“Fine. Despite what you look and sound like, I don’t think Zenith Flight member would have half the restraint you do. If you say you’re Peacock, I believe you.”

Regardless of what she said, Haven’s body remained rigid. That was good, as far as Peacock was concerned. Distrust and caution kept you alive. He squashed a surge of sadness, ducking down to observe the orbs in front of him to hide his face. A part of him had hoped his reunion with Alainn’s player would be a happy one. Like most things, the hell of Zenith Flight had destroyed the chance. “Great. Where do we start?”

“You can start by letting me out of here.”

“What?”

“I’ll not be a prisoner again.”

Peacock’s heart skipped. “I thought you were going to help me.”

“I will, but I won’t do it as your hostage.”

“I’m a dragon, Haven. I can’t exactly go back to Genua. They’ll kill me. Plus, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Zenith Flight’s been rather active lately. Here is safe. Outside is not.”

Peacock’s tail thumped against gold coins, causing them to scatter in a clatter of metal. While he appreciated the complaint, Haven’s resistance was going to get both of them killed.

“Doesn’t have to be Genua.” Haven hugged herself as she looked around the cave. “Just not here.”

Peacock opened his mouth to protest more, then shut it with a click as tears formed in Haven’s eyes. Without thinking, Peacock had his arms around Haven. She squeaked in surprise as the cave vanished.

The grasslands appeared underfoot, the smell of dew and damp grass permeating the air. Moonlight bathed everything around them in silver light.

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Haven jerked out of Peacock’s arm and backpedaled.

Peacock frowned. Caution is good, he reminded himself.

Haven tensed, looking for all the world like a scared rabbit about to flee. Peacock answered by collapsing onto the grass, legs stretched out in pretend relaxation. “There, you’re free. Genua’s south of here, if you’re wondering. Have to go through some pretty rough areas. Lots of dragon attacks.” Part of him screamed he shouldn’t be trying to convince her to stay, yet his ability to pretend he didn’t care was growing thin. “And no, I’m not responsible for any of the attacks.”

“I’m walking away,” Haven said matter-of-factly as she drew herself up to her full, tiny height and glared at Peacock. She couldn’t quite hide the flash of fear which flickered across her face.

That fear helped stop Peacock from grabbing her and porting them both back into the confines of his sanctuary. Regardless of whether she believed he was who he said he was, she remained genuinely afraid of becoming a prisoner again. As much as it hurt for the Rebirth who’d kept him going for so long to distrust him so completely, her fear was something he could understand.

“Fine.” A lump formed in his throat, adding a gravelly sound to his voice. Peacock turned his back to Haven. “You go, then. I’ll stay here until you come back.”

“Isn’t that dangerous? Zenith Flight could fly be and see you.”

“Sure could. But without you, I don’t stand a chance against them anyway, don’t you see? I have to cheat to beat cheaters. You taught me that, and I’m not smart enough to figure it out on my own.”

Haven didn’t respond.

Peacock listened to her footsteps receding, a black cloak of despair settling over him. He wanted to believe she’d return, that she was simply testing the truth in his words, but he couldn’t fully convince himself of such no matter how hard he tried.

*****

Peacock had just about decided on the best, most destructive way of going out in an attack against Zenith Flight when Haven shouted at him from behind and nearly stopped his heart.

“Hey! How about we stop wasting time and get this show on the road?”

Peacock spun around, surprise and excitement mixing into a volatile combination which made his head swim. “You came back!”

Haven walked closer. “Well, I decided I’d put you through enough tests. So, yes, I’ll teach you how to hack M and M, but only if you let me out whenever I want. Deal?”

“Of course!” Peacock’s giddiness fell a little. “But can we do the actual teaching in the sanctuary? I really don’t like being exposed like this.”

Haven stopped a foot away and held out a hand. “That’s probably best. Let’s go back, Peacock.”

Peacock beamed, warmth spreading throughout his body as he took her hand. “Right. Let’s go.”