DragonKing
Dragons. Destiny. Duty.
Thesumofmylife AllthatIam
YetIwishtobemorethanthat Iwishtobeaworthypartnerformylovers
Inowhaveimmenseprestigeandpower,morethanIcouldeverhaveimagined.
YetallItrulywantisKirbyandHarlen.
Doesthatmakemeselfish?
Thosemonthswespentaloneinthecottagetogetherhavebecomemytouchstone.Mystrength,andmy hopeforthefuture.Forwhatdowarriorsfightfor,ifnotachanceforpeaceandlove?
Butthewholeworldisatstake,notjustmyhappiness Icannotaffordtobeselfish
Thereareenemiesineverycorner.Adizzyingdanceofpoliticstoplay.Ihavedragoneggstoprotect, myloverstokeepsafeanddragonriderstolead
Warisbrewing
CanIwin,oramIdestinedtoloseeverything?
The nightmare is clawinginto me Devouringme withsharp, wicked teeth All is painand fear There is no escape No mercy.Nohope.
“Cai Wake up ”
Gasping,Ibreachthesurfaceofconsciousness.ForamomentIfightmyblankets,thenIrealisewhereIam. I’minmybed.Inthekeep.I’mhomeanditisthemiddleofthenight.Thereisnoneedtopanic.
ButI’mstillpantingfromthenightterror Isitupandrunatremblinghandovermyface Myheartisracing IfonlyIcould willittoslow.Butonlytimeisgoingtoachievethat.
“Thank you, Je ”
Warmth,loveandunderstandingflowsfrommydragon.Heisflyingover theseasomewhere,withmostoftheflight.Si is singingasongofoneoftheoldtales.Itmakesmesmiletoknow mydragonisenjoyinghimselfwithhisfriends,andmaking newonesamongstthedragonswhohavejoinedus.
Gently, I withdraw fromthe bond. I have no wish to disturb any more of his night. I don’t want to infect himwith my irrationaldarkmood
Asthebondfades,solitudesettlesovermelikeashroud.NowIamallalone.Panicstartstoriseagain.It’sabattletokeep itdown
Imiss the cottage. Imiss sleepingall squished up inone bed withKirbyand Harlen, as ifwe were a pile ofpuppies, or dragonkits.
Thosemonths inthecottagewerethebestnights ofsleepinmyentirelife Jedidn’thavetowakemeonce Inmylovers’ arms,Isleptsoundly.
Aheavysighescapesmeandechoesaroundmyemptyroom WhydidIshootdownHarlen’ssuggestionthatwecontinuethe practice?I’msuchanidiot.Ican’tgobackonitnow.I’mstuckwiththisisolationanditisentirelymyownfault.
AreHarlenandKirbysharingabedrightnow?Thepainofthatthoughtnearlytakesmybreathaway Thefaultisminenot theirs,I’mthecoldandstubbornbastard.Thereisnoreasonforthemtosleepalone.
Mygaze keeps beingdrawnto mybedroomdoor. There is nothingstoppingme fromgoingto look. Icansee iftheyare snuggleduptogether ThenmaybeIcanthinkofanexcusetojointhem Ithrow myblanketsbackbeforeIhavefullydecidedto.GuessIamdoingthis.IwalkassilentlyasIcanacrossmysmall bedroom Mysilkpyjamatrousersareaflimsydefenceagainstthechillofthewinterair,butIbracemyselfagainstit Thankfully,thedooropenswithoutadiscriminatorycreak.Now,doIgoupthehalltoKirby’sroom,ordowntoHarlen’s? Asmiletugsatmylips Kirby’s Harleniscunningaboutnotgettinghisownsheetsdirty Hehasalwaysbeenthatway Hemightbealoneinhisownbed,andIcouldgotohim.Buthewouldaskquestionsandpossiblytease.Though,sinceKirby has come into our lives, Harlen has often surprised me with his thoughtfulness and unwavering support. Seems the cocky playboymightbefinallygrowingup ButIthinkIwillcheckKirby’sroomfirst. Ipadupthehall Inthedarkofnight,Ifeellikeathief Ithink,tomyoldhumaneyes,thishallwaywouldbepitchblack,but eversinceIwasgiftedthesoulofadragon,Ihavebeenabletoseeclearlyinthedark.Justoneofmanysubtle,yetprofound,
changesIneedtocontinuetoadjustto.
IreachmydestinationandcarefullypushKirby’sdooropen.
Moonlightstreamsthroughthewindow Kirbyisalone Sprawledoutdecadentlyunderblanketspaintedsilverbythelight Helookssopeaceful.Howdoeshedoit?
Itisnotasifhehadahappychildhoodoraneasylife Especiallylately SinceIluredhimhereunderfalsepretences,hislife hasbeenonelongwhirlwindofchaosanddisaster.
Yethereheis,sleepinglikeababy Perhapsitisthepowerofaclearconscience Agiftgrantedtohimforbeingkindand caring.Whichwouldbefairenough.Asawarmlightinthedarknessoftheworld,Kirbydeservestosleepwell.
And here Iam, actinglike a proper creep bysneakinginto his roominthe middle ofthe nightand watchinghimsleep. I should go, but I’mcaptivated byhimand the strengthof emotionthat the sight of himhas ignited Kirbyis wonderful and beautifulandIcouldstareathimforever.
Ishiver Itisflippingfreezing IeitherneedtogetintobedwithKirbyorgobacktomyown IfIstandhereanylonger,I’ll gethypothermia.
IstepforwardandslipintoKirby’sbed HeisnakedandwarmandIfeelguiltyforspooningmycoldbodyaroundhisheat Butnotguiltyenoughtostop.
Hestirs.“Cai?”heaskssleepily.
“Gobacktosleep,”Iorder “Areyouokay?Why…?”hemurmurs,butIinterrupthimbeforehecanfinishhisquestion.
“Itwillbeconvenientforyoutosuckmycockinthemorning Morningwoodisannoying” “Oh.Okay,”agreesKirbyhappily,andhewrigglesback,pushinghimselfclosertome.
Ibreathethroughamaskofhishairashedriftsbacktosleep.OnceIamsureheissleepingsoundlyoncemore.Imovemy handtoshovehishairoutofmyface.Hiswarmthisseepingintome.HeisunknowinglygivingmethecomfortIwasseeking.I feelmuchbetternow.
ButIstillcannotsleep I’mwideawakeandallmyworriesaretauntingme IneedtokeepKirbysafe Ineedtoprotectthe eggs.Eerieneedstostayasecretfornow.Harlencannodoubtlookafterhimself,butIcouldnotgoonifsomethinghappened tohim
Andhundredsofridersandtheir dragonshaveflockedtothedewisedigbanner.Theyhaveriskedeverythingtofollow me andIcannotletthemdown.
ItakeinadeepbreathandinhaleKirby’scomfortingscent.Thedewisedigissupposedtosavetheveryworld.Thelegends sayfromthetylwyth,butthetrueenemyisthefey.
Itisadauntingtask Iwishthefateshadgivenmoretools Moreknowledge Morepower Moreanything ButmaybeI’mjust beinggreedy.I’mliterallythechosenone,yetI’mnotcontentwithwhatIhavebeengiven.
Ihavepower Prestige Afulfillingdestiny Aplaceinhistory Ishouldbegrateful.Andallofthatdoesspeaktothedarkplacesinmysoul.Itdoespleaseme.Itisnotalloverwhelming terror.Iamvainenoughtobeabletorelishandenjoyit.
Well,someofthetime,atleast Isighagain,softlyastonotwakeKirby.WhateverIfeelaboutit,itismyburdentobearandIwouldnotwishtogiveitto anyoneelse SoIneedtostopwhining Iamsuitedtothistask Ilikebossingpeoplearound,andalotofpeoplelikebeingtoldwhattodo.Theylikethereassuranceofit.Thecomfort.The absolutionofresponsibility GodsknowIcanrelatetothat ThoughtsofHarlenstarttoswirlthroughme Itakeadeepbreath andpushthemaway.
The pointis,that,outside ofthe bedroom,Ilike beingincontrol.Ienjoyseeingthe pathaheadandmakingdecisions.I’m betteratitthanmost Notthatitmakesmespecial ItissimplyaskillIwasbornwithandonethatIshoulduse Weallshould playtoourstrengths.
Thefatesknowwhattheyaredoing Ihavetohavefaithinthat Anotherdeepbreath.IpullKirbyevenclosertomeandwrapmyarmtightlyaroundhiswaist.Tendrilsofsleeparefinally startingtoweaveoverme PerhapsIwillgetsomeresttonightafterall Heavens’knowIneedit.
tisstillmostlydarkwhenIawake Feeblewintermorninglightisweaklyseepinginthroughthewindow Thesunhasstirred butnotyetrisen.This time ofyear,itmeans Ihave sleptin.Damnit,Ileftmyphone,andthe alarmIhadsetonit,inmy room.Ineedtogetup.
Except I can’t. Kirby is snuggled up close to my front, and Harlen is pressed up tightly against my back. I can feel the contoursofhisridiculousmuscles.Thispositionisdeliciouslywarmandcomfortable,butIcan’tmoveaninch.
IhavenorecollectionofHarlenjoiningus Itisalittlealarming,butthenagain,itishardlysurprisingthatmysubconscious knowsthatHarlenisnotathreat.Heistheveryopposite.
Reflexively,Icheckdownmybond UsuallyIcheckonJebeforeIhaveevenopenedmyeyes Harlen,andbeinglatemay havedistractedme,butnowmyusualroutineisclickingintoplace.
MywhisperingtouchreachesoutandfindsJesoundasleepinthestable.Icandeducefromthatinformationthattheeggsand RiandZharewell.Everythingisgood.
