Going Down in Flames by Chris Cannon

Author:Chris Cannon [Cannon, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Published: 2014-05-23T13:45:13+00:00

A low growl emerged from Zavien’s throat, and the hair

on Bryn’s arms stood up as static electricity filled the room.

He sat rigid with fists clenched, and his eyes stared through her. How did Black dragons control their breath weapons?

“Give him a minute,” Clint said.

Zavien closed his eyes. After a few moments, the

electrical charge in the air dissipated. His posture relaxed.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not like I’m the queen of self-control,” Bryn said.

“I’m not apologizing for my lack of control. I’m

apologizing for bringing you into this mess. Maybe it

would’ve been better if your family had run when you had

the chance.”

She’d already played through that fantasy. “The

Directorate would’ve come after us.”

“Maybe.” He ran his hand down his face. “But I led them

to your door.”

“That’s not true. Ferrin said the Directorate has known

about me since the day I was born.”

This news seemed to lessen his guilt. His fists unclenched.

“What did you write in the letter?”

She explained the message of her letter. “I refunded the

price of the book because I didn’t want him to think it was a down payment.”

“Send him the book.”

“I want the book.”

“Burn it and mail him the remains. You need to send a

strong message.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’ll think it’s a game unless you make it clear you

aren’t interested.”

“I’m sixteen. Of course I’m not interested. How

delusional can he be?”

“The Directorate makes it clear early on who they

believe aren’t fit to marry,” Zavien said. “By the time those females graduate, they have their benefactors lined up.”

“I don’t want a damn benefactor. Why would everyone

assume I do?”

“Most female dragons take what’s offered because they

don’t have any other choice.” Zavien’s voice softened. “I’m

not saying it’s right. It’s just the way things have always been done.”

“I’m beginning to understand why someone keeps

burning their houses down.” Bryn slumped in the chair. “I’ll burn the book. You can teach me to draw.”

“Good.” Zavien shifted his head to the side and popped

his neck.

“There’s one more thing.” The talk of burning down

houses reminded her of the Black dragons in the forest.

“There’s more?” Clint asked. “How could there be more

since we last saw you?”

“It’s been a busy day,” Bryn snapped. “I met the Orange

dragons in the forest.”

“What were they like?” Ivy asked.

“They’re nice.” She returned to the reason for bringing

up this topic. “Zavien, have you ever met a Black dragon

with a tattoo that covers his torso?”

“Why do you ask?” There was a note of alarm in his

voice.

It was obvious he wasn’t being completely honest with

her, so she returned the favor. “When we flew back from the

lake, I saw a man with long, dark hair and a blue and black

chest. I figured it must be a tattoo.”

“I know of him and his friends. They’re the more radical members of the Revisionists.”

“Should we tell someone where they are?” She hoped

not. They didn’t seem like individuals she wanted to piss off.

“They live in the forest. The Directorate knows where

to find them. Please tell me this is your last confession for today.”

Ivy raised her hand.

“When did I become a teacher?” Zavien asked.

“You’re crabby enough to be a teacher,” Clint muttered.

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