K.Hill.Author

#indieauthor #coloringbook #dragon #dragonart #dragonrider

A quick character rough I did for Ladon and Culain. Still practicing digital art and feeling out for a specific style.

I make a quick excuse to leave the room. Though the two men don’t look terribly happy about it, neither says anything that would otherwise keep me back. No “I want to speak to your manager” or “I have questions only you can answer” sort of thing. I hear them purchasing their tickets as I slip into my office. From there, I can watch them while also getting some work done, though I feel bad leaving Beth to the likes of them.

Thankfully I don’t have much to worry about. The two take their tickets and go through the gate without a fuss. Both Beth and I keep an eye on them, though I have the better advantage with access to all of the cameras on my computer monitor. By all means they were normal guests, and my rising panic eased down into an unsettled feeling in my stomach. It was a feeling that could easily be ignored, but always reminded me that it existed with the occasional bout of nausea. It wasn’t great, but at least there may be a chance that they really were just a couple of odd guys and I could go back to living my life and playing with rocks. At least, for the most part things could go back to normal.

If I wasn’t worrying about one thing, of course my mind would find something else to worry about. As I went back and forth between the camera footage and drafting an email to The Council, my mind wandered to the male in my home. He was probably still there, although I showed him where the spare key was. What would he be doing though? What does he do, as a job? Exactly how long would he deem it necessary to stay? Would he just leave after-

My attention snapped when I caught sight of the two men poking around the area between the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Exhibits. That was exactly where the door to the basement was. The door was locked, and clearly labeled “employees only” and yet their interest in it was less than subtle. I groaned inwardly. I very quickly adjusted my email, sending out a request for aid. While they might not be Hunters themselves, this could prove to be far worse than a couple of bumbling footmen.

One of them, the second of the two men, went so far as to try the handle on the door. The first one gave him a hard swat to the head, pointing to the obvious camera, and the two fell into what was clearly an argument. With a heavy sigh I rubbed my face with one hand, pulling some of the stress away before I pushed away from my desk. Quickly and swiftly I left my office and strode down through the exhibits. The closer I got the louder they became. Not just because I was closer, they were actually getting louder as they continued to argue. When I arrived around the corner, neither of them noticed me at first.

I cleared my throat with enough effort that I think even Beth could have heard it. The two froze, slowly turning to face me. I had heard enough buzzwords to know exactly what they were here for. Even one mention of the word “dragon” was enough for me, and I was going to do everything I could to get them out of here.

“I’m not sure what your argument was about,” I lied. “But I think I may be of some assistance.” The two quickly stumbled to come up with some excuses but I simply held up my hand to ask them to wait. Surprisingly, they complied. Perhaps being caught in the act made them more compliable.

“You may have seen our plate on Dracorex hogwartsia, and I’m sorry to disappoint you but any mention of dragons in fossils is simply that; a mention, or a reference.” I explain, pointing towards the display that compared Dracorex, Stygimoloch, and Pachycephalosaurus. “While many centuries ago people did believe in dragons because of these fossils, that has since long been disproven.” I do my best to say this in a tone that sounds like an educator and not someone with a thinning patience. The two mumble something that sounds like a thanks before turning tail and leaving. They barely even glance at the Cenozoic Exhibit before they leave, taking themselves out of my museum and hopefully out of my hair.

I follow out much slower, blowing air out of my puffed up cheeks. This whole thing is becoming more complicated by the minute, and I almost want to tell the Council to ask someone else to do it. Except I can’t, I simply can’t give up on this. I’m willing to work on this once in a lifetime chance, even if that means I’ll fall under the suspicion of trained killers. Okay, maybe that makes it sound bad, and maybe I don’t like that part at all, but it’s really hard to give up on a dream come true.

“They sure left this place in a flash, huh?” Beth asked, laughing a little as she did so. “What did you say to them?” She tilted her head in the question, her hair spilling over as she did so. I tried to smile, to laugh, but it came out flat and almost bitter.

“I didn’t say anything.” I explain to Beth. “I caught them in the act.” I say with a shrug. Beth looks shocked, her face paling a little.

“You mean they really were…?” She trails off, her voice going quiet. I nod solemnly, my face going flat.

“Hopefully it was just some sort of recon mission, given how painfully obvious they were.” I saw with a grimace. “I’ve already notified the Council, but chances are we might not get the mummy after all.” I know it’s a hard truth, but it’s the practical truth.

As much as I would hate to lose it now, if it’s found out what we’re doing here then we’ll lose the museum entirely. It’s just too big of a resource to lose, or so I’ve been told before. I might not feel all that valued, but at least I was valued enough that they would risk buying and setting up a whole new base of operations should they need to. It’s happened before, dragons who worked in the field being relocated with plenty of resources left to spare. Of course, I got the feeling they would just send the mummy elsewhere and pick someone else to work on it. It wouldn’t surprise me.

“What if-” Beth started to ask but I put a hand up to stop her. I swiftly shake my head, and that’s enough to tell her not to worry about it. We’ve been over it before, the plan to leave should something like this happen. Unfortunately, it was kind of a Scorched Earth policy. If it couldn’t easily be taken and transported in whatever short time we had, it was to be destroyed. Any knowledge of dragons could be used against us should it fall in the wrong hands, and right now it was an arms race to either protect or destroy what was left of magic.

With that in mind, I returned to my office. My emotions were a little more glum now, the reality settling in like a weighted blanket on my shoulders. I practically fall into my desk chair as I return to my computer, my heart kicking up a notch when I see that my email has received a response. I waste no time in opening it up and viewing it, reading the lines carefully so I don’t miss a single detail.

To my surprise, the email details a careful plan that includes my staying and working here. I had already planned to put the construction under a disguise as a storage upgrade, but now I’m told to really play into that. The council is going so far as to locate and provide a fossil specimen to explain it away, likely something such as a Cryolophosaurus ellioti or any array of bivalves, gastropods, or plants that have been found in the colder temperatures. While they didn’t need to be kept cold - and no one actually knew the exact construction plans save for the construction crew - it would seem the Council didn’t want to take any risks and kept things somewhat believable.

The email also detailed a long plan on what I should do in case none of that worked. The entire plan was supposed to throw them off track, from hiding the mummy in with whatever fossil - or fossils - they provide to making a public show of the big expansion and everything that comes with it. Should this all fail, the plan is exactly as I thought. Escape under the cover of the night and burn everything. It was a hrd reality, but reality nonetheless for dragons in any field of study, or even work. It’s why more and more dragons have been going rogue lately, dismissing the Council entirely and hiding in the few pockets of untamed wilds left untouched by man.

With that tucked away in the back of my mind, I continue on with my day as normal. It goes by as casual as just about every day does. Beth took down the signs for the field trip, just in case someone read it, and just in case that the someone who did read it would follow it. A few people wandered in, including a few of the older and family regulars who enjoyed the place.

Eventually it’s time for closing, and Derek still hasn’t shown up. I make a note on my desk to post a job listing tomorrow first thing, or even tonight if I find the time. I usually like to keep home life and work life separate, at least when it comes to actual management work. Research was almost like a hobby to me, a hobby that paid the bills.

I make my way through the motions of closing, my mind switching to autopilot for such mundane tasks so that it can simultaneously process the events of the day. Every thought feels jumbled, tightly woven between one subject and the other. It can’t be just the mummy, just the construction, or just Kenji and our “business only” relationship. My mind is restless, and I feel bad as I hardly give Beth a farewell before I go. She doesn’t seem to mind, at least from as far as I can tell. Then again, I’m lost in thought as I hop in my car and make the half hour drive home.

I try to think about easy things, like what I plan on doing for dinner, but even that leads back to my worry over Kenji. What has he been doing all day? Did he make something for us both to eat again? Is it going to be awkward? It is definitely going to be awkward, I mean I barely even know him. My mind continues to chew through this questions all the way home, my anxiety building up with every new question that comes to mind.

After what feels like forever, I pull up my driveway and into my garage, using the remote on my car’s dash to open and close the door of the garage. After turning it off, I just sit there for a moment. I don’t feel like I’m decompressing exactly, but I definitely need a minute to collect myself. I take one more moment just to breathe before heading out of the car and into my home, pushing through like it’s just another normal day. Except it’s not.

The first thing that hits me is that scent again, like an old forest fresh after the rain. The very second thing I noticed was him, sitting on my couch, working away on his own laptop computer. He turns the moment I walk in, his face carefully neutral as he greets me. I try my best to make a small and polite gesture back but it comes out stilted and awkward. Kenji gives me a tiny smile before getting up.

“I’ve prepared dinner,” Kenji starts, setting aside his laptop. “I hope that’s alright with you?” He asks, as if I would somehow hate the fact that he’s made food for me, again. They say food is the quickest way to a man’s heart, but somehow I think it’s even faster to my heart. I can’t help but grin at just the mention of food, and that was when I noticed the smell of it. It was almost hidden under Kenji’s uniquely male scent, but I could definitely smell the warm food in the kitchen now that I was in the living room.

“Of course that’s fine, it’s very kind of you.” I tell Kenji. “What did you make?” I ask him as I set down my work back next to the long couch.

“Some veggies, rice, and tonkatsu.” Kenji joins me as we walk into the kitchen, and I feel his presence beside me like a dark cloud. There’s nothing malicious about him, but it’s hard to miss him. What kind of power does his magic hold if being around him makes me feel like this? Or perhaps it’s because of… other things.

Before my thoughts can wander too far down that route I’m in the kitchen where the food has been set out. The spread was simple and clean, the food covered with tinfoil to keep it warm. He had even brought out bowls and utensils in preparation for dinner. It was all very thoughtfully laid out, I was honestly surprised. It’s been well over a century since I’d ever lived with someone, let alone someone so carefully precise in their actions.

“I hope it’s not too much.” Kenji stated as he took the foil off the food. My stomach had a way of answering for me, an unwarranted rumble making itself known. Kenji lifted a single eyebrow, to which I smiled sheepishly.

“It’s perfect, really. You’re too kind.” I tell him. “This is certainly more than I expected.” I say as I get up to the kitchen island.

“Then whoever he was gave you some poor expectations.” Kenji states this plainly as he starts to place food on our plates. I’m not sure what to say, or even how to take it. Is it an insult, or something else? It may have been true that mated dragons were a lot like mated birds of prey, the two in a lifelong relationship that cared for each other, but as I said earlier dragons didn’t often do that anymore. Obviously I had never experienced it personally, the former husband who’s name I still bore had cared for little else beyond the possibility of offspring.

“Is that enough?” Kenji’s question pulls me out of my swirling thoughts and back to the present. He’s holding a plate of food in front of me, and I take a moment to process that he’s asking if I want any more.

“Oh, no that’s fine.” I say with a quick wave of my hand. I note that he’s placed a fork on my plate, but not his. I quickly glance at Kenji to see the faintest look of amusement on his face. I don’t even have to ask the question before he answers it, it was clearly on my face.

“I figured you’d appreciate a utensil you’re familiar with,” he starts to explain. “Unless you’d like to try again?” He asks, cocking an eyebrow. I’m not sure if I should say yes, most definitely not wanting to repeat last night.t wanting to repeat last night. Was it really only last night that I met him? It already felt like ages had passed between then and now.

“I’ll uh, stick with the fork.” I mumble, trying to hide my embarrassment. I don’t really have anything to be embarrassed about really, since forks are the traditional utensil here in America, yet I can’t stop the wash of shame that heats my face. There is just the slightest tug at Kenji’s lips as if he were going to smile, yet it quickly fades as he returns to dishing out food.

I decided to sit at my usual spot, along the center island and facing out the window of the kitchen. Despite living alone, it was easy to fall into small habits like a favorite seat or a time to eat. Maybe it was the human in me, or maybe it was simply universal. Perhaps it was also universal to feel a twinge of irritation when that routine was interrupted by a brooding male who decided to sit directly across from me. I didn’t want to be irritated, but having him around was just very… different.

I hope I don’t show my newfound irritation, but as I dig into my food it’s hard to be anything other than ecstasy. I don’t know how but this man has managed to cook food to absolute perfection. I can’t hide the embarrassing sound of pleasure I make as I dig into the fried pork, and I don’t fail to notice the smallest smirk in the world from Kenji. I glare at him from across the table.

“What?” He asks, his voice carefully neutral.

“Nothing,” I reply in my best nonchalant voice as I can.

“Really?” He asks. I make a noncommittal noise and continue to eat. “It didn’t sound like nothing.” Kenji points out, and I can swear there’s a hint of amusement in there. I give him the heaviest eye roll I can without hurting myself.

“I am simply enjoying some good food.” I reply haughtily, not wanting to give in. Kenji actually cracks a small smile at that, a dimple creasing his cheek.

“Of course.” Is the only thing he says before he goes back to eating. I eye him warily as I return to my own dinner, refraining from any more appreciative gestures. ‘Of course’ he says, no ‘thank you’ or anything, as if I didn’t just sound like I had an orgasm in my mouth. I find myself silently fuming at this, my anger tampered only by the food that had no business tasting so good.

“So how was work?” Kenji asks, nearly startling me. I stare at him for a moment, not entirely sure how to answer. I was so caught up in being mildly cross with him that I didn’t even process the question right away.

“Oh, um. Well, not the best, I suppose.” I mumble, the events of the day tumbling through my memory like loose rock on a cliff. Kenji makes a face of mild confusion but says nothing as he waits for me to continue. With a sigh I tell him the details of my day, though I spare him of the boring stuff and jump to the interruption of the field trip. He raises his eyebrows just a fraction, but otherwise says nothing until I’ve finished my story.

“Well, it sounds like it’s under control.” He says calmly. “We’ll keep an eye out and proceed as instructed.” He says it like this is just any other day for him. For all I know, it very well could be. Perhaps he dealt with Hunters on a regular basis, or at least worked with deflecting their attempts at sniffing out dragons. Or perhaps he really was old enough to have seen worse, so much worse that this is practically nothing. Or maybe both were true and-

I shake myself from this wild train of thoughts and try to hold up a normal conversation. It’s been a while since I’ve interacted with another dragon in person. Thinking about it like that only made me more nervous. I didn’t want to always be seen as the Turned human only good for procreation, but I also never really fit in with dragons.

“How was your day?” I ask, trying to keep the conversation casual. Kenji shrugs before responding.

“Busy.” His answer is one flat word. I try to give him a look to urge him on like he did for me, but he doesn’t bite.

“Busy how?” I push, though I try my best to make it sound like a polite interest and not a rude pushing of boundaries.

“Just busy.” Kenji replies, looking away for a moment as he rubs his face. I get the hint and stop asking. I go back to eating in silence when he startles me by speaking again.

“I’m sorry.” He says after a moment’s silence. I furrow my brows in confusion before he explains. “I’m probably not the best male to be in a relationship with, even a business one.” He tells me in a gruff voice, my throat feeling thick as he speaks. “It’s nothing on your part,” Kenji clarifies. “I just prefer to keep to myself,” he states, as if it were clear as day and nothing to worry about. It’s all very clean and matter of fact, and I almost go along with it if it didn’t add another problem to our pairing.

“Why then?” I can’t help myself from asking. “I mean, why would the Council pair us then?” I clarify before he can answer.

Kenji shrugs. “They’ve grown increasingly desperate as more dragons turn rogue. We were just the first two available.” He informs me casually, though I’ve already suspected as much. It was still odd, did they really have no other male Plains dragons? Or at least a male that could be a better partner? My mind turns through these questions as I quietly finish my meal, the food losing its flavor as my concerns grow.

I quickly fall into the motions of cleaning up after dinner, though it’s odd now that there’s someone else to help. Kenji is quiet but firm as he assists in the clean up, rinsing and even scrubbing the dishes before placing them into the dishwasher. I put the left-overs in the fridge and gave Kenji a small thank you before I turned to leave.

“It’ll be alright, you know.” He says in that low voice again. I pause and turn to face him, my heart kicking up a notch when I look at him. There’s something about the way he looks at me with dark eyes that sets my skin on fire.

“It’s nothing new to either of us,” Kenji explains. “It’ll be alright.” His voice is dark and soft enough to be comforting, yet there’s a hard edge to it. I’m worried there’s something he’s not telling me, though I don’t have any good reason to believe that.

“Right,” I saw with a quick nod of my head. He returns the gesture but says nothing more on the matter. I quickly turn and leave, heading for the safety of my bedroom. It’s the one room where I can’t smell him, at least not so much, and that makes it the one room where I can maybe think with a clear head. Even still, there is one thought I can’t shake.

I had been here for multiple field trips now. Ever since the museum opened, it was a favorite visit for the local elementary. The usually took the first and second grade classes. Because of this, I quickly saved up the funds to install various activity panels for younger children. While I had planned for the school and families to bring kids, I had not expected them to be so young. Speaking of young kids, they were coming in now.

At the head of the group was one of the teachers, Miss Smith. She was young, and it was her third year teaching now. Like me, she had also found it hard the first year of her new job. There were just so many responsibility that college never really prepared her for, but from what I saw she quickly grew into her role and adapted pretty quickly. I can only hope to say the same, though many days I felt like I fell pretty short.

