Dragonsong

Chapter Two

We've been flying for a while in silence. We fly high into the clouds as I gaze out at the clear night sky. I look down at the mountains below, a view I never thought I'd witness.

It's so beautiful...

I feel Damon body rumble, his warm scales making me feel hot.

Hello, Erika. I believe I need to explain a few things to you.

I nod as I wait for Damon to continue.

My name is Damon Flare, and as you already know, I'm the Dragon King. And just so you know, I did not brand you...

I look at my forearm as he says that.

That ancient marking is called a Dragon's Mark. It's a mark left by an Alpha Dragon after he takes a mate. You and I are mated for life, and no matter what, I will not let the other dragons discover this. They are violent when it comes to you humans.

"Except for you..." I say, softly.

I hear his body rumble again. I wonder what that rumbling means.

Listen, the only way I can keep you safe is if you're by my side at all times. And in order for that to happen and prevent the other dragons from getting to you...

He pauses for a moment.

I need to make you my slave. If you are my slave, they can't get to you. I promise I won't let them harm you. You had enough of that at your previous home. No dragon has ever marked a human as their mate. It should be impossible.

I sit there on his back, unsure of what to say. The last thing I want is to become a dragon's slave. They are vicious and bloodthirsty. We are ants compared to them. That said, I find myself hesitating. Damon isn't like those dragons. He could've let those other dragons do whatever he wanted to me. And yet, he protected me. It's the strangest feeling I've ever felt, but I feel like I can trust this dragon.

I'll remind you that I can't hear your thoughts. You can just hear mine because I'm in my dragon form.

"I have a question," I say softly.

Yes? What is it, Erika?

"Do you believe that the markings are true? Do you believe that I'm supposed to be your mate?"

How would you feel if I said yes?

I feel myself beginning to blush.

"I know I shouldn't, but I'm happy. All my life, I've felt like I didn't belong anywhere. My life was hell. And now, the King of the Dragons is telling me that I'm supposed to be his mate. I will go along with you, because I believe you won't hurt me."

He grunts as we continue flying. I see a giant, black castle approaching fast. I quickly duck my head as I see other dragons landing at the castle as well. I notice that a lot of them are holding humans in their talons.

Is that how Damon would've brought me here if I hadn't agreed to go with him?

I hug my body against his back as we land. I slowly look around and see that we've landed on a balcony big enough for Damon to land here in his giant dragon form.

Once I see there are no other dragons around, I start to relax a little as I slide down Damon's back, landing on my feet. I stretch my arms above my head as I look up at the full moon in the sky. It's a beautiful night.

"Erika," Damon says, and I turn around to see that he's back in his human form.

"You know, I still can't believe that you're the Dragon King."