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Pieces: Experimental Heart, #2
Pieces: Experimental Heart, #2
Pieces: Experimental Heart, #2
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Pieces: Experimental Heart, #2

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Most people know where they belong.

As an outcast, even among misfits, I'm not that lucky. It's fine. I don't need them. These walls I've built keep me safe.

Until they don't anymore.

With the rebellion under way, I have enough on my hands gaining my freedom. So when a dragon cracks the shield I've built around me, it brings forth the darkness contained within and awakens sensations I thought long dead. I do the only thing I know how—fight back.

I don't know if it'll be enough this time.

The walls around me are crumbling, and I struggle to keep myself safe. Am I doomed to repeat the mistakes of my past?

---
EXPERIMENTAL HEART (Complete Series)
Destiny (#1)
Pieces (#2)
Secrets (#3)
Exposed (#4)
Surrendered (#5)
Reborn (#6)

---
Note: Like all of Shannon Pemrick's work, the Experimental Heart series contains strong language, violence, substance use, love scenes, and difficult situations.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateMay 14, 2016
ISBN9780991221387
Pieces: Experimental Heart, #2

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    Pieces - Shannon Pemrick

    My gaze remained on the wall as I stared hopelessly. Rylan had been dragged away some time ago and I refused to sleep until he returned. He would be the last for the night, the soldiers were that predictable, but that wasn’t my reason for remaining awake. I was responsible for the torture he endured. I would remain awake until he came back.

    I glanced at the cell door when boots stomped down the hall. Moments later, two soldiers showed up with a white-haired, tan-skinned man in their arms. He hung limply, and I worried Rylan hadn’t done so well this time around.

    The soldiers threw him into the cell carelessly and slammed the door. The moment they left, Rylan got to his feet and sat down next to Ryokohis state a ruse to throw off his torturers. I had no doubts he’d used his ice abilities to keep himself safer. Knowing he was fine, I closed my eyes, allowing unconsciousness to followand the memories.

    Chapter One

    He’s my son.

    Dalatrend bustled with life, even at this late hour. Streetlamps lit up every street of the four quadrants, and spotlights illuminated the fortress at the far end of the city belonging to our ruler, Zarda. Cats fought in the alleys, people shouted, and cars roared and honked in the sleepless night. My violet hair moved with the slight breeze, and the full moon’s light bathed my light skin in a silver sheen as I stared out from my perch on top of our house. The battle from earlier, while seemingly unknown by the rest of the city’s occupants, weighed heavy on my mind.

    Even though we had won, the battle took a toll on our supplies and numbers. Two things we couldn’t afford to be so careless with.

    I turned away from the city when a door leading back into the house opened. A young man, appearing not much older than I, maybe his early thirties, with tan skin, short black and red hair, and black facial hair, walked out onto the roof and looked around. His sapphire eyes rested on me and then he shook his head. Of all the places you could be, Eira, you chose to be up here again?

    I crossed my arms. Yes, Raikidan, I am up here. Getting away allows me to think. Today has been a bit stressful.

    He held up his hands. No need to get testy.

    My jaw clenched. He was right. That snap was uncalled for. Do you need something from me, or are you a lost puppy looking for home?

    I’m not a lost puppy… he muttered. I came up here to see if we could talk.

    My brow rose. About?

    Ryder.

    I resisted sighing. Ever since I had dropped the bombshell about Ryder’s connection to me after the battle, I had avoided Raikidan because of the questions I’d receive. He’d make it out to be a bigger issue than it really was.

    I shrugged. I guess. I don’t see what needs to be talked about. He’s my son. Nothing crazy there.

    Raikidan crossed his arms. You claim you don’t want to be close to anyone, especially males, and then you say you have a son, but it’s no big deal?

    What part of ‘we’re tank-born’ don’t you get? I asked. I didn’t choose to have him, but that doesn’t deny who he is.

    He held up his hands. All right, all right. I guess I can go with that. So who’s his father, then? I shifted my gaze away from him. Eira?

    It’s… I sighed. It’s Rylan…

    Wait, what?

    I looked him in the eye. Rylan is his father.

    Yeah, I got that part, but I don’t know. I’m just really confused. I thought you said Rylan and you are only friends. You said you had no, and still don’t have any, attraction to him in the least.

    And you would be correct. There isn’t anything between me and Rylan. We are only friends. Raikidan’s brow rose in question and I exhaled slowly in irritation. Ryder wasn’t Rylan’s or my choice. He was Zarda’s. Zarda figured using my DNA and Rylan’s DNA was a good idea, so he made it so. That’s how it goes with us. What Zarda wants, damn everyone to hell if he doesn’t get it.

    So why you two?

