A Pet for the Dragons

40.

ARIKA

I didn't know what was in the potion that Ivret fed me, but it made me feel much better.

I lay in bed, feeling better but still very tired. I didn't know what day or time it was. All that mattered was that my pain had vanished, and I could finally think straight for a second.

However, Zorge returned after a few moments, and I almost rolled my eyes. Thinking that I'd have a moment alone in this place was the biggest joke. I wouldn't be surprised if one of them also followed me to the bathroom.

I immediately closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep, hoping he would disappear. But instead of that, he climbed on the cot, getting closer to me.

"What are you doing? I'm trying to sleep!" I yelped, trying to get away from him, but there was only so much space for me to move around. My back was pressed against the wall.

"I'll settle beside you like this so you can throw your limbs all over me," He said, laying down, and I gaped at him for even suggesting that.

"I'm not doing that, and get off the cot," I hissed, but instead of moving, Zorge cocked an eyebrow at me.

"You've been clinging to me all this time, and now you don't want me?" he asked, leaving me speechless.

"I... I don't remember anything like that happening. When did I do that? You're just making stuff up!" I accused him, but he smirked. I wanted to drive my fist to his face instantly. As if he could read my mind, his smirk grew more annoying.

"Of course you don't," He said with a suggestive glint, "But I'm not going to hold it against you. I know you like the warmth of my body,"

I clenched my jaw and glared at him for saying that. How dare he! I was so close to punching him in the face and showing him how a sailor cursed, but I let go. I was weak, and if things didn't end well, I couldn't flee from here. I needed to be more strategic and diplomatic with my approach. I wish driving lists in people's faces was considered diplomatic.

I said nothing and silently turned away from him, giving him my back while I pulled the cosy fur blanket up to my head, hoping this would send him the signal, but I didn't feel him move from beside me.

Instead, I felt him inching closer and closing the distance between us until my back pressed against his front.

"Stop it," I hissed, but my words fell on deaf ears. Zorge draped his arm over me and snuggled me close to him.

"What are you doing?" I hissed.

"Making you feel comfortable," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "It's okay. I know you're hurt because of my brother. I'm just trying to make things better for you, Arika," Zorge said. Even though I couldn't see his face, I heard the sincerity in his guilty voice.

I was about to tell him that Radrox had nothing to do with my bleeding, but I stopped as soon as I remembered my plan.

If I told them that Radrox didn't have anything to do with my bleeding, then they wouldn't ostracise him. Radrox was the only one who could smell through my bullshit, and I needed to have him as far away as possible to manipulate these two and find a way out of this place.

These dragons seem to consider hurting females as a severe crime. I didn't know what they did to Radrox, but I was pretty sure it wasn't anything good. Radrox was utterly innocent, and a part of me felt deeply guilty for throwing Radrox under the bus, but this was necessary for my escape.

With Radrox out of the picture, I could easily manipulate Ivret and Zorge. I was going to do just that.

"I need to see a doctor," I said quietly to Zorge.

"What's a doctor?" Zorge asked, supporting his head in his palm and looking at me. I turned to face him. The blue streaks in Zorge's grey eyes looked so vibrant that it almost distracted me.

"They are human healers," I told him, and he gave me a curious look.

"Ivret is a healer too. He's looking at you—"

"Ivret is a dragon healer, isn't he? He doesn't know anything about humans," I told him, and he shut up, agreeing. I decided to push this further. "This has never happened to me... Zorge. I've never bled from my private parts,"

An emotion flashed in Zorge's eyes. It looked like rage, but it disappeared almost instantly.

"What did he do to you? Tell me!" Zorge demanded, moving closer.

"I don't remember anything from that night," I lied, and I felt like the biggest bitch for doing that, but I reminded myself that this was necessary. This was my only ticket out of this place. I needed to think of my well-being and escape above hurting some dragons. I was only hurting their hearts in the process. Lucky for them.

My words brought back that flash of anger in Zorge's eyes. He set his jaw and looked away. I could feel the tension running through his body; for a moment, I worried for Radrox. Was he going to murder him? This might take things too far.

I was okay because only emotions would be hurt, and hearts would be broken. Physical violence made things uncomfortable for me.

I cupped Zorge's face gently and looked in the eyes. This distracted him from the rage.

"You wouldn't hurt Radrox, promise me," I demanded. Zorge's nostrils flared. "I know you're mad at him, but please don't hurt him. Hurting him wouldn't make me feel better,"

"Then tell me what would make you feel better," Zorge demanded.

"You wanna know?" I asked, moving closer until our faces were inches away. Zorge was eyeing my lips hungrily, and it made my heart race. I shouldn't be feeling like this while being with a dragon but fuck this.

"Yes, tell me. What will stop the bleeding and take your pain away? I'll do it," He demanded.

"Oh... Zorge," I purred. "You're so sweet," His arm around my waist tightened.

"Tell me," He whispered.

"Take me to a human hospital," I said, sowing the seed of my escape plan. 

~

Read up to chapter 86 on Patreon along with daily updates. The link is in my bio.

Thanks for reading <3