13. Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Thirteen
Eldrake
I followed Felix, who was stomping his way back to his chambers like he was going to commit murder.
He threw open the door to his room without a glance back, and I hesitated briefly before stepping inside.
It struck me immediately how stark and plain his quarters were—no color, no charm, just four walls and a single window overlooking the alley.
My room had been painted a cheerful canary yellow, filled with fresh flowers in a little vase, and had a view of the garden.
Warm. Bright. Her touch evident in every detail. I grinned despite myself.
She’d given me the best room in the inn. She didn’t have to do that.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Felix’s sharp tone cut through my thoughts like a dagger. He spun to face me, curls bouncing, golden eyes blazing with rare fury.
“What do you mean?” I replied, playing dumb, even as I braced for whatever he was about to throw at me.
“With her, you scaly menace!” he jabbed a finger toward the hallway as though Evandra herself were standing there. “Seriously, Drake—if brooding in corners wasn’t bad enough, now you’re making out with the mission? ”
“I’m simply following the Commander’s directions, Doctor, ” I emphasized his title with a pointed tone, reminding him of my rank. “Ensuring she comes with us by all means necessary.”
Felix let out a scandalized gasp, one hand flying to his chest. “By all means necessary? Saints above, listen to yourself! What’s next, a proposal over porridge?
” He said coldly. “She’s already agreed to come with us!
Not only that, she’s now a murder suspect.
We have leverage. You don’t need to—what, seduce her? ”
I clenched my jaw. “I’m not seducing her,” I said, which was technically true. I’d been the one seduced.
Felix sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Get your Dragonblood under control, Eldrake. She’s not just some girl—she’s the Uprising’s best chance. If you get distracted or, Gods forbid, bored?—”
“I wouldn’t,” I snapped, but it came out raw. I could still see the fear in her eyes, the blood soaking her gown. The way she looked at me after I told her what I’d done. “I’d never hurt her.”
Felix studied me, eyes softening, his tone gentler now. “You’re falling for her.”
I hesitated. “I like her,” I admitted. “She’s… kind. Fierce. Honest. She’s not like anyone I’ve ever met.” I exhaled, the words sticking like thorns on my tongue. “I’ve even started to wonder if this is what love feels like.”
Felix’s head fell back with a groan. “Gods save me from Godsdamned dragons.”
I blinked. “Excuse me?”
“You’ve known her for four days,” he said flatly, spreading his hands.
I opened my mouth. Closed it. Four days? That… can’t be right. “She made me the most incredible soup,” I said, as if that explained anything.
Felix’s eyes widened, horrified. “Soup? Soup?! Well then, darling, I suppose you’ll be announcing the engagement at breakfast.”
“She looked at me.”
Felix clapped a hand over his mouth and let out a muffled, strangled noise somewhere between a scream and a laugh. “Oh saints, I need a drink. A strong one. And possibly a head injury.”
“Still.” I crossed my arms. “That doesn’t mean it’s not real.”
Felix groaned into his hands, dragging them down his face. “Please, for the love of reason, just let her survive two more days before you go full tragic dragon lover. Castle City first, romance novels later.”
I scowled. “Fine,” I muttered.
Felix gave me a long, assessing look before finally nodding. “Good. Now get out before I say something truly cruel.”
I turned and walked out, closing the door behind me. But even as I stepped into the quiet of the hall, I couldn’t stop thinking of her—her voice, her fire. The way she looked at me like I was worth saving.
Four days or not, the truth was undeniable. I was falling for her. And Godsdamned, that’s going to make everything so much harder.