    Because of the bond. Even though Zarda scrapped the project, he still had great interest in its potential. He believed the bond has special DNA properties even though none of it could be proven. So he ordered the geneticists to combine Rylan’s and my DNA, with the demand the only alteration made was life longevity attempts. Zarda assumed with the types of DNA he was combining, Ryder wouldn’t need much more alteration.

    All right. I think I get, it but why is he so young? I thought you said you guys don’t come out of your tanks unless you’re around seventeen.

    I sat down and nodded. That’s true, but there was a problem.

    Raikidan walked over and sat down next to me. What kind of problem?

    Ryder stopped developing, and the longer they kept him in there in hopes it would resume, the faster his life force faded. Not wanting to lose him, they took him out. He didn’t grow past the age of ten.

    So was it the alteration that messed things up or the accelerated growth?

    I shook my head. They didn’t accelerate his growth. They didn’t want to risk it since Rylan and I hadn’t had that kind of treatment. They feared the acceleration might kill him.

    I see. There was something off about the tone in his voice. Like he was piecing something together that wasn’t a part of this conversation. So when you found out about Ryder, how did that affect you guys?

    Well… I thought for a moment to figure out how to word myself. It wasn’t something I wanted to say, but he would keep pestering me until I did. Rylan… Rylan thought he could use Ryder as a tool to get me to care for him. He figured if we had something to connect with, together, then I might change my mind.

    Raikidan snorted. Even I know that wouldn’t work.

    I laughed. Well, you’re a little smarter than him, because he tried it and it pissed me off enough where I wouldn’t even look at him for five months.

    Ouch. A little harsh, don’t you think?

    I snorted. Hardly. I had been fed up with him not listening to me in the first place. And the fact that he thought he could use a child as a tool disgusted me. I couldn’t stomach looking at him. But harsh or not, the treatment got Rylan to understand I didn’t see him that way. My refusal to acknowledge him at all showed him the depth of my rejection. I didn’t want to crush him as bad as I did, but it was the only way he’d give up. It was the only way I knew I could get him to stop.

    So what is Ryder’s opinion on the matter?

    He… he doesn’t know.

    Raikidan’s brow rose. What do you mean, he doesn’t know?

    I mean, he doesn’t know Rylan is his father. Or, as far as I know he doesn’t. I decided it would be best not to tell him.

    How does Rylan feel about this?

    He hates it. He fought with me for a long time over it. He still thinks I made the wrong choice. He thinks I’m being selfish.

    But you don’t think you are?

    I shook my head. I thought it would only make the situation worse. With Ryder’s developmental issues, he’s got a mind that’s stuck between a child and a grown man. If Ryder knew the truth about his lineage, it would only confuse him. He would struggle to understand why Rylan and I weren’t together. I wouldn’t do that to him because it wouldn’t be fair. No matter how much Rylan wanted Ryder to know, at that time, I knew it wouldn’t be right. Now that time has passed I just wait for him to ask. I figure that’s the best way to tell him because by then he’ll be ready to know.

    Raikidan went quiet. Discomfort fell over me. The silenced didn’t feel right. I stood to leave, given our conversation was over, but Raikidan grabbed my hand and pulled me back down.

    You want to talk about something else? I asked. Because there’s nothing more to say about this current topic.

    Raikidan looked at me, but still didn’t speak. His expression wasn’t readable, making it hard for me to figure out what was up. Then suddenly, he reached up and stroked my cheek with the back of his finger. My eyes grew wide and my breath caught with his sudden, bold behavior. He leaned closer to me.

    I pulled away. What are you doing?

    He attempted to move closer again and lightly touched my chin. I still want that kiss.

    I pushed him back by his face. I just get done telling you I have a kid and you want a kiss from me? What is with you? Most would want nothing to do with me after that, regardless of the fact my son is tank-born.

    He pulled my hand off his face. I just want to know what it feels like. It doesn’t matter that you told me you have a son or that you rejected Rylan, his father. It’s not like this is supposed to mean anything. It’s just a kiss. I want to know what it feels like.

    I scoffed and rose to my feet. I told you, find a hooker to kiss. I won’t do it.

    Why do you have such a problem with this? It’s just a kiss.

    You don’t get it, Raikidan. A kiss is never just a kiss. It’s supposed to mean something. That’s the point of a kiss. Depending on the emotion placed into it makes it different every time.

    I don’t understand. You’re just pressing your lips against someone else’s.

    Obviously you don’t get it! There are different types of kisses. There’s one for each emotion you place into it. I peered out at the city, my arms crossed.

    Eira, what are you not telling me?

