Chapter 128

WE ALL MADE AN EFFORT to shake the serious mood off. Elena closed the circle, signalling the end of training. Yanking off my boots, I tossed them to the side and helped Sian spread a blanket. We laid the food Hiranes had packed out over the blanket, and everyone grabbed a plate. Sito suddenly looked more interested.

'Food?' Came the loud, hopeful thought.

Sian gave him a look. 'You ate just the other day, and I know that'll satisfy you for at least another week.'

He huffed and lay back down on the black sand, his huge eyes doing the best puppy dog expression ever. 'Meanie.'

Loi choked on a mouthful when she laughed, and I thumped her on the back. It wasn't what I'd expected from a dragon either, well maybe from Nnelg, but from a beast that looked like it could inhale a griffon in a breath? Not so much. With my legs outstretched in the sun I began to feel sleepy and lay back to enjoy it. A tug on the ankle had me peering down at Loi, who studied my anklet.

'How does it actually wor