“Good morning Miss Smith!” I called as she entered. Behind her was an organized train of kids, all of them in their school uniform and on their best behavior. It was certainly not like this the first year the school brought kids over. I shudder at the memory of the several broken items that had been left. It would seem that the school was more inclined to semd well behaved kids after I forwarded the bill for damages. Was it petty? Maybe a little, but fossils - even replicas - are expensive, and not easy to replace.

“Good Morning!” The teacher called cheerily. She had what looked to be twenty children with her, and three other adults who accompanied them. That was one more than last year, and probably one less thing for me to worry about. They were likely parent volunteers, which meant the school didn’t loose out on anything but it also meant there was a fifty-fifty chance they would actually be helpful.

“I hope you guys are ready for some pretty cool dinosaurs!” I say with a clap and excited face. It was so easy to get kids this young invested, as they quickly agreed. Most of them anyway. There’s always that one, isn’t there?

“Well,” I say after the kids quiet down. “Out very first one is going to be right here.” I step aside to show them the velociraptor. Many of the kids have a lot to say right then and there, but their teacher rounds them up pretty quickly so that I can speak. I tell them about the small dinosaur, and of course there’s always the comment on how small it is. I’ve learned to streamline and simplify my presentation to perfection at this point, and I can anticipate nearly every comment and question the kids would have. I make sure we don’t spend too long on this one little dinosaur, because we have several exhibits and only a couple hours to get through them all.

As always the first exhibit, the Paleozoic Era, is the most disappointing to little children. This is where I have to bring up evolution. Even if the kids have been introduced to the idea, they’re still so young that they need to see it to understand it. That’s why I’ve included small signs around the museum with “You Are Here” dots, showing passerby where they are in the lifespan of Earth as we know it. It proved very useful, and I’ve done my best to invest in more things like it.

One of those things for the first exhibit was a touch and see plaque. Children could touch casts of fossils such as ammonites and trilobites. Images next to the casts showed recreations of what the animals may have looked like, though of course most of the kids were interested in touching the funny looking rock. At the end of the exhibit was the most popular period, the Permian Period. This was the part that had the most notable and interactive statue in this exhibit, it was a Dimetrodon and children loved trying to sit on it, right behind the head and in front of the sail. So of course, we had to take a moment to stop while the kids played with the statue.

It was nice, seeing them so easily entertained. Their joy was infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile as I stepped back and watched. Watching them reminded me of my own children, a memory that was laced with pain. I had to force it down, now was not the time to be nostalgic. It’s been almost two hundred years after all. I imagine they don’t spend as much time remembering me as I do them.

We soon moved on to the next exhibit, the largest of the three. It was Mesozoic Era, and was broken up into the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous Eras. It was the most popular exhibit, being the only true “dinosaur” exhibit. Of course, we could only fit so much between our size and our budget. Despite the Peleozoic being made up of six eras as opposed to the three of Mesozoic, the attraction of dinosaurs was too hard to pass up. This exhibit only had a handful of complete skeletons on display, but was made up for with the painted scenes, interactive displays, and our recently added monitor display. It was a touch screen where visitors could play videos and games related to dinosaurs. We used a lot of our money from last year’s donations to fund it, and so far it seemed to be working well.

The children payed attention to my little demonstration of the exhibit as well as any first and second grader could, before breaking off into three groups to explore. I again stepped back, letting the kids choose what they wanted to do. This was the part they usually spent the most at, and now that we had the touch screen I was sure they would spend even longer.

While I was watching over the group, making sure no one got hurt and nothing was broken, I heard an alarm on my phone. I quietly step aside to check it, finding that it’s an alert for the front door. I had a camera set up about a year ago that alerts me every time someone comes in. It comes in handy for slow days, but I usually have it muted during tourist season. I open the camera footage in hopes that it’s Derek finally coming in for work, but it’s not. Instead, I see two older men approaching the door. They take a moment to read the sign I put up earlier, and proceed to ignore it and walk in.

I’m about to turn around to tell the group I need to step aside for a moment when I feel a tug at the hem of my shirt. I look down to find that one of the children, a little girl, has come up to me. She holds on to my shirt as she looks up at me with those big baleful eyes that all children seem to have. If I was Superman, this was my Kryptonite.

“Miss dino lady?” I can’t help but smile at the title, finding it far cuter than I probably would have if the child were older. “Can we go back and see the big fish?” She asks, tugging at my shirt again as if to emphasize her question. She’s most likely referring to the Dunkleosteus in the middle of the Paleozoic exhibit. I shake my head before I reply.

“I’m sorry sweetheart,” I start. “But you have to stay with your group.” She looks deflated when she hears this, and turns to one of the parents with the group. I start to leave in the hopes that this is over, catching their teacher on my way out.

“I have to go check on something at the front, I’ll be back in a moment.” I tell her. She nods her head and tells me that it’s okay when the little girl returns, this time with a parent.

“Miss dino lady?” She says again, though I find it less endearing this time. “Can we go now? Together?” She asks me, her face very hopeful. I can’t help but bite my lip and look to Miss Smith, who just turned to me with a questioning look in return. I’m fairly certain that I’m not supposed to take a child alone, away from the group, even with one of the parents, but it would seem I’m not getting any help here.

“Alright,” I say, trying to hide my sigh. “But only if our friend here,” I feature to the adult who joined her. “Says it’s okay.” The girl looks up at the older woman, who cheerily agrees. I was kind of hoping she wouldn’t, but here we are. I turn around and go, looking down at my phone and flipping through the footage as I do so.

The two men that had come in are loitering near the entrance, and I hope they don’t get bored enough to just jump the gate and wander through the exhibits. The school had payed extra to have the museum to themselves for the duration of the trip, and I did not want to be the reason that didn’t happen.

As we were walking through the exhibit, the girl grabbed my hand and started to skip beside me. I said nothing to prompt her, but she quickly divulged me the many things she liked about fish, especially the big “dinosaur” fish like Dunkleosteus. I smiled down at her, making small encouraging comments as she continued. Eventually we reached the painting of Dunkleosteus. Having it professionally painted was almost as much as buying a model or statue. Almost.

“Do you know why they call it an armored fish?” I asked the girl. I decided I could take a small moment, if it meant making a moment for the girl. She still held onto my hand, her chaperon standing to the other side of her. That one question was enough as she quickly went over both the things I had gone over in the tour as well as information that she must have already known. The girl struggled with a few words but didn’t mind the help. I gave her a nod and encouraging smile before I quickly checked the time. It had been just over five minutes now, I really should get going.

“Very well done,” I say as I slip my hand from hers. She looks confused for a moment, then her face drops as I keep speaking. “I’ve got something I have to do now, but I’ll catch up to you guys in just a moment.” I try my best to put on a smile, but my worry grows with every moment that passes. The older woman with us takes the child away, the girl doing her best to put on a brave face as they go back to the next exhibit. At that, I turn on my heel and head for the museum entrance.

When I get there, both men are still there, and are looking exceptionally restless. They don’t look like the typical person to go into a museum. Most people who come in are parents, college students, or academics. These men weren’t any of those things, not that I could tell anyway.

The two men seemed like the typical if somewhat muscular type. Average intelligence, somewhat taller than most at probably something close to six feet, brown hair and eyes. There was nothing remarkable about them, but also nothing that appeared to be the museum going type. On the street they would be quickly dismissed, but here they stuck out like a sore thumb.

“Can I help you gentlemen?” I ask politely, pulling from my customer service experience. The two turned to look at me the moment I spoke. There was something odd in the way the evaluated me, but I pushed past it.

“I’m very sorry there was no one here,” I saw as I step closer to speak with them. “But we are currently hosting a field trip, perhaps you missed the sign?” I ask in a way that pretends to be polite but is clearly an underhanded insult. I don’t like the way they’re looking at me.

“This is the fossil museum in Burnt Rock?” The first of the two men asked. The second one looked around, continuing to take in the room with a sharp eye.

“Yes, it is.” I answered rather curtly. “If you would like to see the museum, you can come back in an hour.” I informed them, again pointing to the sign on the desk. The first of the two men started to say something when the second one got up close to me, squinting as he looked me in the face. I immediately step back a few steps.

“Excuse my friend here,” the first one starts, giving a hard look. “He has an… appreciation for eyes.” That immediately tips me off. Thankfully, I have a plan for that.

“Ah, perhaps my contacts are out of place then?” I ask, swiftly moving to adjust the lens. I’ve found that they actually help hiding the “glimmer” that most dragon eyes had, though it wasn’t perfect. I also needed them to see, so there’s that. The second man stepped back with a disgruntled huff, the first one shaking his head at him.

“I’m sure you’re fine.” The first man mumbled. “We’ll be back later to see your dinosaurs.” He said, taking his friend by the elbow and leading him away. I sincerely hoped they would not be coming back. But I had a sinking feeling that not only would they come back, they would likely loiter around the area. I quickly send a text to Beth, asking her to come up and watch the desk and cameras while I continue the field trip tour. It takes only a few moments for Beth to come up from the basement and meet me at the lobby.

“What’s up?” Beth asked as she came up to me, her bright expression dimming when she saw me. I likely had worry etched into every line of my face at this point. “Did something happen?” Beth asked quietly. I shook my head with a sigh before saying anything.

“There were a couple of strange men that came in,” I start to explain. “One of them wasn’t exactly subtle.” I close my eyes with a heavy sigh. There were already plans put in place to cover up the museum’s construction as a simple expansion for specimen storage, but now I had to put in extra precautions for the entire ordeal. It was going to be a huge headache.

Beth nodded her head in understanding, taking her place behind the counter. “Any word from Derek yet?” She asked, a wry smile on her face as she did so. I rolled my eyes, pulling out my phone.

“That boy is going to find himself without a job at this rate.” I mutter under my breath as I go to call him. Beth laughed, having heard my statement. This was not the first time he was late or didn’t show up to work. Unfortunately, the town didn’t have that many people interested in working minimum wage while standing at a desk all day. Most of the people moving in right now were the construction crew working on building the college.

The call goes to voice mail, and I leave a message in no uncertain terms. If he does not show up today, then he’s fired. I could have used him back here, at least as a sort of buffer that might have put the place under less suspicion. If those men were Dragon Hunters, and I was the first one they met, then things could get hairy in the next few days. Of course, whatever information they had that brought them here in the first place was already enough to put us in their sights.

With the world’s heaviest sigh, I thank Beth one last time before heading back to the school group. I find them where I left them, the children taking turns playing the touch screen monitor. I quietly find Miss Smith, letting her know that all is well and that we can move on. She and I wrangle the kids back together so that we can move on to the next exhibit, the Cenozoic Era.

“Jennie was very glad to see the fish again.” Miss Smith tells me as we walk the kids over to the next exhibit.

“I’m sure she was,” I say with a smile. While it had been a bit of an inconvenience, but in the long run it wasn’t so bad. She looked like she wanted to say more, but I continued on with my tour for the kids. We had lost time, and I wanted to keep things as on track as possible. This was another point where there was a mass extinction, and I had even included an interactive sliding image that demonstrated what each extinction and subsequent rebuilding looked like.

Just like many kids had an interest in dinosaurs, there were plenty who had an interest in the Ice Age. While the Cenozoic Era does include our current time, here in the present, it was easily one of the most interesting subjects to talk about as we can see the near ancestors or present day animals more clearly. It was a long stretch when you told kids that dinosaurs became birds, but it was easy for them to connect the ancient mammals like the mastodon to the elephant, or the smilodon to the leopard. Showing them that there had once been a species of cheetah in the Americas was something that got many questions, and the overall display seemed to get their attention just as much as the dinosaurs. I’d say that overall, today’s field trip was a success.

At the end of the exhibit was the end of the loop that lead back to the front entrance. The adults lead the children back out through the front door, the kids going out in a neat and orderly line. I said my farewells and thanked them, the little girl - Jennie - giving me a hug as she left. I couldn’t stop myself from smiling as she left, her joy more than infectious.

“You’re really good with them.” Miss Smith said as she walked up beside me, nearly startling me.

“Nah,” I say nonchalantly. “They’re just easy to impress.” I downplay it because in the end, I really hadn’t done that much. It wasn’t something long-term like teaching, or even raising a child. I just took her to see something she liked.

Miss Smith chuckles. “It’s not what you did, it’s how you did it.” She explains. I turn to say something to her but she’s already leaving, saying goodbye over her shoulder as she catches up with the group. The idea settles like a stone in the bottom of my stomach, and it’s all I can do to just stand there for a moment to process it.

“Addy?” Beth’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts, spiraling as they were. “Everything okay?” She asks me warily. I do my best to give her a smile, though I know it’s not a true one. I don’t want her worrying about me, we have too many other things to worry about. One of them happens to be walking through the door right now.

Like I had predicted, as soon as I got home I began to fuss over every little thing. I parked my car in the garage and used to adjacent door to walk in, moving the welcome mat so that it was perfectly parallel with the door frame. I hung my keys on the key rack by the door, and took a step back to make sure it wasn’t crooked. More or less happy with it’s arrangement, I walk down the small hall to the entryway. The small circular wooden table in the center as a small vase on top with fake flowers inside. I figured it was better than buying and caring for real flowers since they died to quickly. I hope that it doesn’t look bad, but I have an unfortunate habit of killing plants.

The door at the front is clean, as is the rug and shoe rack just next to it. I open up the jacket closet and fuss around in there for a moment, making sure the arrangement is neat and leaves room for anything Kenji might bring. I turn back around to face the living room just beyond the entryway. I have quite the task ahead of me if I’m to keep this up, but it’s the only thing keeping me from being reminded of what my life could have been had I stayed human. I walk over to the living room, the floor stepping down as sort of divider for the room. The opposite wall was made of floor to ceiling windows, which did wonders for letting in natural light but made heating the place in winter a nightmare.

I fussed with the pillows on the couch, fluffing them and making sure the couch looked comfortable but not overused. I turned back to face the windows and the television that was set there. I put it there so that the glare of light wouldn’t be a problem, but now I can’t stop thinking if it looks silly. Maybe I’ll just draw the curtains and call it a day. But then that would get in the way of the view, which I think Kenji would appreciate. I did anyway.

After organizing the coffee table one more time I head over to the kitchen and dinning area. It’s only ever been me here, and it seemed the house plans intended for the kitchen to be a dual purpose. Walking around the fish tank I come to the island in the center of the room with it’s neat bar stools all lined up. There are drop lights that hang over it, and the kitchen’s appliances are all clean and neatly tucked into place along the wall. I quickly peak in the bathroom that’s adjacent to the kitchen, opening the door and flicking the switch on. It’s still as clean as it was yesterday, from the standing shower to the mirrored medicine cabinet over the sink. Satisfied, I continue down the hall to the laundry room just next to the bathroom.

As I double check that I haven’t left too much out of place, moving dirty laundry into the hamper, I can’t help but think about Beth’s laundry room and the ‘cat corner’ she put in there. She had a dedicated space in there for her cat’s litter box, and on the other side she put his food and water. She had even stored a cat bed up on the shelf for him to sleep in. Her cat was a lazy old man, a black and white tuxedo named Mittens. I loved him as much as any person could who didn’t actually own the cat. It was better that way, I wouldn’t have to deal with the heartbreak that came with losing a beloved pet. I would fall too much in the habit of owning a pet and would hate to be without one, but hate to lose one. I hadn’t had a cat since I was human and left my family because of that.

Pulling myself out of my thoughts, I continue down the hall to inspect the first bedroom to the right. It’s the guest room, and everything is still as it should be. An empty dresser with a television on top, a clean and made bed in the center, an empty bookshelf on the other side, and more floor to ceiling windows. Like in the living room, I again fluffed the pillows and made sure the bed looked perfect. The pattern on the bed set was made up of fossils, a little corny I know, but I thought it was cute. I was also under the impression he was a paleontologist. Hopefully he won’t mind it. I step back to admire my work. It’s hard to get rid of the nagging feeling in my stomach, so I turn around and head to my own room.

At the end of the hall is the master bedroom. It had it’s own bathroom, and the bedroom was large enough to have a workspace off to one side. Of course I did most of my work at the museum, but there had been plenty of nights spent into the small hours of the morning just putting together my research. Right now, just before I prepared for the mummified juvenile, my work had been solely focused on the oldest fossilized dragon that we knew of. I had poured hours into combing through the online database accessible to only dragons, though most information was kept on file just in case there ever were a breach. It was useful to make these things accessible to all the members of the Dragon Society, but also very risky. In my case, it was also very frustrating having to order and wait on print copies, but at least I had the museum to keep me busy.

I slowly go through my own bedroom, making small adjustments to the various items set about on surfaces such as my bookshelf - stocked and overflowing that it is - my work desk, and my dresser. I don’t expect Kenji in here, but then again I didn’t expect there to be breeding setup either. I wanted to make sure that the entire house was perfect, especially after seeing how well put together he was. As if thinking about him had summoned him, I heard the knock on the door and sounds of it opening up as I was fussing over my bedroom.

“Ms. Lyons?” Kenji called out from the other end of the house. I quickly replied before heading back down the hall to the entryway. Kenji was at the front door, locking behind him. He had two bags of various groceries set at his feet. “I hope this isn’t too much?” He asked after turning back to me, gesturing to the bags of food.