    So much, you have no idea. My chest swam with all manner of negative emotions the longer my mind remained on this topic. A kiss can be a lie too… I let out a quiet breath and walked over to the door. Stop trying to get a kiss out of me, Raikidan. It’s not going to feel the way you think it will, and I don’t want to be a part of it. Keep your mouth away from mine.

    I shut the door behind me and headed for a different place to be alone. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to stay calm, and I didn’t want to lose it over such a topic.

    It was darkmore than dark. It was black. I couldn’t see anything. I couldn’t hear anything. I looked around frantically, but I was alone. There was no doubt about it. The empty feeling that loneliness brought, crept all over my body. I didn’t like it. I didn’t like being alone. Then I heard it. It was quiet at first, but it became louder.

    Eira. My eyes darted around, searching for the person calling to me. Eira.

    The voice was masculine. I knew this voice, but I couldn’t remember whom it belonged to. I didn’t like that. I wanted to put a name, a face even, to the voice.

    Eira. I ran for it. I needed to find the source. I needed to feel like I wasn’t alone. Eira.

    I spun around. The voice came from behind me now. Or maybe I had gone the wrong way.

    Laz. I liked how the voice said this name. I liked how it rolled off his tongue. I wanted him to say my name like that all the time. Laz.

    I stopped dead and cranked my neck. The voice’s direction changed, confusing me. Where was it coming from?

    Laz. Laz. Laz. I held my head. It was coming from all directions. Laz!

    I fell to my knees and screamed. Someone help me! Please, help me. I don’t want to be alone anymore…

    Laz…

    The grip on my head tightened and the feeling of loneliness gripped tighter. Then a new feminine voice spokeone I recognized. She had no faceno name. She was the darkness inside me.

    You cannot find it. Loneliness is your only destiny.

    I punched the black ground. I wanted it all to go away. I wanted to be free of this place.

    Please… someone… anyone… save me…

    Chapter Two

    The clouds gathered at a rapid pace. Dark and sinister, they signified a bad storm was heading our way. It would put a damper on our assignment, but I wouldn’t think of that now. Right now I had to focus on the task at hand, and that was pretending to hold a conversation with a comrade of mine at this large café while trying to overhear any important information.

    The information seeking wasn’t great, and my conversation skills were even worse. I didn’t know this comrade well, which was a common problem for me with most of the team since I rarely ever saw them, but he was patient. I remembered his name was Kent and he had a cat. I blinked slowly in realization that in the hour we had been talking, that was all I could remember about him. Had I not been paying attention, or did I really not find this information interesting enough to remember?

    Kent continued to smile at me as I thought of something to tell him. I hadn’t come up with much in the past hour, and I felt sorry for him. I had forced him to talk so much, but as I observed at him, I could tell he didn’t mind.

    He glanced over to a corner of the café. Tell me about your friend.

    I glanced over to see whom he was talking about and suppressed a sigh. Raikidan sat, arms crossed, at a corner table. He glared at me, although to most people he would have looked emotionless. I realized I was getting really good at reading him.

    He’s still pissed at me. He didn’t want to wear the black hair dye. I figured he would have liked it more since it was closer to one of his natural hair colors.

    The hell I’m okay with this, Eira! he said. This stuff stinks and I can still smell it long after it’s washed out.

    Well, you’re just going to have to deal with it, Rai. This is how we do things. You offered to help, and now you’re stuck doing it our way. I warned you, but you still insisted on helping. Now quit being a baby and finish getting ready. I laid clothes out for you on your bed.

    I didn’t care, though. I was still angry with him, so he could be pissy all he wanted.

    This is stupid. You should be shedding blood, not hiding in plain sight and failing at getting information that isn’t there.

    I rounded on him. Shedding blood solves nothing! Nothing good comes of it. I learned that long ago. It just creates more problems!

    I had stormed out of the bathroom and slammed the door after that the argument, and we hadn’t spoken to each other since. I had driven us to this café in silence, and we had parted the same way.

    I shrugged. Nothing really to say. He’s quiet mostly.

    No wonder the simulator paired you two up, he teased.

    I sighed and stirred my tea. The simulator pairs you up for battle. That’s it.

    Uh-oh, sounds like the two of you are fighting.

    I grunted. Something like that.

    Tell me about it.

    I shook my head. It’s not important.

    It must be if you have to fight over it.

    I chuckled. No, really, it’s not. It’s over something really stupid.

    Like what?

    Hair color.

    His brow rose. Hair color?

    I played with my teaspoon. Yeah, I told you it was stupid.

    He chuckled as he shook his head. I don’t know. It had to be important to someone for it to have caused a fight so bad neither of you will talk to each other.

    I sucked air through my teeth. It’s my fault really. I’m not good at talking.

