I spent eight years by Austin's side as he rose from apprentice to Dragon Rider Commander. My only wish was to touch his flight memory once and see the sky through his eyes. He refused.
Then I found a memory crystal in his cloak—over forty recordings from his dragon's back, all sent to Evelyn. The steadiest saddle. The most beautiful sunrises. The rarest scale. All for her.
I didn't confront him. I signed the handover and left the capital seven days later.
After I was gone, he found the truth in the archives—the scars I carried for eight years. He came to Grayvale with a nameplate and heartscale, begging for forgiveness.
But I no longer needed them. I waited eight years. I'm done waiting.