“No, not at all.” I quickly answer. “I’ll go put them away.” I say as I reach over for the bags. Kenji does the same, reaching down for the groceries at the same time. Our hands brush, and I feel that odd tingling sensation once again at the contact. Perhaps I’ve been alone for a little too long. I think as I quickly pull away.

“I’ll help.” Kenji states as he picks up both of the bags. I nod my head and turn to show him the kitchen, skirting around the dip in the floor for the living room. I hear him shuffling to take his shoes off before he follows me. I feel good when he takes a moment to admire the fish tank I have set up. There’s a small look of admiration in his eyes, the most emotion I might be able to get out of him. He doesn’t say a word as he turns into the kitchen with me.

I open up the large fridge as he sets the bags on the counter, and together we put the food away. It’s such a mundane task but it feels nice to have someone to do it with. I really am just lonely. I realize. I vaguely remember the dreams I used to have of domestic life, something much simpler back in the nineteenth century than what it was now, but still something nice. I’ve since changed from then, but I had to admit it wasn’t so bad doing chores when you had someone by your side.

“it’s getting late.” Kenji remarked as we finished putting the food away - I noticed there were more than a few Asain products, and I had to wonder what he was planning on cooking with them. “Will you be going to bed soon?” He asked me, his tone not quite flat but had little emotion in it. It felt like he was making small talk.

“Yeah,” I saw as I crank my neck around to look at the clock. “I have to get up early to go open the museum tomorrow, there’s going to be a field trip.” I tell him. He nods his head in understanding.

“I hope you sleep well then.” He comments. “I will be up for another few hours.”

“Why?” I ask, unable to stop myself from prying.

“Jet lag.” He replies with a nonchalant expression and small shrug.

“Really? You didn’t fly yourself?” I ask him. It was normal for dragons to fly anywhere they needed to go, using the cover of night to do so. It made them harder to track if they had to upend their human-disguised life and start fresh somewhere else.

“I didn’t really feel like flying over an ocean and half a continent.” He replies. I can’t tell if he’s frustrated or teasing, so I simply agree and bid him a good night before making my escape.

I close the door to my room, and I notice that the scent of him has already begun to make itself known to my house. Being a dragon, many of my senses had sharpened to be so much more than that of a human’s. I had been ignoring the scent of him for some time now, using the scents around me to dull it. Sometimes just the presence of a male could trigger a heat, and I was certainly not ready for that, emotionally anyway.

Now the scent of him clung to the air, my clothes, my skin. It smelled like an ancient forest just after the rain, the wood and ground strong in their conviction. It was the smell of a pine and deciduous forest, of the earth cleansed after the storm. I was very glad I would not be sharing a room with him, just the smell of him was too appealing. I really need to get a grip.

I did not sleep well that night. I tossed and turned for the vast majority of it. Any sleep I did get felt more like I had simply passed out from exhaustion. I awoke to the sound of my alarm clock, it’s noise announcing the beginning of the day. I had to pull myself out of bed, yanking the curtains open to let the early morning light in. With a long stretch and a huge yawn, I set about getting ready for the day. I changed out of my pajamas - aptly dinosaur and fossil themed - and put on some decent clothes today. With the school field trip coming in, I had to look the part of owner-curator, not just be it.

Feeling somewhat clean and fresh, although still very groggy, I walk down the hallway to the kitchen. I dutifully ignore Kenji’s room, though I do notice that the door has been left open just a crack. I figured he was most likely still asleep, seeing as it was early and he had to catch up from jet lag. I did not expect him to be in the kitchen, seated at the island table.

Kenji was seated with a warm bowl of rice and what appeared to be raw egg - personally I would never risk that - as well as a small cup of tea. He looked up as I came in, his appearance as clean and immaculate as the day before. He was dressed more casually today, a clean dark button up and well fitted khakis that give off a ‘business casual’ sort of impression.

“You’re up early.” I say, unsure of how to really approach the situation. Kenji makes a small huff of a sound that I take to be a laugh before he responds.

“Good morning, and yes, I’m adjusting to the new time zone.” Right, most people said good morning first. I try to bury my embarrassment as he continues to speak. “I made some breakfast, though it’s a rather traditional one.” He tells me. I look over at the counter by the sink where there’s a larger bowl that’s been covered to keep warm. “I understand if you’d prefer something more contemporary.” He finishes before returning to his tea, looking at me as he takes another sip.

There’s something about the way his gaze holds me in place, making feel as if I wanted nothing more than to agree with him and simultaneously distrust him. It didn’t feel right, the way he looked at me. I suspected some sort of magic at play here, though I could just be paranoid. I quickly recovered myself and went over to grab some food.

“No that’s fine,” I tell him as I survey what else there is. He was thoughtful enough to have also prepared scrambled eggs and toast. How long has he been up? “This is really kind of you,” I say over my shoulder. I do my best to quickly serve myself some food before sitting at the other end of the island. “Thank you.” I smile. He returns a polite smile and nod before he goes back to eating his own meal.

Unlike Kenji, I’ve chosen to eat with a fork this time around. I am not in the mood to embarrass myself further. I can’t help but recall last night and the way he had helped me hold the chopsticks. The memory of his hands on mine sent another one of those unfamiliar jolts through my body, not as sharp as before but definitely there. I ate faster. The sooner I can be done the sooner I can get to work and not have to think about this situation. I wasn’t going to think about it until I absolutely had to. It was just business after all, right? I try to remind myself of this as I excuse myself from the table.

I go back to finishing my morning routine. Brushing my teeth, brushing my hair, cleaning my face, all the normal everyday things that were easy to fall into. The steady rhythm helped calm my beating heart, something I hadn’t even noticed until I was in my room. I dearly hoped Kenji hadn’t heard, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he had.

I push the thought away as I grab my leather shoulder bag, walking back down the hall to leave. I find that Kenji has left the kitchen and was now standing in the living room, tea in hand, watching the sun rise. I pause, watching as the morning rays cast his face into a warm glow. It’s hard not to admire him I must admit, but there’s something troubled in his gaze. It’s as if he’s not really seeing the world around him but rather somewhere else, somewhere far away in his mind.

“It’s beautiful.” Kenji says, startling me. I was surprised he noticed me, he still hadn’t turned around to face me. “Many people travel to Japan for it’s scenic nature,” He says quietly. “I don’t think enough people travel out here to see this. But,” he finally turns to face me. “Perhaps I’m just a little biased.” He says with a wry smirk on his face, a new expression that quickly fades as he returns to watching outside the window.

“Perhaps, but I think we have plenty of tourists for what we’ve got.” I say with a half-hearted laugh. He nods but doesn’t say anything else, quietly taking another drink from his tea. I take that as my cue to go. I give him a quick farewell before turning around and high-tailing it out of there. I’m not sure what prompted him to be like that, but then again I don’t even know him. Maybe that’s his normal, broody, self. Maybe I should try and induce my heat, just to get him out of here.

By the time I get to the museum, my mind has all but switched gears into museum-mode. I need to be on my A-game today, and I was not about to let it be ruined by some brooding male in my house. A handsome brooding male that smelled nice. No, I was not going to be one of those girls - er, females that is. No, I would be sensible about this.

I parked my car in my usual spot and swiftly got out, putting myself through the motions of opening up the museum for the day. It was normal, routine, habitual. Yet I found myself fumbling with the keys, nearly tripping at the door. I hoped and prayed this wasn’t a set up for a bad day, goodness knows I could really use a good one right now.

I did my usual rounds of turning lights on, unlocking doors, and flipping a few signs around. It wasn’t so bad, owning a non-for profit museum. It didn’t have the same kind of funding as larger government owned museums, but I think we held our own pretty well. The Council provided us the funds we needed to stay afloat, and even pay not just me but the other two employees. Everything else from visit fees to gift shop sales helped maintain the place. I never would have been able to buy some of the fossils we have on display without those funds, especially the velociraptor.

I set down my bag in my office, pushing the chair aside as I quickly open up my computer and check my email. There’s plenty of the usual stuff in my work email, from online science magazines to various advertisements. Nothing new of note really. I flip to my Dragon Society email, finding that it unfortunately does not suffer the same fate of perpetual spam. No, what I find is another message from the Council, the subject simply titled ‘The Specimen.’ I open it up and read it, pulling my chair over so I can do so comfortably.

I read the email slowly and thoroughly. I read it again, as if to make sure what I read was real. I even go so far as to skim it a third time, my heart picking up a notch. It was simply unbelievable sometimes, the things dragons did just to survive.

In the email were detailed instructions on what to do to prepare for the construction crew. That part was not crazy, it was to be expected really. Move this, hide that, destroy if absolutely necessary. The usual if you were a secret species trying to hide from and live with the world you were born in. No, what was unbelievable was what came next.

I had been given clear and direct orders that broke down every little aspect of what I was to do with the frozen mummy. I had to collect DNA from several points, scan the entire body multiple times from different angles, and even open it up to examine it’s innards. I knew to prepare for an autopsy of sorts, the kind that was done on long dead mummies anyway, but the Council wanted everything. They stressed that the most important part was the genetic material, especially if any blood were present. I imagine they were going to attempt to clone the thing, but their desperation is thinly veiled at this point. Cloning a long dead mummy and breeding a hybrid? Maybe times really were hard…

But I couldn’t worry about that right now, I had a field trip to prepare for. I close out both of my emails and head back out to the museum proper. I arrive just in time to see Beth coming in, wearing her cheery expression as usual.

“Good morning!” Beth called out, even though I was only a few feet away from the front door. “How was your um, date? Last night?” Beth with the heavy hitters, as usual. I make a derisive snort before responding.

“He is not my date,” I clarify. “Our relationship is strictly business.” Beth quirks and eyebrow at me, and I’m not sure she believes me. “Really,” I start. “It’s not unusual for dragons to have a one-off, the whole ‘mating for life’ thing became impractical a long while ago.” I’ve never really explained as much to her, seeing as I never had to. Dragons used to take after many animal species in that they would find ‘the one’ and stay together, forever. But when the Hunters came along? Species survival took a hard shift to the left after that. Dragons only became mates now when the magic calls to them, and that doesn’t happen very often anymore. I explain as much to Beth, though maybe leaving a few things out, as we finish opening up the museum for the day.

“Alright, alright. So he’s not even a little bit your date.” Beth says in concession. “But that doesn’t answer my question! How was it?” She’s clearly excited, though I don’t fail to miss the hint of concern that lingers beneath her eyes. I hope it’s concern for me, though I can’t blame her if she’s also concerned for herself. She’s on the list for prospects to become a Turned Dragon, and if the Council is desperate enough they’ll move up the date.

“It was fine.” I shrug. “It’s nothing new to me.” I keep telling myself this, and maybe eventually it’ll come true. The truth is, it scares me. I don’t want a repeat of last time, which was an utter embarrassment and an insult, but I’d also prefer to stay away from what happened the first time. I don’t voice this though, it wouldn’t be right to scare Beth off with my experiences. I’m sure plenty of dragons have kids and move on just like any other person - or animal - would. Beth rolled her eyes.

“Okay, I’m gonna need something more than that.” I can tell she’s teasing, despite how exasperated she sounds. “What was he like? You know, did he treat you well?” She asked, and for a moment I wasn’t sure if she was talking about dinner or something else.

“Well enough, he bought dinner.” I tell her. She only rolls her eyes again.

“Adelaide!”

“What?”

“Was he good in bed?” She asked, almost straightforward now. Sometimes I couldn’t help myself, I knew how she would react if I kept pushing it. I smiled broadly.

“Ah,” I say knowingly. “I wouldn’t know, he slept in my spare bedroom.” I keep up the pretense that I’m not picking up on her hints. She gives me a scowl before replying.

“You mean to tell me you didn’t have sex last night?” She asked, and by the look she gives me I know my game is up.

“Nope,” I shrug. “It just wasn’t time yet.” She looks surprised to hear this. I’ve already explained to her how a dragon’s heat works, it being one of the first things I warned her about.

“But I thought…” Beth trailed off. She shook her head. “Never mind that. If he stayed over,” Beth continued, clearly switching the topic just enough to avoid the awkwardness. “Then what is he like, just as a person?” She clarified, not wishing to play my game again. I smiled at that.

“Fine I suppose. A little odd.” I say.

“How so?” She tips her head in a questioning look.

“He made breakfast, which was very nice.” I clarify, “but he states it was ‘very traditional.’ I look and it’s rice and eggs. Not bad, mind you. The odd part was when he said he wouldn’t feel bad if I had a more ‘contemporary’ breakfast.”

“What does that mean? Is he just old or something?” Beth asks, her nose crinkling at the thought. I laugh a little at the idea she gives me, the image of him being a wrinkly old man instead of your average adult.

“I mean, most dragons are a couple centuries old, so probably.” I tell her. “If you’re not into that, now’s your chance to leave.” I joke, and Beth shakes her head with a laugh.

“I’ve already made up my mind,” she tells me. “There’s no going back now.” I sober up a bit at this statement. She had the choice to be a dragon, and she still has the choice to back out. It was something I was never afforded.

“Really Beth, it’s okay to say no.” I say softly. I’ve never told her the extent of my experience, and I likely never will. It wasn’t something I shared with people, and yet I didn’t want her to risk going through the same thing I had. “When you Turn, a female almost always goes into heat in just a few days. I can’t say they won’t take advantage of that.” Beth considers this for a moment. Her usual spark dims as she becomes lost in thought. She slowly shakes her head before responding.

“I’m sure of it Addy.” She uses my nickname - one she made, though not totally far fetched. She looks at me with a renewed determination, and I can’t help the sinking feeling I have in my gut. This is her choice. Let her have it. I remind myself, pushing the feeling away. I nod my head.

“Okay.” I want to say more, though I’m not sure what else to say. Thankfully, Beth has more questions.

“So, was there anything else that makes him odd?” She asks, her cheery and upbeat tone returning to her voice. We’ve finished all of the opening chores by now. All the signs are turned around, the doors unlocked, and the lights are on. I had already done plenty when I first came in so now it was just the waiting game.

“I suppose it’s not odd, just kinda broody.” I say. Beth snorts at this and I can’t help but laugh a little. “He was just staring out the window, talking about the scenery. That sounds kind of normal,” I start before Beth can say anything. “But it’s just the way he did it, you know? The way he looked at me, mentioning tourists going far to see the sunrise or something, in that deep voice of his…” I pause, then clear my throat when Beth gives me a look that says and he’s pretty hot too, right?

“He had a troubled look about him too.” I nearly mumble. Beth chuckles at this.

“But otherwise he’s alright?” She asks me, amusement dancing in her eyes. It was my turn to roll my eyes at her.

“Yeah, I don’t really have any issues with him.” I tell her.

“But?” She draws out the word, anticipating my response.

“But what?” I shrug, trying to act like there wasn’t this nagging feeling at the back of my mind. Beth gives me a pointed look, and I sigh. “But it does seem odd, don’t you think? He’s and Island Dragon, and I’m a Plains Dragon. The Council has never been big on hybrids before. Why now?” The words tumble out of my mouth, and I was so glad that I had someone I could confide in. Mostly, anyway.

“You said so yourself,” Beth says with a shrug. “They’re desperate. They probably just picked the first two available candidates.” She points out, and I’m comforted to hear someone else say it. It’s one thing to tell yourself something, it’s another to hear someone else confirm it. I can practically feel my entire body loosen up just a little bit as that point of tension leaves me.

“Yeah,” I nod. “You’re right. Anyway,” I say, turning to face the ticket booth. “I’ll be having Derick at the counter today.” Beth makes a huff. She and I had a very similar opinion of Derek, but there was a reason he was employed as the ticket and sales guy. The ticket booth was stationed so that anyone coming from the gift shop could easily check out at the one side, and anyone coming in could purchase their entry fee at the other side. It was handy, until we got too busy. That was why I had the two of them work, though Derek wasn’t allowed to do some of the work that I had planned for Beth.

“He was supposed to be here by now, but that’s not the point.” I say with a heavy sigh. “The point is,” I say as I turn back to face her. “I need you to go and pack up all of the fossils downstairs.”

“All of them?” Beth exclaims.

“Yes, all of them. The construction crew will be here later this week, and I need the place cleared of anything dragon related.” I inform her. She sighs, looking tired already.

“That’s three whole shelves!” Beth complains, though she’s already heading towards the back where the stairs and elevator are located.

“There should be plenty of boxes already down there.” I say to her back. “And don’t use the elevator! I need to have the repair man look at it again!” I say this louder to make sure she knows it for sure, I don’t want to have to go through the process of pulling her out of a stuck elevator again.

I turn back to the front desk after Beth is far into the exhibits, heading for the sectioned off area that leads downstairs. There’s a locked door, and the elevator also has a key to operate it. Thankfully, we’ve never had a break in. It’s not like we hold a collection of exotic and extinct birds, but there’s always that fear in the back of my mind that someone will break in. Dragon Hunters could be ruthless, and a place like this would quickly be put to the torch if they ever found out.

I had long since cosigned myself to the reality of this. The reason I had been Turned in the first place was because of dwindling numbers and the need for new blood. The Council looked on it as purely practical, both then and now. It wasn’t long after the change that my Maker used me, infatuated with him as I was. I was foolish, and young, and perhaps I still am.

