Chapter 18: A Confession

Over the next several days, we spend much of our time in the library. I read through the love story while Dominik rests his head on my lap, listening and occasionally falling asleep. Whenever he wakes up, he’s apologetic and embarrassed, but I assure him that I don’t mind.

When I finally finish the story, Dominik sits there, staring off into the room blankly. I close the book and place it on the table. I’m about to stand up and find another book, when Dominik places his hand on my leg.

“Thank you for reading to me,” he says.

“It’s my pleasure,” I return, gently placing my hand on top of his head. His hair is messy, the side of it sticking up from where he had been pressing it against my knees. He leans into my hand further, sighing.

“My father never read to me,” he says. “He taught me about dragon traditions and fighting, but never anything else.”