Hidden Embers (41 page)

He wouldn’t let that happen. He couldn’t. Not when this clan,
his
clan, was the only one who had taken him in after long centuries of searching. Not when these people,
his
people, had given him the only home he’d ever known.

This was one of the many reasons it was so difficult to contemplate leaving, and one of the main reasons he had to.

After looking around his house for signs of disturbances, he opened the door and let his senses flood the place—searching for the thoughts, the presence, of any intruders. He found none, but he still checked every room to make sure no enemies lay in wait. As he did, he cursed the Wyvernmoons and the fact that such hypervigilance was even necessary.

It wouldn’t be for long, not if he had anything to say about it.

When he was convinced his house was clear, Logan strode into the kitchen and yanked a scissors out of one of the drawers. Then he went into the bathroom and, without remorse, cut off the long, flowing hair that had all but been his trademark for centuries. Amidst the Dragonstars, almost all of whom were dark, his long blond hair and red eyes were legendary.

With his hair was gone, he barely recognized himself. Then Logan reached into his pocket and pulled out the stalagmite he’d shoved in there earlier. He studied it for a moment. It seemed strong enough and sharp enough.

Then he reached up and raked the hard tip down the right side of his face, from his eye to the corner of his mouth.

He knew what he had to do. As his blood flowed freely down his face and neck, he also knew he had reached the point of no return.

He would do whatever it took to keep his clan mates safe.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tessa Adams
lives in Texas and teaches writing at her local community college. She is married and the mother of three young sons.