Page 19 of Heimlock

Victory curls the edges of my mouth as he staggers back toward the balcony. “You tell that bitch I’ll find her one day.”

I cock my head. “Is that a threat? Because I don’t take kindly to my friends being threatened. Sounds like you’re a liability, Bael.”

His jaw seesaws as his nose scrunches. “It’s a promise.”

Pointing a finger at him, I shoot out a flame to the good wing. Before he can stop it, a large hole sizzles through the feathers. He screams, slamming his hands into the fire.

“See what I mean, Bael? Now you can’t fly anywhere, so your whereabouts will be tracked by Dragxi. I’ll also be reporting you for assault. Best of luck getting anyone to take you seriously now.”

“Stupid bitch,” he snarls, spitting blood out of his mouth.

I bob my chin up and down enthusiastically. “Very original. Much impressed. Big wow.” I point to the balcony. “Now, go be a good boy and stand on the balcony.”

With one last hateful glance, he obeys. I smirk, watching him gingerly walk through the doorway, careful of his ruined wings. It’ll take months for them to grow back. Long enough for Surnelia to create a new life elsewhere. Train to defend herself.

When he’s outside, I march to the doors to lock them. Shocked, Bael charges at the door, trying to open it. I waggle my finger in admonishment. He lets go of the handle, defeated.

I mouth, good boy, then walk over to the bedroom door. “Everything’s fine. Let’s get your stuff.”

It takes a minute, but Surnelia appears, pale faced and sweaty. She sees the bruises blooming around my throat, my soaked clothes, and Bael glaring through the window.

“A-are you okay?” she whispers, a thumb picking at a nail.

I jerk my head. “Yep. Come on, let's get moving.”

Standing guard while she packs, I smile at the job well-done. Just another story, piled on the mound of vengeance I’ve applied over the years.

7

Age 20

Today is my first date ever. Fynn gave me some extra corals to buy a new outfit. She’s a Dragon, and Fynn met her at a local social club for Dragon Weyrs last year. She’s a little older, but Fynn said she’s nice enough.

We’re going to a local noodle restaurant. To say I’m nervous is an understatement. Not only is this my first date, I’ve also never kissed a girl. I really hope that happens tonight.

“You ready?” Fynn steps into my doorway, watching me with a smile in his eyes.

Anxiety electrifies my skin, forcing a staccato heartbeat that throbs inside my veins painfully. I double check my black shirt for any lint. “I think so.”

He checks his watch. “You better get flyin’. You’re supposed to meet her in twenty minutes.”

I curse, rushing past him, ignoring the amused chuckle. “It’ll be fine,” I say to myself more than him. “It’s a ten-minute flight.”

Fynn walks with me to the front door. He does that a lot — hovering. This past year, he’s always there, waiting for me to fall apart. To share what happened.

If I never have to think about it ever again, it will still be too soon. This new chapter of my life is about forging ahead. Forgetting what’s happened. I’m better now.

Maybe if I keep repeating it, the words will become true.

Opening the front door for me, Fynn grins. “It’s going to go great. Priscilla is a nice woman. Compliment her; buy dinner; kiss her if she consents.”

“You make it sound so simple,” I mutter, wiping my clammy hands against my pants. The idea of any physical intimacy makes me want to throw up. But I’m twenty. The fact that no one has ever wanted to kiss me is already embarrassing enough. I need to get it over with.

Fynn claps a hand on my shoulder. I pretend it’s okay, but inside, I flinch. “Ask questions about herself. Smile. It’ll be okay. It’s just a date.”

“Easy for you to say,” I shoot back, scrunching my nose. “You don’t have issues getting dates.”

“I’m also older,” he reminds me.