Arranged marriages were not unusual among dragons. The Council, being large and varied in its members, had long ruled that since dragons are so solitary they would have to step in from time to time. Often they completely skipped the step of marriage, seeing it wasn’t really necessary when the true goal was keeping the species alive. The ones that were left anyway.

Dragons came in a variety of species, and most lived on though in straggling numbers. Coastal Dragons had long gone extinct, unable to compete with the growing human population. Humans have long since combed nearly every beach and island, killing any dragon that may have been left. Hiding as a human helped, so long as your pride didn’t get in the way of actually doing it. It would seem that the Coastal Dragons had simply been too prideful.

What surprised me so much about Kenji’s statement were several things. For starters, he was an Island Dragon - similar to the Coastal Dragon but found in the East - while I was a Plains Dragon. Secondly, I don’t recall ever being informed that this was to be a thing. Sure it had happened once before, except the male they brought me was so disgusted that I was Turned and not born a dragon that he left soon after. His loss I guess. Thirdly and lastly, I had thought the Council had last all interest in me after I told them I had no interest in them. Perhaps I was mistaken.

Kenji coughed uncomfortably before recollecting himself. “It would appear you have been ill informed.” He stated this rather than ask it, seeing the shock on my face turn into a slow realization. I simply nodded. “Perhaps we can discuss the matter over some dinner?” He asks me quietly, and for a moment I get a little glimpse of emotion from him.

“That sounds nice.” I tried to perk up at the prospect of warm food, but the whole thing had settled like a rock in my stomach. I barely noticed the poor attempt Beth made at pretending to still have work to do, locking the door behind us as I followed Kenji outside.

“Where’s a good place to eat?” Kenji asked me, pulling out his phone as he did so. It was a sleek new model, one that looked practically brand new. It probably was, considering how recent the model was.

“Hmmm…” I think for a moment, following him out to the parking lot beside the building. I see that his car is also nice and new, making mine look like something a college student in debt from loans would own. It does the job, and hasn’t broken down on me yet, but I can’t help but notice the stark difference between the two of us. I start to wonder what he does for a living before I get back on track.

“There’s this nice sushi place on main street.” I told him. Perhaps it was my dragon blood, but I had developed a love for fish. Both as a food and as a pet. The nice house I lived in had a large fish tank that divided the kitchen and dining room from the living room. I had quickly managed to fill it into a recreation of a river environment, putting in some impressive fish.

Kenji paused at his car and looked at me, quirking an eyebrow at me. I, in turn, gave him a look of confusion.

“What?” I asked. “They’ve got some good food.” I tell him as if that would explain everything.

“Did you suggest sushi because I’m Asian?” Kenji asks me, the faintest glimmer of amusement in his eye. I’m too overcome with embarrassment to even process that, and the fact that he might actually be teasing me.

“Wha- No! No, I just like their food.” I scramble to make some sort of apology and explanation, and I notice the faintest tug of a smile on his lips. My face and neck are likely beet red at this point, and I just stop talking to save myself from further misery.

“That’s alright,” He says dismissively. “I’ll meet you there.” He begins to type away on his phone, and I assume he’s putting in directions on the GPS. I quickly head for my own car and get in, making a polite farewell as I do so.

The drive isn’t a long one, the town being relatively small. It was small enough that nearly everyone knew everybody, almost. Burnt Rock was just large enough to have a grocery store that also had other things like furniture, books, and even a few video games. I had been here for a good handful of years now, and I had a feeling there was more than one reason for the recent population increase thanks to the new college in development. It would seem that the Council would rather pull some political strings to keep the museum under their control as opposed to moving me somewhere else. Honestly though? I wouldn’t mind a few years - or even a few decades - away from humanity. But there’s no rest for the over-worked.

The museum was stationed just a handful of blocks away from main street. It wasn’t yet tourist season, so the area was fairly quiet aside from the regulars. The dinner rush wasn’t much of a rush here, not yet anyway. Parking was still easily accessible, if only a little more packed.

The area was a nice one. The street was wide with shops on either side and parking available in slanted rows. The sidewalks were broken up with small planters full of local plants to attract wildlife - some of it anyway - as well as the occasional dinosaur statue. While we weren’t as big on tourists as some other towns, finding it hard to compete with the towns closer to the Dinosaur National Monument.

I arrived just minutes before Kenji did, his car pulling up next to mine as I got out. He gave me a quick nod before walking around his car to grab a bag. Is that-? Of course he even carries a briefcase. I realize that Kenji is not only well taken care of - either by himself or the Council - but is also most definitely the business type. This is only emphasized when He walks up to greet me. His movements are precise, his body controlled in everything from the way he walks to the way his hair is set. This man does not play around.

“This is it.” It’s more of a statement than a question. He looks from me to the restaurant before us, aptly named The Sushi Bar. I nod my approval, unsure of what to really say. “I’ll get us a seat.” Kenji states before turning towards the bar, not looking back to see if I have followed. It’s a short walk from where we’ve parked and yet it feels like a great distance is set before me. My heart is still racing by the time we reach the door, my anxiety over the matter not yet quelled. I continue to tell myself the usual things, like how this was to be expected one day or another, but my mind and my body are not on the same page.

Inside, the restaurant is actually quite comfortable. There is a small stand where a waiter will give you your table and menu on the one side, and on the other is a very small fountain pond with a couple of koi in it. The fish swim around in circles lazily, never wanting for anything. A waiter is already standing there, ready to ask us how many he’ll be seating. Kenji politely informs him that it’s just the two of us, and we are quickly brought to a small booth near the front window. It’s kind of nice, since all of the buildings are right up next to each other you either get a real window or a fake window. The restaurant was decorated with several pieces of art made to resemble windows from what I assume to be an old Japanese home, the views being that of the countryside. It’s a stark contrast to the world outside of the real window, but I appreciate the warm sun on my side.

“Do you come here often?” Kenji asks, unfolding his plastic menu. His tone is flat, and I know he’s just making small talk but I still worry about the conversation that has yet to come.

“Not quite.” I reply, trying and failing to hide the anxiety from my voice. I look down at my own menu so I don’t have to see him and whatever look he might give me. I don’t want his pity, I just want to get my work done and go back to being alone. Although, admittedly, I did miss the attention and companionship of a male.

“Is there anything you’d recommend?” Kenji asks me, and I dare to look at him. While his head is tilted to look down at the menu on the table - one hand on the plastic menu and the other holding his head - his eyes look up at me, their deep brown color clouded by his dark lashes. I swallowed hard, trying my very best not to be distracted by the way he looked at me.

“Well,” I start, quickly looking back down at my menu. “I usually get the teriyaki salmon meal.” I tell him, trying my best to not just info-dump about how I love salmon and all the different varieties of it. He already heard me talk enough at the museum, I remind myself. I can feel his penetrating gaze on me as he hums in thought. I try my best not to squirm as he continues to look at me, or at least it feels like he’s looking at me.

“I’ll get that too.” He finally replies, closing the menu and raising his hand to catch the attention of the waiter. Our waiter quickly shuffles over and swiftly takes our order, taking our menus when he leaves. Kenji watches him go for a moment before returning to me.

“Were you really not informed?” Jumping right in I see. I feel my heart rate jump up a notch, apparently I’m still not prepared for this conversation. There is a hint of sympathy in his eyes, but other than that he appears almost emotionless.

“Not that I recall.” I shake my head as I say this, finding it harder and harder to tamp down my emotions. Having children wasn’t new to me, and I knew that this was going to happen eventually. I suppose I just would have appreciated some warning.

“I’ll check my emails again.” I say quickly, pulling out my phone and opening up my various messages. The Council used a private server to message all of the dragons under them, which was most if not all of the population of dragons.I combed through the various messages I had been sent this past month, even looking up keywords in the search bar. I found nothing new, but when I checked the first email about Kenji I noticed that the message was definitely suggesting an arranged pairing. It was only with hindsight and a bit of context that I saw that clearly.

I clear my throat with an uncomfortable cough. “Well, it’s not exactly straight forward,” I tell Kenji, unable to really look him in the eye. “But it would seem that was the indication.” I looked at it quietly. I can feel the heat crawling up my neck. I should have known the Council would have tried something like this. Turned dragons are often nothing more than breeding stock. Pretty, well cared for breeding stock, but still nothing more than that. I wouldn’t be surprised if this was some grand plan of theirs, sending a new project for me to work on and a handsome male that just happened to come with it.

Kenji makes a scoff, though in disgust or frustration I can’t tell. “I believe the Council may have wanted you to feel inclined to do it, rather than forced to do it.” He explains. It makes sense, seeing how suggestive the email was. The problem was it’s too suggestive, not even a little straightforward. It was a stark contrast to Kenji.

“It wouldn’t surprise me,” Kenji continued. “They’ve found greater success this way.” His tone was flat, and for all my hard effort I couldn’t get a read on him. Was he upset? Was he glad? Did any of this bother him at all? I make the risky decision to try and test the waters.

“Sure,” I start by agreeing with him. Perhaps that will set off the question I’ll ask next. “But why you?” I ask him. “We’re different species after all.” I clarify, hoping I don’t offend him.

“I don’t really have a choice in the matter.” He replies, and I swear I can see a hint of frustration in the lines of his face. “Besides,” He pauses as out waiter brings over our drinks, though I’m disappointed the food isn’t ready yet. “This is purely business.” Wow, okay, ouch. That one stung a little. He looks at me again, his gaze evaluating. I hope I have not been found wanting.

“It simply is what it is for me, but I understand if the situation may be troubling for you.” Kenji says after a moment of silence. I don’t respond right away, not really sure what to say. I don’t want it to be troubling, I want to fit in. This was normal for dragons. A female goes into heat once only every fifty years or so, often longer than that. It only made sense to capitalize on it.

“It’s fine.” I lie. Kenji looks like he wants to say more but our water comes back with our food, and that seems to be the abrupt end to our conversation. Kenji and I thanked the waiter before we quietly ate. The silence is thick between us. The slow set of the sun casts shadows in the restaurant, and for a moment I can almost enjoy the silence if it weren’t for all of the information that hung in the air between us. I try to move onto something smaller, easier to tackle.

“You’re staying at my place, right?” I ask him, though I already know the answer. That part was very obviously stated in the message I had received. I had quickly prepared on of the two spare bedrooms shortly after. If I didn’t do it right away, I probably wouldn’t have gotten around to it. It hadn’t ever been used, as evidenced by the thin layer of dust that had collected on everything. Now it was spotless and ready to receive the male before me.

“Yes,” he replies. “Though if they neglected to tell you as much I can find somewhere else to stay for the night.” He doesn’t sound upset, but something in the way he looks makes me feel like he is upset, or would be if I give him the wrong answer.

“No, they did,” I told him. “I just…” I trail off, unsure of what to say. I fumble with my food for a moment, struggling to use the chopsticks. Kenji watches me, quirking an eyebrow but saying nothing.

“Here,” he says after a moment. “Hold it like this.” He nimbly moves the utensils in my hand to the proper position, his hands much larger than my own. I can’t stop the tingling feeling at his touch as it fills me to my core, heat blooming across my cheeks.

“Thank you.” I mumble before returning to my meal.

“I thought you ate here somewhat often?” Kenji asks, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

“I usually order take out.” I try to hide my face behind my hand as I practically shovel food into my mouth. What an embarrassment, I must look pretty dumb.

“I suppose it’s safer that way.” Kenji remarks before returning to his own dish. He doesn’t make any sort of complaint about the food, so I take it as a good sign. He also eats it far more elegantly than I do, as I continue to struggle - though a little less thanks to his assistance.

“Do you enjoy your work here?” The question nearly throws me off balance. While I’m glad for the reprieve from the awkward silence, I honestly wasn’t expecting him to ask anything about me. This was a business relationship after all.

“More or less.” I shrug. “I mean, it’s only been a few years.” I explain. I’m wary of going into too much detail, such as my frustrations at being unable to participate with the scientific community while simultaneously being a part of that scientific community. I could go on and on about the evolution of dragons, the hypothesis of magic, and my theories on the origin of dragons, but I don’t imagine it would make the best dinner talk.

“Tell me about it.” I blink in surprise. He was inviting me to talk more, to share about myself. Was he just being polite, or did he genuinely want to know?

“Are you sure?” I ask. “I could talk the ear off an elephant.” I chuckle, though it’s halfhearted in the attempt.

“Of course,” he replies before taking another bite. I try my best not to be distracted by the shape of his mouth, reminding myself that this is strictly business. “I don’t often hear much from the paleontological side of things. It would seem that the archaeology community makes more noise than you all.” He says this with the very beginnings of a smile, and I feel like if I blink I’ll miss it.

He wasn’t wrong, the dragons as a collective seemed more interested in their nearly lost culture more than anything else. Based on evidence, dragons had once been far greater in number than they were now. It was theorized they had once been the dominant species, though being apex predators I had trouble understanding that. It was also obvious that magic had been far more powerful than the little trickle of energy most had, if they had any at all. The last remaining bit of magic that every dragon had was the ability to transform from a dragon to something else like a human, though some chose a different shape.

So I quickly delved into the basics of my life since I moved here almost ten years ago. I told him how the museum was run, barely surviving with its meager three employees including myself. I talked about the number of fossils I’ve been able to work on, mostly small things such as teeth and fragmented torsos. He would ask about the fossilization process - which I had a feeling he already knew about, but I enlightened him anyway.. I would go into detail about the known species of fossilized dragons and point out how some of them related to artifacts found at different cultural sights. I briefly went over the legend of the Red Dragon - though that has long since been old news - and the fossil evidence of why ancient dragon cultures may have believed in such a thing. The entire time Kenji was quiet and polite, attentive, and even a little interested. By the time I had finished, the sun had long gone down and stars began to wink in the sky.

“Thank you.” He said when I was done. “It’s getting late,” he observed, casting a glance out the window we sat next to. “Why don’t we get a box and go?” He asked, though I felt it for what it was, an invitation to leave. The restaurant was open for another few hours, but more customers had begun to fill up the seats around us. I give him an affirmative nod and he calls the waiter over, asking for the bill and one box. I note that he has completely finished his food, but I had spent so long talking that I ate barely more than half.

“Here,” I begin to pull out my wallet when the waiter returns with the bill, but Kenji stops me. He places his hand on mine, forcing me to pause as I try to pull out my card from my wallet.

“I’ve got it.” He says, already handing his own card to the waiter. I can’t stop the blush that fills my cheeks as the waiter politely dips his head and takes the card to the counter. “It’s the least I can do.” Kenji tells me, and there’s something sincere and almost sad in the way he looks at me. I’m not sure if I should be offended, flattered, or embarrassed.

The waiter quickly returns with Kenji’s card and my food box and I am more than happy to shovel my food away and leave. Then I remember that I’ll be going back home with Kenji, and those mixed emotions send a roiling feeling in my gut. Maybe it was for the best that I didn’t finish my food.

“I think,” Kenji says as he stands up from his seat. “That I’m going to go get some groceries. I’ll meet you at your place?” He asked me. I’m not really sure why he needs groceries, but perhaps it’s for the best. I don’t know him well enough and he may have some food particulars or allergies I don’t know about.

“Sure.” I say with a small shrug. “Do you have the address?” I ask him. I hope that if the Council was more direct with him in other matters, then they would have also given him my address.

“Yes.” He answers with a sharp nod.

“I’ll see you later then?” I ask, not sure how else to end the conversation.

“Yes. I shouldn’t be too long, perhaps an hour.” He informs me. That’s good I suppose, it gives me some time to reevaluate my life choices. Or I’ll just fuss over the state of my home one more time instead.

I suppose I’m not exactly all that human anymore. I tell myself as I read the letter once more. It only figures that the Council would manage to mix insults together with compliments even on something as important as this. The letter detailed the recent discovery of a mummified dragon - of which I found very exciting. This excitement, as always, was dampened by the reminder that I could never truly be one of them.

The Council made no small effort in their reminders that I was once human, despite it being some two hundred years now. I suppose that to a dragon, two hundred years seems rather small and short lived. To a human thrust into the world of a secret and powerful society? You could say it was a lot.

But none of that mattered now because they chose me to study the body. While so many dragons took off on more nobler deeds to hide their existence, a studied dead dragons. Others would do something like business or government, but I flourished when it came to animals. In my time since Turning, I was able to study both biology and paleontology. That meant I could look at both dead and really dead dragons.

Of course, I wasn’t everybody’s favorite choice. It took a while to actually get to where I was just a few years ago, but now I’m finally being recognized for what I am. I’m a professional, I’m good at what I do. The Council might even take my thesis on the origin of dragons into consideration.

Of course, that was all well and good, but I was left with all of the prep work for this thing. While I’ve been the owner and curator of a local fossil museum for a few years now, it was just that, a fossil museum. There was no place to properly store a frozen and mummified juvenile dragon. While the Council may provide the funds, I was left with all of the legwork. I had already begun to envision exactly what I would do, all that was left was actually doing it. That was the part that was a lot harder than it sounded. I find that I work better outside of the house, so I grab my things and go.

