Trial By Fire (Going Down in Flames #3)(20)

They exited the large gymnasium and headed back toward the door, which lead to the new ice rink addition, which was under construction. The memory of Zavien taking her back there for a tour of the place, which had turned out to be an excuse to kiss her where no one would see them together, pestered Bryn like an annoying mosquito. A few weeks ago, the memory would have flattened her. Now it was more irritating than anything. That must mean she was moving on with her life. Which was good. Or sad, depending on how you looked at it.

Two stories high, the ice rink would be impressive when it was completed, but now it was just an open room with a high ceiling. “This is under construction, but it gives you a place to maneuver away from curious eyes.”

Nervous excitement shot through Bryn’s body. “Cool.” She shifted and crouched down.

Valmont threw the saddle onto her back, settling it between her wings.

“Move your tail around for him to use as a step,” Mrs. Anderson said.

So that’s how this was supposed to work. Bryn moved her tail around, and Valmont climbed onto her back. As soon as he was in place, a sense of power filled Bryn.

Mrs. Anderson sucked in a breath. “You’re glowing. The legends are true.”

“What legend?” Valmont asked.

“When a knight and dragon fly, their powers flare up and combine, which is what the glowing signifies.”

Bryn itched to take flight. “Ready, Valmont?”

“Always.”

Bryn pushed off and flapped her wings, flying in a tight circle. Flying outside with the wind and the sunshine would have been better. Still, flying anywhere was awesome, especially with Valmont along for the ride.

“Try a few dives,” Valmont shouted. His voice rang loudly in her ears.

“Talk in a normal voice,” Bryn said.

“How would you hear me?”

“I don’t know, but I just did.” It had to be due to the bond. “Hang on.” She spiraled up toward the ceiling and then dove into a low glide. “You okay up there?”

“That,” Valmont’s breathing came faster, “was amazing.”

“So no dizziness or fear you won’t stay seated? Because I worried about that.”

“No problems.”

They flew until Mrs. Anderson blew her whistle.

“Hold on,” Bryn said. “You know landings aren’t my strong suit.” Concentrating, she dove to the floor and landed in a crouch. She stutter-stepped a bit but managed to stay upright in a semi-dignified fashion.

“Not bad.” Valmont dismounted and removed the saddle.

A sense of loss swamped Bryn. She shifted and threw her arms around him in a hug. He hugged her back, kissing the top of her head.

“Sorry to intrude on this personal moment,” Mrs. Anderson said, “but you two need to be careful about how far you let the bond take you.”

Valmont cleared his throat. “What are you saying?”

Bryn turned around to face Mrs. Anderson. Valmont kept his arms around her, and she leaned back against him.

“I can see the bond has created a connection between you two. From everything I’ve read on the subject, that’s part of what makes it work, but be aware of the magic’s influence and don’t do anything that would endanger your future relationships.”

Oh my God. Was Mrs. Anderson telling her not to hook up with Valmont? Not that she was thinking about that. Much. They hadn’t even kissed. It’s not like she was in the habit of jumping into bed with some guy on a moment’s notice.

“I have the utmost respect for Bryn, and I would never do anything to hurt her,” Valmont said. There was an edge of anger to his voice.





Chapter Eight


At lunch, Valmont was oddly quiet.

“What’s wrong?” Bryn whispered.

His eyes showed he was waging some sort of internal battle.

On impulse, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Don’t let what Mrs. Anderson said distort what we have. I thought you were hot before you became my knight.”

He brightened at this news. “Really?”

“Hello?” Bryn waved her hands toward his face and then down to his feet and back up again. “Have you seen you?”

“I am rather handsome, aren’t I?” His trademark single dimple appeared.

Now he looked like her knight again. “Yes. You are.”

Clint’s eyebrows went up. “We may have a problem.”

“What?” Bryn turned around and caught sight of Jaxon stalking toward their table. “Great.”

Jaxon didn’t bother to sit down. Instead, he slammed his palms down on the table and leaned into Bryn’s personal space. “We need to talk.”

Valmont leaned back, draping one arm over Bryn’s shoulder. “Good afternoon, Jaxon. What’s got your knickers in a twist?”

Clint choked on his pizza.

Bryn bit the inside of her cheeks to keep from laughing.

The temperature around them seemed to drop as Jaxon turned his ice-cold glare on Valmont. “I wasn’t speaking to you.”

“You weren’t speaking to Bryn, either. You were barking orders.” Valmont leaned forward. “You might want to try a more polite approach.”

Oh, hell. She did not need Jaxon and Valmont facing off in the dining hall.