Chapter 16 BOND FATIGUE
LYRA
“You know, being the first in my family to ride… it’s a lot of pressure. But seeing you sneak in and actually get chosen? Gives the rest of us underdogs hope.”
I sat on the edge of my own bed, fingers tracing the silver embroidery on my sleeve. “I keep waiting for someone to realize it was all a mistake. That Tempest meant to pick someone else.”
“She didn’t,” Yvaine said firmly. “Dragons don’t make mistakes like that.”
A soft rumble echoed in the back of my mind, Tempest’s presence, warm and amused. 'No mistakes, little storm'
The words were clearer now, threaded with affection, sent a delighted shiver down my spine. I smiled to myself. “She just said something similar.”
Yvaine sat up, eyes bright. “See? You two are already talking. That’s rare for day one.”
We headed out toward the dragon roosts as the sun dipped lower, painting the training fields in hues of orange and gold. The air grew cooler, carrying the distant scent of hay, smoke from the forges, and that ever-present metallic tang of storm residue.
Groups of new riders moved across the grass, some practicing basic stances, others simply staring in awe at their dragons.
Tempest waited in a wide, open roost near the edge of the field, her massive form curled gracefully on a bed of reinforced stone. Her scales shimmered between deep gray and electric blue, faint sparks dancing along the ridges of her spine like living lightning. When she spotted me, she lifted her head, eyes glowing with inner storm light.
I approached without hesitation, reaching up to press my palm to her snout. The contact sent a pleasant tingle through my arm, warm and electric. You returned, her presence flowed into me, rich with quiet pride. The wind still sings of our flight.
“It was the best thing I’ve ever felt,” I whispered aloud, not caring if Yvaine heard. “The way the wind pulled at my hair… I’ve never felt so free.”
Yvaine hung back respectfully, watching with wide eyes. “She’s beautiful. And huge. Ember’s smaller, fire types tend to be more compact but Tempest… she looks like she could command the whole sky.”
Tempest rumbled softly, a sound like gentle thunder rolling across hills. She lowered her head further, allowing Yvaine a closer look.
Sparks danced harmlessly near my friend’s boots, playful rather than threatening.
We spent the next hour there, the bond strengthening with every shared breath and quiet exchange. Tempest showed me small flashes, memories of soaring through heart of thunderstorms, the crackling charge building along her scales, the joy of diving through clouds heavy with rain.
No heavy visions yet, just the promise of more lingering like distant lightning. 'When you are ready' she reminded me gently.
As dusk settled and the first stars appeared, Yvaine and I made our way toward the cafeteria for evening meal. My stomach growled loudly enough for her to laugh.
“Hunger is normal after bonding,” she teased. “The first few days your body adjusts to the extra energy. Eat plenty, especially proteins and sweets. Helps with the bond fatigue.”
The cafeteria was alive with noise when we arrived. Long tables groaned under platters of roasted meats, fresh breads, stews thick with vegetables, and trays of honey-drizzled pastries that reminded me of the market with Selene and Kai.
Students filled the benches, voices overlapping in excited retellings of their Choosing experiences.
We found seats near the middle. I piled my plate high, the warmth of the food grounding me after the whirlwind day. Yvaine was mid story about Ember’s habit of “borrowing” shiny objects from the armory when a shadow fell across our table.
“Mind if I join you?” Kai stood there, tray in hand, black hair slightly tousled from the wind, green eyes warm in the enchanted ceiling’s soft glow.
He wore his uniform with the same effortless confidence I remembered, but there was a new layer of something, protectiveness? Maybe curiosity? in the way he looked at me.
“Of course,” I said, scooting over to make room. My heart did a small, traitorous flip that I immediately shoved down. Friend, old friend.
He sat, setting his tray down with a clink. “You survived the orientation lecture. And the private meeting. Word travels fast around here.”
I poked at a piece of roasted chicken, suddenly self-conscious under his gaze. “It was… enlightening. Madame Cerys welcomed me personally. Ser Thorian’s going to oversee my training with Tempest. Apparently she’s a bit of a handful.”
Kai’s expression tightened for the briefest moment, concern flickering in those green eyes before smoothing into his familiar easy smile. “Father takes his responsibilities seriously. He’s tough, but fair. If anyone can help you handle a storm dragon, it’s him.” He paused, voice lowering. “Just… be careful what you share at first. Bonds like yours can be overwhelming. Tempest’s been alone a long time.”
Yvaine glanced between us, sensing the shift, and politely excused herself to refill her drink, leaving us with a bit of breathing room.
I met Kai’s eyes directly. “You winked at me during the lecture. Nearly got me in trouble with that snort.”
He grinned, unrepentant, the charming ruggedness I’d known since childhood shining through. “Couldn’t resist. You looked like you were trying so hard to be serious in that new uniform. The violet ponytail suits it, by the way. Makes you look like you were always meant to be here.”
Heat crept up my neck again. Compliments from Kai felt different, safe and familiar, yet somehow warmer than they used to. “Flattery from the golden boy of the Academy? Careful, people might think you’re going soft.”
“Never,” he shot back, but his tone gentled. “I’m glad you’re here, Lyra. Really. Even if the way you got here broke about ten rules. Just… don’t push too hard too fast. The Academy has eyes everywhere, especially on anomalies like you and Tempest.”
We talked easily after that, about childhood memories, the ridiculous pressure of his father’s legacy, my worries about Selene and Mother back home. The conversation flowed naturally, laughter slipping in between serious moments.
Every so often his green eyes would linger a second longer, and I’d feel that strange flutter again. Quickly I dismissed as leftover flight adrenaline or simple relief at having an old friend here, nothing more.