    As I had been sitting here I had honestly started to think this. Had I been more willing to hear Raikidan out on the matter than to brush off his concern, we may have come to a better understanding.

    He waved me off. I doubt it’s solely you. Sure, you struggle with something most people would think comes as second nature, but you’re not bad at conveying your points. Blunt, yes, but sometimes that’s what we need.

    I played with my tea some more. Yeah, but only sometimes.

    We should probably leave. I glanced up at him, brow lifted. We’re not going to find anything out. I’ve been on these assignments for over a month and haven’t learned a thing. Either there really isn’t anything new going on or these soldiers have learned to keep their mouths shut.

    I sighed and stood. I guess you’re right.

    Kent followed the motion and the two of us left after disposing of our dishes. We parted ways when we made it to my car, and I sat on the hood to wait for Raikidan to finally come out. I was surprised by how long I had to wait. I expected him to come out almost immediately, showing how much he didn’t want to be on this assignment. I waited for him to reach the car before I went to the driver side.

    What, no complaints about my lateness?

    I ignored him and unlocked the car. Once I was situated in my seat, I made sure my foot was on the clutch and started her up. Raikidan slid into the passenger seat, and I shifted my car into gear, cruising down the road without a care. We had some time to kill, and I didn’t need to be scolded by a child for abandoning my assignment too soon.

    I glanced at Raikidan. He had been trying to talk to me, his lips moving, but nothing came out. I focused back on the road, content to continue to ignore him. Looks like I still have it. My mentor, Shyden, taught me the trick. It allowed us to concentrate better on tasks that didn’t require us to be aware of our surroundings. It also made it easier to live in the city and put up with people.

    The city streets passed by as I took turns aimlessly. I didn’t worry about getting lost. If I had to, I’d use the built-in map Argus installed to get back.

    I glanced down at my hand when something warm touched it, to find Raikidan’s hand enveloping mine. I let go of the stick, smacking his hand away. Do you mind not trying to hold my hand? Thanks.

    You aren’t listening to me.

    I don’t have to if I don’t want to.

    I’ve been trying to tell you to make a turn to go somewhere. Did you even hear a single word I said?

    No.

    He let out a heavy breath. Just take this turn up here.

    Why should I?

    Because I want you to.

    You don’t know where you’re going.

    I have someone giving me directions.

    Well, you can tell Seda to save her energy. I’m not taking the turn.

    Raikidan grabbed my hand again. Take the damn turn.

    I smacked him away. I don’t take orders! Especially not ones from you.

    He latched onto the steering wheel and yanked it. The car swerved into another street. People shouted at the recklessness, but I was too pissed to pay much attention to them.

    What the hell is your problem? I barked as I righted the car.

    If you had just listened to me in the first place, I wouldn’t have had to do it.

    There are rules you have to follow. Do you realize what you could have done if I hadn’t kept control of the wheel?

    Raikidan’s brow rose. Rules?

    I couldn’t believe him. Do you not pay attention to how I drive? All these rules I follow are to keep us and others outside safe. You can’t just take a turn at will at any speed. You have to worry about civilians walking around on the sidewalks, and you have to worry about oncoming traffic, not to mention if the street is a one-way or not.

    What would happen if you didn’t follow these rules?

    You’d cause an accident, and I don’t know about you since you’re a dragon, but for me, I’d get seriously hurt.

    But you’re—

    I’m what? Invincible because I’m some freakish superhuman experiment? No, it’s not like that, Raikidan! I bleed. My bones break. You should know this, given you saw it first hand back at the West Tribe. Dragons may not be so fragile, but just because I’m a soldier doesn’t mean I’m not human. Ryoko hits like a damn train. A train could kill me. An accident could kill me if it was bad enough. It could kill someone else!

    Raikidan looked away. I’m sorry. I didn’t know.

    I snorted. Course you didn’t. You just assume you know everything in a place that is foreign to you.

    I shifted down a gear and stopped at the end of the street. I had no idea where I was now thanks to Raikidan, and all he had done was make me go down one street. I had to collect my thoughts and think.

    Take a right, Raikidan instructed, his voice quiet.

    Why is this, whatever it is, so important?

    Because it is, so just go right.

    I sighed and took it. I might as well since I had no idea where I was. If I was lucky, I’d get to a place I recognized, and I wouldn’t have to listen to him again. Raikidan continued to tell me where to turn, and even after I figured out where we were, I kept listening, though I wasn’t sure why. It was like I had to know where the end result was. As if I needed to know what he was thinking of.

    Pull up here.

    I pursed my lips in confusion as I pulled into a side parking space. The park? You wanted to bring me here?

    Yeah.

    I titled my head at him. Why?

    Well, if you had been listening to me earlier instead of ignoring me, you would have heard me trying to apologize to you for earlier.

