Page 92 of Under Restless Skies

My legs are still trembling, even though we’re walking fast. “You think it would be enough?”

“It should be, if you get rid of the smell.”

A nervous chuckle leaves my lips. “I almost fainted back there.”

“I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”

I almost tell Alayel that if Auranius wanted to hurt us, there would be very little he could do, and yet, he did calm down the gigantic dragon. “How did you do that? Soothe him? Is it something you learn in the academy?”

He shrugs. “No. We learn to kill dragons, or rather, try to kill them. I just… improvised. Figured it was worth a try. I’m glad it worked. Now, next time you think I don’t care for you, please remember that I stepped between you and Auranius, and consider how many people would do that.”

“It was quite brave, Alayel. Thank you.”

He grins. “See? One more item for my incredible list of talents.”

“I’m highly impressed.”

We enter the academy and climb back through the same staircase. When I get to my floor, he says, “See you later.”

Before we part, he pulls me in, plants a quick kiss on my lips, then turns away and keeps climbing.

Shaken, I bring a finger to my mouth, the feel of him lingering there. Such a casual, plain kiss, and it left me shaken as if a whirlwind caught me. Perhaps it’s because it’s the kind of kiss that couples give each other, knowing they’ll have many, many more kisses.

And he stepped in front of Auranius for me.

Still, the first thing I want to do is clean up and change. I wouldn’t want to risk Auranius breaking a window and finding me here. As much as I doubt he would truly hurt me, that roar was enough for an eternity of nightmares.

Celine is staring at herself in the mirror, smoothing her plain but pretty pink dress with her hands. She’s been fidgety with excitement since she mentioned the upcoming beach party that second-year recruits are organizing.

According to her, recruits always celebrate the night after attacks. It’s the ideal time to do it because they know Auranius won’t sleep right away, and it’s also an opportunity for them to celebrate being alive.

I’m glad to be alive after my odd encounter with our dragon guardian, even if I didn’t tell my friends about it, afraid to implicate the hatchlings by mistake.

And I’d love to go to the Outer Beach and see the stars, something I haven’t done in a long time.

Celine turns to me and Nelly. “How do I look?”

“Great,” I say. “You know, despite torches or jars, I’m sure the beach will be dark.”

I’m just wearing a plain white linen dress, knowing it’s a casual celebration. Of course, I washed my hair and scrubbed and scrubbed every inch of my skin to get rid of the baby dragon scent.

Celine glances at the mirror again. “I still want to look good.”

Nelly is sitting on her bed, watching us with an amused expression. “Thinking of impressing someone special?”

“No.” Celine looks down, thoughtful, her face serious, until a smile graces the corner of her mouth. “But I wouldn’t mind having someone special to impress.”

“Come on!” Nelly slaps a hand on the mattress. “Are you going to tell me you’ve been here for a year and haven’t impressed anyone?”

Celine scrunches her face. “Have you seen the male recruits? Wine isn’t enough.”

We all burst into laughter.

“And yet you’re still excited!” I say, glad to see her in a cheerful mood, but a little puzzled.

“Oh. I haven’t told you!” Her grin is cheeky and mischievous. “It was meant to be a surprise, but… yes, let’s leave it as a surprise.”

Nelly gets up from the bed. “Now you’re telling us or I won’t let you leave the room and you’ll miss the party.”