THE HEIR OF STORMS | Garrick Tavis

Chapter 12

As incredible as it seemed, I was nervous for the Threshing.

I checked my blades one last time before securing them in the baldric on my back, feeling the comforting weight of the swords, as if they kept me grounded. I was dressed in leather from head to toe, my hair tied up in a mass of braids, eventually falling into a single, thin braid down my back. The day was hot, and the heat, combined with my nervousness, made me stick to just the black, tight tank top I used for fighting. My leather pants clung perfectly to my body, held up by a sturdy belt that also served as support for a few daggers.

Liam whistled as he approached me.

"Dressed to kill, huh?" Liam flashed a handsome smile. He also had a sword on his back, though he hadn't chosen any other weapon besides that.

"Jack and Tynan," I explained, without going into detail. Rhiannon had overheard them talking about eliminating the freaks of Navarre, which, apparently, included Violet and me. Tynan had said something about tearing out the platinum idiot's tongue and giving her a reason to be so quiet.

Liam raised his eyebrows.

"They're threatening you?"

I shrugged.

"Nothing I can't handle," I replied, then added, "thanks to you."

"I wouldn't give myself too much credit for that," Liam smiled. "Do you already know which dragon you're going after?"

"I'm thinking about a green scorpiontail."

Thinking? the dragon in question asked, irritated.

Please don't make me brag again.

The dragon snorted in my mind. Meet me in the northern meadow, the others will stay away, he replied, and bring me Tynan's tongue.

As much as I love the idea, I don't want to draw attention.

And who's going to tell it was you? , he asked, Tynan certainly won't be able to.

I couldn't hold back a quiet laugh, but Liam didn't seem to notice. He was stretching his torso, warming up his muscles quickly.

"And you?" I asked.

Liam shook his head.

"Not sure yet, I'll try my luck," he replied, but I was sure Liam wouldn't take long to find a bond with a dragon. He had everything dragons valued. Dragons and humans alike.

"Good luck, Liam," I said, and Liam smiled, repeating my words.

I returned his smile, heading to where Rhiannon and Violet were talking. Ridoc was a few steps away, purging all his breakfast.

"I told him not to eat so much bacon," Rhiannon said, stretching her shoulders.

Violet laughed, and Ridoc raised his head just in time to say, "You only live once, Rhiannon, and that bacon was delicious."

"I bet that tree doesn't agree with you," Violet countered, making me smile.

We got into formation as soon as Professor Kaori appeared on the platform, giving the usual remarks and warnings. I felt Tynan's gaze fixed on the back of my neck, and my chest sank with fear for Violet. Then I felt ridiculous. Violet could take care of herself just fine.

Speeches and pep talks later, Professor Kaori gave the word for us to begin our mission. Ridoc gave me a tight hug before sprinting ahead, disappearing among the trees.

"Good luck, Illena," Violet said, and I nodded, squeezing her shoulders and Rhiannon's.

"See you at sunset," Rhiannon said.