    Oh… I turned the car off and climbed out of my car. Raikidan slipped out as well and jerked his head to beckon me to follow. I complied and followed him.

    The sky was much darker now, and the trees over us swayed in the wind. My black dyed hair whipped around my face as it was caught up in the gusts of wind. So why are we here?

    Raikidan shoved his hands in his pockets. You were relaxed when we were here last. I figured since you were mad at me still, coming here might make you feel better.

    You were mad at me too.

    I was mad because you were mad. I chuckled and shook my head. His brow rose. What?

    I was mad because you were mad.

    Please tell me you’re joking.

    I shrugged. Well, I was mad on my own too, but mainly because you were.

    He grunted. So I could have been sitting with you instead of by myself this whole time?

    I leaned against the rail of the bridge and watched the river slowly run by. I suppose, but then again, you were glaring at me the whole time, so maybe not.

    He blinked. How did you—

    I’m getting better at reading you. To someone else, you may look normal or expressionless, but me, I see the real look, and you appeared pretty pissed, so there was no way I was going to let you be near me.

    He shook his head. I should have figured as much. You’re so perceptive it was only a matter of time before you were capable of doing that.

    The wind ruffled my dress. It made me feel even more uncomfortable. I couldn’t believe Ryoko had managed to get me into this stupid thing. It was the other reason I had been in such a foul mood.

    You look nice, he said.

    I look stupid.

    No you don’t. That dress looks nice on you.

    I hate it.

    Why?

    I fussed with the stupid dress again. Because it’s too feminine.

    Raikidan’s brow rose. You don’t want to feel feminine?

    No. It makes me feel weak and like I can’t do anything on my own.

    There’s nothing wrong with that.

    Yes, there is. Everything is wrong with that.

    Why?

    Because I’m human. Being feminine makes you eye candy. It makes you a fuck buddy, and then your use is up.

    He tilted his head. Is that why you hate men?

    My hands clutched. I hate people.

    Talk to me about it.

    No.

    He touched my elbow. Why not?

    I jerked away. Because I don’t want to.

    Eira.

    It’s not important.

    If it bothers you, then it is.

    I glared at him. Why do you even care?

    He blinked. I could tell my comment had hurt him, but I didn’t care. Why? Because I do. Now tell me.

    Just drop it, Raikidan.

    He braced his arms on either side of me. Tell me what bothers you.

    I tried to push him away. Don’t get this close to me.

    He leaned in closer until his breath hit my lips. My mouth dried. Are you afraid?

    I don’t fear.

    You’re lying.

    My eyes narrowed. I’m not.

    I can smell it. It’s masked well, but it’s still there. So tell me, what are you afraid of?

    I shoved him away and stormed off. I don’t fear anything.

    Eira, come back. He followed close behind. Eira.

    I thought you wanted me to feel better?

    I do. I just didn’t think you’d freak out at my compliment. You know, it’s hard to compliment you. You’re always finding some reason to throw them back at me.

    I don’t deserve compliments.

    He let out a deep aggravated breath. Why do you talk like this? I’ve never met anyone who was ever this harsh to himself.

    Refusing to engage in this topic any longer, I clamped my mouth shut and sat down in the grass, looking out across the lake. The sky made me uneasy.

    Raikidan sat down next to me and scratched his head. Thanks… for, uh, dying my hair black.

    Don’t mention it. I figured you’d like it better.

    I do. It feels a little more natural to me.

    I looked at him, his words stirring a question within me. Raikidan.

    Yeah?

    Out of curiosity, if you had the chance to choose to be either a red dragon or a black dragon, what would you choose?

    He gazed up at the sky. Well, if you had asked me that around the time we had met, I would have told you I wanted to be a black dragon. But now I’m not so sure I would change to be either.

    My brow rose. How come?

    Being around you and the others made me realize if I chose either, I wouldn’t be the same. I wouldn’t be Raikidan. I’d be someone else. I don’t want to be someone else.

    My gaze fell away. I see.

    Why would you change, Eira?

    My brow quirked up. What?

    You told me once you would change if you had the chance. Why? I see nothing wrong with who you are.

    My hand curled, the dark feelings returning. Course you don’t. No one does. No one will…

    I don’t understand.

    I’m not me when I’m undercover, and I’m not me when I’m not. No one knows the real me.

    He tried to look me in the eye. I want to.

    I averted my gaze to avoid his. No, you don’t. She’s not worth knowing.

    He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me back into his hard chest. I fought the red flush that attempted to emerge. He was making me feel weird again.

    Don’t say that, he murmured in my ear. I want to know.

    Before I could press the argument further, a drop of water splashed onto my face. My eyes fluttered and another one hit me. I suppressed a smile when Raikidan grumbled something that sounded to be in his tongue.

