or mostofit Some things are clear, like meetingMikkel and Lærke ata smoking-club in downtownCopenhagen,andmyfavoritecoffeeshopIwouldgotoeverymorning.Therestis…buried.”
“Yes No I thinkso,” he growls, runningbothhands throughhis hair as if frustrated Pushingup fromhis chair, Ström moves to the windows and stares outatthe night, into the backgardenand the partystill ragingthere for Beltane. “Igetthe feelingIwasintriguedbythematfirst,andwhattheyweredoing.ButthenIdidn’twanttobeapartofitanymore…andthey forcedmetocontinue,somehow Theywantedmysigil-breakingskills,todowhatevertheyweredoing”
“Iremember a brilliant flashofviolet-blacklight and a sound like thunder inmyears whenIfinallybroke their mindsnares”Strömnodsashecontinuesstaringoutthewindow “Ileftthatsamenight,gatheringafewpossessionsIthoughtwere mine and slippingout a window. Theyhad some other mind-lockonme, though, whichmust have tripped whenIleft the memorycurse,whichdrainsthebejeezusoutofmewheneverItrytogetclosetoremembering,andzapsmewithsomuchpain Ican’tthinkstraight TryasImight,I’veneverbeenabletorecallwhoIranwithorwhatIdidduringmytimewiththem Ionly knowmymemoriesfromagefifteentothirty-sixareablur.Andmydreamsarefilledwithdarkness.”
“Goodgods”BjornisstaringatStröminshock
“Thegodsweren’twithmeforalongwhile.”Strömisquietnowashefacesus,hisgreeneyesnearlymalachiteincolor, furious. “So that’s mysecret. Or mostofit. Isuppose another partofitthatno one knows is whyIcollectso manystrange magical artifacts fromaround the world. It’s because I’mstill searchingfor somethingthat canbreakthis curse onme and returnthememoriesI’velost.Sofar…noluck.”