Exceptfor mycurrentpredicament. IfIwriggle too much, I’ll wake mylovers up. ButIcan’tstayhere, as lovelyas that wouldbe
Ihavetotrysomething.Imovebackbarelyaninchandthenfreeze.Harlen’senormouserectionisnowpressingagainstmy ass Hemurmursinappreciationandrubsagainstmealittle
Arousalflares,suddenandinsistent.Mybodythinksthiswouldbeafinewaytostarttheday.Idisagree.Ihavethingstodo andIcan’taffordtobedistracted.Ineedmywitsaboutme.
Imovebackmoreviolently,clearlymakinganinsistentshove,ademandthatIbereleased,butHarlendoesn’tyield Instead, hewrapsanarmaroundmywaistandholdsmeflushagainsthim.
“Harlen,getoff Ineedtogetup,”IhuffasIpushuselesslyathisstupidlyoverlymuscledarm Heyawnsanddoesn’treleaseme.“Thereistimeforaquickie.”
“No,thereisnot!Ihaveameeting”
Kirbyisawakenow.Herollsover,flashesmeaquickgrin,andthenstartsburrowingundertheblankets,workinghisway down.
“Whatareyoudoing!”Isnapinalarm
“Givingyouthatmorningblowjobyousaidwasthereasonyouclimbedintomybed,”hesayssweetly,hisvoicemuffledby thecovers Shit.
Suddenly,everymuscleinmybodyclenches MybackstartstoarchbutisstoppedbyHarlenholdingme Mybraintakesa momenttotranslatetheoverwhelmingsensationcoursingthroughmybody.
Kirby is mouthing my hard cock through my silk pyjamas, and for some reason it feels incredible. The now wet silk combinedwiththeheatofhismouthisaheadycombination
“Hmmm,”saysHarleninmyear.“Makethatnoiseagain,Brat.Ilikedit.”
Angerandindignationsurgethroughme IwanttopunchHarleninhissmug,absurdlyhandsomeface How darehetalkto melikethat.Butthefactthathedoes,increasesmyarousal.Mylustanddesireisnowahowling,desperatething.
FuckHarlen.
Howdoeshealwaysdothistome?Itisinfuriating.Andwonderful.Andimmenselyannoying.
He holds me tight while Kirby sucks on my cock To my horror, I start to sag against Harlen Giving in Surrendering Submitting.
Ihateit Iloveit Icouldn’tlivewithoutit
Kirbyincreaseshissuction,andaterriblenoisecomesoutofme.Pleasureisquietingallthenoiseandturmoilinmyhead. Rightnow,Icanonlyfeel,anditisbliss ThesensationofHarlen’sfirmchestpressingintomybackandchuckingoutfierce heat,makesmefeelsafe.
Idon’tneedtobeonguard.Idonotneedtoplotorplan,norbecareful.Idon’tneedtodoanything. I’msafe Harlenhasme
“Don’tfinishhimoff,”HarlensaystoKirby.“I’mgoingtofuckhim.”
I whimper Afucking, clear, unmistakable and undeniable whimper It is mortifying I want to openmymouthto voice a protest,butI’mworriedI’donlyletmoreawfulnoisesescape.SoIsaynothing. Ishouldspeak IshoulddenythatIwantthis IshouldclaimthatI’dprefertofuckKirby Puttingupsomeshowofresistance mightgivemesomedignity.Butitishopeless,pointless.KirbyandHarlenknowwhatIlike. Suddenly,Kirbyisgone,andHarlenisrollingmeontomystomach.Igaspasmyhardcockinitssheathofwetsilkiscaught betweenthemattressandmystomach Harlen’sheavyweightpushesmedown I’mtrapped Imprisoned Dominated Held Imoaninhelplessbliss.
He pulls mypyjamas downand bares myass I hear the slicksquelchof lube as he coats his cock I buckagainst him, fightinghim.ButheknowswhatIneedandhedoesnotallowmetomoveaninch.Hehasme. Everythingiswonderful.Harlenhastakencharge.AllIneedtodoissurrender.Thisisheaven. Kirbyhelpshimspreadmylegs.NowHarlen’shot,slickedcockispushinginsistentlyatmyentrance.Withnoprep,thisis goingtoburnandsting.Ican’twait.
Hepushesmore Mybodyresists Hishandglidesthroughmyhair,twists,grabsahandfulandliftsmyheadoffofthepillow Igroandeeply.
“Letmein,Brat,”hegrowls Mybodysubmits. He breaches mytightringofmuscle and we bothgasp. Fuck, thathurts. Fuckingbastard is hunglike a horseandheknowsittoo. Hestops.Hemakessoothingnoises.
“Goodboy,”herumbles.“Youknowyoucandothis.” IwhineandIdon’tevencare I’mfar,farbeyondcaringnow IcanfeelKirby’sgazeburningintomeanddrinkinginthesightofmebeingtaken.Ilikeit.Really,trulylikeit.Seems I’m kinkyenoughtoenjoyawitnesstomyshame Thefacthegetsoffonwatchingmeishotterthanhell Anothergroanescapesme.Thesetwoaregoingtobethedeathofme.Butwhatawaytogo.
Harlen slowly sinks his cock into me. Relentlessly demanding that my body opens up for him. Stretches wide for him. Spreadsbecausehecommandsitto ItfeelsheavenlyandIwhimperthroughitall The feelingofbeinginvaded, possessed and impaled, goes onand on. Itis overwhelming. Eventually, Ifeel Harlenflush againstmyass Itisdone Heisallthewayin Hepauses,givingmybodyachancetoadjusttotheintrusion Heissofuckingbig.Sofuckinghotandheavy.Iwillneverbeabletogetenoughofthis,andIhatethatheknowsit.I’ma slutfor hiscockandhelovesit Nooneelsehasthispower over me Nooneever will Heknowsthattoo AndI’msureit giveshimgreatsatisfaction.
Asuddenknockonthedoormakesmejumpandclenchandthenhissindiscomfort.Myheartpoundsandadrenalineflows throughmyveins
Shit.Fivesecondslater,andIwouldhavebeensobbingonHarlen’scockashefuckedme. Istarttomove,butHarlenholdsmestill Kirbysendsaflashofmagictothedoortoholditshut “Theflightcommanderisbusy,”hesnaps.
“Um Mordecai? The meetingbegantenminutes ago There is a whole roomofpeople waitingfor you,” Dafydd’s voice soundsuncertain.
“Itoldyou,heisbusy!”saysKirby.
Dafyddsighs “Mordecai,doyoureallyneedtobefuckingyourboyfriendsrightnow?” Harlen’scocktwitchesinsidemeandIbitemyliphardtoholdbackmyhelplessmoan.Itwouldn’thavebeenthesoundof someonedoingthefucking “Thedewisedighasneeds,”saysKirby.
AndIcanheartheamusedsmirkinhisvoice.Harlenchucklessilentlyandthemovementnearlyundoesme.Lightningfast,he movesusandIfindmyselfkneelinguprightonthebed.Harlen’skneelingthighsarebetweenmyown.Hischestpressedclose againstmyback.Hiscockstillfullyimpalingmyass.Hishandistwistedinmyhair,pullingmyheadbacktorestonhisbroad
shoulder.Hisotherhandcoversmymouth,mufflingmysoftwhimpers.
“Whatthehelldoesthatmean?”grumblesDafydd.
Imove myeyes to lookatKirby He is kneelingonthe bed too He stares backatme and shrugs There is a lookofnear panicinhiseyes,winningagainstthewryamusement.
“Withgreatpower,comesgreat hungers,”saysKirby Histoneiscalm,buthisfaceisfrantic Heisflounderinginhisown bullshit.
Harlenlaughs quietly,butforcefully Hisstomachmoves againstmyback,andhis cockjiggles inmyass Thesensationis strangeandohsogood.Itisateasetomybodythatiscravingmovementandfriction.
Hishandtightensovermymouth.Shit.Iwasmakingallsortsofnoises.Andnoneofthemweredominantones.
“Oh,”saysDafydd
Whatthehell?Don’ttellmehebelievesKirby’snonsenseandisgoingtospreaditaroundthewholecastle?Heavenshelp me That’sjustwhatIneed Moreridiculousrumours
“I…erguesswewillseeyouwhenyouareready,”saysDafydd.
“Yes Thedewisedighurriesfornoone,”answersKirbyinaverygoodimpersonationofsolemn
Harlenlaughsagain,andIfeelmyeyesrollingbackinmyhead.Harlen’shandsmothersme.I’mnotsureIcanevenbreathe. Itdoesn’thelpmylust,notonelittlebit.Itdoestheexactopposite.Ilikehishandsonmelikethis.
ThesoundsofDafydd’sretreatingfootstepsarethemostwonderfulsoundIhaveeverheard
“Kirby,place a silence barrier over us,” says Harlen,andmybodyshudders inresponse tohis words andthe threatening promisetheycarry
MyskintinglesfromKirby’smagic.Thenallthoughtsofspellsvanishfrommyhead,becauseHarlenisfinallymovinghis hips.Buckingupintomewithfirm,confidentthrusts.Pleasuresurges.Mymusclesweaken.Unholynoisesspillfrommythroat. Thisisheaven.
“Kirby,youcandowhateveryouwanttohiscock.”
Ohgods Iwillnotsurvivethis,andIdon’tevenwantto Hot,wetheatenvelopsmynaked,hardcock.Thesilkhasgoneandtheintenseblissofthesensationtearsakeenfromme. Kirbyis lyinginfrontofHarlenand me His mouthis over mycock Harlenthrusts up into me and pushes me deeper into Kirby.
I’minecstasy.Mymind,bodyandverysoulareburstingwithsheerandutterpleasure.Everythingfeelssodamnincredible. Iwantthismomenttolastforever,butallgoodthingsmustcometoanend.
