The Dragon's Mate

Chapter 17

The flame answers to Emerald as a spark of embers crackles and floats up into a small, hidden pathway. Hunter says, "wow, I did not even see that." Emerald says, "neither did I but a voice inside me did." Hunter says, "Emerald, you're incredible...." Emerald blushes as she soon lets go of the power and is mesmerized by Hunter's gaze. Emerald soon begins to feel tired as she stumbles however Hunter holds her saying, "easy there." Emerald feels her eyes closing as Hunter lifts Emerald in his arms as she asks, "hey what are you doing? your arm...." Hunter says, "my arm has recovered now, let me do this small thing for you, after you did so much for me." Emerald nods saying, "ok, if you insist." Hunter smiles saying, "I do." They soon enter the chamber, which is illuminated by enchanting, shimming ore like thousands of fireflies flickering above them; Emerald says, "this is so magical." Hunter says, "it does not compare to what you just did back there, Emerald." Emerald says, "I am glad to be of assistance." Hunter holds her hand saying, "this is not the first time you have been useful, Emerald." Emerald felt appreciated and touched by Hunter's kind words as she sadly said, "well my family always told me that I was stupid and useless, I've learned not to offer any suggestion that they would shoot down, nothing I ever said was right or taken seriously." Hunter felt anger saying, "they are wrong, you are not stupid or useless, you are very smart." Emerald says, "I have caused many problems for you though, look at this mess we are in, Hunter.... all because of me." Emerald turned away to hide the tears as Hunter held her hand and spun her around to face him saying, "no, I was the one to put you in this situation, and I am sorry for that, I have hurt and humiliated you just like I was taught to, we treat all human like you are nothing important, I am to blame". Emerald asks, "is it because we're different and a threat to your kind?." 

Hunter replies, "we were taught humans were vicious, that you wanted bombs and guns, and slaughtered for the fun of it." Emerald says, "Dragons are the ruthless one, you're massive, breathe fire, transform at will and seem impossible to kill." Hunter says, "you're right I should have known better, the only humans I have known have been weak servants worked under the heels of Dragon, I should have done more to change things." Emerald says, "there is still time." Hunter has an anguish expression saying, "there is not as much time as you would think."  Emerald takes Hunter's hand as they pass through the exit near a waterfall as they see the moon and night sky; Emerald says, "we did it, now we can-". Emerald is unable to finish her words as she feels an intense dizziness and ache which makes her fall to the ground. Hunter sees her in pain asking, "Emerald, what is the matter?." Emerald holds her head as Hunter extends his hand to pull her up as Emerald says, "I feel so weak and dizzy... everything is spinning." Hunter notices Emerald trembling as he says, "you are freezing like ice, I think it might have been when you used that new power in the cave." 

Emerald asks, "what is happening to me. Hunter?." Hunter replies, "I think you are not used to using that power and your body has been drained of energy because of that." Emerald shudders as Hunter hugs her and brings her closer trying to warm her up saying, "come here." Emerald says, "what are you-." Hunter says, "shush, don't speak." Emerald feels Hunter's warmth as she also smells the strong scent of musk and leather from Hunter's embrace. Hunter says, "look I will not lie to you, it is going to be a difficult night, but I will try to make it bearable for you, Emerald." As he pulls her closer to his body for warmth she feels the Dragon's mark humming softly as she wonders, 'I feel so... safe? being in Hunter's arm should I really be feeling this?.'  Hunter gently strokes Emerald's cheek saying, "close your eyes, Emerald I am right here." Emerald holds Hunter saying, "you won't leave me?." Hunter shakes his head saying, "no way." As they lay on the floor Emerald asks, "have you always been this warm and fuzzy?." Hunter replies, "I am a Dragon, Emerald." Emerald feels her eyelids getting heavy as she giggles saying, "is this normal? feeling this cold after a power like that wakening?." Hunter says, "Emerald... no one has every done anything like that, there's nothing normal about it." Emerald says, "really? I must be some kind of freak." Hunter looks at her saying, "don't ever call yourself that, you are the first human to bond with a Dragon.... your power, you are extraordinary, someone special Emerald." Emerald soon drifts into a deep sleep peacefully and warm in Hunter's arm as she has a dream of human being hunted, and the roars of Dragons moving closer as she wakes up to scream however Hunter places his finger on her lips signalling her to be quiet.