Trial By Fire (Going Down in Flames #3)(48)

“You must be more careful. Sinclairs abide by all Directorate-sanctioned laws.”

Hello…this was about her friends. “I promise I’ll pay closer attention to the time. Can you check on my friends, please?”

“I’ll see what I can do without directly mentioning their names. If your grandfather found out you were associated with anyone who has been arrested, he would be most unhappy.”

Like he wasn’t a freaking ray of sunshine already. “Thank you. I’ll be waiting by my phone.”

After hanging up, Bryn filled Valmont in on what her grandmother had said.

“Well,” Valmont picked up the sixth book, “there isn’t much we can do until she calls. We might as well read.”

They sat on the couch.

“Why don’t I read out loud? You can close your eyes and listen.”

“Thank you.” She leaned back and waited.

Bluffstone was a village like any other village. There was a bakery, a blacksmith, and even a small bookstore. The people were happy until one day a dragon named Bain came to town and demanded they hand over all their gold.

Bryn opened her eyes. “That’s different.”

Valmont nodded and scanned down the page. “It says this dragon was unlike any others the villagers had dealt with. Bain was consumed with desire for gold and treasure to the point of insanity.” He read a few more pages. “The gist of the story is the dragon associated with the village tried to reason with Bain. In the end, the knights of the village and their lead dragon killed him.”

Bryn tried to make sense of the story. “Do you think dragons can literally go insane with greed, or is that a parable?”

“I don’t know.”

The shrill sound of the phone made Bryn jump. She answered, hoping for the best.

“Bryn,” her grandmother spoke in a solemn voice, “two black dragons were arrested for being out after curfew, a male and a female. Since it’s their first offense, they are being held overnight without food or water. They’ll be released in the morning.”

“Held where?” Bryn asked.

The dial tone was her answer. She hung up. Smoke shot from her nostrils. Clint and Ivy were arrested because of her. Guilt pressed down on her like a giant invisible hand.

“Not good news?” Valmont asked.

“They’ll be released in the morning.” Fire banked in Bryn’s gut. Sparks shot from her nostrils.

“They wanted to help,” Valmont reminded her. “And like us, they should have kept better track of time. But they’ll be all right.”

“I hate this.” She punched Zavien’s number into the phone and explained what she’d learned.

“Promise me you’ll be more careful from now on,” Zavien said.

She didn’t owe him any promises about anything, but she didn’t say that. Instead, she kept it short. “I will. Good night.”

…

First thing in the morning, Bryn called Ivy. No one answered. She went to breakfast and scarfed down waffles, made two carryout containers, and hurried to the Black dragon’s dorm. She found Zavien standing outside Ivy’s door, holding similar Styrofoam boxes.

“Looks like we both had the same idea,” Zavien said. “But they aren’t back yet.”

“Did you try Clint’s room?” Valmont asked.

Zavien nodded.

“Now what?” Bryn didn’t know what to do.

“Go to class,” Zavien said. “I’ll let you know when they’re back.”

“No.” Bryn leaned against the wall. “I’m waiting here until I see they’re all right. And before you say it, I know I’m being immature. Deal with it.”

Instead of yelling, Zavien’s mouth turned up in the lopsided grin that used to make her heart flutter. “Now, there’s the Bryn I remember.”

Valmont cleared his throat. “We should go to class. Mr. Stanton might know what’s going on.”

“You’re right.” She set the boxes of food by the door. “Let them know I stopped by.”

Valmont placed his hand on her lower back as they walked down the hall. Once they’d exited the building, she waited for him to say something. He was uncharacteristically quiet.

“Instead of stewing about it, why don’t you say whatever is on your mind before we go into class,” Bryn said as they walked across campus.

“I don’t like how familiar he is with you.”

Bryn sighed, reached over, and laced her fingers through his. “You don’t have to worry about me having feelings for him anymore.”

“I know, but does he still have feelings for you?”

That was an interesting question. “Even if he did, it doesn’t matter because I don’t have any for him.” She squeezed his hand, hoping to emphasize the point.

“Good to know.”

They entered the science building and made their way to Mr. Stanton’s classroom. A new seating chart decorated the board. Clint and Ivy’s names weren’t on it. Fear jolted through Bryn’s veins.

“Don’t panic,” Valmont said. “They could have the day off classes.”

That was the best-case scenario. She approached Mr. Stanton’s desk and waited for him to acknowledge her.