Dragonblood

12

Amara. That name filled me with sadness. Alyziran dismissed me not long after our lesson. I walked the quiet corridor. How could someone be so cruel to kill their own blood? I grabbed my hair and twisted it into a bun at the top of my head. The dagger in my right boot, I made my way to the front gates. The sun was setting as I walked down the stone stairs that lead to the field. "Hey Zae!" a soft female voice shouted. I smiled, "Kyra". I looked at the beautiful pale skin women who was walking towards me. Her mid length blonde hair was loose. Her sea green eyes were breathtaking. Kyra was wearing leather thighs, short sleeve shirt, a leather vest and ankle boots. She carried a sword in her left hand. "Where are you headed?" she asked. "To the forest, exploring." I half lied. I couldn't tell her that I was attempting to locate my dragon to find answers to questions I had. Two shirtless males approached us, sweat dripping off their chest. "Kalinth. Alron. Is Kyra kicking your asses?". I'm relived that my brothers are finally adjusting to out new life style. Though they had no choice. "Be safe, yeah?" Alron spoke. I nodded then hugged them both, covering myself in their sweat. Kalinth rubbed my head before planting a kiss on my forehead. Kyra and my brothers walked away. I smirked as Kyra was walking behind them. I'm sure she's enjoying admiring their back muscles. 

I walked to the forest, taking a deep breath. I remember what happened the last time I ventured into the forest. I pray that I don't encounter those decaying creatures again. Vyles. That word no longer escapes me. I do wonder why Aeros asked me that question. Did he think Alyziran was wrong? Did Aeros believe there is more than what is being told? Pushing those thoughts aside, I focused on the tug. "I know you feel me." I whispered. I won't lie. I have been extremely frustrated that the dragon refuses to acknowledge me. Weakling. That is what my dragon called me. I sat on a fallen tree trunk. What am I doing? What did I want to find out? What secrets do I need to reveal? A branch breaking caused me to turn around. "Who's there?" I shouted. Silence. Unease crept into me. I should run. But what if it's those creatures from before? Sure, I can semi defend myself now but it might not make a difference. "Hello Vyles. I was wondering when I would see you again.". That voice. That word. I stood up and faced the trees. A figure appeared. A man, leaning against a tree. He was slightly taller than I. Pale skin with midnight black hair that was short on the sides and long at the top. He was dressed in brown trousers and a long sleeve shirt. And his eyes. My gods. His eyes were purple. I took a step back. "You know, it is rude to stare and not thank your savior for that night.". His voice was deep and powerful. There was something about him that caused me to back down and submit. But I won't. The man pushed off the tree and was suddenly standing in front of me. A hand on my chin, forcing me to look up at him. He had a metal hoop piercing in the middle of his lower lip. "I can sense it in you. The essence. Your power. It's still dormant within.". His breath brushed against my lips. I sucked in a breath. My pulse was racing. Why was I fascinated with him? The ground shook and a roar was heard. "That's my cue to leave." he said. He turned to walk away but stop after a few steps. "I'll see you soon, Vyles.". 

I dare not stand in the same spot for long. I don't know the owner of that roar nor do I want to find out. Quite frankly, I value my life. As stupid as my decisions can be at times, I have no desire to die today. I continued aimlessly walking through the forest. Thoughts consuming my mind, it was the only noise I heard through the quiet forest. Why was this called the forbidden forest? What did people think lurked in here? I began mumbling my theoretical answers to myself in hopes to quiet my mind. Unfortunately, it was little to no avail. I stopped walking when I heard a whisper. No, it was more like a presence. I was being watched. Bending down while keeping my head up, I unsheathed the dagger in my right boot. I do hope those few days or weeks of training come in handy to strike a deadly blow or at the very least, defend myself until I can outrun whatever was watching me. I'm beginning to regret not arming myself with a bow and arrow. I'm. no good with hand to hand combat. My eyes scanning through the trees, searching for someone or something that could be lurking in the shadows and waiting to strike. Suddenly, the sky became dark. I was temporally blinded until my eyes adjusted to the sudden darkness. My grip on the hilt of the dagger tighten. Out of the darkness from the trees to my left came a sudden bright light. "Out of the darkness, she will rise and destroy all". A voice whispered. A chill ran down my spine at the words spoken. "What the hell does that mean?" I whispered. A women appeared out from the trees. Her skin was pale yet glowing a bright light. Her long wavy brown hair was at her waist. She was wearing a long white flowy dress that rested on her shoulders and reached her ankles. A white silky material resting on her crossed arms and reaching the ground. She was bare footed. I stared at her. I can't pinpoint it but there was something about this women that was familiar. 

I watched as she began walking towards me. I wasn't tensed or scared, I was relaxed and I felt safe. Her footsteps were light, too light. No leaves or branches crunched underneath her feet as she continued walking towards me. Her hands reached up to touch my cheeks, I gasped at the feel of her icy cold hands against my skin. With her hands cupping my face, I had no choice but to look at her face. Her nose was small with a rounded tip. Her lips a light pink. Her eyes were golden, like a golden citrine gemstone. Her brown eyebrows furrowed together as she stared at me, studying me. Surrounding her eyes were scales? Yes, dragon scales. Golden dragon scales. On the upper part of her right breast was a mark, a golden dragon with its wings spread. "I have waited a long time for this moment", she spoke before sealing her lips onto mine. I gasped from the shock of her kissing me. After a few seconds, the feel of her hands on my cheeks disappeared and the light coming from her faded. I was in the dark again. Confused about how I missed the the moon rising, I stood there. Who was that women? And why did she kiss me? Shouting, screams and the sound of armored feet running, drew me away from my daze. I saw a crowd of people dressed in elegant dresses and suits. Their faces a blur but they screamed and were standing, staring. Guards in golden armor were pushing through the crowd and shouting orders. The sun shining brightly. Flags with a golden dragon were hanging from the roofs of homes and businesses. I was in a town square. But how did I get here? How did I leave the forest? I don't-I don't remember. The guards were getting closer to me. I tried moving out of the way but my feet wouldn't move. It was like I was glued to this spot. When the guards finally reached me, I was trapped and I moved with them as they continued pushing forwarded through the crowd. We reached the end of the crowd moments later. There was a large golden dragon growling at anyone who came close. It was then that I saw her on the ground, the women who kissed me. The dragon was protecting her. Expect she was wearing a ruby red dress, her hair was pinned back in braids, and she wore a simple gold crown with a dragon embedded in the metal. Something took hold of me and I ran towards her. The dragon did not growl when I approached and kneeled beside her. There was an arrow protruding through her heart. Her skin was paler than before. Blood spilled from her mouth as she looked at me and smiled. She took a deep breath, "You are". Her eyes closed. "Princess" I croaked and panic was settling in. Tears burned my eyes threatening to fall. Another breath. "My blood. My saviors. Guardians of the realm and its people. Do not fail me, Vyleses". Each word she spoke came with a deep breath. I watched in horror as the last breath was taken. No. No no no no no. Tears fell down onto my hands and onto her face. My body shook with fury and grief. A screamed escaped me but it was no ordinary scream. This scream was more so a roar. "AMARA!!"