The Dragon's Scale [COMPLETE]

13.1 || Crumbling Worlds

JOSH SLAMMED HIS fist into the steel flooronce, twice, then one last time—which was more than he had hit Peter since hehadn't even managed to touch the guy—before his anger ebbed away enough for himto swallow back any more enraged screams.

The crater created by his punches stared back at him as he stumbled to his feet.

Josh... Boomer sounded so defeated, reflecting the train wreck in Josh's chest too well.

His vision swam as he hurried down the steps. I need to tell Ioana, Josh said. Tell her how he had been right there, watching as her husband and his little brother got kidnapped by Cale's Shadow Knight sibling.

The urge to punch a wall caused his fist to twitch. He gulped. His throat ached, raw from all the screaming.

I told you to leave it to Xander, Boomer said. I wasn't any help either.

Josh stopped at the end of the stairway and looked both ways. He frowned and dragged his arm across his wet eyes. I didn't stay still because you told me to. I froze because I was scared. Even in thought, the word felt like pushing up bile just to say.

I know, but something didn't feel right. Normal fear wouldn't cut off the bond, Boomer said. Peter might have been doing something.

Josh crushed any hope before it could form. He was too surprised when he saw me to be doing that. He looked each way again before caving and punching a wall. Dang it, where do I find Ioana? At this rate, he would have to go back to the residential area and knock on every door until he found her.

Or he could ask the two people that he happened to live with who knew the Sanctuary far better than him.

The idea stabbed his chest and twisted mercilessly. He had to explain this to his parents. They would at least know how to get to Ioana, and they deserved to know what happened to Eli.

Even if it meant explaining his screw up. Just how many people had he failed that night?

You want me to ask around? Boomer offered. I can see if any of the dragons here know. Ioana's dragon isn't here for me to ask, but maybe Jodas would know.

Josh dragged his head from side to side. I need to tell them...

Despite what he said, every step toward their quarters was another stab in his chest. Dread at his parents' reaction and at Eli's fate churned his stomach. Acid crept up his throat, but he swallowed it back. He had no time to puke.

Find Ioana. Tell her everything. Trust Xander. Josh repeated the orders over and over. If he only focused on them, maybe he could avoid the memories ghosting at the edges of his mind.

A weight settled deep within Josh, and by the time he reached the door to his quarters, he felt like he'd dragged a sack of bricks behind him the entire way. He placed a shaking hand on the door. When Eli had left, he hadn't fully shut it, so all Josh would have to do was push.

Find Ioana. Tell her everything. Trust Xander.

He nudged his way inside and flipped on the light. The kitchen and living room were quiet. Peaceful. Unaffected by the storm of events he had experienced.

He arrived at his parents' bedroom door too quickly. Repeating his mantra, he stepped inside.

His mother, always the light sleeper, sat up seconds after he turned on their light. She blinked a few times and rubbed her eyes.

"Josh? Why are you in our room at"—she glanced at a clock on the wall—"three in the morning?"

Josh opened his mouth, but no words came out. He mentally kicked himself. How was he going to tell Ioana if he couldn't talk?