    We should go, I said. We don’t want to be caught up in this rain while driving. It looks like it’s going to be a bad storm.

    He sighed and let me go. Fine.

    I rose to my feet gracefully and led him to the car. I sent a silent prayer of thanks to the gods for their timing. It couldn’t have been better. Just as I turned the key in the ignition, the sky opened up and poured down on us. I sighed. Maybe I sent that prayer too soon.

    Chapter Three

    I jogged up the stairs of the basement. For the past few days a rare tropical storm had sat on top of Dalatrend and caused quite the trouble. Missions had been put on hold and work was nonexistent due to flooding. Thankfully, the storm finally broke several hours ago.

    When the clouds dispersed and the low sun cast orange rays over the city, I had gone to check the sewer systems to see if they were going to be usable. During heavy rains like this past one, the rain filled the water plant quickly and forced it into the run-off locations. The sewers were one of those locations, causing issues for the rebellion at times.

    I looked at the dead rabbit in my hands. The sewers had flooded like I thought, but not enough where the run-off tunnels couldn’t drain the extra water and keep walking paths cleared. One run-off tunnel in particular had been the full objective of my search below the city.

    A young woman with long brown hair, sun-kissed skin, and dog-like ears where nu-human ones would be, greeted me with a warm smile as I opened the door—her golden eyes twinkling with the warmth of her personality.

    Oh, hey, Ryoko, I greeted.

    Hey to you, too. Her brow then rose in question when she noticed the furry bundle of flesh in my hands. You couldn’t have grabbed one of those special meal packages you brought with you from your outside city excursion to eat?

    I shrugged. The spell doesn’t protect the food indefinitely, so I loaded what I had left into the kitchen. I looked at her with playful accusation. Someone then proceeded to eat it all.

    Her eyes narrowed. I did not eat all of it, and you know it.

    I chuckled. Yeah, sure. You keep saying that, Miss Hole-for-a-Stomach.

    Laz, stop teasing me! She then stomped over to the couch and sat down.

    I noticed she had my Library book in her hands, but I didn’t mind. It’d be good for her to expand her horizons.

    I placed the rabbit down on the bar and pulled out a cutting board before skinning it. I glanced at Raikidan when his presence filled the kitchen. He watched me with curiosity and I waited for his questions. I knew him well enough now to know they’d come.

    Raikidan leaned on the bar next to me. Where did you get this?

    It doesn’t matter, I said.

    The truth was I didn’t want to tell him because I’d look like a hypocrite even though that wasn’t my intent. I had checked a particular run-off tunnel because of its convenient location to the forest next to the west side of the city walls. It made for a good escape route, but it was also well guarded, like many of the other run-off tunnels due to their escape potential. They used to be barred off, but we rebels removed them so often the military gave up and posted sentries to check them at certain times of the day.

    The rabbit was only an extra prize. It had bounded into the open just as I was about to head back to the house. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

    You left, didn’t you? he whispered in my ear.

    I went to the forest. It wasn’t a complete lie.

    Raikidan looked at me as if he didn’t believe me, but he remained quiet and I went back to carving the rabbit. My stomach begged for relief, and although I would have preferred to finish carving the animal before I ate, I chose to give in to its needs. Slicing off a piece of the hindquarter, I stuffed it into my mouth. Noticing the hunger in Raikidan’s eye, I cut out a chunk and handed it to him.

    His brow rose. You sure?

    I nodded. Yeah, why not?

    He grinned and took the meat. He popped it into his mouth and swallowed it without chewing. This impressed me. I would have thought a chunk of meat that size would have gotten stuck in his throat.

    Ryoko scrunched her nose. That’s disgusting. How can you eat raw meat? That’s just not right.

    I snorted. Your kin do it.

    They’re full wogron. They don’t look human like me. It’s a little different.

    Raikidan grunted. Hardly. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with eating meat raw.

    Her face scrunched. It’s disgusting!

    I grinned, making her blink in confusion. I cradled the head with one hand and carefully carved out the eye. I looked up at her, my grin still intact, and popped the eye into my mouth. Her face contorted with disgust. I was sure she was trying not to gag.

    That was the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen you do!

    Raikidan nudged me and pointed to the rabbit. Can I have the other one?

    Are you serious? Ryoko screeched.

    Eyes are rich in protein, Raikidan said. He looked at me again and tilted his head.

    Sure. I shifted the rabbit’s head and carved the remaining eye out. I handed it off to him and he took it gratefully. Glancing at Ryoko, he tossed the eye into his mouth and swallowed.

    By the goddess, I’m going to be sick. Ryoko tossed the book down on the couch and bolted to the bathroom.

