Bridges Burned (Going Down in Flames #2)(37)

“Is someone trying to start a war?”

“So it would appear.” Onyx stood. “Be careful who you speak to about this matter. The Directorate is interviewing anyone they deem a threat. Even though your grandfather recognized you, you’re still on that list.”

That was a cheery thought.

Bryn made sure to leave time to stop by Miss Enid’s desk on the way out of the library. “Someone left this on a table upstairs.”

Miss Enid opened the notebook and frowned. She ripped the drawing out and then shredded the paper over and over again until it was confetti.

Not the reaction Bryn expected. “What’s wrong?”

Miss Enid leaned in closer. “Did you show this to anyone?”

“No. Why? What does it mean?”

“The four triangles represent earth, water, air, and fire. The circle represents Quintessence.”

“And that’s bad because…”

“A long time ago, it was used as a symbol for rebellion. A group of dragons from different Clans came together and tried to overthrow the Directorate. They failed, but the symbol has cropped up occasionally when there is unrest. The Directorate banned its use.” She tapped her nails on the counter. “The question is, did someone leave this for you as a test, or a message?”

“I don’t know. Either way, I’m going to ignore it.”

In Basic Movement, Jaxon sought Bryn out. “I need to speak with you in private.”

She followed him over to the lockers where the wooden swords were kept.

“Rhianna wants to see you. I’m visiting her after dinner tonight.”

“Is she all right?”

“No.” Jaxon cleared his throat. “The doctors healed her spinal cord, but her right leg will always be weak.”

The tightly controlled pain in his voice brought a lump to Bryn’s throat. “Can she walk?”

“Yes.” He pretended to search for a sword while he spoke. “But she has a limp.”

“Can she fly?”

“The doctors want to continue physical therapy before allowing her to shift.”

Losing the ability to fly would be like losing a limb.

“Meet me outside the dining hall at seven.” Jaxon slammed the locker door and stalked off.

…

At seven, Bryn waited in the appointed spot. Jaxon rounded the corner of a building and came toward her. He made eye contact, but kept walking. She fell into step a few yards behind him. Why was he being so secretive? Whatever. This was for Rhianna, so she played along.

He led her down a side walkway that wound through a garden. Raised flower beds edged in decorative bricks were laid out in a complex geometric pattern. During warmer weather, the garden would be beautiful. Now, the brown clumps of dead vegetation dotting the brick-lined flower beds seemed like a monument to death and decay.

Wrapping her arms around herself to ward off a chill, Bryn jogged to catch up. Jaxon waited for her inside a service entrance.

“Rhianna isn’t supposed to have visitors,” he said.

“Why?”

“The less she’s seen, the less others know of her condition.”

That didn’t sound right. There was something he wasn’t saying. She followed him up a flight of stairs. “Where my parents live, it isn’t uncommon to see people using canes or wheelchairs.”

Jaxon stopped walking. “Humans are more tolerant of imperfection than dragons.”

“What does that mean?”

He turned to face her, his lips set in a grim line. “Dragons who are unable to fly often choose isolation.”

Flames roared in her chest. “They choose it, or it’s forced on them?”

He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I…I don’t know. Come on. Rhianna is expecting us.”

Damn the Directorate and their intolerant ways. She followed him up two more flights of stairs. They emerged in a darkened hallway. Jaxon opened the second door on the right and she sneaked in.

Rhianna lay in a hospital bed, her normally golden skin pale against the white sheets. “Thank you for coming, Bryn. I need your help.”

Bryn crossed the room, grabbed her hand, and squeezed. “Name it.”

“Jaxon told me how you healed him. I need you to tell me the truth. How badly was I injured?”

“Jaxon didn’t tell you?”

“Of course I told her,” he snapped. “But I don’t know the extent of her residual injuries. The medics healed her as much as possible. You can use your Quintessence to read her. Let us know where we stand.”

“Okay.” Bryn put her hand on Rhianna’s forehead. “I saw the damage to your spinal cord after the accident. Maybe I’ll recognize what’s been healed. I’m not making any promises. Saving Jaxon’s life was the trial run of my powers. Since then, I’ve only healed cuts and scrapes.”

“What?” Jaxon’s eyebrows shot up. “You didn’t know what you were doing? You could’ve killed me.”

“Medic Williams said you’d die if I didn’t try. Besides, it worked. What are you griping about?”

Rhianna giggled.

Bryn stage-whispered, “Your boyfriend is moody.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed.” Her deadpan response made Bryn laugh.