Iletmyscreamfree.Thereistoomucheuphoriainmyorgasmtobeabletocontainitall.Screamingsetssomeofitfree,as ifreleasingapressurevalve
HarlenkeepspumpingandKirbykeepssuckingandmypeakkeepsrollingonandonandon,untilitfinallycrestsandIfall bonelessagainstHarlen Ican’tsee,Ican’tbreathe Ican’tevenfeelmylegs I’mexhaustedandutterlyspent AndIhaveameetingtogoto. “Bastard,”Imutterweakly.
Harlenmerelychucklesinresponse
Heistheworst.AnditisallHarlen.Kirbywasjustfollowinghislead.Icouldlikelyhandleeachofthemseparately.But, together,theyarethebaneofmylife Aswellasthejoyofmylife Theyareanightmaretodealwith Exasperating,tormenting, infuriating.
AndIlovethembothmorethanwordscansay
Finally,themeetingisover Iprobablyshouldnotbefeelingthiselated,butIcan’thelpit I’mstridingawayfromthegreat hallasifitcanchaseaftermeandforcemetoendureanotherthreehoursofendlesstalking. Idon’tfeel safeuntil I’mnearlyattheoppositesideofthecastle.Itakeadeepbreathandtrytorelax.Itis over.Done.I survived.
EveryonehadgivenmeoddlooksasIfinallywalkedin,butnoonehaddaredtosayanything.I’dtakentheworld’squickest showerbeforejoiningthemeeting,butIstillhadtosittherefeelingtheechoofHarlen’scockinsideme Itwasverydistracting.Itwassohardnottosquirmandfeelasifsomehoweveryonecouldtell.TheyallknewIhadbeenin bedwithHarlenandKirby,butIwasparanoidthattheyknewexactlywhatIhadbeendoing Itakeanotherdeepbreath.Itdoesn’tmatterifeveryoneknows.Makinglovewithmypartnersisnothingtobeashamedof, whateverwaywedoit.Kirbyhassaidafew timesthatthereisnothingwrongwithbottomingandIcertainlydon’tthinkany less ofhimbecause he enjoys it. I’mnotstupid. Nor uneducated. Myrational mind knows he is right, butmyhang-ups and issuesdon’tlistentologicandreason.It’sfineforotherpeopletobottom,justnotme.
The dark and tormented parts of my mind are convinced no one would respect me if they knew My twisted inner metaphoricaldemonswhisperthatIambetrayingmyfatherbyenjoyingbeingtaken.Thedarkvoiceswhisperthattherewasno needformyfathertosacrificeallthathedid Hissacrificewasinvain Toolate Iwasalreadybroken Corruptedandtwisted Tainted.
Itwouldbreakhishearttoknowhisactionswereworthless.
Partofmescoffsinretaliation Thatmandoesn’tevenhaveaheart Butdeepdown,Iknowhedoes Iknowhehasaheart, andIknowhesuspectsIletHarlentakeme.Evenwhenthereisnomoontoblame.
Mydarkand broodingthoughts are scattered byreachingRi’s nest The sight ofthe eggs fills me withjoy Ri rumbles a greetingandIscratchhisnose.
“Theyarelookinggreat,Ri!”Isay Isensehimpreen,thenontheveryedgeofmymindIhearavoiceIhaveneverheardbefore.Itisthefaintestofwhispers andIonlyjustcatchthewords.
“Of course they look magnificent I laid them ” Itiltmyhead,andRiblinksatme.Whatthehell?Mymouthisdryandmyheartispounding.
“IthinkIheardyouRi,”Isayoutloud
Hemoveshisheadtomychestandhuffswarmdragonbreathonme.Irubhisear.
“Side effect of being given a dragon soul, I guess Imagine if I end up being able to talk to all dragons?” I say in astonishment.
Riheadbuttsmegently.
“Let’skeepthisasecretfornow,hey?Don’twanttofreakeveryoneout” Ri dipshisheadintheapproximationofahumannod.Reliefwashesoverme.Isimplydonothavethebandwidthtodeal withthisrightnow Beingabletofileitawayassomethingtoprocesslater,isgoingtosavemysanity
Iturnmyattentionbackto the eggs. Theyhave grownagain. Their colours are more vibrant and their soft glow is more
intense.Icansensethewhisperingconsciousnessofthebabiesinside.Theyarebecomingaware,andcurious.
CanIsense this because insome strange, magical sense, theyare mysiblings? Iswallow. Yetanother thingIamclueless about I’mflounderingaroundinunchartedterritory Itisverydisconcerting “Ithinktheyaregoingtohatchsoon,”Iwhisper.
Rinodsagain Itseemshehascometothesameconclusion Thatisstrangelycomforting IguessitshowsI’mnotcompletely crazy.
Jeamblesovertothenestanddrapeshisheadovermyshoulder Igrinandstrokehiseyeridge “I was just coming to see you, ” Ipromise.
“I know,” herepliesaffably.
HemoveshisheadfrommetorubnoseswithRi Thenhegiveseacheggatenderlickbeforereturningtomyshoulderwitha contentedsigh.Iresumestrokinghiseyeridge.Itisdarkandquietinhere.Filledwiththespicyscentofdragons.Warmand peaceful IcouldstaydownherealldayifIcould But,asalways,therearethingstodo “Where is Eerie?” Iask.
“Somewhere in the back tunnels,” answersJe
Igivehimonelastpatandheadoffintotheunmodifiedcavesystemattheendofthestable.Itissoonpitchblack,withno lightatall,butsomehowmyneweyescanstillsee.Anotherunsettlingthingbutatleastthisoneisdamnuseful.
NotthatitishelpingmefindEerierightnow Thesecavesgoonformiles Hecouldbeanywhere “Eerie?”Icallout.
Itisworthatry Istopwalking MaybeIcantrylisteningoutforhiminstead?
Silencesurroundsme.Nothingbutthevaguelycreepysoundofairmovingsoftlyoverrockandtheoccasionaldripofwater. Icanfeeltheweightofthemountainabovemyhead.Itissomehowbothominousandcomfortingatthesametime. Amovementup ahead catches myattention. Aflashofwhite boundingtowards me. Iblinkand suddenlyEerie is grinning beforeme.Damnheisquick.
“Thereyouare,”Isay He nods, takes my hand and starts leading me somewhere. A few twists and turns and we emerge into a small natural chamber Aglobeofsoftamberlightilluminatestheroom IttingleswiththefeelofKirby’smagic Mygazesweeps over anenormousbedmadeofahaphazardmismatchofcurtains,blankets andsofacushions.Bythebed are several piles ofbatteredbooks,andscatteredaroundthe chamber is aneclectic collectionofwhatcouldonlybe called junk.BrokenTVs,lampshades,bricksandCDs.
Coldhorrorseepsintome.HasEeriebeencreepingintothecastleandstealingthings?Heisgoingtogetcaught.Someoneis goingtodiscoverthatwearekeepingatylwyth
Eeriechattersawaytomeinhisownlanguagewhilehappilyshowingmehiscollectionasifitispricelesstreasure. “Wheredidyougetallthis?”Iask
Hepauseshischatterandtiltshisheadatme.Thenhegrins,grabsmyhandagainandpullsmeafterhim.Hetakesmedeep intothemountain.WeturnacornerandIblinkatthesightbeforeme.
Itis anenormous cavern,anditis piledhighwithjunkinthe shape ofa wonkypyramid Sunlightis beaminginfromjust above the tip ofthe pyramid. As mygaze scans over old fridges and sofas and bags and boxes and rubble, mymind finally figures outwhatis goingon There is a sinkhole openingonthe side ofthe mountain, possiblyina field, and the mundane localshavebeenusingitasatip.Foragreatmanyyears,bythelooksofthings.AndEeriehasbeenrummagingthroughitand selectinghistreasures
Ilookdownathimandhegrins,hisstrangepurpleeyessparkling.
Well,I’mgladheishappyandfindingsomethingtooccupyhimselfwith.ButIcan’tkeephimdownhereforever.Mygaze fallstohiswings Thereisaslightbumpinone,butIthinkitisfullyhealedandwouldstillwork Heisacreatureofthesky,I can’tkeephimfromit.
Ican’tkeephidinghimlikeaninconvenientsecret Soonerorlater,IamgoingtohavetoannouncetoallRiderkinthetruth abouttylwythandthefey.
Theweightofthatsettlesaroundmyheart Peoplewillnotlikeit Theyaregoingtodenyit Discoveringyourentirewayof lifeisalieisabitterpilltoswallow.Somewon’tdoit.Iwilllosefollowersoveritandtherehasalreadybeensomuchstrife inour community. Families tornapartbysome beingloyal to the senedd, while their loved ones choose me. Rifts thatmay neverheal
AndI’mgoingtocauseevenmoreturmoil.Moreconflict.It’sawful.Iwishtherewasanotherway.
Myfollowersaregoingtofeel betrayed Theywill bebetrayed Theywill havelefttheirfamiliessothattheycanjointhe onewhoissupposedtoeliminatethetylwythforever.OnlytobetoldthatIconsiderthetylwythourallies.Theywillcallme traitor.Andworse.
MaybeIshouldtelleveryonethetruthnow?Sothatnooneflockstofalsepromises.
No.Thatwillnotwork.Itmaymorallybetherightthingtodo.Buttactically,itisaterribleidea.Ineednumberstodefeat
thesenedd.Onebattleatatime.Conquertheseneddfirst,thenlaythecardsonthetableaboutthefey. Hopefully,bythenIwouldhavewonsomeheartsandminds.Peoplewhowouldneversignuptobefriendthetylwyth,might staybecauseIhaveearnedtheirrespect Ishakemyheadtotrytoclearit.Thereisnopointingoingoverthesethoughtsoverandoveragain.Ineedtobanishthem beforeIgoinsane
Eeriechattersawayasheexcitedlydigsthroughthetrash.Iletmyselfsmile.Thereisnooneheretoseemebeingsoft.Itis goodtowatchhimandremindmyselfwhattheapproachingwarisallabout AndIhavetoholdontothehopethatitisallgoingtobeworthitintheend.
