Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(28)

Zavien and Bryn followed Talia into the back of the store where she herded them down a flight of wooden stairs into a small living room. Through an open doorway at the back of the room, a kitchen was visible. Talia must live here, too.

They settled on a small couch upholstered in the same green velvet as the leaves in the store. Zavien knocked his knee on the wooden coffee table and winced. “What can you tell us about the key?”

“There are many legends surrounding ancient keys. The Directorate dismissed them as romantic fairy tales. My grandmother swore the stories were true.” Talia clasped her hands in her lap. “Long ago, there were dragon wars. Each Clan kept to themselves and fought over territory and treasure. After heavy losses on all sides, an accord, which portioned out parcels of land, was created. Marriages between the clans were arranged. Most of the couples were barren, but a few managed to have children who were said to have unusual powers. Despite this, there was peace for a while.

“A crossbreed named Wraith Nightshade broke away from his Clan and started his own kingdom. People followed him. Soon, he amassed a great fortune. Wraith conquered almost all of the nearby kingdoms. It seemed no one could stand against him, and most didn’t want to. Some claimed he was charismatic, while others swore it was some form of magical compulsion.”

“He was like the Pied Piper of Dragons?”

Talia laughed. “I suppose. When there was only one rival Clan left, the woman he loved betrayed him. He was captured and executed. His kingdom was disbanded, and the Directorate was formed. They decreed dragons should marry within their own Clan to keep certain powers from coming to light.

“Rebels tried to convince the Directorate not all the crossbreeds were dangerous, but the Directorate wouldn’t listen. In the end, the Rebels hid certain artifacts in special chests. The keys to the chests were charmed so a dragon of a certain lineage could open each one.

“Your type of key is made for a dragon of Blue and Red descent.”

Bryn clasped her necklace. “Are you telling me this key unlocks a treasure chest?”

“I’ve seen many replicas. Yours is old, and it’s real gold. But that doesn’t mean it’s anything but a pretty bauble meant to annoy the Directorate.”

Zavien checked his watch. “Anything else we should know?”

“The Directorate frowns on reminders of the past. Keep the key out of sight. Some may question its origins.”

“I agree it would be best to keep it hidden, but how will she change clothes for Basic Movement?” Zavien asked.

“I have an idea.” Talia led them back upstairs to the store. “What if we put the key in a locket?”

“That might work.” A locket shaped like a dragon caught Bryn’s attention. “I like that one.” She pointed it out to Zavien. “It reminds me of your tattoo.”

“People won’t know it’s a locket.” Talia plucked the golden dragon off the green, velvet leaf. “The key should fit in the span of his wings.” She pried the locket open while Bryn removed the necklace.

The key slid in place. “Perfect fit.”

Talia picked a chain off one of the bottom leaves. “Did I mention we’re having a sale?” She smirked. “People who plan to give the Directorate grief receive a free chain with the purchase of a locket.”

“I believe I qualify for that sale.” She accepted the chain and restrung the dragon. When she fastened the clasp and released the necklace, the dragon landed below the hollow of her throat. It felt right.

“Ivy will ask why you bought it,” Zavien said.

“We’ll tell her the locket is a birthday present. Today is my sixteenth birthday.”

“Since that’s the case, I’ll buy you the locket as a gift.” Zavien handed Talia his Dragon’s Bluff credit card.

“Thanks.” Warmth filled her chest. More than likely, he was only being nice, but it made her feel special. She inspected her new trinket in a nearby mirror. The dragon’s outstretched wings caught the light.

After the transaction was complete, Talia led them to the door. “Come back any time. If you ever need a place to lay low, come knock on the back door. I’m here most nights.”

“Thank you.” Hopefully, she’d never need to take the woman up on her offer.

On the walk to meet Clint and Ivy, Bryn ignored the gawkers. If anyone met her gaze, she smiled. A few individuals smiled back. Others mouthed the word mongrel or stared through her.

The sweet, salty scent of caramel corn drifting in the air made her mouth water. “That smells better than before.”

“Snacks Galore is famous for their caramel corn.”

Inside the restaurant, Ivy and Clint waved at them from a corner table. A stainless steel bucket of caramel corn sat on the red lacquer tabletop. Ivy doled portions into white paper bowls with a metal scoop.

Bryn sat and took a bowl. The popcorn was warm to the touch. She popped a piece in her mouth. Yum. Salty, sweet perfection.

“Did you buy a necklace?” Ivy asked.

“Guess what today is,” Zavien said.

Bryn’s face colored. “It’s my birthday.”

“Happy birthday,” Ivy said. “Mine was a week ago. Clint’s was the first of the month.”

Weird. “What are the odds of all us having a birthday in the same month?”