Chapter 39

It takes a long time for Alcina to manage to stop shivering, trembling like a leaf in Brendan’s arms.

It helps that Brendan hasn’t stopped the soothing, sweeping strokes up and down her back, with one hand intertwined tightly in Alcina’s.

It’s like this that the idea of Brendan and safety become slowly - inextricably - intertwined for Alcina.

When she dares a glance up, peeking out from where she’s nestled against Brendan’s neck, Alcina sees the two small dragons staring back at her with unblinking, bright eyes.

Alcina’s hand trembles again in Brendan’s hold. “Brendan,” she whispers.

Brendan hums, low and calming. Enough that Alcina manages to swallow and part her lips to continue. “Are those- are they what I think they are?”

Dragons.

Brendan pauses, and Alcina senses that he, too, is glancing over at the two creatures curled up quietly in front of them.

“Well,” he says slowly. “That would depend on what you think they are.”

Alcina inhales.

Holds her breath. Counts to three before re