I drIve down the country hillside from my house - courtesy of the Council - to the small town of Burnt Rock where a small yet well funded fossil museum resided - also a courtesy of the Council. No one could say they were stingy or didn’t take care of their own, that was for sure. And no one really blinked an eye at the anonymous donations to the museum every year.

My house is pretty nice, at least I think as much as I drive through the outskirts of town. Most of the houses are your average twentieth century homes, with plastic siding, a porch, a few windows, and a front door. But my house? I guess the Council had hoped to put someone more well-to-do in their than a not-quite-human paleontologist because the place was nice. It was sleek with a postmodern design that included floor to ceiling windows as it sat on the edge of a cliff. It was beautiful, up high and far away. Everything a dragon could want. Somehow, I ended up with it. I stopped asking questions a long while ago. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, right?

The drive took a little more than half an hour but I still got to the museum early, the sun creating a lazy pink as I park at the museum. I hop out of my car and practically jumping up the steps to the front door. It was not a grand museum like the Field Museum in Chicago or the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, but it was nice.

The front steps were a clean concrete and were newer than the building itself. It had probably been a bank once, given the columns that supported the front and overall roman-esque facade. Oh, and not to mention the giant safe that was too much of a hassle to remove. The thing was an eye sore in my office now, taking up far too much space than was necessary.

The first room inside was the ground floor, and what had once been an old teller desk was now the admittance desk. It was handy that the two often looked similar and functioned just about the same. The room was clean, with an off white floor and clean white walls.

There was a small display in the receiving area, a set up of a small theropod dinosaur to entice viewers to come in. It wasn’t a Tyrannosaurus or Triceratops, but I did my best to make it look nice. The small Velociraptor could live on name alone, and it brought tourists into the museum. The small fossilized skeleton was put in a glass case and oriented as if it were alive, jumping through the air with its sickle claws on display. Personally I loved it, but it was not uncommon to hear the disappointment over just how small it was. Or that it was mostly a replica, to those who noticed that anyway. But some of it was real, and that was enough for me to admire it as I stepped into the room before taking a sharp right into the hall that lead to my office.

Having been a bank some long time ago, a lot of the rooms had been repurposed. While the Council had been kind enough to fund some renovations, they did not fund a total renovation. Did I mention they were actually kind of stingy?

It was fine with me, I made it work. It just meant having a giant safe that took up about almost a third of my office space. To be fair, the room was kind of small to begin with. It had been the room the safe was originally in, meant only to house the safe and any other number of things that could go behind the barred and locked door. Between that and the shelves in the safe, it was a good place to store a number of dragon related artifacts. Most of them were simple items like a fossilized tooth or an old claw and knuckle bone. Other items included a few finds from various archaeological dig sites. Really it was a collection of nick-knacks.

My favorite part of the room had to be the mahogany wood desk in the center. I ran my fingers over the cool wood as I walked around the room, the smooth surface a small source of comfort. There was just something nice about something so clean and smooth. It had all the usual things like a name plaque, a computer, and some small token that said “see? I really am a scientist!” Although in my case it came off as “dino-nerd” instead of scientist. It was the first fossil I had ever found, a clean impression of a Eurypterid. It was one of the few things that tied me back to my humanity, reminded me of where I came from. I run my thumb down the hard surface of it, reflecting on how I had never even begun to imagine where my life would lead me when I found this rock. It could have been a lot better. A dark voice says in the back of my mind. You could have been normal.

I shake the negative thoughts away, focusing on the positive. I am the director of a museum, I own some of the rarest artifacts from cultures unknown by the general populace, and I get to work on a mummified dragon. I’d say that checks off every box on the list for most people in my position. Then again, most people aren’t secretly a fire-breathing flying lizard.

I quickly drop my leather shoulder bag on the floor next to my desk and fall into my seat, ready to get to work. I don’t expect to see any people today, or even leave this room, so I’ve dressed far more casually than usual. Loose jeans, a t-shirt, and a hoodie are all I need for work like this. I mean, they have the museum logo so I’m not completely a mess.

It’s going to be a long day, and a part of my brain still balks at the idea of all that I have to do, but I decide to push through it. I need this to be perfect, to prove that the Council was right to choose me. I need to show them that I can do so much more than the scraps of work they’ve given me. More than that, I want to do more. I’ve had more than enough time to develop my passion for my career, however spiteful I may have been at the start.

I hear the distant jingle of keys and the sound of shoes on the enamel floor before one of my two employees, Beth, calls out. I make a swift hello before diving back into my work. I pull out a stack of blank papers and well rummage around for the construction plans of this place. I can use it to sketch out the ideas for how to make the room that will house the mummy. Finding the plans in the very back of the large safe, I slump back into my comfortable office chair and start drafting plans for what is essentially an ice box.

I was sent more than a few notes on what would be needed to house the frozen creature, and at first the numbers had shocked me. A temperature controlled room that held all the equipment needed to do an autopsy as well as storage for all of the material collected and the tools to work with. The basement of the building was already full of shelves where plenty of specimens had been collected. It might not be a lot for some places, but it was enough to fill our small basement. I swiftly draft up an email to inquire about more space for these objects before returning to my research.

Not many museums have actually worked with frozen mummies, so I found out. I suppose there’s a reason they’re famous. I think with a wry smile as I flip through tabs on my desktop computer. It might not be the most greatest and latest model but it’s still a good one, and all it really needs to do is access the internet. Unfortunately it would seem that the information on building something like this is rather niche and limited. I wring my hands through my hair, realizing that I’ve already managed to spend an hour just searching through websites for more information.

“Morning!” Beth calls from the other side of my door, opening it up with her hip. She’s carrying a large box with both hands, and is smiling broadly at me as she walks in. She’s a bit younger than me - I mean, me when I was Turned some two hundred years ago - at around twenty-one years of age. Her auburn hair comes down in waves and sits just past her shoulders and her black and silver rimmed glasses sit nicely on her small nose among the freckles on her cheeks and outlining her forest green eyes. She was by all means cute as a button.

I on the other hand, was your average blonde. Not even one of those nice blond blondes, but a brown-like dirty blonde with thick wavy hair, a clean face, and deep blue eyes. Although I had been considered beautiful a few hundred years ago, I felt painfully average now. I suppose it was my looks that got me here, a sad little part of my heart remembers. I tuck it away for later as I greet Beth.

“Hey,” I say cheerily, though it almost feels forced. “Whatcha got there?” I ask her, watching her as she lugs the heavy box over to my desk. She all but drops it down on the hard wood surface, nearly squashing my papers - and my fingers - in the process.

“Dunno,” Beth replied a with a shrug. “But it’s got your name on it.” She offered with a smile, and I can tell she’s just here to see me open the package. I give her a knowing grin before responding.

“Alright, alright, but then I really have to get back to work.” I tell her, putting my pen down and shoving my papers neatly aside. Taking a look on the package slip, I see that it is in fact my package. The only issue is, I don’t remember ordering anything, nor can I recall anything being sent to me by the Council or anybody else. I look at it, confused, as I try to wrack my brain for something that just isn’t there. Even more strange, the text from the sender appears to be in an Asian language, though I’m not definite on which one.

“Well?” Beth asks impatiently. “Won’t you open it?” She urges, her tone almost pleading. I try to sigh and roll my eyes but I can’t help the laugh that escapes my lips. I suppose when you live the indefinite age of a dragon, you grow a lot of patience. I pull open a few of my drawers until I find a pair of scissors, opening them up and using one side to cut through the several layers of tape.

Honestly it was a little embarrassing with how much I struggled to get this thing open, but to be fair it had been wrapped up, cut open by customs, and then wrapped up again. This tape was thick, but I eventually manage to get the scissors to cut it open - thought not without a couple of laughs from Beth. One look from me gets her to stop, at least kind of. She pulls a hand up to her face to conceal it while I continue to work at the bulky package.

I open it to find a heavy layer of packing peanuts, so much so that I have no idea what’s even inside. Beth attempts to peer in as I dig through the packing peanuts. Several of them go flying out as my hands find purchase on something that feels like a wooden box. I keep digging, looking for the bottom and wrapping my fingers around it. I carefully pull the wooden box out of it’s packaging, spilling more packing peanuts in the way.

Still holding the wooden box, I try to shove the shipping box out of the way with my elbows. Beth takes the hint and hurriedly removes the shipping box, giving me the room I need to set the wooden box on my desk. I set it down with a small oomph and a thump as it hits my desk.

The box is unassuming, a simple polished wood with soft corners. It’s not a dark wood like my desk, or light like a birch, just an average brown wood. On top is a script carved into the wood, in an Asian language I couldn’t understand. It has a simple faux gold latch, which I gingerly undo and lift the lid. Inside was a pristine type of packaging, the kind that fit the form of the object perfectly with a layer of red silk to cover it. Nestled in the form fitting silk was a metal statue of a dog and a puppy. It was clearly a mother and child, the detail and the features exquisite. The lines of the fur down the the little claws on their feet looked almost lifelike. The mother dog was sitting while the puppy was frozen in a roll, playing in front of it’s mother, both of them having curled tails and serious looking faces. It was beautiful, but I still had no idea who would send this. I pick the statue up, holding it with both hands so that Beth and I can see it.

“What is it? I mean, I know it’s a dog but…” Beth asks, her voice trailing off as we both try to figure it out. Beth and I both turn our heads at an angle, as if that would suddenly reveal something. It did not. I turn back to the box and the rest of its contents.

Inside were a few other things which clued me in to exactly what language it was in and who sent it. There are a few small charms with various images and symbols, all small and rather cute in nature. One even has a matching dog on it. The most important part is the letter though, which I immediately pull out. Setting the statue down on the desk, I grab the scissors to open the letter.

“Well, who’s it from?” Beth asks as I begin to rip the letter open, finding the same struggle as I had with the box. Now it’s just sad, I think as I nearly resort to just ripping it open. Beth snorts a laugh, and this time is not dissuaded by my look. Perhaps I should better develop my evil eye.

“It says its from Heisei Takahashi.” I say, though my voice is mumbled as I skim the letter. Beth makes a noise, though I’m not sure if it’s annoyance or surprise.

Ms Adelaide Lyons,

It is my greatest pleasure and honor to be working with you. I understand some of this may have been last minute, and may still be a surprise to you. I hope that our relationship should prove fruitful regardless of this, and that we may succeed in our endeavors. I also hope that this gift finds you well, and that the omamori serve you well.

Yours, Kenji Takahashi

The letter is formal, very formal, and yet so short. Straight to the point I guess. I assume that omamori refers to the small charms he’s included with the dog statue. The name is familiar and I try to think, searching my brain for why I remember his name. I say as much to Beth, hoping she might be of help.

“Isn’t he the guy the Council is sending?” Beth asks, a cheery tone in her voice. I make a small sound of surprise, turning to face her.

“Yes! Wait-” My pleasant surprise turns into one with a hint of suspicion. “How do you know that?” I ask, eyeing Beth with what I hope conveys my feelings the best, perhaps even improving my evil eye. Beth laughs.

“You told me the other day!” She smiles at my forgetfulness. My face heats as I recall that I had in fact told her all about it. Well, I told her enough. She was human, and while she was a trusted human she was still only just a human. I kept the majority of it to myself, keeping her on a need-to-know basis. She didn’t mind, but sometimes I felt bad not telling her the whole truth of things.

“You getting forgetful in your old age?” Beth teases, her broad smile bringing an uncanny happiness. It was hard not to be happy around her, she was usually very positive no matter the situation. Even when it was kind of annoying.

“As if,” I roll my eyes at her but can’t help smiling. “I’ve just been preoccupied.” I shake the letter over my desk as if it was any indicator of my very busy state of mind. Perhaps it was to some, but most would just see it as a stack of miscellaneous paperwork. Beth laughed again with a nod.

“I can tell.” She replied before turning on her heel to leave. “Anyway, thanks for the fun goodbye!” She shot the sentence off rapid fire, knowing I would have had a few choice words at that jab, and a few tasks for her if she had stayed any longer. I roll my eyes and shake my head before looking back at the statue. It really was nice, and the mother dog looked so stoic. Glancing around my room, I decide the best place for it is on top of my filing cabinet, the mother dog looking down on all who would come in. Yes, I think. That will do.

I run and re-run the numbers again and again before I finally send the email to both the treasury and project manager on the Council of Dragons. I have gone so far as to provide a full planing document with images, sources, and various options that could all fit in the basement of the museum. Unfortunately for me, they all involve relocating the current collection of dragon fossils and artifacts. A small part of my heart breaks at the thought of not being able to pull out and continue working on any given one, but I know it will be worth it.

It’s been three days since I started working on the project. I’m a day early in the allotted time for working on this specific project, and I hope it doesn’t look like I rushed it. It probably won’t since I took three days to put it together, but what if it does? Worry begins to prickle at the back of my mind but I force myself to cast it aside and log off the computer for the day. I sent it in, that was it. The band-aid was off.

I stand up from my desk chair, pushing it back with my legs as I pull up into a long stretch. I’ve spent three days sitting here and at home, just working. It’s beginning to take a toll on my body, the muscles sore and aching. With a big yawn and one last stretch, I slump back into a regular standing position, rubbing my face with my hands. I absentmindedly grab my things to go, my brain feeling so fried it could taste like crispy fried chicken. Then I hear the small ring as the front door opens.

“Sorry!” I call as I head down the small hallway from my office to the front door. “We’re closing real soon so-” I cut off when I see who came in. I see him standing there, the front door closing with a small clink behind him. It had to be Kenji, there was no doubt about it.

The man before me is almost a head taller than I am - and I am very wonderfully average height at five feet four inches - with not-too-wide shoulders and dark hair. His dark almond-shaped eyes find me the moment I step out of the hallway, holding me in place with his piercing gaze. His face is both hard angles and soft edges, blending into something that was striking, mysterious, attractive, and off putting all at once. He’s dressed in a dark suit in tie, his hair styled tastefully short and off to the side. He appeared to be in his early to mid thirties at the oldest, but knowing how slow dragons aged he could be much, much older than that.

By all means he could have been a wealthy business man for all I knew. Except there was a tell to dragons who were hiding as humans. It was hard to distinguish but there, in the depths of his eyes, was a certain spark I never could put my finger on. Kenji quickly put on a polite but all business smile as he stepped forward to greet me.

“Miss Lyons, I presume?” He asks after making a curt bow. He stiffly holds out his hand, and I take it in a shake, though I fumble to do so. Where his posture is all business and proper, mine is exhausted and ready to go home. I’m wearing casual jeans and a hoodie again, so not exactly the look of a professional or the best first impression. At least the hoodie has the museum logo on it.

“Ah, yes.” I try not to stumble as I recover from the mess of a hand shake. “You must be Mister Takahashi?” I ask tentatively.

“Yes, and forgive me, I find that handshakes are often awkward.” He tells me, something like a glimmer of amusement sparking in his eyes. He’s apologizing to me? Yeesh, I need to step up my game.

“It’s no problem, really.” I say with a quick wave of dismissal. I hope that my cheery tone might put him at ease but he is clearly all business.

“I hope your package arrived safely?” He asks me, again keeping that polite smile as he speaks.

“Oh, the dog?” I ask. I don’t wait for him to respond before I keep going, though I probably should have if I hope to seem even a little polite. “Yes, it came in just a few days ago. It’s beautiful!” I tell him, trying to display the right amount of affection. I don’t want to seem overzealous. I notice out of the corner of my eye that Beth is very slowly closing up the ticket booth, clearly listening in on out conversation. I can’t exactly give her a look without being noticed by Kenji, so I pretend I don’t see her.

“That’s good to hear,” Kenji starts. “At least one thing arrived safely.” Before I can ask what he means by that he begins to tell me. “Despite our best efforts to plan for the worst, the specimen as been delayed. Instead of coming this month, it won’t be until next month or later.” I don’t fail to notice the look he casts in the direction of the ticket booth as he says specimen. I nod in understanding.

“Don’t worry, Beth is fine. Although,” I say as I make an exaggerated glance over at the ticket booth. “She’s supposed to be closing up the exhibits right now.” I say pointedly, and Beth makes a small excuse and leaves. I huff a small laugh before turning back to Kenji. There’s a troubled look in his eyes, but he says nothing that would indicate as much.

“Ah, I hope I’m not overstepping?” Kenji asks in a polite tone.

“Oh no,” I say with a shake of my head. “Not at all. In fact,” I say as I look behind me real quick. I make a quick scan to be sure no one else is leaving. It would seem the place is empty, even in the far back. “Why don’t I show you around?” I ask as I turn back to face Kenji. His business smile softens ever so slightly into something almost genuine.

“I would like that very much.” He tells me. I can’t help but beam at him. This is my favorite part of the museum. Talking about dinosaurs? I could do that all day. It was easy to talk about something I enjoyed so much, something that I was full of passion for. Having been witness to the initial rise of paleontology and the ever changing landscape, I had the unique position to go through centuries of information.