Asoftknockonmyofficedoorscattersallmythoughtsandnowthisspreadsheetisbacktomakingnosenseatall
ThedoorbeginstoopenandIgetreadytosternlyberatewhoeverhasdaredtodisturbmeandthenhavetheaudacityto enterwithoutmypermission.
Kirby’s head peaks around the door, and he falters as he sees myexpression. But it was never meant for him. Surelyhe knowsthat?ButasIwatchhim,itbecomesclearthathedoesn’t,andmyheartsinks.
“Oh um sorry,”hestammers “Ithoughtyoumighthavegotcaughtupinallofthisandnotrealisedthatit’sdinnertime” Mygazeflickstothetimeinthecornerofmycomputerscreen.Wherethehelldidtheafternoongo?
“Thankyou,”Imutter I’mtoocaughtupindismaythatKirbythinksIwouldglareathimlikethat,tosaymuchelse Henodsandstartstoclosethedoor.
“Wait!”Icall.“I’llwalkwithyou.”
ThesmilehegivesmewarmsmedowntomyverysoulandisfarmorethanIdeserve.IfhestillthinksIamanasshole,that means Istill treathimbadly. He shouldn’tputup withthat. Ineed to do better. Harlensees rightthroughmybluster. Kirby doesn’t Heisintimidatedbyit,andIdon’twanthimtofearme Thatisnobasisforarelationship IslamdownthescreenofmylaptopandhurrytoKirby’sside.Hegivesmeanothersmileandweheadtowardsthedining hall
HowdoIfixthis?WhatonearthdoIsay?Mymindisdrawingacompleteblank. “Howwasyourday?”comesoutofmymouthandIwince.IsthatreallythebestIcando? Kirbydoesn’tseemtomind Helaunchesintoafullandvividdescriptionofhisday Ilisten,completelyenchanted Ihave nocluehowtodosmalltalk.Zero.Imusthavebeenabsentthedaytheytaughtitinschool. Kirbyis anexpertinit He makes itseemeffortless Easy The words justpour outofhim,conveyinghis warmthandhis light.
Afterawhile,hestopsandblushes “Sorry,youdidn’twanttohearallthat” Istopwalking.Sodoeshe.Helooksupatmewithaquizzicalexpression. “Ididwanttohearallthat.Ilikehearingaboutyourday.”
Ohheavens,Idon’tthinkI’veeverfeltthisawkwardanduncomfortable WhyamIsobadatthis? Kirbystares up at me. His eyes widenand his cheeks turnpink. “Thank…Thankyou,” he breathes. He looks completely takenabackandutterlyflummoxed Damnit.Imusthavesaidthewrongthing.I’mterribleatthis.Idon’tknowwhyIeventried.Iturntostalkupthecorridor, butKirbycatchesmyhand “Cai,wait!”hepleads.
Itrynottoglareathim,butIreallydon’twanttohearallabouthowImessedupandsaidthewrongthing.Ialreadyknow. Tomyastonishment,hesmiles “Thankyou,Cai Truly ThatwasalovelyandkindthingtosayandIappreciateit” Ishemockingme?
“Itmademeswoonalittle,”hesays,withagleaminhiseye Iblink.Thatwaswhathisreactionwasabout?
He lifts up onhis tiptoes and gives me a soft kiss to mycheek. Thenhe takes myhand and pulls me downthe hallway. Continuingourjourneytothedininghallasifnothinghappened.
Iblinkagainandtrytogetmybearings I’mnotsureifIamevergoingtogetusedtothisrelationshipstuff ButIknowI’m goingtokeepontrying.
ThedininghallcomesintoviewandI’mdisappointed It’sgoingtobenoisyandbrightandpackedfullofpeople I’mgoing tohavetoreleaseKirby’shandandgositattheheadofthetable,nexttotheotherflightcommanderswhohavejoinedus. Wepauseoutsidethedoubledoors Kirbygivesmeyetanothersmile,butthisoneislacedwithsadness Heletsgoofmy hand.Heunderstands.
Itakeadeepbreathandstepinside.
Thenoisesandthelightandthechaoswashoverme
Blindly,Imakemywaytomyseat Icanfeelhundredsofpairsofeyes onme.Letthemstare.IknowIlookthepartofthedewisedig.I’vetakentowearingmyridingleathersnearlyallthetime,as well as wearingmyhair down Mynew dragon-greeneyes are unusual Genetics have blessed me withstrikinglooks, and peoplewanttheirheroestobeattractive.Icangivethemthatmuchatleast.ItisonethingIamgettingright.Asshallowasitis. Ihatetheworshipofbeauty Itisanattributenotgainedbyhardworkorgoodcharacter Juststupidluck Though,asmygaze flickstoKirbyandHarlensittingtogetherneartheheadofthelongtable.IhavetoadmitI’mnotimmunetoitsallure.
Itakemyseatandthereisaflurryofmovementaseveryonestartsservingthemselvesfromtheplatterslaidalongthecentre ofthe tables Shit Were theywaitingfor me? Thatis nota customtheyaffordedme as flightcommander,anditis notone I wishtoadoptasdewisedig.ButwhatthehellcanIdoaboutit?
Iwanttosigh,butIcan’twithalltheseeyesonme GuessIcanneverbelatefordinneragainorallthesepeoplearegoing tostarve.NevermindhavingdinneralonewithKirbyandHarleninourapartment.Yetanotherconstraintonmytime. AndnowI’mbeingagrumpybastard.Ishouldbeflatteredandpleased.Notthrowingastropaboutit.
FlightCommanderHendersonhandsmeafullplate.ItisachallengetoacceptitgracefullyandnotsnipthatIdon’tneedto beserved.ButthenhelaunchesintopepperingmewithathousandquestionsandIchangemymind.Servingmeistheleasthe cando
IhideanothersighandturnmyattentiontoansweringhimasbestIcan. Timedragsanditfeelsasifthisdinnerwillneverend Ican’twaitforittobeoverandtobeabletoescapetothesanctuary oftheapartmentandbeingalonewithKirbyandHarlen.I’veneverbeenasociableperson,anditseemsthosemonthsinthe cottageerodedwhatlittletoleranceIhad.
Suddenly,a conversationa little waydownthe table catches myfull attention.Idon’tlookover.I’mnotgoingtoletthem knowthatI’mlistening.
“IheardMordecaiworkedyouhardthismorning?”
It’soneofHenderson’sriderstalkingtoHarlen.
“Whatofit?”repliesHarleninhisconfidentdrawl
Alltheriderswithinearshotgigglelikechildren.Myhandtightensaroundmyglassofwater.
“Doyoubiteyourpilloworlethimhearallthenoiseshefucksoutofyou?”
Myvisionwhitesoutforamoment Howdaretheydiscussmysexlife?ItisabsolutelynoneoftheirbusinessandIcannot comprehendhowtheythinkitisanappropriatethingtodiscuss.Andthenthereistheterriblenatureoftheirquestions. Myheartthuds Ican’timagineHarlenhavinganyhangupsaboutbottoming I’mevensurehe’dbewillingtotryit,justtosee whatitislike.ButIdon’tthinkheeverhas.Itisjustnothisthingatall.Heispuredominance.Atopthroughandthrough.Ifhe was a shifter,he’dbe analpha,there is nodoubtaboutit AndZhhas certainlynever losta fight,soHarlenhas never been driventoexperienceitthatway.
Whatishegoingtosay?Ishegoingtocorrecteveryone?
WhyamIsonervous?Alotofridersarejerksandhavestupidviewsaboutbottomingbeingweakandunmanly Perhapsit stemsfromdragonsfightingtoseewhotops.Perhapstheyarebigotedcavemen.Perhapsitstemsfromstraightridersresenting whatthemoonpullsthemintodoing Whateverthereason,itneedstostop Dragonsdon’tcare Betterridersunderstandthat suchviewsareoutdated.Ishouldusemynewfoundpowertochampionthatcause. Butmyinsidesareshrivellinginfear ThisaspectofridercultureiscertainlypartofthereasonI’msomessedup IfeelHarlen’sgazeonme.Iignoreitandtakeashakysipofwater.
“Interestingthatyou’vespentsomuchtimethinkingaboutit,Jack,”drawlsHarlen.“Areyoujealous?Wishitwasyouthe dewisedigwaspoundingintothemattress?”
Laughter,loudandclear.Someonechokingontheirfood.IriskaquickpeekandseeJackhasturnedbrightred.Harlenturns tomeandgivesmeawink Isnatchmygazeawaybeforeanyoneseesmedeigningtonoticewhatisgoingon Icanbreatheagain.Ihadn’trealisedthatmylungshadseized.Reliefisfloodingthroughme,causingallmymusclestosag.I don’tthinkIhaveeverlovedHarlenmorethanIdoatthismoment.
Tonight he can do whatever he likes to me. Which he has no doubt already realised and is going to utilise to his full advantage.AndIdon’tevenmind.Imightactuallyevenbelookingforwardtoit.
Hendersonasksmeanotherquestion.Iturntofacehimanditisastruggletokeepmysmirkoffofmyface.Itisonlyyearsof practicethatsavesme.
Ireallycan’twaitforthisdinnertoend
Dinnerlastsforall eternityandjustwhenIthoughtIcouldescape,peoplesurroundedme,all wantingsomething Someof themjustwantedmytime.Itwassohardtobepatientwiththem.
Finally,IhaveescapedandnowI’mhurryingtotheapartmentasifthehoundsofhellareonmyheels. Iopenthe door and find Harlensprawled onthe sofa, beer inhand. He looks up fromthe TVIdon’tthinkhe was really watchingandgivesmeagrin.
“WhereisKirby?”Iask
“HangingoutwithRi,theeggsandEerie,”heanswersbeforepattinghisthigh.“Whydon’tyoucomeandjoinme?”
