Dragonkin Read Free Page A

close. It had been a custom for her to go before the council and introduce herself so they would know who she was.
    “Simeon, do you have a moment?”
    He turned slowly. His black hair was cut close to his head. His heavy brows scrunched above his blue eyes. When he laid his gaze on her, his expression darkened. Simeon tried to keep his face straight, but the frown started at his eyes and turned down the corners of his mouth. The look elongated his face. His black robes swished as he laid the scroll on his desk. A thick gold band on his right hand glinted in the firelight.
    “Kestrel, what brings you to my office? Aren’t you supposed to be in the library categorizing? I think that was the task the last council gave you.”
    She gritted her teeth. “Yes, it was. I’ve been cataloguing the library for years now.”
    “Is there a problem? Did you come upon some material that needs my attention?”
    “No. Nothing like that.”
    “Then what is it you want? I’m busy.”
    “I’m here to request a leave.” Her heart thundered against her rib cage. Her nerves made her light-headed. You would think I was a novice confronting my dragon for the first time.
    He ran his hand over a pile of books. “Why would you want to leave? Where would you go? You have no dragon. None of the other territories will take you in. Besides, you’re our most powerful spellcaster. What would we do without you?” The sarcasm dripped off his words. A slight sneer turned up his lips, causing a dimple in his chin.
    “You don’t need me here. We’re not at war. All of the territories have been peaceful for years. We search and delve into learning. I’m tired of being stuck in the library. The only reason the council keeps me under their nose is because you don’t know what else to do with me. A special decree keeps me from approaching another dragon. Why don’t you let me go?”
    Simeon clutched one of the books. She had hit a nerve. His face flushed. A small vein pulsated in his forehead. “From what I’ve read, it wasn’t the council’s decision. This came all the way from the king of the dragons. Once the decision was made, it was transmitted to all of the dragons, even the hatchlings. Unless you plan on going all the way to Blaze Mountain, it’s best if you stay here.”
    She stuck her chin out. If the dragon king did make the decision, then I have to go to him. “Fine. I’ll go.”
    “Do what you wish. The library will be here when you get back. If you get back. If you get close to the peak, the other dragons won’t let you get near the king. You’ll probably become someone’s dinner. But I wish you luck.” He dismissed her with a wave of his hand.
    Kestrel gritted her teeth. How can he say that to me? The heat inside of her rose. It tingled along her arms and fingers. Her temper flared and ignited the fire over her robes. She didn’t know why it didn’t burn her clothes. Flames danced over her fingers before she flung them at the stones of the hearth. The rocks charred. The flash spread out along the walls and dissipated. They were spelled against dragon fire. A blast of heat rebounded against her. Closing her eyes, she pulled back her anger, and the power receded.
    “Better now?” He raised a dark eyebrow at the display.
    “I don’t need you to mock me. I’m nothing more than a piece of furniture to the council. I still hear the murmurs behind my back. All of you think I was reckless. Now I’ve become a pariah. Do you know how that feels? I endure every day with an open wound in my soul.”
    Simeon slammed down the book he was looking at. “Why do you think we all stay away from you? We look at you and see a freak. It’s easier for all of us to turn a cold shoulder. Assigning you to the library was the only useful task the council could agree on for you. So if you feel you must go, then go. None of us has the power to keep you here. This is the only home you’ve ever had. Wherever you go, you’ll never be