The building’s floor plan guided viewers into a sort of loop through the exhibits, and the exhibits went in the process from oldest fossils to newest fossils. I walked Kenji through each exhibit, explaining each one. I practically talked his ear off at each part before I realized I had probably spoken for too long and dragged him to the next one. He never complained, never added much to the conversation, he just let me speak with a few small yet polite comments about the exhibits and my knowledge. I felt thoroughly embarrassed by the time we got to the final exhibit, yet oddly satisfied with his quiet company. He’s just being polite, entertaining you, he’s clearly bored. A little voice hissed in the back of my mind. I quickly shake it away before continuing.

“Well, that’s all of it.” I tell him with a small wave of my arm. I notice that Beth is still in the museum, ‘closing up’ the gift shop that’s placed at the exit. I again pretend I don’t see her, making a point of ignoring her.

“It was very nice.” Kenji says, though he showed no sign or change of expression. It almost felt like talking to someone at a help desk, and I wasn’t really sure how I felt about it.

“So…” I drag out as we begin to walk to the exit together. “How long do you plan on staying here?” I ask, trying to make some small talk that would actually invite his participation.

“As long as you need me to.” He replies, matching his stride to mine as I make a slow pace to the door.

“Oh, I usually work alone.” I tell him. “Not that I don’t want your help!” I quickly correct, his face pulling into an odd expression. He seems confused, though I’m not sure what he would have to be confused about. His brows knit together and there’s the slightest tug at his mouth as if he wants to frown.

“On the specimen?” He asks. I nod, ready to say something more to cover my blunder but he continues to speak. “No, I’m not here for that.” He corrects me. Now it’s my turn to be confused.

“Then what are you here for?” I ask, pausing at the doorway.

A harsh wind blew across the Siberian plains, sweeping up snow and whipping it around. Those who were unfortunately enough to be outside only huddled in closer, tightening the hoods of their winter jackets or pulling their gloves on tighter. The only ones who were so unfortunate were a group of miners who had braved the cold and the weather to earn a living. These miners were about to go from rather unfortunate to very fortunate in a few short hours.

Dirt and rock tumbled beneath the workers’ tools, the cold making some of it difficult to work with. The miner’s toiled away at the rock face, pushing through cold and snow to get to it. Various chunks and debris were broken off and carted away as the workers continued to look for their intended target. That was until something fell out of the ice-kissed rock. The worker called out in surprise, and others stopped what they were doing to go see.

What started as a few workers turned into a small group, which turned into a large group, which grew until all twenty five miners had stopped what they were doing to come see what had been found. There, in the churned up earth, was something of flesh and bone.

One worker began to gingerly push aside the dirt, revealing more of the body. One man was already on the phone with the local authorities, assuming it was a human body. A third was throwing up. Many of the group began to meander back to work, though at a much slower pace. ,any stayed to watch as the creature was slowly unearthed.

First to be revealed was a scaled backside, the emaciated haunches of a dog-sized creature poking out of the dirt. By the time the local authorities arrived, a tail had been unearthed. It was quickly deemed appropriate to call someone from a museum. Several calls were made and transferred from there, all the while the creature was slowly revealed to a world that had long forgotten about it.

By the time a paleontologist had been called, more than half of the creature had been unearthed. What could be seen now was a stubby tail like that of a young dog but with scales, two hind legs with taloned feet, and the very tips of wings protruding from the back. It was of the paleontologist’s professional opinion that it was a pterosaur, and that he was terribly upset he could not be there at that moment.

They were also told to leave the area well enough alone until a team could be sent out to remove the pterosaur. The miners would have done so, had not one of them mentioned money. With the notion that it could be sold, because in some cases items found on a dig site had been sold, the miners dug with a new fervor. The surprise that was waiting for them only furthered their cause to sell the frozen mummy.

The creature they had found was most undeniably a dragon. Where the wings met the body, it also met another pair of legs. It had a long neck like a horse, and a reptilian head out of which protruded several stubby horns and spikes. The miners would not be deterred, this was most certainly a young dragon, dead and frozen from an unknown age. Despite this, one of them called the paleontologist again.

The workers crowded around to marvel at the beast, a couple poking it with the tip of a boot or tool. The one on the phone began to raise his voice, yelling into the phone while rapidly gesticulating to the body of the dragon. He even sent a picture. The paleontologist was not convinced, and promptly told the miners not to waste his or anyone’s time with such a foolhardy prank. After a few more colorful words, the phone call had ended.

Many of the miners had stopped working by now and were discussing what to do next with the body if the beast. Some believed that it was in fact, a prank, and left after a few short moments. Others argued over whether to hand it over to a scientist or to sell it. The debate wore down into the late hours of the evening when their supervisor finally returned.

The first thing the supervisor did was complain that no one was working, and that the one day he had to leave was the one day a mess like this would happen. He had returned with a local official, who had informed him of the development on the dig site.

The second thing he did was complain about the ugly piece of mud they made up. No, he would not believe them. No, he would not take a second look at the creature. He was more than certain that it was an elaborate hoax at best, a good prank at the very least. When no one owned up to it, the supervisor charged the first people he would see with taking care of it. It was lucky for them that they had been the group in favor of selling the body.

When the three miners took the body away, they left it stashed out back of their cabin. The snow, they said, would keep it frozen. It wasn’t long before they had posted bout it online. While their internet access was limited, the group managed to post an image of the creature’s body and list it for sale. For three days it remained like this.

The price in the corpse was outrageous to most, believing the whole thing a fake. A wild dog had stopped by to gnaw on it, taking the tip of the dragon’s tail before it was noticed and made to leave. The miners threw a tarp over it. It snowed. The world moved on. That was until the fourth day, when they received a call from an unknown man.

The man claimed to be a representative of some sort of scientific company. They had the funds to purchase the frozen mummy at the price they were asking for and then some. The group of miners were eager to meet him, and quickly set up a date to do so. They would bring the body of the dragon to the local inn on their day off, and the man would meet them there. It would be over and done in a matter of days, the three of them coming out much more fortunate than they were before.

The wild dog had returned at some point to exact its revenge, making out with more of the dragon’s flesh this time before it was removed. When the three brought the frozen dragon mummy to the local town, their buyer was none too pleased to see the body had been chewed on.

The man was clearly of some Germanic or Northern stock, having striking blond hair and piercing blue eyes and being impossibly tall. He wore finely made winter clothing, clean and dark in color, His scowl was not one to be reckoned with. The three miners wisely and quickly apologized, accepting the new offer of purchase with little complaint.

Without so much as a ‘thank you’ or ‘goodbye’, the blond man left. The miners counted and split their money. Whoever had laid them, they had been wealthy enough to pay in cash. Without a second glance or a second thought the three left the town, and their job.

Still a rough draft but better now

Erick couldn’t stop his heart from crying at the sight of her. She looked so small and frail. She had seen the worst of him, and he was worried it had broken her. She’s stronger than that, give her a chance. His thoughts reasoned. Except it would be her giving him a chance after what she had just witnessed.

As if things hadn’t been bad enough, he had done everything he feared and worse. He had taken this farm girl from a life of blissful ignorance into a nightmare of his own making. It wasn’t fair to her, and he could only hope that some part of her would still love him after this. If she even loves you at all. A low voice reminded him. I even admitted to her I’m not the slow going type. He thought with some bitterness.

All that began to fade when she took his hand in hers, a small light to the darkness of the night. He gave her the best smile he could muster at that moment, closing his hand around hers as he led her through the upstairs hallway.

When they arrived at the bedroom, he turned to speak to her. “I understand if you want to be alone tonight,” he began to speak. He had a whole list of what he planned to say to her, but it was quickly thrown out the window when she shook her head.

“I still want to try to make this work.” She told him with a firm voice. He knew how much her inner turmoil was eating her away, he could feel it, and yet she stood firm as she stuck to her word.

Erick could barely contain his surprise and his relief. “Thank you.” He said, his voice getting caught on his emotions. “Really, thank you.” He smiled broadly, and she returned the gesture. Despite everything, she still gave him a chance.

Flora hugged him then, something soft and sincere as she wrapped her arms around his neck, standing up on her toes to reach him. He bent down with a soft huff, wrapping his arms around her waist and giving her a warm embrace.

“It’ll be okay.” Erick said in a hushed tone, running a gentle hand over Flora’s head and through her hair. A part of him knew she needed this, something to ground her. It was apparent now more than ever that she was not raised in the same world as him, and that she would need time to adjust. “Everything will be okay.” He whispered, Flora clinging to him tighter.

After a moment she let go, rubbing her face. Erick saw that she was trying to hide her tears, but said nothing as Flora moved to the bed. Together they quietly got ready for the night, Erick doing his best to be the quiet support that Flora needed.

He was more than willing to give her any space she needed, yet she always returned to his side. He was surprised when she turned over in the bed to lay on him, her small form taking in the heat of his body. He wrapped his arms around her, causing her to curl into him even more as she drifted off into sleep.

Flora’s dream was much like the many she had seen before. She stood on an open field that looked over a quaint farm on a quiet night. It reminded her of her family’s farm, the way the barn sloped and the house drooped. It clearly had the features of her familial home, and it caused her heart to crack at the sight of it.

A dragon loomed in the distance, its dark form growing larger by the minute. Flora turned to get a better look at it. Orange and red flame spewed from its dark maw as it got closer, and Flora followed it as it rained down fire on the farm.

Except it wasn’t the farm anymore. When Flora turned she saw that what had once been her family farm was now the castle in Enhorne. The dragon’s fire burned hot, and Flora could feel the waves of heat as it caught and burned nearly every surface of the castle.

The beast wasn’t done, as the dragon came back down and slammed its monstrous form into the castle. The building quickly fell under its weight, turning into a burning pile of rubble. The dragon rose from the pile that was once the castle, its scales darker than the night, and turned its horned head towards her. Its eyes were crimson red with streaks of every other shade of red swirling in the depths, creating the appearance of blood. The dragon’s gaze bore into her as it opened its mighty jaw, spewing angry flames.

Flora lurched from the bed, her skin feeling as though it were on fire. She whipped the blankets off, realizing too late that Erick was beside her. Her elbow collided with his face as he tried to sit up beside her.

“What- ow!” Erick’s question was quickly cut off by a strangled sound as he covered his face.

“Oh no!” Flora exclaimed, her nightmare nearly forgotten. “I’m so sorry!” She said as she moved to help Erick. He held out a hand, a wry smile poking out from under his half covered face.

“I’m afraid this is becoming a regular occurrence.” Erick chuckled, and Flora realized he was referring to the time they had spent at the carriage house. She huffed in annoyance.

“That was hardly my fault.” She told him, and he laughed again. When he removed his other hand Flora saw the blood that began to drip down from his nose.

“I suppose it could be worse.” Erick said, though Flora was unsure if he meant hitting his head or the bloody nose as he inspected the blood between two fingers. “I’m sure it’ll be alright.” He said with a lopsided smile.

Flora looked away, her stomach churning. She tried to focus on the weather outside as the sun slowly rose over the castle wall. Her dream continued to reply in her mind, the image of the dark dragon staring her down haunting her. Deep down she knew it wasn’t Erick, or even some crazed beast form of him. No, this was something far worse. This can’t just be a recurring nightmare, it felt too real…

Erick’s face grew concerned when Flora continued to remain silent, her eyes going distant. “Flora…?” Erick put a gentle hand on her shoulder. Flora jerked, shocked out of her thoughts. She turned to look at him, and whatever look she gave him startled him. “What’s wrong?” He asked quickly, moving to put his arm around her shoulders.

“I had a nightmare.” Flora started with a shaky voice. Erick held her close as she described what she had seen, her voice faltering at the end. Erick didn’t say anything until she was done, taking a moment to think before he responded.

“What did the dragon look like?” Erick asked quietly. Flora thought about it for a moment, her brow creasing as she recalled the exact details of the beast she had seen in her vision. It better not be a vision. She told herself.

“Its scales were a deep black, blacker than the night sky.” Flora started to describe the dragon. “It had long horns that went back in straight points, and so many spikes.” She continued, gesturing around her face and body as if it would paint a better picture. “And eyes like blood.” She finished with a shiver. Erick stiffened at that statement.

“You’re sure?” He asked her, his voice hardly a whisper. She looked at him warily.

“Yes, he was looking right at me.” Flora stated with a firm tone. Erick didn’t answer right away, the concern on his face mixing with fear.

“It was Erebus.” Erick told her, his voice low. Flora felt the color drain from her face, and it was quite possible her soul left her body then and there.

“Are you sure?” She asked with a shaky voice. Erick nodded, his face grave. Flora’s heart sank at his response. She was very certain it was more than just a nightmare now.

“I suppose there’s something good from this.” Erick said with a wry smile. Flora gave him a confused look before he continued. “We can be certain that your magic is Day Magic.”

It wasn’t until an hour later that Flora and Erick finally went downstairs and had breakfast. She had been exhausted, and had made every attempt to go back to sleep. It wasn’t until Erick had given her a comforting rub that she was able to get some rest.

“Unfortunately, Balder was gifted with Day Magic.” Erick was saying. “Which means I know a good deal about it.” He told her with a flick of his fork, pointing it in her direction as he continued. “It also happens to be very similar to Night Magic, just a few key differences.” Erick informed her.

“That’s… good?” Flora asked around her mouthful of food. With everything Erick brought over, they were able to have a breakfast that wasn’t canned food. It was nice, eggs and toast. Even Spot got some food, albeit leftovers from the night before.

The food was more comforting than Flora thought it should be, but she didn’t really care about that, only that it made her feel better. A glance down the hallway still sent a shiver down her spine.

“It means I can be of some help.” Erick told her with a comforting smile. The thought that he only did that for her made her feel good, in a different way than good food. She felt warm when he looked at her like that. She couldn’t help but smile back, washing away all the fears of last night. Perhaps with enough work today, she could forget it even happened.

“Why don’t we get started?” Erick asked. And yes, I heard what you were thinking. His voice spoke into her mind, startling her. He gave her a wicked grin before finishing his food and leaving the table.

Flora watched him go with a little shock before quickly gulping down the last of her meal and rushing over to meet him in one of the drawing rooms downstairs. She caught him in the small library, pulling down a book from the shelf.

While it was not nearly as impressive as the one at the castle - which she had yet to visit - but it was still stocked with more than enough in terms of reading material. There were shelves on both the right and left walls, as well as on the far wall albeit in between the two windows. A couple of tables and chairs were placed on each end of the room, giving plenty of space to read and books to be read.

“There you are.” Erick said over his shoulder. He flashed her a toothy grin before placing the book on the table. Flora rolled her eyes with a playful smile.

“You left like there was a fire in the house.” She laughed. walking up to the table and inspecting the book on the table. Only after she said it did she realize it might have been a bad choice of words, images of her dreams haunting her once again.

She grimaced, unable to even process the book on the table as she was brought back to the heat of the castle burning, and those eyes staring into her. She was brought back when Erick gripped her shoulder.

“Flora?” He asked quietly. She blinked before looking over at him. She shook away the images of last night’s vision, returning to her task at hand. At least it’s not last night’s events. A voice said in the back of her mind.

“Why don’t we start with the basics?” Erick asked her, drawing her towards the present. She was grateful for it, and used it to move forward. She nodded in agreement and he gave her a smile, however worried it might be. She almost felt bad, having someone who worried over her so much.

Erick opened up the book and flipped over to the section on Day Magic. He pulled out a chair for her and motioned for her to sit. “It might be a bit.” He explained with an apologetic look before diving into the text.

“Like I already said, Day Magic is very similar to Night Magic, despite being opposites.” Erick began. “It’s provided by the deity Kumara, though I think you already knew that.” He said as he eyes the badge Flora had pinned to her shirt. Despite everything, the small pendant was one thing that brought her constant comfort.

“It includes a number of skills, from Foresight to Mind Reading, it’s often considered one of the more powerful magics. That is, so long as it’s trained and developed.” He said, holding up a hand to pause Flora before she could say anything. “I would ask you to hold your questions for the end.” He said with a smirk.

“Day Magic is also sometimes referred to as Sun Magic,” Erick continued. “Though the names are interchangeable. It’s called Sun Magic on account of one of its sub-magics, the ability to harness and wield light.” The idea sent an inexplicable rush through Flora. It wasn’t just fear or anxiety, but the two of those tinged with a nervous excitement. The image of being able to light a room may have been dull and boring considering the not-so-new electrical lights, but it still excited her. That was until she realized what Erick probably meant by ‘powerful’ magic, her mind drifting back to the events of last night.

“Why don’t we start working on something simple?” Erick asked, bringing Flora back from her drifting thoughts.

“Like what?” She asked, unsure if magic could ever be considered simple.

“First we need to work on finding your magic.” He told her. “To be able to use magic, you first need to find it within yourself.” Erick instructed, tapping his chest to indicate what he meant by inside. “It’s a feeling more than anything, but with your current condition it might be easier to feel for it.” Flora needed no reminder of the ever present weight on her chest, which only felt heavier by the hour.

“I feel it already, but what do I do with it?” Flora asked, unable to completely hide her frustration. Erick sighed through his nose.

“There’s a few ways, but emotion is the main thing.” Erick told her. “Magic is tied to who we are, and it’s our emotions that power it.” He said, surprising Flora given how Erick was prone to being very flat in terms of emotions.

“How does that… work, exactly?” She asked him, her mind trying to work it out. She could tell her questions weren’t exactly thrilling him, given his expression. He looked somewhere between trying very hard to be patient but also understanding, the emotions warring across his features.

