dragonkineuniloiosis,” Rio said.
I choked on a laugh.
“It’s a fierce disease,” he continued. “Just discovered, has no symptoms but has caused many kin to drop dead.” He gestured dramatically at the detention center. “It is especially aggravated by damp and dark environments like, say, a prison cell. It’s also highly contagious to all races. I do hope you do not want to drop dead, hmm?”
The guard looked at Rio skeptically. Before she could decide whether all he said was complete nonsense, the half-blood stepped forward and loudly declared, “We must examine!” He shoved past her and through the gate into the prison.
I followed quickly, giving her an apologetic smile that she was too bewildered to notice. The hall we entered lead immediately to a flight of narrow stairs that the half-blood was already working his way down.
I picked up the ends of my robe and hoped that I could get to the bottom before someone saw my hooves.
I barely had time to catch up to Rio when he ran down another hallway and opened a door. I really hoped he knew where he was taking us.
“Hey! What is the meaning of this?” A somewhat familiar voice exclaimed.
I peaked around the doorframe to see the dark-skinned, blond Delfaethan soldier from earlier. She sat at a table with another guard. Levent’s swords sat in front of them.
I retreated behind Rio. She would recognize us, I was sure of it.
“Ah, ‘scuse me,” Rio said. His accent had changed again. I had no idea where he was supposed to be from this time.
“We mus’ go see the dragon-kin that recently came into your company. Afraid he is quite diseased, you could have already caught it.”
He dashed up to her, standing far too close as he narrowed his eyes and asked, “Are you feeling quite well?”
The blonde’s eyes widened significantly at this behavior, but she was stunned only for a moment before she pushed him away. Her cheeks seemed a little darker than before.
She straightened herself, holding herself high. “I had not heard of such a thing, and the kin seems healthy enough, are you sure there’s no mista-“
“Nope. No mistake. Which cell? My nurse must examine!” His accent had