    Raikidan and I lost ourselves in laughter. Looking down at the carcass, I carved out some more meat and ate. Every now and then, I’d offer some to Raikidan, who would scarf it down as if he were starving. I watched in amazement. Where is it all going? Shaking my head, I went back to carving the rabbit. I needed to get it all done before the sun went down.

    I sat in the middle of my bed with photographs strewn about me. In my hand, I carefully held an old photograph. In it were two people, one of them being me.

    I wore a typical assassin military uniform before they had been modified and improved. Hard, but flexible, dark red and black metal protected my chest and neck—my stomach and a small patch above my chest the only parts of me left exposed. Thick, strong cloth covered a spot on both of my sides where the chest armor met. A wide belt wrapped around my waist and held my chest armor together.

    Metal pauldrons protected my shoulders and forearm guards covered my wrists. Black gauntlets covered my hands and half of my arm under my forearm guard. I wore black pants on my legs, and fitted to my feet were knee-high plated dark red and black metal boots. My hair was held up by my hairclip like I normally wore it, and my daggers were strapped to my arms and thighs. In my hands I held my assassin mask, and on my hips rested a gemmed dagger I hadn’t seen in a long time.

    A woman with an athletic build, long, aqua-colored hair and bright green eyes stood next to me in the photograph. A purple cloth was wrapped around her forehead, and a beautiful crystal hung from one ear. The uniform she wore was the style the assassin uniforms were changed to look like in the future at the time of this picture. The only difference was that hers had more bulletproof material due to how often she saw direct combat. A dagger also rested against her hip but the gemming was far different than the one I carried.

    The woman had her arm around my shoulder, and the two of us were smiling. I couldn’t help but smile as I studied the image. Seeing her did that to me. I was glad I hadn’t forgotten her face.

    That picture must be important if you’re staring at it this intently.

    I nearly jumped at Raikidan’s voice. After the two of us had finished off the rabbit, he had gone off to do something on his own while I cleaned the usable parts of the rabbit for later use. Shortly after, Ryoko gave me a photo album, and after some thought, I decided it couldn’t hurt to fill it with photographs I wasn’t worried others would see.

    How long have you been there? I asked.

    Long enough to know you’ve been staring at this one photo for some time instead of going on to the next one.

    I didn’t hear you come in.

    He smirked. I’m good like that.

    I grunted and went back to gazing at the photograph. I glanced at Raikidan when I began bouncing on the bed, and watched him climb over to me, careful not to damage any of my photographs. Again, I hadn’t heard him move. How do you do that?

    Do what? he asked.

    Move without even the slightest of sounds.

    Raikidan shrugged. I thought I was making plenty of noise. Maybe your hearing is going. I snorted and looked at the photograph again. She’s pretty.

    I nodded. Yeah, she is.

    Who is she? he asked.

    General Amara. My general, I said.

    You’re smiling in this.

    She had a way of doing that to me.

    I can tell you were close with her.

    I nodded slowly. She… was one of my favorite people… I smiled and then began laughing when a memory came to me. This caught Raikidan by surprise. Sorry. I just remembered when she pulled a prank on my mentor, Shyden, because she didn’t approve of his methods when I failed an assassin test. It wasn’t a horrible prank, but it did mess with his pride enough for him to learn his lesson.

    Raikidan smiled. Don’t be sorry. I like it when you laugh.

    My cheeks warmed, as did my neck and chest, and I focused my photograph so he wouldn’t see. Others have said that before to me, but never had it made me react like that. Why am I acting so oddly to what he said?

    Raikidan picked up a photograph. How old is this picture?

    I took a look. Pictured was a young girl, no older than eight, with light skin, black hair, and bright blue eyes, with me kneeling next to her. That was shortly after I joined the rebellion.

    Genesis hasn’t aged at all…

    Well, yeah. I told you she was the first successful nu-human experiment.

    I know, but what I’m saying, is that she hasn’t grown up into an adult in all this time that has passed. Why?

    I shrugged. We don’t know. Besides nu-human, we’re not even sure what she is, because there’s no way she’s only nu-human.

    Do any of you have any guesses?

    Argus proposed she may be demigod.

    Raikidan tilted his head. Would that be possible?

    Sure, if the humans who made her used DNA from a god. We may not know what a demigod’s limitations would be, but it’d be safe to assume if they weren’t immortal like their god parent, they’d at least live for a long time.

    Raikidan rubbed his chin. What god would offer their DNA?

    I shook my head. The only one I could think of would be Nazir. The type of god he is, it would make sense, along with her necromancy abilities, since he’s the god of death.

    Do you believe this is how she was made?