“It’s… hard to describe.” Erick finally said. Flora thought about it for a moment, trying very hard to dig deep and feel an emotion. If her emotions from yesterday or last night weren’t enough, then what was?

“Part of your problem is you bury your emotions.” Erick said quietly, and she looked to him in surprise. “You were thinking loudly again.” Erick said with a wince. Flora blushed, both in embarrassment and frustration.

“So what, I need therapy first?” Flora asked, more than a little exasperated. Erick sighed before responding.

“Not necessarily, but maybe take some time to figure things out. Feel everything Flora, not just the half parts.” Her name from his voice sent a familiar rush through her. She was about to ask him what he meant by everything when he gave her a sly smile.

“Not that one, not now anyway.” He told her, disappointment flitting through her stomach. “I’ll give you some time to read while I work,” Erick started, brushing her hand with his as he walked by. “And maybe I’ll see you around?” He asked over his shoulder as he left. She knew the question was rhetorical, but it still sent a shiver of excitement down her spine.

This was what she had wanted, wasn’t it? The quiet work, the animals, and a caring husband? Husband would be a bit far considering how long they’ve actually known each other, but this was what she had wanted since she was a little girl. So why did it feel like something terrible was looming over her? Because there is something terribly coming. Her mind told her, reminding her of her newly confirmed vision.

The image of the dragon god haunted her throughout the day as she tried her best and failed to read what was in the book. Eventually she gave up and left, calling out to Erick that she had work to do. While she didn’t have to check on the animals today - it being a rest day and all - she found that she needed the distraction. This is probably what he meant by burying your emotions. Flora gritted the thought out as she rode Condor over to the dog kennel, Spot hot on her heels.

When she got there, she was surprised to find that the Game Master, Henry Darby, was there with the dogs. He turned at the sound of horse hooves, Flora slowing Condor down to a trot as she neared the large kennel and it’s fenced in space.

“Well met!” The older man called as Flora dismounted, trying Condor’s reins to the hitching post nearby. “How lovely to see the young Beast Master.” Master Darby called as he crossed the kennel space. Several dogs followed in his wake, clearly excited to see him. She wasn’t surprised, he often used one or even several of the dogs for all kinds of hunting.

“I see you’re just as excited as I am.” The Game Master told her as Flora entered the kennel space. When she gave him a confused look he only laughed. “For the Summer Hunt of course!” He said it as if it were obvious. She was not, in fact, all that excited for it. While it was one of the main reasons she oversaw the training of so many animals, sport hunting was never really her thing.

“I suppose.” Flora told him with a shrug. “Really I just came to check on the dogs.” She informed Master Darby before patting one of the dogs on the head. Spot would have easily been lost in the crowd had she not given him a more personal collar.

Whereas most of the dogs had a simple leather collar, Flora had managed to find something nicer for Spot in the back storage. Well, Dante had at the behest of Erick while Flora had been recovering from her injury, but it was still Flora who got to give it to the dog. Spot’s collar was wider, the leather studded with small round dots of silver and the leather pressed with a weaving floral pattern. Really, it was perfect, despite its age and wear.

“Ah yes, I too enjoy the company of beasts over men.” Master Darby laughed. “Perhaps that is why we fit so well in this court.” He told her, giving her a sly wink. Flora couldn’t hide her face, which was something of both confusion and disgust. The Game Master laughed. “Come now! Surely you’ve noticed how few humans actually reside inside the castle?” He asked her. She had noticed, who wouldn’t have noticed the place had been teeming with dangerous not quite human magic users? But she had done the polite thing and moved on from it, as best as she could anyway.

“And besides,” the Game Master continued. “You’ve managed to snag quite a sweet deal with the King. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a promotion in the future.” Flora gaped, shocked that he would even suggest such a thing let alone discuss it. He laughed, and Flora felt heat sting her face.

“You’re unbelievable.” Flora said through gritted teeth before calling her dog over. Spot quickly trotted over to her as she whirled around and moved to leave the kennel.

“Does this mean I won’t see you tomorrow?” Master Darby called out. Flora paused in her tracks. Slowly she turned her head to face him, and nothing more.

“Tomorrow?” Flora asked over her shoulder.

“Yes, the Summer Hunt has been moved up to tomorrow.” He informed her, the grin on his face saying all too much about what he thought of it. A shiver wracked her body, and for a moment the weight on her chest was soul crushing. She did her best to hide her pain through her breathing, giving the Game Master a quick and curt response.

“Yes.” She told him before whipping through the kennel gate and leaving. Her mind very much wanted to think about all the things she would say to him should he even look at her wrong tomorrow, but the weight on her body would not leave. Flora pushed through it, she had to, as she hopped on Condor and rode back to the farmhouse.

When Flora returned to the house, it was just past lunch. The weight on her chest had lightened, but only marginally. It probably helped that the pain of hunger had taken up residence, and was making itself known to everybody. She made a quick hello as she entered the house before making a straight course for the kitchen.

She was surprised to find that she was not alone. Of course, she had expected Erick to likely still be in the house somewhere, but he was not who she found in the kitchen. At least, he was not the only one in the kitchen.

Flora walked in to find that not one, not two, but all four of Erick’s siblings were in the kitchen with him. He seemed to be just as thrilled as she was that they were now here. There faces beamed at the sight of her, and in a matter of moments Flora was being accosted by three dragons and a unicorn.

“We heard the good news.” Balder said with a wolfish grin.

“No, I heard it,” Esther started. “You read my letter!” She pointed a finger at him and shook it as if it would scare him. The look on his face proved her thoughts, his face remaining a lazy kind of coy.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Balder replied. Esther rolled her eyes at him.

“Isn’t it exciting?” Alice asked, her light blue eyes wide with joy.

“Of course it is,” Balder answered for her. “Day Magic is only the best one.” He said with a smug yet playful attitude. Esther only shook her head.

“There is no best magic,” Esther started. What followed was a quickly heated debate about the different kinds of magic. Flora got the impression this happened a lot, as Alice looked away and pretended it wasn’t even happening while Grace made a quiet effort to appease the two.

“Enough!” Erick barked, quickly silencing the younger siblings. He looked them over with a stern eye, Balder nearly shrinking under the gaze. Flora couldn’t help but notice Alice flinch, shuffling behind her older sister Grace.

“I strictly recall asking Grace to be here, and no one else.” Erick informed them, his voice icy and cold. Flora had a feeling that this was not usual, given the hard stare he received from Balder. That was until Balder smirked.

“You’re just upset because you can’t get laid with us here.” Balder’s statement caused Flora to flush red with embarrassment. Twice now man had made crude jokes about her relationship. This couldn’t possibly be normal for most other people. Flora thought with some disdain.

Erick flashed his teeth in a snarl at his brother. “I believe you have more important things than discussing my sex life.” Erick growled. Balder shrugged with nonchalance.

“I’m just saying,” Balder started to say. Flora didn’t hear what he had to say as Grace came up to her.

“Why don’t we head out to the living room?” Grace suggested, Alice nodding in vigorous agreement. Flora smiled before nodding and following along. She noticed that Esther remained with the two boys, arguing with them. Flora wasn’t able to make out much of what they were saying, but heard the word selfrund more than once.

They arrived in the living room, Flora’s attempt at confronting Erick over the Summer Hunt all but forgotten as Grace and Alice sat on the couch. Flora sat on the chair opposite them.

“Why did you all come here?” Flora asked tentatively after they were all comfortable. Alice brightened at this but it was Grace who answered.

“Erick sent a letter this morning asking me for some advice. He also sent one to Esther,” Grace informed her. “Although by the sounds of it, her letter was a bit different from mine.” Worry crossed over her face as she looked out the door, and Flora assumed she was looking down the hallway. She shook her head before continuing. “But anyway, he thought it would be best to have a healer around for tomorrow, just in case.” Her smile was in direct contradiction with Flora’s emotions. The need for a healer, just in case? That couldn’t mean anything good. Flora thought as her stomach sank to the very bottom of her body, hitting the soles of her feet.

“Everything will be fine.” Grace said in a gentle tone, her voice almost motherly and caring in its sound. For a moment Flora even believed it, and she held on to that belief. It was probably the one thing keeping her afloat as the sounds of the siblings’ argument grew louder before abruptly ending.

Esther stormed out the house, throwing a rude gesture in Balder’s direction as he followed more casually behind. He paused in the doorway of the living room, calling out to his sister.

“Love you too!” Balder said in a sing-song voice. The only response he got was a slammed door. Erick walked up behind them, rubbing his face with both hands.

“She’s just upset we know her secret.” Balder told Flora with a wicked grin. Erick rolled his eyes, clearly exasperated by his brother’s antics.

“If you’re done antagonizing everyone,” Erick started in a tired voice. “I would appreciate it if you left.” Erick snapped at his brother, his patience all but lost.

Balder feigned injury. “I’m hurt!” Balder placed a hand over his heart. “If that’s how you feel, then I’ll go.” Balder told him, pushing off the frame of the door and leaving, the tip of his bull-like horns chipping the edge of the frame. Erick practically seethed as his brother left. With a heavy sigh through his nose, he turned to face the three women in the living room.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Erick told them. “And we can not afford any accidents tomorrow.” His emphasis on accidents brought Flora’s worry crashing back down on her, very concerned about her magic deciding to burst. Is this how I die?

Flora spent hours reading the texts that Erick had given her. He had also left a stack of papers, a pen, and even ink to refill the pen with. She assumed it was for taking notes, which she tried to do. She really tried. Unfortunately for her, she found this task difficult when so much of the text was important to remember. Even Spot had passed out on the floor beside her, the wrinkles of his face moving with his snores.

From the origins of magic and the gifts from the gods to everyday uses, Flora was nearly overwhelmed by just how much she was expected to remember. She decided to tackle the work in chunks after finding it difficult as a whole, opening up several books at once but on the same topic. She had started with Spring Magic, opening up the books first to the history and origin of it. She tossed out her stack of notes that had essentially been rewritten passages and focused on the necessities, those being the god or goddess of the magic, the many tiers of that magic, and the functions of it. She still had a lot to write, but it was considerably less.

When the sun started to dip lower in the horizon, she began to worry. She reminded herself that he was the king, that he was busy, and that he hadn’t forgotten or lied to her. He wouldn’t do that. She told herself, knowing deep down that he genuinely cared for her.

She waited for as long as she could, trying and failing to continue her reading. Flora eventually shut every single book, looking up to find that the sun had reached the earth and painted the world in red. It was hard to ignore not only her growing worry but now her empty stomach, which had only increased in volume.

With a sigh, Flora got up and left the living room for the kitchen. She began rummaging through the cupboards for the food Erick had brought. He had put it all away without telling her where, and now she had to search for it. It might not be a kitchen as large as the one in the castle, but there was still a considerable amount of space for food to be stored in.

As she was rummaging, Flora heard the distinct sound of a horse trotting up to the house. That must be him. Flora thought with some relief, a bubble of excitement passing through her. The thought of spending time alone with him had only recently begun to sink in. She imagined it would be like their time in the cabin, and the thought put a smile on her face as she continued to grab food for dinner. She became lost in thought as she started to prepare something to eat. While the food was canned, that didn’t mean she couldn’t cook the fish and rice.

“You know what they say,” came Erick’s voice from behind her, startling her from her work. She spun around to find him strolling into the kitchen, his arms full with a couple of sacks. “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” He said with a smirk, setting the bags down on the counter. Despite his teasing, Flora saw a hint of tension in his face and shoulders.

He had come back in clothes far more casual than what she had grown accustomed to seeing from him. Gone was the tailored suit and jacket, as well as any of his finer garments that would have been underneath. Instead he wore a casual button-up, and though his pants were still nice she had not expected to see the suspenders that held them up, something she had come to associate with the working class.

“I believe I’ve already done that then.” Flora laughed, returning to the food in the frying pan. Erick laughed as he began taking the contents out of the bags, though it seemed empty, his laugh holding a hollow ring to it. Worry began to nag at the edges of her being, but she refused to give in to it. She couldn’t help but note the way they rolled over his muscles, only heightening their appearance.

“Don’t worry,” Erick started as he rolled up his sleeves. “I brought over some real food.” He told her, reaching over her to put food in the cupboard. His large form towered over her, and she blushed remembering exactly how that form felt against her.

“What are we cooking tonight?” Erick asked, trailing a gentle hand down her back. The intimacy sent a shiver down her spine. It was so familiar, so casual, and yet it had her body wishing for more. Am I so love starved that this is what has me losing it? Flora thought bitterly.

“Frying some fish and rice?” Erick asked as he leaned over her shoulder, placing a hand on the small of her back.

“Yeah,” Flora started, stirring the food in the pan. “With the heaps of rice you brought, I figured I’d make something different than the normal boiled rice.” She told him with a huff. “I’m sure we’ve both had plenty of that.” She said, recalling their trip for the Spring Inspection.

“It’s hard to get tired of rice when there’s so much you can do with it.” Erick said with a grin, one that Flora was able to believe despite his slightly off demeanor. “It’s a staple food in dragon culture after all.” He informed her, pulling away to continue his work with the food arrangement.

“Really?” Flora asked, continuing to stir the food as the rice slowly browned in the pan. It was true that she had heard the dragons brought rice with them when the King and Queen brought the two clans together, but she hadn’t realized it was such a big part of their culture to be considered a staple food.

“Oh yes,” Erick said as he finished taking items out of the bags. “Mother always had plenty of rice, and plenty of ways to use it.” He told her with a light smile. Flora could see his eyes flick through the memories as he put away the last of the food. Flora felt a pit of worry fill up in the bottom of her stomach.

“I hope I didn’t do too bad.” Flora gave a wry laugh as she finished stirring the food, taking the pan off the stove. She quickly turned off the gas, stopping the fire before she could forget.

“I’m sure you did fine with what you had,” Erick said in a gentle tone, laying a comforting hand on her back. Flora flashed him a smile before taking out a couple of bowls and serving them each a portion. Erick gratefully took his before informing her that he would be eating in the upstairs office, having work left undone for the day.

“I really am sorry,” Erick said, his eyes swimming with a pained blue. “I have a lot of work that really needs to be done tonight.” Erick told her, giving her a firm yet gentle squeeze on the hand before leaving the kitchen.

“I understand.” Flora said quietly to his fleeting form, an ache filling her heart as he left. But he only just got here. She thought, unable to stop it and the pain that came with it. He killed your father. A dark voice reminded her, shocking her back into the moment.

Flora shook her head to clear her thoughts, taking her food and leaving for the dining room. Spot happily trotted behind her, hot on her heels in hope of having a scrap of her food.

“Not now, Spot.” She waved the dog away, who pouted but left the dining room without complaint. With a sigh she sat down at the table, alone, and ate.

Flora spent longer than she had hoped to eat. She poked at her food more than ate it, but eventually the plate was clean and she found herself wandering through the house that was now hers. It was almost dizzying as the reality set in. She imagined it would take adjusting, and that perhaps she was better off thinking of it as a temporary stay.

She eventually wandered upstairs, looking through the rooms that were up there, when she found Erick in the office. It was a cozy room, a hearth on one side with a clock on top and bookshelves on the other side. There was a large window at the back with the curtains open, showing the night sky with its dazzling stars. In the very middle was the large work desk in which Erick sat. He looked up when she came in, a tired smile on his face.

“I was just about to finish up.” He told her. She returned his smile.

“I was just wandering, exploring the house and all that.” Flora gestured vaguely to the building around her. Erick’s features seemed to relax when she spoke to him.

“What do you think of it?” He asked, tipping his head back to his stack of papers.

“It’s very nice.” She told him, walking up to see what he was working on. She hadn’t meant to, but her curiosity took over as she glanced down at his papers. He smiled as he continued to work.

“I have just a few things to finish up for the Summer Hunt.” He told her, quickly writing a few things down on the paper before storing his pen away. “You’re coming to that, right?” He asked, looking up at her from where he sat. Flora recalled the letter she had received about it, but had at the time declined as it was so close to the time she was meant to spend taking the animals from her father’s farm. The thought put an ache in her heart, but she quickly stuffed it down as she replied to her King.

“I suppose I could, now that I’m here.” She said quietly, looking away from Erick. She could almost hear the frown on his face, but when she looked back he had quickly composed himself.

“I would like you to join me,” he started. “But you don’t have to.” He quickly added before Flora could reply. She thought about it for a moment. Maybe this is something that could help, the thing I need to move on. Flora thought, hoping that going back into the rhythm of work would help her stabilize herself.

“I would like that.” She replied, trying not to blush as the genuine smile he gave her. Seeing him so kind and gentle was almost intoxicating, especially when she recalled that he was only like that for her. Before the two could say anything more, they were interrupted by loud barking.

Spot was making a racket downstairs, and Erick quickly swung his head in the direction of the nose. A frown creased his face before he got up to inspect what the commotion was about.

“Don’t worry,” he said as he left the room, Flora right behind him. “I’m sure it’s just a coyote or something.” Erick informed her. Flora expected him to grab a gun or something if that were the case, as was often the case with her father, but he did no such thing as he marched down the stairs two at a time.

