Sebastian Gryphonrider's Arc

Chapter 2 of 13

Sebastian found Cascade in the ice gazebo the next morning, curled around one of the display pedestals like he was guarding it. The dragon's tail wrapped tight against his body, and his head stayed low when Sebastian approached. The wolf-bat statue stood near the back wall, dust-free where something large had pressed against it recently. Sebastian recognized the marks. Takashi used to lean against things when he watched the sanctuary grounds. "Where did he go?" Sebastian kept his voice level. Cascade's wings twitched but he didn't answer. The dragon's claws scraped against the ice floor, nervous. He knew something. Sebastian sat on the golden bench without asking permission. The ornate dragons carved into the backrest dug into his shoulders but he stayed put. "Akira's going to come looking for answers." Cascade's head lifted slightly. His eyes darted toward the treeline beyond the gazebo, then back to Sebastian. "I know," the dragon said quietly. "Takashi left because people were asking questions. Too many strangers watching. He thought it was safer to go." The truth sat between them like a third presence. Sebastian leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "You tell Akira, or I will." Cascade flinched but held his ground. "He'll think he failed. That his whole plan was wrong from the start." Sebastian stood and moved toward the gazebo entrance. "Maybe. But he deserves to know his friend chose to leave instead of disappearing without a word." He walked back toward the main buildings, leaving Cascade alone with the choice.