A man and a Beast

Chapter 27 - A taste of history

(Sorry for the delay. I hoped to have this out sooner but I got tied up with the new cover)

(Enjoy the second longest chapter so far)

Felicia

Orange light blinds me. Strangely I don't remember the lava columns being this bright. Squinting I use my third eyelid, a kind of eye protection, to shield my eyes from the light. Apparently we are the only known species that can do that. Or so we think. Can't really just walk up to the human scientists and ask.

Yawning I stretch my muscles for the day to come. Hearing many satisfying 'cracks' as I do. I push the heavy silk covers off me, sliding off the bed as I do.

I jumped back with an embarrassing 'yip' sound when I see a humanoid figure at the balcony. However, the moment I hear the person chuckle, my body relaxes.

"Morning Felicia," Colin greets with a grin.

I nod, "Colin. Good morning."

Once my brain starts to turn, do I cock my head, "Shouldn't you be in the medical wing?"

"Oh yea, Agon's plant stuff did the trick," He explained, "He actually let me go in the last hour or so. Housekeeping, or whatever you call them, guided me here."

"Huh..." I forgot about our special supply of healing herbs. We have a few specialties that only grow inside of volcanoes that no human have ever seen. Well until now I suppose.

Colin was leaning against the railing, which was a bit large for him. His clothes were getting worse for wear. With holes in his pants and torn strips along his shirt. He got rid of the jacket he had.

I walk up next to him. Sitting down then resting my front talons on the handrail. Colin's gaze was wandering all around the massive cavern, or what we could see of it. The palace blocked most of the view.

"Beautiful isn't it?" I say taking in the sights.

He grunts, "Quite truly," He says with an undertone hard to hear.

Lucky me dragons have quite good hearing. So I catch the depressed tone buried beneath.

I frown, "Are you sure you're ok?"

"Yea."

Lie.

I face him, "I know something's up. It's ok, you can tell me. We're friends," I soften my voice.

"No I–" He sighs, a long one, "It's just I don't belong here."

"Colin-"

"You can't deny it," He interrupted, "I've seen the looks I got from the workers at this castle. No doubt that city down there thinks worse when they see people like me."

I take a moment to respond to that, "It's safe for you though. As long as my parents and I live, you are safe. And my dad's one tough uh what was it? Cookie."

He huffed, lowering his head. Shaking it as he does, "Even if that's so I'm trapped down here. I'll be shot in the head if I even so much as peek my head out that hole."

My eyes just catch the light reflecting off a single tear. Putting on a gentle smile I drape a wing around Colin.

"We will both get through this. They can't search forever. There is always a point where someone will say 'I quit'. And we just have to wait for then."

"Till then?" His voice got shaky.

I tighten my wing, "Till then. And till then we are safe."

He sighs, letting go of his stress. He leans into my side, accepting the embrace.