“I’mnotsittingonyourlap!”Isnap,eventhoughIwasplanningonlettinghimdowhateverhewantstome Therearelimits Heliftsoneeyebrow,andthegesturesomehowmanagestoconveybothamusementandthatheacceptsthechallenge.It’sa lookthatdoesstrangethingstomyinsides.Itmightnotbetonight,oranytimesoon.Butoneday,I’mgoingtofindmyselfsitting onhislap.
Iglareathim,andthentakeadeepbreath.Annoyingasheis,IhavesomethingthatIneedtosay. “Thankyouforearlier”HewillknowwhatI’mtalkingabout Healwaysdoes Alookofsurprisecrosseshisobnoxiouslyhandsomeface.Heavens,amIreallysuchanassholethatmythanksstartleshim? Heshrugsinhiseasy,confidentmannerthatIwishIcouldemulate “Sure Noproblem” Ibreatheoutandheadovertothefridgetogetadrink.Harlen’sbeerhasinspiredme,adrinkisjustwhatIneed. “Icanwaituntilyouareready,beforeIlettheworldknowyouaremybitch,”saysHarlen.
Ifreeze,andmybackstiffens Hechuckles,andthewarmsounddancesoverme Ihatehimsomuchsometimes Whydoeshe enjoywindingmeupsomuch?WhydoImakeitsoeasyfor him?Nobodycangetunder myskinlikehedoes.Nobodyelse darestotry
ThedooropensandIsenseKirby’spresence.Ihearhimpauseandinhaledeeply. “Harlen,stopteasingCai!”
“Ihaven’tdoneanything!”exclaimsHarlen.
Iforce mybodyto move and resume myjourneyto the fridge. Harlen’s muttered “Ow!” and the soft thump let me know Kirbyhas throwna cushionathim Asmile takes over mylips IgrabKirbya coke,quicklypour mywhite wine,andwalk overtothesofa.
KirbyissittingnexttoHarlen,leavingmethenarrowspaceontheend Perfect IhandKirbythecokeandamrewardedwith adazzlingsmile.Itakemyplacenexttohim,sipmywine,andexhaleincontentment. “Howiseverythinginthenest?”IaskKirby “Allgood,”heanswers.“HaveyouseenEerie’shoard?Ithinkheismoredragonthanourdragons!” “Dragonsdon’tactuallycollectstuff,”saysHarlen. “Well,theyshould!”grumblesKirby Isipmywine.Iftheyaregoingtogetintooneoftheirmeaninglessarguments,I’mnotgoingtolisten.Theywillbickerabout anything,alwayswithnoheatormalice,butIdon’tunderstandthepointofit Maybeitissomestrangebondingthing TheirconversationsoonturnstodisagreeingoverwhattowatchonTV.Theyleavemeoutofit.TheyknowIwon’tstatea
preference.Idon’treallycarefortelevision,butIenjoysittingonthesofawiththemandbaskingintheirpresence. Eventually,theysettleonsomething.Somekindofpoliceprocedural.Harlensendsoutadecadentstrandofmagictoturnthe mainlightoffandthesidelampon Kirbywrigglesaroundandendsupwithhisfeetonthesofaandhisheadonmyshoulder Mythroattightens.Suchasimple,trustinggesture.Ithassetoffawholestormofemotionswithinme.I’llneverbeableto separateandidentifythemall AllIknowisthatKirbyusingmeasapillowhasmademefeelvividly NotthatIamgoingtoconfessthat,ofcourse.IhavenowishforKirbytoknowthatsuchsimpleactsofaffectionandwarmth aresoalientome Andalsoitwouldbeacrimetodisrupttheatmospherethathassettledovertheapartment
Everything is calm, peaceful. Filled with easy companionship. It feels as if we are normal people enjoying an evening together.Wearenotdragonriders.Harlenisnotaseer,Kirbyisnotwhateverheis,andIamnotthedewisedig.Theweightof destinyisnotpressingdownonus Itisblissful.
“Thisisboring,”saysKirby
Myheartnearlystops,butthenIrealisethatheistalkingabouttheTVshow,notoureveningtogether.
“Toldyou!”crowsHarlentriumphantly,andhesnatchesuptheremoteandputsafilmon Presumablytheonethathadbeen hisfirstchoicebeforeKirbyhadoverruledhimwiththepoliceshow.
Kirbygrumblesbutacceptsthechangewithoutmuchfight.Calmandquietfallsoverusoncemore.Itremindsmeofallthe peacefultimeswehadinthecottage,andforamomentmyheartachesforallthatwehavelost ButIhavetoholdontohope Onedayitwillallbeover.Battleswillhavebeenwonandthefateswillbedonewithus,andthiswillbeourfuture.
JustHarlen,Kirbyandme,doingnothinginparticular,saveenjoyingeachother’scompany
I take another sip of mywine, relishingthe clean, crisp taste that courses throughme. I thinkit is startingto work. The tensioninmyshouldersiseasing.
Harlenshiftspositiontoloungewithanarmslungoverthebackrest,andstartsabsentmindedlytappinghisfoottoatuneonly hecanhear.Itseemshischosenmovieisnotthatengagingafterall.
“Youguyseverthinkabouthow crazyourlifeis?”Kirbymuses,suddenlybreakingthecomfortablesilencethathassettled overus.
Harlenchuckles,“Everyday,myman Everyday Life’sawildride,andwe’rejusttryingtoholdon” Kirbylooks up fromthe television, his thoughtful gaze meetingmine, and attemptingto draw me into the conversation. “I guessit’stheunpredictabilitythatkeepsitinteresting.Thetwistsandturns,theunexpectedmomentsthatshapewhoweare.” Inod,takinganothersipofwine.“True.Butsometimes,Iwishforapausebutton.Justtosavourthesemomentsabitlonger.”
Harlengrins,“Well,ifthat’swhatyouwant,Cai,thenthat’swhattonightis for.Noworries,noresponsibilities,justgood companyandmaybeafewroundsofUno Andspeakingofwhich ”Hereachesforhispocketandpullsoutadeckofcards withaflourish.
Kirbysitsup,asmallsmileplayingonhislips “Letthegamesbegin!” Iblink. Ithoughttheywanted to watcha movie? These two make me dizzy. Idon’tevenknow how to playUno, butI’m draggedovertothetablenevertheless.
“Doyouknowhowtoplay,Cai?”asksHarlen I frown. He knows I don’t usually waste time on frivolous activities, so there is little use in lying. “No,” I admit begrudgingly
Kirbystaresatmewideeyed,asifneverhavingplayedastupidcardgamebeforeissomesortofterribletragedy.Ican’t stopmyselffromglaringbackathimbecausehisconcernismakingmefeeluncomfortable “Oh, it is super easy!” Kirby says with a bright smile that looks a little forced, but still incredibly charming. He is an overwhelminglyattractiveman.
Itrytoconcentrateasherattlesthroughtherules I’mmoretiredthanIrealised,andKirbyisdistracting Partofmewantsto pullhimintomyarmsandkisshimthoroughly.Butmostofmewantstospendtimewithhimthatisnotaboutsex.Luckily,the gamedoessoundabsurdlysimple
I’msureI’mgoingtopickitupinnotimeatall.We’llspendsomehoursplayingcardsandthenhopefullyHarlenwilltake ustobed,seekhisrewardforkeepingmysecrets,andafterthat,Ishouldsleepwell Itsoundslikeaperfecteveningtome Harlenshufflesthecardswithunnecessaryextravaganceanddealseachofusahand.Ipickupmycardsandpeeratthem.I don’tunderstandthepointofthisgame.It’snotgoingtobeachallenge.Itisnotanexerciseinstrategy.
Kirbywrigglesingleeandbiteshisbottomlip Iguessheispleasedwithhishand Harlenisgrinningtoo IthinkIneedto loosenup.Clearly,thepointofthisgameistohavefunandspendtimewithyourlovedones.Bothofwhichareveryworthy pursuits
“Whogoesfirst?”Iask.
“Youcan,sinceyouaretheUnovirgin!”exclaimsKirbybrightly.
Iraiseaneyebrowathim,butalsoplaceacarddownonthetable.
“Solidstart,myfriend,”saysHarleninapparentdelight,ashepicksuptwocardsfromthedeck.
Istareathiminexasperation.Isn’thavingtopickupcardsabadthing?Ishenottakingthisseriously?
Isigh.Harlennevertakesanythingseriously.AndIdeducedjustamomentagothatthewholepointofthisstupidgameisto havefun Icandofun
Well,okay,Icantrytodofun.Iwillattemptmybesttonight,butit’sprobablygoingtotakefurtherpractice.I’vebeenstuck up,asHarlencallsit,formyentirelife ItisunreasonabletothinkIcanchangeovernight IlookuptofindHarlenandKirbybothsmilingatme.Warmthandfondnesssparklingintheireyes.Itmakesmyheartflutter. Theydon’tmindthatI’mterribleatthis,andthatmeanstheworldtome HarlenandKirbyaremyeverything.
Atfirst,Iignoretheemailnotificationwhenitpopsupinthecornerofmyscreen Thenmymindprocessesthenameofthe sender,andIquicklyclickonit.AsIreadit,Istarttoshakeandmymouthgoesdry.
“Everything alright?” asksJesleepily.
“Yes, everything is fine, sorry I woke you. Go back to sleep.”
Mydragongivesmethementalequivalentofaslightlyexasperatedsighandsettlesbackdown.ItisalittlealarmingthatI wasemotionalenoughtodisturbhim,butitcan’tbehelped
Ipullmyphoneoutofmypocket,fireoffaquicktextandthengobacktorereadingtheemail.Ialreadyknoweverythingit says,theinformationissearedintomymind,butthecompulsiontorereaditoverandoveragainistoostrongformetoresist Afewminuteslater,thedoortomystudyfliesopenandHarlenrunsin.Heisbreathingheavilyandhisfaceisflushed.He rantome?Mymessageonlysaid,‘canyoucomehere.’
