Red's Demise

Academic's Frustration

Red

My finger softly thumped against the spines of old leather.

Books.

The one place I could always find comfort.

Even while stuffed into particularly painful shoes, I couldn't resist adventuring through the shelves in the Capital's grand Library. Seeking any sort of escape from my life.

I scanned the titles as I walked, a loud click of my heels following every step. My thoughts drifted everywhere until a particular title caught my eye.

The Bestiary

I paused and pulled the book from its dusty shelf. I found myself briefly perusing the leather-bound pages, searching for a particular creature. My stomach jumped as I read the words "Draco africanus"

Underneath, in small letters, was a fancy lettering of Wyvern.

Suddenly, my excitement could not be contained as I read the ancient history of what is supposed to be an extinct species.

I moved to find a comfortable spot to sit and read but huffed as my feet screamed in protest. Without a second thought, I kicked the annoying heels off and padded over to a particularly quiet corner of the library.

From my spot, I knew I'd be able to react if anyone tried to sneak up on me. So I allowed myself to plop on the floor and put the book to my nose.

The book, though usually surprisingly detailed, didn't seem to explain much on Wyverns and their powers. It focused on their history, and how they used to roam all of the planet until one day retreating to their own corner of the world.

"While particularly dangerous creatures, Wyverns used to all get along and shared the continents. But one Wyvern in particular grew hungry for everything. Little is known as to what happened amongst them, but Wyverns withdrew from all the continents. It's unknown where exactly they all went, though some believe they call their home in the skies, on a large floating landmass, unbeknownst to man.

For actual powers, again, Wyverns evade modern academics. It's obvious their colors relate to their powers. Darker colors seem to represent fire or lightning. Where lighter colors breathe ice or other forms of water. However, it is also believed their powers don't end there. Some have claimed to see Wyverns shift to human forms, and powerful human forms at that."

My eyes greedily sought every word as my brain committed every piece to memory. The people who had written this collection, seemed to know little about Wyverns. Which was fascinating in and of itself.

Every other collection had detailed anatomical structures, along with lists of powers, and weaknesses. The academics had spared no details for all other species, besides the Wyverns. As if they managed to evade interaction or even capture.

I found myself so lost in my reading and thoughts, that I hadn't heard the man now standing across from me.

The giant shifter stood with his arms crossed, and bright blue eyes glaring down at me. For some reason, I didn't bother to get up off the ground, accepting that the male had a tactical advantage.

"Are you reading about me?" His deep voice sounded almost like a purr.

I risked a glance down the male and had to resist my own purr. He was cloakless for once, instead dressed in form-flattering leather pants that were a stark black against his pale complexion. He wore a loose tan shirt, which was nearly undone, and showed way too much of his chiseled chest. His feet were covered for once, and he wore black riding gloves. Though something told me this man wasn't much of a rider, I figured, by his sweat-beaded skin that he had been working outdoors before coming in here. A girl could appreciate a fine slice, every now and then.