“What?”
“You’re only accepting the Walshes now because they’re better than you. Above you. But I just want you to know, they were always better than you.”
He slides his hands onto his desk. “Yes, I’ve heard they have been gold-crafters for over a year.”
“No, they were better than us before that. They don’t hurt dragons and people. They wouldn’t abuse their children.” I pause. “You know when Art and those poachers came for Nity I didn’t hesitate to suspect you.”
He flinches at the accusation. “I’dneversteal another crafter’s property. I’d neverkillanother crafter’s property.”
“Property? Nity was family,” I shout. “She was…” I can’t speak my throat is so clogged with hurt.
“I’m sure she was impressive. I would have liked to have seen her.” Seen her or descaled her? Even now something glimmers in his eyes and it’s not sympathy.
“No. No. You don’t get to—” I try to get a grip of my voice. “You don’t talk about her.” I stand my ground. “I came to say goodbye. And to let you know I don’t need your pity money.”
“James, I’m still your father. You’re still my son.”
“Well, I don’t need you. I don’t need someone who expects a thank-you when I deserve an apology. One day when I marry Farren Walsh I’m taking her name. I’m done with you.”
His fists clench as he stands. “You’re like that girl. Knowing nothing of how business works, how life works.”
I scoff again. As if that’s an insult. “And how’s life working out for you?” I turn for the door. “You still know nothing of compassion.” When I walk out, I don’t harbor regret or even guilt. I walk toward my future with eager steps.
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHTWHEN ALL IS WELL
FARREN
James and I make national news. That idea always scared me, but national attention includes some perks. It seems caring for an endangered species means the Walsh Sanctuary doesn’t just receive funding, we get security and a law passed that states if anyone so much as touches a golden dragon without our permission the perpetrators will be sentenced to jail time.
For a girl who has been pretending to be invisible, being seen like this will take some getting used to.
Two weeks ago, James and I both went in for our Revers Academy scholarship application and got metal-tested by Mr. Moore. Me for the first time in over a year, James for the first time this season. I’m happy to say Cara’s father didn’t chuck metal at my head in hopes I’d catch it. He did however wear his shock and awe plainly, stumbling over his words and himself as James and I completed each test. Moving gold, folding it upon itself, and then I maxed out the weight we had available.
“Well, that about covers it. You two… you’re… gold-crafters. I’ll have the paperwork—I mean, I’ll have to create the paperwork…” He shakes his head. “This is going to take a while to figure out.”
“Farren!” Cara calls as I’m leaving. She drops from her dragon and sprints to us.
“My dad called me when you two showed up.” She huffs. I don’t know exactly how angry she’s going to be. But I straighten, awaiting the blow so I can beg for forgiveness. “So, this was why?” she asks.
“Yes. I’m so sorry… I…”
She rushes me in a hug, squeezing me hard. “You lied.”
“I know—”
“I can’t believe you like James Murphy.”
I cough out a laugh. “That’s what you’re mad I lied about?”
“A little. I mean you and protecting dragons makes sense. The boy, not so much.”
“Excuse me,” James says, fake offended.
She releases me and steps toward him, thrusting out a hand. “You’re going to have to get used to me. You’re dating my best friend. I’m not letting her go again.”
I warm at my old moniker. It feels like slipping on a sweater after being cold for months.
James shakes Cara’s hand like they are making a deal. “I can share.”