Myheartdoes somethingfunnyand now Ican’tspeak. DamnHarlenfor makingme feel all flustered like a teenager with theirfirstcrush.Ineedtopullmyselftogether.
Idefinitelydon’tneed to startthinkingaboutlastnightand how he surprised me bydecidingwe were bothgoingto fuck Kirby.StaringintoHarlen’seyeswhilesharingKirbywasquitesomething.
“Closethedoorandsitdown”ImanagetosayasIlockmyfilthymemoriesaway Nowreallyisnotthetime HarlendoesasIaskandthenstaresatmeacrossmydesk.Hisbrowneyesfullofconcernandcuriosity.Wordlessly,Iturn mylaptoparoundtofacehim.Ileanbackinmychairandwaitforhimtoreadanddigesttheinformation.
“Holyfuck!”heexclaims That’sonewayofputtingit.
Heliftshisgazefromthecomputerscreentostareatmewide-eyed Neitherofusmoves Theancientclockonthewallticks loudly.
“Wehavetotellhim,”Isay,andmyvoicesoundsweakandhollow Itechoesintheheavysilence Harlenswallowsaudibly.“HeyKirby,thereisthisnearmythologicalfigureinriderhistorycalledTheTraitor,anditturns outyouarehisdirectdescendent.”Hepauses.“Ican’timaginethatisgoingtogodownwell.” Irubmyhandovermyface “Ohgods,heisgoingtobepissedIgotsomeonetolookintohislineage,isn’the?” “Probably,”agreesHarlen,ratherunhelpfully.
“Weneededtoknowwherehispowerscomefrom,whatpartheplaysinourtriad Lookingathisfamilytreewasanobvious startingpoint,”Isay.“Ididn’tbelievehehadnoriderbloodinhimandIwasright.That’sasilverlining,isn’tit?” Harlenholdshishandsupinsurrender “It’snotmethatyouneedtoapologiseto” Iglareathimforamomentandthensagindefeat.Heisright,thisisawfulandIdoneedtoapologise. “Hedidn’tgrowupwithtalesofTheTraitor,hemightnotbethatfreakedout,”saysHarlen. IstareatHarlenasifhecangivememoreglimmersofhope,butitseemsthatitisallhehas Isighheavily “WhatdoyourememberaboutTheTraitor?AllIknowisthathewasoneofthefirstridersandfeyandhestolehisdragon andleftthecausemid-fight”
Harlenshrugs.“Prettymuchjustthat.Iwasneverexactlypayingattentioninschool.”
Ishake myhead as memories ofHarlen’s escapades atschool come floodingback. His teachers deserve recompense. He wasacompletenightmare.
Iputthose memories aside and startponderingwhatIknow aboutThe Traitor I’ll go to the librarylater and checksome books,butIthinkIhaveenoughtoworkwithfornow.
“So,withwhatweknow now,itlookslikeTheTraitor wasagoodguy Hemusthavediscoveredthetruthandwantedno partofit.”
Harlen’sexpressionisthoughtful “Butwasn’thefey,orpartfey?Whywouldn’thewanthispeopletocomeback?” “Becausetheywereassholes?”
Harlenchuckles.“That’saprettygoodreason,buthestillbetrayedhiskin,heisstillatraitor.”
Ishiver Traitor ItiswhattheyaregoingtocallmewhenIdeclarethetruthaboutthetylwyth Itismydestiny Perhapsitis shallowofme,butthatconnectionismakingmerethinkeverythingIwastaughtaboutTheTraitor.Ineedtogotothelibrary.I needtoredeemhim,formysake,asmuchasKirby’s
“So,Kirbyisafeydescendent?Nowonderheissohot!Luckyus,hey?Bangingafey!”Harlengrins. Iscowlathim “Thefeywanttoinvade,remember?Idon’tthinkKirbyisgoingtobethrilledtolearnheisrelatedtothem” Harlen’s grin fades, replaced by a much more sombre expression. I am glad he is appreciating the seriousness of the situation.
“Itexplainswhyheissopowerful,”saysHarlen “Butnotwhyhis powers increasedonce he became a dragonrider.He has always beena mage,whywas he notinsanely powerfulbefore?”
Feyare incrediblypowerful magic wielders. Some people believe thatall humanmages have feyancestryand the reason mundanesaremundaneisbecausetheyareonehundredpercenthuman.Bythatlogic,Kirbyshouldalwayshavebeenkick-ass. “PerhapsitwassomethingtodowithbondingwithRi?Ormaybehisskillsareblastingtylwythand,ashewasn’tdoingthat beforehecamehere,heneverrealised?”saysHarlen.
Bothverygoodpoints,andbothquitefeasible ButIguessitisallamootpoint Kirbyhasimpressivemagic Thesemantics ofwhyheissopowerful,islikelyirrelevant.Itisnotsomethingtoworryabout.Especiallywhenthereareathousandother thingsthatdowarrantourconcern,time,andattention “Weshouldtellhimtogether,”Isay.
Harlen’seyesflash.HehastranslatedthatI’maskingforhelpandbackup.Hegivesmeasoftsmileandnodshisagreement. Ialreadyfeelbetter.
Ileanforwardandturnthelaptopbacktofaceme.Iglareatit,asifallofthisisitsfault.
“Igetaboltoflightning,yougetavisionthenighteggsarelaid,andKirbygetsashittyemail Doesn’tseemfair,”Imutter Harlenlaughs.“TheFatesworkinmysteriousways.I’msureKirbywillappreciatethelackofdrama.Hehashadenoughof itforalifetime”
Animage flashes across mymind, vivid and intense. Complete withsound and smell. As potent as a time machine. I’m watchingKirbyfall throughtheskyagain.Heisdirectlybelow me.Noonehaseverbeenabletoprojectaportal,soIcan’t openoneupbeneathhimandhavehimlandafew feetabovesomedesertsand Thereisnotimetogetintoabetterposition wherethereisadirectlineofsightbetweenmeandwhereIneedtheportaltobe.Nooneelseiscloseenoughtodoanything. Ishudderanddrawinashakybreath MyhandsclenchonthearmrestsofmychairandIpullmymindbacktothehereand now.Harlengivesmeaconcernedlook,butthankfullysaysnothing.
“Whenshouldwetellhim?”Iask,partiallytodistracthimfrommydisplayofweakness Hesighs,andthesoundsoundsweary,asifhehastheweightoftheworldonhisshoulders.Ihateit.Ihatethatheismaking noiseslikethat.HeisHarlen.Hedeservestobehappyandcarefree,brimmingwithexuberanceandthesheerjoyoflife. IfIwasstrongenough,I’dsethimfreeandnotdraghimdownwithme Butthefateshavemadehimaseer Thedewisedig’s seer.Heisstuckwithme.Or,I’mchoosingtoblamethefatesbecauseI’mtooselfishandcowardlytodumphim.
“Notimelikethepresent,”saysHarlen,pullingmythoughtsbacktothecurrentproblemandthelife-changingnewsweneed tobreaktoKirby.
Harlenisright Thereisnopointindelayingthis Ipullmyphoneoutofmypocketandsendanotherquicktext It’snicetobe back in civilization and have phone signal. They never complained, but I’m sure our dragons got fed up with being our messengerrelayservice.
I return my phone to my pocket and Harlen and I sit in silence There isn’t really anything to say The distant noises of everyoneinthekeepgoingabouttheirbusiness,seepsinthroughthestudydoor.It’sstillearly,butthisfarintowinter’sgrip, thesunisalreadysetting Nospectacularredsandpinks,merelyagradualfadingofthelight KirbyopensthedoorandblinksatthesightofHarlenbeforeturninghisattentiontome.“What’swrong?”heasks. “Comeinandsitdown,”Ianswer.
I’mnotstalling,Ican’texactlyblurtoutlifechangingnewswhileheishoveringinthedoorway.
Kirbyquietlydoes as Iaskandthenstares atme expectantly.Iswallow.Shit,where the hell doIstart? Harlenclears his
throatandIcouldkisshimforsteppingin.
“So…”saysHarlen.“ThereisthisguyinRiderhistorycalledTheTraitor.”
Kirbyscrunchesuphisnoseinconfusion “Yeah,Iknow RowanandNatashatoldmeabouthim,alongwithaheapofother stuff,sinceyoutwohavebeenuselessatfillingmeinonRiderculture.”
My cheeks are threatening to heat We really have been spectacularly awful Too obsessed with wanting him, and then possessively wanting to keep him to ourselves. He was our new shiny toy, and we wanted him reliant on us, and then everythingwentcrazyandthereneverseemedtobethetime “Yeah,sorryaboutthat,”saysHarlen.
Kirbyshakeshisheadinexasperation.“SowhataboutTheTraitor?”
Ileanforwardandturnmylaptoptofacehim Ashereadstheemail,hisfaceflowsthrougheveryemotionasentientbeing canfeel.
“Youpaidaprivateinvestigatortolookintomydeadparentsandthentheirfamilytree?” Mythroatistoodryandtighttoswallow.“Sorry,”Icroakuselessly.
Helooksupatmewithtear-filledeyes,fullofpain Itislikebeingpunchedinthegut Icannotbreathe Selfishly,Ihopehis tormentisfromtheknowledgeofhislineage,notmybetrayal.
HarlenleansoverandpullsKirbyfromhischairtositonhislapsideways.KirbycollapsesintotheembraceandletsHarlen holdhim Hemakesitlookeasy
Ineedtothinkofsomethingtosay.Anything.Anythingatall.Evennonsensewouldbebetterthanstonysilence. Iopenmymouth Atthatprecisemoment,thealarmwailsout Mygazeflickstothewindow,nighthasfallenwhilewewere distracted.Itisstillunusualfortylwythtoattacksocloseaftersunset. Wealljumptoourfeet.Mystomachrolls.Thisisthefirstattacksincewelearntthetruth. “Youare notofficiallyonwatch,WingCommander,” IsnapatHarlen,before turningmyattentiontoKirby.“Andyouare goingtosayRididn’tfeellikeleavingtheeggs.”
