A Pet for the Dragons

79.

RADROX

It was sometime around dawn when I finally returned to the Castle. I'd been looking for the dragons the whole night, even in the storm, but it seemed like they teleported as soon as they got Callath.

Still, I patrolled and checked everything to ensure that no more surprises were waiting for us anywhere.

After securing our territory, I finally returned to the Castle. Even though I was somewhat tired, the adrenaline was still rushing through my veins, not allowing me to rest.

I checked on Zorge the first thing after returning. He'd been caught off guard and was almost knocked out. Though I found him alright, preparing for our journey later that day. From him, I learnt that Ivret and Arika had a fight, and Arika had stormed to her room. Ivret followed her, but he returned later in a terrible mood.

This made me want to check on Arika... but then I remembered our brief talk before Callath escaped. I remembered her words clearly. They were still ringing in my ears. She apologised sincerely, but I didn't want to give in too quickly.

Even if I wanted to... I couldn't bring myself to trust Arika in the slightest.

I tried to push her out of my thoughts and started preparing for our journey. I didn't have many belongings to pack except for a few fur cloaks and mostly my smith tools. It was sometime before noon when we were finally done with our preparations.

All of us met at the indoor courtyard. Arika was there, too, wrapped in one of Zorge's old fur cloaks. I gave her one glance and looked away. I could feel her eyes on me occasionally, as if she was expecting me to look at her. But I ignored her and revised our travel plans with Zorge and Ivret.

However, I wanted to more than look at her, but I held back my desires. My desires were my biggest enemy.

"How are we going to get there?" She asked as Zorge and Ivret busied themselves by checking all the luggage. I could tell they were also trying to avoid her, especially Ivret.

I was aware of his scuffle with Arika last night. Even though Zorge was talking to her, I sensed some coldness in his behaviour, too. The three of us shared our distrust for Arika. We wanted to trust her... but we couldn't.

"We're going to the teleporter," Zorge explained to her. "It's beyond the mountains further north."

"And how are we going to get there?" Arika asked, anxious. She seemed unsure and uncertain about all of this. I could tell that she was still shocked by the chaos Callath created. For a moment, I wanted to assure her that everything would be alright, but then I remembered her apology. Trusting her so quickly would be immensely foolish.

"Of course, flying," Zorge answered with a shrug and instantly, a sickly look crossed Arika's face.

"W-why?" She asked.

"It's faster." Zorge snapped. "We don't have much time to waste,"

"Who's taking me this time?" She asked, looking at us again.

"I will fly ahead to scout the area outside our territory. Ivret's carrying all the stuff. So I guess it's my brother this time," Zorge replied. My dragon purred at the thought of carrying Arika, but I clenched my jaw and gave Zorge a stern look. He knew what he was doing. But there was no time to change plans.

We needed to get to Cerdosa as soon as possible. That'd leave us a couple more days to figure out something.

"We're leaving now," I announced, not looking at Arika. "Are you done fiddling with your things, Ivret? Why do you have so much luggage? Are you bringing your whole study?" I asked, annoyed by the huge boxes Ivret had lined up.

"Well, these are important potions and ingredients I collected here. I need them," He replied curtly. It was very unlike him. His mood was visibly terrible, and I didn't have to guess why.

"Alright," I muttered and headed out. My dragon had already started pacing inside me, knowing we'd soon be carrying Arika. This made me anxious. I didn't want to fall deeper into this. I needed to be more cautious and guarded.

Though no matter how hard I tried, Arika seemed to know how to sneak into my walls unconsciously. At this point, she didn't even have to do anything. I was afraid I'd break if she merely looked my way needily. I was worried I'd give in that easily.

I clenched my jaw and tried to push her out of my head. Instead, I tried to focus. We needed to get to Cerdosa quickly and safely. I phased into my dragon, stretching my wings wide.

I heard a small gasp behind me, and this time, I couldn't stop looking at Arika. She froze on her track and stared at my dragon wide-eyed.

Fear flashed into her eyes momentarily, followed by a pure look of wonder and intrigue as she stared at my dragon. My dragon was instantly over the moon to have her attention. Just to put on a show for her, he flapped his wings and gave a loud screech that could shatter glass easily.

Arika cowered and covered her ears. She gave my dragon another uncertain look, and for a moment, I wondered if his slight bravado scared her. But I was relieved when she finally took some steps towards my dragon. She was still somewhat uncertain, but she was enthusiastic.

"Good draggo," Arika cooed, holding her hand out. "Can I pet you, or do you bite?" She asked. In response, I let out a string of smoke. Arika paled visibly.

"Right, you breathe fire," she said sickly. "Just be gentle while flying. No sharp turns or sudden drops. It makes me sick. I—" Before she could finish, I snatched her in my claws and took off for the sky. I couldn't help but internally chuckle at Arika's panicked laugh.

"AHHHHHHH! YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS!!!"

~

Read the next 50+ chapters on Patreon. The link is in my bio.

Thanks for reading <3