I faced the glass wall to the terrace covering my eyes. My heart raced with anticipation. I couldn’t believe he agreed. So easily. I barely heard movement behind me and wondered if he’d left. He hadn’t told me to turn around to surprise me, but rather prepare himself.
A single, swift whoosh bladed into the silent air. The air shifted to where I stood, prickling my back. My heartbeat multiplied. That was not a claw or a horn or teeth. That was…
“You can turn around.”
Anxiety surged through me, reining my feet, but curiosity won over. I turned, lowered my hands, and opened my eyes.
I forgot to breathe.
A single, giant flaming red wing.
Ausmane peered at me. It was out of caution, yet also curiosity, like he was judging how I’d react. What I’d do. All I could do was stare.
As we