    I shrugged. I’m not really sure. There isn’t enough evidence to prove or disprove the theory for me.

    He nodded. Understandable. He then picked up another photograph and raised an eyebrow. What is Argus holding?

    I looked at the tan and muscular man with green eyes, slicked-back brown hair and manicured beard. Around his neck and arms hung a large snake with white and light brown coloring. Oh, that’s Argus’ pet. She’s a python with a rare queen bee pattern. Gave that to him as a gift shortly after defecting from the military.

    A pet? What’s that?

    A type of companion. The most common pets we humans have are dogs and cats.

    He shook his head. You humans are weird.

    In human lore, dragons were said to sometimes capture humans to keep as pets, especially young maidens who could sing.

    But that’s a human. They can at least hold conversation.

    The stories never said anything about keeping humans to talk to. If it was a maiden who could sing, she’d be forced to sing whenever told.

    And if it wasn’t a maiden?

    I shrugged. It was never said. The lore only spoke about dragons and maidens.

    Raikidan shook his head. You humans come up with weird stories.

    I laughed and then grinned before pointing to the snake. Shift into that. We’ll pull something on Ryoko.

    His brow rose in question, but his curiosity got the better of him and he studied the creature before transforming. Once in his long, scaled form, I heaved him over my shoulders and grinned. Hey, Ryoko, come in here a minute!

    I listened as someone ran from the living room and burst through my door. Ryoko’s cheery face switched to sheer horror when she laid eyes on Raikidan. A scream erupted from her mouth. Snake! Ew! Laz why would you do that to me? You know I hate snakes. They’re so gross!

    She ran out of the room and slammed the door behind her. I burst out in a fit of laughter and Raikidan shifted back, also laughing. Did that seriously happen?

    I nodded. She has an irrational fear of snakes. She was not happy when I gave Argus his pet.

    My laughter was short lived when hot breath touched my lips. I froze up, my cheeks and body warming by the second. I stared at Raikidan, but he didn’t stare back—his eyes too unfocused. R–Raikidan, w–what are you doing?

    His eyes fluttered and then he pulled away quickly. Before I knew it, I was alone on my bed and he sat on the windowsill, staring at the floor. Confused wouldn’t come close to how I was feeling at the moment. One moment he was about to try for a kiss again, and then the next he was trying to stay as far away as possible.

    Finally finding the strength, I scooted to the foot of my bed. Rai?

    He continued to stare at the floor. Sorry.

    I’d rather an explanation than an apology.

    I’d rather not.

    I snorted. You try to kiss me, when I chewed you out the other night telling you to never try to get one from me again, and then, before you try, you back off. You expect me to not want an explanation?

    He sighed. It’s… complicated…

    Try me.

    He peered up at me and held my gaze. When I didn’t give in, he sighed again. It’s a dragon thing. I waited for more. I wasn’t going to settle for that. He sucked in a tight breath. He knew I was going to be stubborn. You shared your food with me.

    I raised an eyebrow in question. Okay?

    He scratched his head. Dragons only share food with family or their mates, and I know for a fact you’re not family. Your offer… it… it’s confusing my instincts. He rested his forehead in his hand. It’s clouding my judgment.

    We’ve shared drinks before, I said. And we ate together at the shaman village and that restaurant. You never acted like this for either occasion.

    "Drinks are different. Liquid is a readily available resource and commonly shared, so it doesn’t have any pull. Food, on the other hand, isn’t readily available. Most dragons would rather fight over scraps than go hungry. We can also work together to hunt more game and split it evenly among those who participated in the hunt.

    The time at the village and restaurant were different because of how the food was laid out, and how we were sitting and acting. It was more like we’d hunted together and feasted as comrades, making it okay. This time though…

    Was more intimate, I finished.

    He nodded. You made the hunt and allowed me to be close when you offered me part of your meal. Only family or a mate would ever do that.

    I nodded. Then I won’t do that again.

    Raikidan looked up at me. What?

    I moved back to my original spot on my bed and picked up another bone. If I had known it was going to cause a problem, I wouldn’t have done it. I won’t do it again in the future.

    Eira, I don’t want you to be upset.

    My brow rose at him. Who said I’m upset? You’re the one who’s getting all worked up over this. I’m just avoiding another problem before it starts.

    Oh… well… thanks.

    I nodded and looked down at my photographs. Silence fell over us as I filed through more photographs. Then, Raikidan spoke. Can I ask you something?

    Yeah, sure, what’s up?

    How is it that you humans can keep pets? he asked. Most dragons by nature scare things, no matter which form they take. Humans and human-like creatures are the only things that don’t fear us in forms other than our natural ones. He smirked. Though there are some who are fearless, regardless.

    I snickered. "I would suspect it has

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