Istrideoutofmystudybeforetheycanattempttoarguewithme Thereisnoneedfor usall tosuffer thehorror ofkilling Eerie’sfamilyandfriends.
Beingintheskyisglorious Notsolongago,IthoughtIhadlostthisforever ThenJehadletmerideeventhoughwewere nolonger bondedandwecouldn’tcommunicate,andithadfeltlikeaconsolationprize.Now wearebondedoncemore andIamtrulyflying.Itisamiracle.Awondrous,exultantthingthatIshallnevertakeforgranted.
IfbeingthedewisedigisthepriceIhavetopayforthisgift,thenIgladlypayit.Theskyisworthanyandallsacrifices. Rightnow,Iamflying,andnothingelsematters.TheshockingrevelationaboutKirby’sheritageisbutadarkcloudrumbling inthe far corners ofmymind, for Iwill letnothingdampenthe sheer joyofsoaringthroughthe heavens Partofme wishes HarlenandKirbywere here,butwhile I’mtryingtostayawayfromdarkthoughts,Istill know itis a goodthingtheyare at home
Je’sstrongwingsbeatasteadyrhythmthroughtheinkynightair.Weareflyingoverthecoastandthewavesarebeatingupon theshore.Thestarsarecomingoutandthecloudsareclearing.Soontheskywillbelitteredwithathousandstarsandtheywill feelcloseenoughtoreachoutandtouch.
Everythingisbeautiful,exceptthatweareonourwaytocommitmurder.
Mygoodmoodplummetslikeastone Icannotdenythepurposeofthisflightanylonger Ineedtoletthedarkthoughtsin I havetoreconsidermyoptions,justincasethereisasolutionthathasn’tcometomeyet.
Icouldprobablystopthekilling Eitherasflightcommanderordewisedig Icouldordermyflighttostanddown Theriders wouldnotunderstandwhy,butIthinktheywouldobey.UntiltheyaskedmequestionswhichIdonothaveanswersforyet.At least,notonestheyarereadytohear.Someofthemwouldstillobeyme,Ithink.Icouldsavesomelives,ifnotall.
Butwhatgoodwouldthatdo?Ifatylwythmakesittothegroundandopensupahugeportalandthousandsofitskincome through? Riders are not readyto accept that. No one is. Other paranormals would discover the tylwythsecret and retaliate againsttheperceivedinvaders Allwouldbecarnageandwar ItwouldleadtofarmoredeaththanIwouldhaveprevented Thetylwyththatfalltonight,needtobesacrificesforthegreatergood.Thereisnootherway.
Mystomachheaves IthinkI’mgoingtobesick
“We can stay back, circle the edge, pretend you are observing the fight.”
It’scowardly.Notgettingmyhandsbloody,doesnotabsolvemefromtheguilt.Andleadingfromtherearisbadenoughon itsown ButIdon’tthinkI’mstrongenoughforanythingelse
“That’s a good idea, Je. Thank you. ”
Herumbleshisagreementandawaveofhisdistresswashesoverme HeishatingthisevenmorethanIam Dragonsarefar morehonourablethanhumans.Theydonotplaythegamesofpoliticsandpower.SometimesIreallydon’tunderstandwhythey putupwithus
“Humans are capable of great kindness. Pure devotion. Some have cruelty in their hearts, others have love flowing in their veins.”
IsmileandpatJe’sneck “You big softy” Hedoesn’tdenyit.Instead,aswellofwarmaffectionsurgesdownthebond.Itfeelslikeahugandnow I’mgrinningfrom ear toear Butmyhappiness falters as theglow ofportals comes intoview Wehavearrived Atleasttherearenotmanyof them,andthepatrolisholdingupwell.
We close the remainingdistance far quicker thanIwould like. Igive the signal for myriders to jointhe fray. Je’s wings stretchoutandhold,andweglidesilentlywhiletheotherdragonsswooppastus.Soonwearealone,watchingthefight.My jawclenches Thisfeelssowrong
“It is the right thing to do,” says Je. “It gives consistency for the future, when you tell everyone the tylwyth are our friends Otherwise, people would wonder why you were killing tylwyth, if you think they should be our allies ” “You are very wise.”
Hepuffshischestoutinpride “I am too young to be truly wise, but it is my wish for when I am older” Istrokehisneck.Heissuchakindandlovelysoul.Ihadmissedhimsoverymuchwhenourbondwasbroken.Ittrulywas worsethanlosingmymagic.Havinghimbackismorewonderfulthanwordscouldeversay.Luckily,hecanfeelmyemotions. Idon’tneedtotrytosquishthemintomeresentences
Jebankstotheright,andwebeginaslowcirclearoundthefight.Iforcemyselftopayattentionandtakestock.Theriders are doingwell Portals are beingclosed swiftlyand tylwythare beingdispatched effectively Hopefully, itwill all be over soon.Imightjustgetawaywithouthavingtotakeanactivepart.
“Are you going to tell everyone about us?” asksJe
Thequestionsurprisesandshocksmetomyverycore.IhadnoideaitwasonJe’smind.Myheartthuds.Mymouthgoesdry. Foramoment,Icannotthinkatall.Myreactiontooneofmyoldestsecretsisvisceralandintense.Wehaveonlyspokenitin myhead,buttheinnateterrorofbeingdiscoveredisoverwhelminglystrong
JesendsawashofreassuringcomfortdownthebondandIgulpinabreathofair.
Suddenly, I’ma small child again Inmyfather’s keep Limping, hurtand bleeding, to curl up inthe stable yetagain My hidingplace. Myrefuge. And whena youngunbonded emerald greendragonstarted curlingprotectivelyaround me, it had becomemyhome.TheoneplaceonearthIhadfeltsafeandloved.
TheroutinehadcontinuedformonthsbeforeIfirstheardhisvoiceinmyhead.Webothwereastonishedandelated.I’dalso beenterrified.Childrendon’tbondtodragons.Noonebondswithouttheweavingofspellstomakeithappen.Andtheritualof beingchosenissacred Ihadbrokensoverymanyrules Fearoftheconsequenceshauntedmydreams Sometimestheystilldo Somehow,wemanagedtokeepthesecretthroughoutouradolescence.WhenIcameofage,Jeannouncedhewishedtotakea rider Wewentthroughtheselectionceremony WeheldournervethroughthebondingspellsandInearlycriedinreliefwhen notonlywerewenotdiscovered,thespellsseemedtohavenoadverseeffects. Wegotawaywithit.
NotevenHarlenknows.
ItisasecretIwasgoingtotaketomygrave.Losingmymagictoreourunusualbondapart,butregainingmymagicandbeing bonded the traditional way works just fine There is no need to dwell on the past On something that effectively has been undoneandreformedinthecorrectway.
Hasitreallybeenplayingonhismindforalltheseyears,whilehehiditfromme?Thatisatrulyhideousthought Icannot bearthethoughtofJebeingunhappyorthinkingthereisanythinghecannotsharewithme.
“Now we know you are the dewisedig, it makes sense People won’t think you are a freak, they will be in awe It could strengthen your position,” Jesayscalmly Iletouta shakybreath. Okay, Je has notbeenstruckwithguilt. Our secretis notfesteringand eatingawayathim. He is merelyconsideringstrategyandtactics Thisisfine Icandealwiththis I’dtelltheentireworldifJeneededmeto,buthaving thechoiceisamazing.AndI’msorelievedhehasn’tbeensufferinginsilencealltheseyears.
“I will think about it ”
Je’seasyacceptanceflowsdownthebondandthelastlingeringtracesofmyanxietydriftaway. Suddenly,ablurofmovementcatchesmyfullattention.Alonetylwythhasbrokenthroughandishurtlingdown.Nobodyhas seen ThefighthasdriftedupwardsandJeandIarefarcloserthananyoneelse Shit.
Je folds his wings and we fall into a nosedive The ferocious wind steals mybreathawayand I’mglad Ialreadyhad my goggleson.TherewouldhavebeennotimetopullthemdownandI’dbeflyingblind. Jetwistshisbodyandtheanglesteersusclosertothetylwyth Ican’tseeitshideousmask,butIcanseeitsneatlyfolded whitewings.IdenticaltoEerie’s.
I’mgoingtobesick.Myheartisgoingtopoundrightoutofmychest.Igritmyteethandsendaboltofmagicrightthrough thetylwyth’schest Itsbodyslumps Lifelessandinert Thenow slackmassofmuscleandbonestartstocartwheeldownthe sky.Isendafireballtoobliteratethecarcass.
Jeunfurlshiswings,andwesoarupwards Iretch,butitisnotfromthemotion,I’velongbeenusedtothat “It was quick. They would not have felt a thing,” consolesJe.
Doesthatabsolvemeofmurder?DoesitcleantheslateofthehundredsoftylwythIhavekilledbefore?Icantellmyselfthat itisallforthegreatergood,butthetruthisthattheroadtohellispavedwithgoodintentions.
Afaintsound carries onthe nightair. Ilookup. There are no more portals. No more tylwyth. The riders are flyingdown
towardsme,whoopingandpunchingtheairinsalute.Celebratingmydiveandmykill. Itwas a good dive, Ihave to admitthat. Butthatwas Je’s skill, notmyaccomplishment. Myonlyachievementtonightis death
Wearily, Iliftmyarminacknowledgmentoftheir praise. I’mso glad theyare notclose enoughfor me to have to fake a smile I’mnotsureIcoulddoit
Atmythought,Jeturnssmoothly,andwebeginleadingtheflighthome. Myeyesarewet Iliftupmygogglestodrythem Icouldblamethewindformakingmyeyeswater,butthatwouldbeyet anotherlie.
