Crossing the Line | Oakstrid Story

Chapter 8 | Promises

"Goodnight, my little Valkyrie," Lotus smiled tenderly as she kissed her daughter's forehead. Spending the night at the Hoffersons' house was nothing new for me, as Astrid and I had shared many sleepovers throughout our childhood. Lotus, like a second mother to me, made her way around to my side of the bed, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead. I cherished this affectionate gesture, though I would never admit it. Her touch brought a sense of comfort, reminiscent of the soothing caresses my own mother used to give me when I was a child. Expressing my gratitude with a grateful smile, I watched as she extinguished the last torch on the wall, leaving only a small candle at my side to keep the darkness at bay. Lotus knew me well, understanding my fear of the dark.

Days passed, and it seemed as though my father was avoiding any interaction with me, barely even acknowledging my presence. However, today was an exception; the Haddock family was required to attend a celebration in Berk. Astrid's birthday was the highlight of the day, and I couldn't wait to join in the festivities.

"Happy birthday, Ast!" I beamed as she joined me for breakfast.

"Too early..." Astrid groaned, displaying her morning grogginess, which made her all the more endearing.

"And a good morning to you too," I chuckled, appreciating her ability to bring a smile to my face no matter the circumstance.

"Sorry, good morning," she smiled, placing a tender kiss on my cheek, causing my cheeks to flush with warmth. Her affection had a profound effect on me. "Thank you for breakfast," she sighed gratefully, relishing the meal.

"Okay, I should get to the great hall," I announced, rushing towards the door but pausing and darting back to Astrid. "Meet me tonight, our usual spot. I have something for you," I whispered to her.

"I'll be there," she assured, and with that promise in place, I hurried off to the great hall, where my father and Hiccup were already setting up for the party. My father remained indifferent, as usual, while Hiccup's presence alongside him was a discomforting surprise. The preparation for the party continued in silence, which was all too familiar to me, at least from Stoick. However, Hiccup's silent presence intensified my unease.

As the guests arrived, my father gave his traditional birthday speech, which I found incredibly dull. Finally, we joined the others at our usual table, where the conversation was less than thrilling.

"So, Astrid, how does it feel to be thirteen?" Snotlout asked with his usual boisterous manner. "Feels pretty great, right?"

"It feels just like being twelve, Snotlout. Except now when people ask how old I am, I say thirteen," Astrid replied, rolling her eyes, eliciting a giggle from me.

As the party carried on, I managed to slip away unnoticed, dashing straight to the arena—the same place I had been sneaking into at night. My father had heightened the arena's defenses to prevent any further escapes by dragons, but that wouldn't deter me from attempting to set them free.

Once inside the arena, I made my way to the central cage, which now housed a small, turquoise Mudraker. Despite the captivity, the dragon recognized me and relaxed in my presence. I fed her a handful of fish, which she eagerly gobbled up.

Sitting down beside the cage, I gently stroked the Mudraker's head, feeling a connection with the creature that my father couldn't understand. As I whispered soothingly to the dragon, I inspected the cage lock, determined to find a way to free her.

"I'm sorry, Aqua. My dad means well, but he just doesn't understand," I confided, my eyes focused on the lock. "I'm going to get you out of here. I promise. I just need a little more time." My resolve was unwavering, and I knew that even in the face of adversity, I would continue my efforts to protect and liberate the innocent dragons trapped in my father's arena. That's when I heard it; a voice calling out from behind me.

"What are you doing with that dragon?!"

***