Spot had not stopped barking, in fact he had begun growling in between barks. He stood at the doorway, his hackles raised as he continued his noise making. Erick’s face turned from mild concern to focused intent, and it was something fierce to behold as his body turned rigid.

“Grab the dog, and stay away from the windows.” Erick directed, his voice having gone stone cold. Flora didn’t dare argue as she quickly whisked over to grab Spot by the collar, pulling him back from the door as Erick went to open it.

“Stay away from the door and windows.” Erick said over his shoulder, his stormy blue eyes threatening violence. She knew it wasn’t directed towards her, but couldn’t stop herself as she quailed beneath his gaze. She quickly pulled the dog away and tucked herself in the corner between the wall and hutch, able to peek around and watch as Erick opened the front door to the house. The whole time Spot would not stop his barking, forcing Flora to hold on to him tight as she put her back against the hutch.

As soon as Erick opened the door, Flora heard the distinct shot of a gun. Her world tilted as Erick grunted, his tall form jerking in a quick movement as his body took the impact. Flora keeled over, clutching her dog now more than ever as pain shot through her and her vision blurred.

Erick refused to budge, even knowing that if there was one gunman in the shadows, there were likely more. Instead he used his magic to spread out and probe through the dark night for the hidden would-be assassins.

He focused a small portion of his magic on himself, staunching the blood that had been pouring out of his chest, just below his shoulder. Pretty damn close. Erick gritted his teeth, forcing his magic forward.

It wasn’t hard to find the first killer, Erick’s shadows lashing out and grabbing the first warm body it could find. A man yelped, firing his gun again though with a wild aim as it flew past Erick’s head and landed in the wood of the house. Erick pulled the man out of hiding, the shadows tugging on his ankle and pulling him through the dirt. He attempted to aim and shoot again, but Erick quickly flicked it away, the magic of his shadows appearing darker than the night itself as his growing rage channeled into a quiet fury.

Erick slowly and methodically stepped down the stairs of the house, meeting the now unarmed man at the foot of the stairs. Holding his head high, Erick glowered down at the man, restrained by the power of his magic. Shadows danced across the ground around him, the black so deep it seemed to absorb even the tiniest fraction of light around it.

Erick said nothing as he prowled over the man, the lights from the house casting his shadow over the assassin. The man glared at him, sneered even, as Erick loomed over him. Break his bones. A dark voice whispered, goading Erick. He didn’t listen, not right away anyway.

Erick crouched down beside the man, looking him in the eyes before speaking. “Who sent you?” He asked. His voice was colder than ice, the look in his eyes promising death to any and all who crossed him. Blood trickled down his shirt, escaping his magic that held onto the wound.

“Fuck you!” The man cursed, spitting in Erick’s face. Erick didn’t so much as flinch, he simply wiped the mucus away like it was a mild smear of food and not someone’s bodily fluid. The man didn’t balk at this, he continued to stare down the King as the shadows gripped him tighter.

Erick was vaguely aware of his magic snaring a few others, a frantic gunshot going off in the background. His attention was on the man before him as he considered his course of action.

In the darkness, the man appeared to be no older than his early to mid thirties, hardly a few years older than Erick. Erick briefly considered what would have caused the man to join the rebel cause, before realizing it was not much different than any other - the feeling of oppression. It was hard not to feel that way, Erick supposed, when magic was quickly becoming a rare trait among the larger populace. A larger populace that did not often hold any sort of ruling class.

Erick took a deep breath before trying once again. “You can tell me who sent you,” he started slowly. “Or I can find out.” He said in a dark voice, the magic of his shadows pulling tighter as Erick tried to push his way into the man’s mind.

Erick grunted in surprise as he was met with a hard wall or resistance. The man laughed at Erick’s struggle before cursing him again. Fine then, the hard way it is. Erick gritted his teeth as he not only pushed but ripped, pulling at and tearing apart any resemblance of resistance he could find as he dug through the man’s memories.

The man screamed and writhed, railing against the restraints of Erick’s magic as he dug through the man’s memories with no mercy. Erick had no time to be kind or gentle as he ripped from one memory to the next, looking for the information he needed. Despite his best attempts, key information seemed to be locked away, as if forgotten or magicked away. It’s very likely they’ve found a way to prevent exactly this. Erick realized with grim finality. It had proven very similar to when he went through Harold’s memories, which had parts that had been blurred or even completely missing.

Deeming the endeavour useless, Erick cut off the man’s cries with a quick flick of his magic as he stood up. Bone snapped as the man’s neck broke, killing him quickly and efficiently. A dark part of him found it deeply satisfying.

Erick felt the weight of eyes on him, and turned to find Flora standing in the hallway, her expression one of shock and pure terror. Her hand covered her mouth and her eyes bulged, her body rigid even as she held on to her dog. Even Spot stood stock still, his hackles still raised but he made no sound.

A wave of guilt and terror washed over Erick but he quickly shut it out. There was no room for dawdling kindness, not when there were killers in their midst. He returned to his task at hand, using his magic to pull the second of the three killers hiding around the farmhouse.

It was an older man this time, one who let loose a string of curses as Erick’s shadows pulled him through the dirt. He was quickly disarmed and forced to kneel before Erick, though he fought harder than the last man.

“How did you get here?” Erick asked, quick and straight to the point.

“You won’t get anything from me.” The older man growled, teeth flashing against his dark beard. Erick only sighed in frustration. I suppose it’s never that easy. He thought with some disappointment.

He repeated his steps from earlier, first probing then delving into the older man’s memories, his thoughts and mind warded just like the last. The old man grunted, heaving against the shadows that held him down as he tried and failed to slip from Erick’s grip. His grunts turned into sounds of pain, until he too was screaming and thrashing against Erick’s magic. It was a terrible thing to have your mind so thoroughly ripped apart, shredded to bits in the wake of Erick’s ruthless interrogation.

Erick tucked away any information that might be even remotely useful, finding that yet again the man’s mind had been magically wiped, similarly to the last. Erick ground his teeth in frustration, unable to stop the growl that escaped from deep within his chest.

With a quick flick of the wrist he killed the second man, leaving the body next to the first as he pulled up the third and final assassin. This time, it was a woman. She couldn’t have been much older than Flora, Erick realized with a start as the woman came into view.

Expecting similar behaviour to the last two, Erick used his shadows to gag her, preventing any more useless talk and going straight for her mind. He was surprised to find little to no restraint, pulling back in his efforts to dig in, but it was already too late.

Erick flinched when he felt an unfamiliar presence pushing into his mind, the feeling like a needle slowly sliding under the skin. The woman gave him a wicked grin as she slipped past his lowered defenses, forcing her way into his thoughts.

Erick recognized her magic as Day Magic, which could be quickly detrimental to his health if she was well trained. He felt her slipping through his mind, too quick to get a hold on as she swam through his memories.

Erick growled as they waged their silent battle. He was not going to let her go easily, not as she trailed through the intimate and private moments of his life. It wasn’t until she lingered on one moment in particular that he finally caught her, forcing her out of his mind even as he dug into hers. Erick was briefly caught in the memory, his mind going dark as an image of his parents’ cabin stood before him. For a moment it was as if he was there again, on the trail with Flora, his feelings for her not yet known. He refused to be pulled in, forcing the woman out of his memories with a rough shake. The woman made a noise of surprise before her face contorted in anguish.

Erick was not sly, he did not slip in and out unnoticed. He tore through her mind just as he had all the others, pulling back the layers as he desperately tried to find those missing pieces of her memory. She writhed in agony beneath him, making more than one attempt to regain a foothold in his mind but found it futile under the crushing weight of Erick’s strength.

Erick thought he was imagining things when he heard a woman screaming, lost in the deep pits of the woman’s memories. Perhaps he was only imagining what she would sound like had he not muzzled her with his shadows. Only he did hear screaming, and it was coming from the house.

Flora didn’t know what else to do as a man came up from behind her, yanking on her shirt collar and dragging her to the floor. She released her grip on Spot’s collar, and the dog immediately jumped for the strange man.

Spot grabbed a hold of the man’s leg and began shaking wildly, his teeth digging in as the man tried to pull away. With a sharp curse and a jerk the stranger used the butt of his gun to hit Spot, throwing the dog off him. That was when Flora started screaming. She reached for her dog but was thrown back with a hard kick to the ribs.

Flora hit the floor with a hard knock to the head, her vision swimming with stars as she tried to roll over. She barely managed that, curling in herself as she heard the cocking of a gun. The pain from Erick’s wound and the kick was all she could feel as time slowed down. I survived, only to die like this. She thought bitterly.

But the shot never came. Instead, Flora heard a loud thump and the sound of a man moaning in pain as a warm, comforting feeling spread over her. She opened her eyes to find herself shielded in darkness, the sound of boots climbing up the stairs behind her. Through the pain Flora turned her head over her shoulder to find Erick stalking through the doorway of the house, his eyes promising death as he stared down the strange man.

Flora looked back at the man to find him also on the floor, writhing in a soundless agony as Erick shadows pulled on and compressed him. That in of itself did not look necessarily painful, or so Flora thought. No, whatever he had done to the others he was doing so much more to this man.

Erick passed by her without so much as a blink in her direction, his attention totally focused on the man who almost killed her. Light dimmed around him, and it was as if shadows cloaked him, hugging his form and making his usually warm skin darkened by it. Flora shivered at the sight of him as he loomed over the man.

It was hard to tell with shadows around the man’s face, but it appeared to Flora that he was crying, a tear falling down his face. Erick looked on impassively, a darkness clouding his eyes in a way that Flora had never seen before. The sight shook her to her core. This is why they’re afraid of magic. Flora realized, now seeing that the truth had not been exaggerated.

Erick bristled with a rage Flora had not even known he was capable of, standing there as the blood from his wound dripped down his arm to his clenched fist. She wasn’t sure what he was doing but the stranger’s struggling grew more panicked, his movements sharp as he jerked against the strength of Erick’s shadows.

Before she could even feel bad for the man, it was all over. With a sickening snap his bones were broken, his body now still and contorted. The stranger’s eyes were open, an expression of fear and pain now frozen on his face. Flora’s heart stopped as the image of her father came crashing in, replacing the body of the strange man on the floor.

She couldn’t breath, she couldn’t think, her mind and body frozen in terror. Her eyes locked on to the body before her, looking but not seeing as her world started to fade to black. Then there were hands on her, shaking her back to reality.

“Flora!” Erick’s panicked voice was too far and too loud all at the same time as she gulped for air, her body finally catching up with her. As it did so, a wave of nausea hit her and Flora had to quickly pull out of Erick’s grip as her body retched. She leaned over on the hardwood floor on her hands and knees, vomiting on the polished wood.

She was hardly aware of Erick’s presence, though she knew he was there. He crouched beside her, one hand rubbing soft circles on her back as he made comforting sounds beside her. Flora shook as her body continued to evict her dinner. Her body was shaking violently by the time she was done, all of her energy spent.

She made no complaint when Erick helped her up, carrying her to the bathroom. The very back of her mind made a note that the hall had been cleaned, the body was gone, and the front door had been closed. It was quiet, even Spot didn’t make a noise.

Erick quietly closed the door behind him before setting Flora down on a chair in the bathroom. She didn’t know when she started crying, only that tears flowed down her face once more. A part of her felt ashamed of it, but the rest of her had no energy left to care.

She watched as Erick quickly and efficiently filled up the bathtub for the second time today, seeming to ignore his injury as blood soaked his white work shirt, leaving a large stain just above his heart. She said nothing when he came over to her again, his body heavy with an invisible weight.

“Would you like some help?” He asked quietly, so much so that Flora thought she had imagined it at first. That was when she realized the bath was not for him, but for her. She looked between the tub and him before shaking her head no. A sadness filled his eyes but he relented, nodding in her direction before leaving the bathroom.

Flora had no words for him, or for herself. There was no way to console herself from this one, this terrible truth. She did the next best thing and quietly undressed, stepping into the tub and allowing her body to soak in the warmth of the water as it rinsed away her sweat and tears.

Flora had remained in the tub for a few hours, only coming out when she realized just how late in the night it was. When she stepped out to dry off, she heard male voices coming from down the hallway. Her body froze, the towel barely wrapped around her as she strained to listen to what was being said. There were two voices, both were quiet. She noted that Spot was also quiet, a small comfort.

Flora cautiously continued to dry herself off, keeping an ear open to listen to the conversation down the hall. It was difficult to make out what they were saying, but it sounded as if one of the voices belonged to Erick. He did not sound happy.

Flora noted there was still an ache in her chest, which likely meant that Erick had not been healed yet. Not magically anyway. She was careful with the area as she finished drying off and putting on some clothes, unsure if the motion would cause him any distress. She was still unsure of how the whole thing worked, and was scared to find out at this particular moment.

When she was done, Flora quietly exited the bathroom, finding Spot had been waiting by the door for her. He looked up with a smile, his tail thumping on the floor behind him.

“Shhh!” Flora hushed the dog, hoping he didn’t distract the men - or males - in their conversation. Spot got the hint and swiftly stopped, getting up to stand beside her. “Much better.” She whispered before turning her attention to the room down the hall.

The voices continued speaking, and Flora could clearly make out the sound of Erick’s voice as well as two others. Who is he speaking to? She thought, her curiosity taking over. She knew deep down that the moment she saw him she would be reminded of all that he had done, but she couldn’t resist the pull to discover what was going on.

Flora tiptoed down the hall, making sure to step as quietly as she could so as not to be heard eavesdropping. Spot, unsure of what to make of her slow progress, stood where she found him and tilted his head in confusion. In any other case Flora would find it cute, but right now she was too distracted by the conversation in the other room.

“-too risky.” A voice said, one that Flora did not recognize. It sounded like an older male, though Flora couldn’t be sure if he was a male or a man quite yet. The thought of shifters being so different biologically still unsettled her.

“No one could have known that-” A voice, Dante’s Flora realized, was quick to answer but was swiftly cut off.

“You did Captain, you told us yourself and yet you failed to make the necessary arrangements.” The older male said angrily, his voice rising with his temper.

“What are you implying Bertram?” Dante growled, his voice low.

“Nothing, I simply-” The older male, Bertram, was cut off.

“It doesn’t matter.” Erick said in a dark voice. Both males were quiet, and Flora could only assume that Erick was staring them down with that intense gaze of his. “They had already slipped in, it was too late.” Erick informed them, his voice quiet. There was a sound like shuffling before any one of them spoke again.

“My Lord, I really think-” The old male broke the silence with his anxiety riddled voice.

“No Bertram.” Erick said with a heavy sigh. “I trust Captain Anderson, this won’t happen again.” Erick said with a finality that had Flora standing a little straighter.

The older male, Bertram, made several apologies and excuses in a mumbled tone. Erick soon dismissed him and the man all but rushed to leave the room. On his way out, Flora made eye contact with him. He was much older than Erick, and clearly a unicorn by the star on his forehead.

Bertram made an ugly face at her before turning to leave, whisking out the door and firmly shutting it behind him. She wasn’t particularly offended, not even knowing who he was. She was worried as to what earned her such a reaction though.

Flora heard the sound of hooves quickly after, and couldn’t help but imagine what he looked like as a unicorn. Despite having been at the castle for so long, she had seen very few shifters in their animal form.

Dante and Erick were slow to follow, the two coming out of the room only after the sound of Bertram leaving couldn’t be heard. Dante looked exhausted, dark bruises under his eyes and his body stiff and slow. Erick didn’t look much better, though he had put on a clean shirt since she last saw him. He rubbed his face with both hands aggressively, as if it would do anything, before noticing her.

“Flora.” Erick said, almost sounding startled. His eyebrows had gone up, his eyes wider than usual. It was clear he had not expected her, and neither had Dante, who mirrored Erick’s expression.

Erick walked over to her, moving as if he were going to hug her but stopped just short of doing so. For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His eyes quickly moved back and forth, as if making sure everything was as it should be. He swallowed before speaking, the column of his throat jerking with the movement.

“Are you… Okay?” He asked tentatively, Worry clouded his gaze, marked every line of his face, and held the tension in his body. This was something deeper than a normal worry or even anxiety Flora realized. It was tinged with fear, though she wasn’t certain if it was for her or because of her.

Eventually Flora nodded. “I’m fine.” She replied quietly. The tension in Erick’s shoulders eased up almost imperceptibly, though his gaze was still clouded.

Dante coughed uncomfortably from behind them. “I should get going.” He said before making a quick and curt bow. Without another word he turned around and left, the sound of his footsteps pounding quickly down the stairs before becoming muted by the gravel outside.

“It’s getting late.” Erick said in a hushed tone, turning to face Flora. “Why don’t we go to bed?” He asked, gesturing to the staircase. Just a glance at his hand reminded her of what he had done, what he had looked like.

Flora forcefully swallowed back the panic that had been rising in her throat. How could she be so afraid of him and yet care so much for him at the same time? He did what he had to. She told herself. They would have killed us. He saved you, again. He only did it for you.

Flora nodded her response, and followed Erick as he moved down the hallway. She took his hand in hers then, lightly closing her small hand around a few of his fingers. He gave her a sad smile before closing his hand around hers, the size of it dwarfing her own.