MyfeetfeelheavierthanleadasIclimbthestairsuptotheapartment Idon’tknowwhymybodyfeelsexhausted,whenitis mysoulthathassuffered.
Escapingthe jubilantriders whohadcrowdedme inthe stable,seems tohave sappedthe lastofmystrength.IthinkIam goingtostaggertomybedandcollapseonitfullyclothed.
Ipushopenthedoortotheapartment.KirbyandHarlenaresittingatoursmalltable,waitingforme.Itislovelytoseethem, butmyheartstill sinks Ishould have foreseenthis Ofcourse theyare goingto wantto continue our conversationfromthe study.Kirbyisgoingtohavequestions,andIneedtoseeifthereisanychancehewilleverforgiveme.
I let the door swingshut behind me Now I amjust standinghere, staringat themsilently I need to find the words, and somewheretobegin.
Kirbyrisesfromhischair.HestridestowardsmeandsuddenlyI’mwrappedinatighthug.Hisbodyheatchasingawaythe chillofthewinterskythatlingersonme.
Woodenly,Iliftmyarmsandattempttoreturnthewarmembrace.I’mnotsureIwillevergetthehangofhugs.Ineverused to let Harleninflict themonme, but for some reason, I amincapable of refusingthemfromKirby I thinkI might evenbe startingtolikethem.
“Comeon,”saysKirby “I’vedrawnyouabath” He steps back, takes myhand and tows me to the bathroom. Itis litwithdozens ofcandles and the tub is brimmingwith bubbles.I’massumingthereiswaterundertheresomewhere.
“I’llstartcookingdinnersoit’sreadybythetimeyougetoutofthebath,”saysKirbywithasmile Heleaves,butHarlenstepsinandstartsunlacingmyridingleathers.Ibathishandsaway. “I’mquitecapableofundressingmyself!”Isnap Heraisesoneeyebrowatme.“Stopbeingastubbornassandletmetakecareofyou.” Iglareathim Whyishebeingsodamnnice?Idon’tunderstand “Takingcareofyoumakesmehappy,”hesays.
Ourgazeslock,butIcanalreadyfeelmyselfwavering.Thesilencestretches.Thetapdrips,remindingmethatthewateris gettingcold Isag “Fine,”Imutterungraciously.
Harlenchuckles,andhisnimblefingersreturntothelacesofmyridingleathers Hemakesswiftworkofthem Iusuallyjust loosenthemandthenpullthetopovermyhead.Buthetakesthetimetoundothemalltheway. Hepausesandthenslowlypeelstheleatherapart Mycottonundershirtisthinandtightandleaveslittletotheimagination Hisdarkeyesflashwithdesire,andmystomachfluttersinresponse.Iadorethatthemeresightofmehasaneffectonhim. Hethrowsmyleathertopcarelesslytothefloor.Hisnowfreehandsreachforthehemofmyundershirt.Wordlessly,Iliftmy armsabovemyhead Hepeelsitoffofme Hethrowsthattothefloortoo Thenhefreezes,hisgazeroamingallovermynow nakedchest.Thetipofhispinktonguepokesoutofhismouthandrunsoverhisplumpbottomlip. Hiseyeseventuallyliftbackuptomine Heisstandingsoclose,Icanseejusthowwidehispupilsare Dark,andfulloflust forme.
Itrytoswallow,butIcan’t.Mytongueisstucktotheroofofmymouth.Ithinkmylegsaretrembling.
Harlendoesn’tfreemefromhis gaze.Idon’teventhinkheis blinking.Hedoesn’tlookawayas heslowly,ohsoslowly, dropstohisknees
Ishouldsaysomethingcuttingabouthimlookinggooddownthere,butIhaveentirelylostmyabilitytospeak.I’mnoteven sureifIwilleverrememberhowwordswork
His hands liftup as inprayer, buttheygo to the crotchofmyleather trousers. I’mstartled to realise mycockis hard and strainingagainsttheleather,asiftryingtobreakfreeandreachHarlen’shands
He grins up atme and cups me lightly. Ihiss, and he mercifullygoes backto unlacingmyfly. SoonI’mfree, justthe soft cottonofmyunderwear,whichisnorestraintatall,andit’shardtobitebackmygroanofrelief.
Harlenmakesquickworkofmybootsandsocks Thenhepullsmytrousersandunderweardowninoneswiftmove Istep outofthemandamcompletelynakedbeforehim.
Hestaresblatantlyatmyveryhardcock Asmirkstretchesacrosshisface
“Didn’tknowyoulovedmethatmuch.”
Iscowlathim
“Mini-youisgoingtohavetowait,it’sbathtime.”
I take a deep breath and rise above his “Mini-you” comment. It is ridiculous, childish and designed to irritate me. It is entirelyhisfaultI’minthisstate,and“Mini-you,”isanabsurdphrase,formanyreasons Nottheleastbecause,whileI’mnot hunglikeahorselikeheis,Idon’tthink‘mini’applies.
So Itiltmychinup, ignore Harlen, and step into the bath Isinkinto its blessed warmthwitha delighted sigh This feels wonderful.Iletmyheadfallbackandclosemyeyes.
“I’llcomeandgetyouwhendinnerisready,”saysHarlen.
Dinner!Shit.Isitupquicklyandcauseasmalltidalwavetorushalongthebath.MygazefixesfranticallyonHarlen.Buthe justsmileswarmlyatme.
“IletHendersonknowyouwon’tbedininginthehalltonight Theyknownottowaitforyou” Isinkslowlybackintothebath.“Thankyou,”Imutteruselessly.Awarmththatisnotfromthebathfillsme.Thatwasatruly lovelyandhelpfulthingforHarlentodo “Noworries.”
Myeyes flutter closed.Itake a deepbreathandtrytowill all the tensioninmybodyaway.Ialsotrytofightall the dark thoughtsthatarejustwaitingtorushin.
“Onsecondthoughts,”rumblesHarlen’sdeepvoice.“Lookslikeyoucoulddowithahandrelaxing.”
IopenoneeyeandfindHarlensmirkinglecherouslyatme Myheartskipsseveral beats Harlenkneelsbythetubandhis handslowlysnakes intothe water, divingunder the bubbles and unerringlyfindingmycock. Igasp as his firmfingers close over myhardlength Ishouldtell himtofuckoff ButIdon’t IshouldhavestoppedhimthemomentIrealisedwhathewas doing.ButIdidn’t.
Myoneopeneyefallsclosedagain.Histouchfeelsdamngood.Thereisnoharminenjoyingit.Thoughitisinfuriatinghow hestillmanagestobesodominating Thebastardisonhisknees,pleasuringme,yetthereisabsolutelynodoubtoverwhoisin charge.
IlikeitfarmorethanIshould
HepicksupthepaceandIgroan.Myhipsstarttorise.Thesloshingofthewater isrhythmic.Mybodyistense.Mymind doesnotwanttoletgo,yethisfirmgripandrelentlessmovementisforcingpleasureintome I’mgoingtocumsoon,whetherI wanttoornot.
Myhandsgripthesideofthetub.Myheadtiltsback.Harlenmakesalowrumbleofappreciationthatnearlytipsmeoverthe edge
Idon’thearthedooropen,butIdohearKirby’ssoftexclamation.
“I’vegotafreehand,ifyouwanttocomehere,Khaleesi,”saysHarlen Ihearsoftmovement,thesoundofazip,andthenKirby’squietgasp.ShouldIopenmyeyesandwatch?Itisaveryalluring thought Butthereissomethingdeeplypleasantaboutlyinghereinwarmwaterwithmyeyesclosed Itfeelsasifallmyother sensesareheightened.
Kirbymoansandmycocktwitchesinresponse.Hereallydoesmakethehottestnoises.IcanpicturehimkneelingbyHarlen, headdown,bitinghisbottomlipasHarlenpumpshiscock
Mymentalimageswoopsout,andnowIcanpictureHarlentoo.Onhisknees.Onehandunderthebathwaterandonme,one handonKirby Workingusbothtothesamerhythm Meaning,rightnow,KirbyisfeelingexactlywhatIamfeeling Kirbyispantingnow.Heisclose.Myhipsbuckup.Kirbycriesoutashepeaks.Thesounddetonatesmyownorgasm.We groaninunison.
A still and near silent moment passes. The only sound is Kirby and I trying to catch our breaths. A delicious warm languidnessisspreadingthroughme.Mystressisgone.
“Bastard,”Imutterweakly,withnoheattoitatall. Harlenlaughsindelight.Icanjusttellthatheisextremelyproudofhimself.
“Um Icametosaydinner’snearlyready,”saysKirby Harlenchuckles.IthinkherufflesKirby’shair.
Iopenmyeyes justintime tosee Kirbyleave Harlengrins atme andleans over topull the plugout Ifrownathim It’s lovelyhereinthebath,butheisright.Idon’twanttomissKirby’sdinner.
Tomysurprise,Harlendoesn’tleave Instead,hehaulsmeoutofthebathanddriesmewithafluffytowelthatiswarmfrom thetowelheater.Thenhedressesmeinmyfavouritepyjamas.I’msteeredoutintothelivingarea,andpushedintoaseatatthe table.
Kirbyplaces a plate ofpasta infrontofme Complete witha toweringpile ofcheese Ipickup myfork, and Harlenand Kirbysitdown.Thepastatastesdelicious.Thereisaglassofwhitewinebymyplate.
My eyes water, so I blink furiously I don’t think either of themhave noticed I focus on eating Harlen and Kirby start chattingaway.Justsmall,inconsequentialconversation.Iriskpeekingupatthemandmyheartfloodswithwarmth. IhavenoearthlyideawhatIhavedonetodeservethem
