SPECIES- OLIVER

4. THE DRAGON

Marina descended the stairs slowly, her fists clenched at her sides and a serious expression on her face. With each step, her physical transformation became evident. Her hair grew rapidly, stopping only when the ends reached nearly to her hips. At the same time, her hair color changed. It appears her golden hue had been washed away to a dark black. Her nightgown was replaced with a tight black dress that barely covered her intimate areas, while dark stockings with small skeletal heads reached above her knees. On her feet, she wore leather boots with thick soles of Japanese design. A leather rocker jacket and heavy metal jewelry completed her dark style. She looked as if she had teleported directly from an anime cartoon. Dark eyeshadow framed her eyes, emphasizing their feline shape, and she had a piercing on her nose. She walked gracefully like a queen, glancing at her father and his entourage before shifting her gaze to Oliver, who was still sitting on the floor. By the time she reached the bottom of the stairs, her eyes were already hidden behind dark sunglasses.

She paused momentarily beside him. Her fiery red lips curved into a smirk. "Are you injured?" she asked sarcastically.

"No, I'm fine."

"Alright, next time I'll hit harder. Eva, let's go get coffee!" She stepped toward the exit.

He grabbed her by the wrist. She turned sharply toward him. He couldn't see her eyes through the dark glasses. Smart little witch, he thought to himself. He knew she was putting on an act. "We're not finished!"

"Dad, if you don't get him off my back, I can't promise I'll be a good girl," she said, not breaking eye contact with him.

"Alright," he said, releasing her hand. "We'll continue this conversation another time, when you're in a better mood. Most women are nervous before their morning coffee."

"I'm not most women," she said through gritted teeth.

"I know!" he replied seriously.

There was a change in his voice and stance. They stared at each other in silence. A satisfied smile played on his face, and his gaze seemed to penetrate right into her soul. What do you want from me!!! she screamed inside. You're the one who broke things off! She clenched her fists at her sides, restraining the magic that was simmering under her fingers. I won't give in, never! she repeated to herself. You don't deserve anything from me! Your perfect kisses aren't enough! Deep down, she knew she was lying to herself, but he didn't need to know that. Something was different this time; she felt differently around him. As if something was constantly pulling her toward him. You drive me crazy! She fought against herself, against the desire that constantly confused her. His mere presence drove her to the brink between passion and anger.

The silence was broken by Alfonso. "Marina, it would be best if you stayed. We need to talk!"

"Father, I can't spend another second in his presence!"

Oliver looked up at her and gave a sinister smile.

"No one is going anywhere. Oliver, get up off the floor!" Gabriel commanded.

Marina huffed in displeasure but walked over to the couch and sat down. Alfonso settled comfortably into an armchair opposite her. Eva sat beside Marina, while Gabriel and Zed stood. Oliver lazily got up and sat on the couch, with Eva forming a barrier between them. He leaned slightly to look at Marina, who, visibly displeased, turned her head away.

"Take off the glasses," Alfonso ordered.

"What's your name?" Gabriel asked authoritatively, looking at Oliver.

"You know my name."

"I know the name you chose for yourself. What I want to know is the name you were born with."