In the year 2026, the world had long since forgotten the existence of dragons. These magnificent beings, once thought to be mere myths, had emerged alongside technological advancements and environmental changes.
Genetic engineering and ancient DNA m...
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•°TAKEN°•
. . . .
The market buzzed with the sounds of haggling vendors, clinking coins, and the distant laughter of children chasing one another through narrow alleys. Silas adjusted the straps of the satchel slung over his shoulder, feeling the reassuring weight of provisions inside: rations, herbs, and a few precious trinkets they might barter for later. His mind was occupied, roaming back to thoughts of Lucifer and Allison. It had been two days since they had fled the military encampment, and he still struggled with the lurking dread that came with being hunted.
He stepped through the entrance of the bustling market, remembering what Lucifer had said, “Stay alert.” He scanned the crowd, searching for anything out of the ordinary. His heart raced, and he dismissed the prickling sensation creeping up his spine. It was paranoia, he told himself. But the shadow of their predicament loomed over him. Just two days ago, they had watched from a distance as soldiers scoured the hills, looking for dragons, or more specifically, their dragons - Shadow, Hellfire, and Dune.
Silas shuffled further into the throng, brushing past a vendor hawking brightly colored fabrics while clutching a handful of coins. He promised himself he would return to the others soon, with enough supplies to last another week in hiding.
But as he reached for an apple, darkness fell over him like a curtain.
. . . .
When Silas awoke, the world seemed muted. The harsh light of a single bulb flickered overhead, illuminating barren concrete walls. Cold metal pressed against his wrists and ankles—handcuffs. Panic surged as he took in his surroundings: an interrogation room.
He glanced at his reflection in a grimy mirror across the room, questions swirling in his mind. Where am I? What happened?
Footsteps echoed outside. The door swung open, revealing a tall man in military fatigues, his face stern and unreadable.
“Welcome back to the land of the living, Silas,” the soldier said, his voice clipped. He leaned against the door frame, arms crossed. “We’ve been looking for you.”
Silas pushed himself upright, a defensive posture instinctively taking over. “You won’t find anything here. I’m not telling you anything.”
The soldier chuckled dryly. “You misunderstand the situation. You're not the one in control here.”
As the soldier walked forward, Silas felt the flutter of fear. This was it; they had finally caught him. He was alone, separated from Lucifer and Allison, with no hope of calling for help. Memories of their dragons, still free and unbothered by humankind’s greed, flickered through his mind. He clenched his jaw, steeling himself.
“They think you’re a key,” the soldier continued, circling Silas, scrutinizing him as if he were an interesting specimen. “The military’s been interested in dragons for a long while, you know. They want to use them as weapons—airborne bombers, aerial scouts. They call it progress; I call it madness.”
“Unless you’re questioning me about why the sky is blue, I’m not interested,” Silas snapped, his voice rising.
The soldier's expression shifted, a mixture of annoyance and surprise. “You’re feisty. I like that.” He straightened up, his posture growing more authoritative. “We can make a deal. You give us information about the dragons, and I can ensure you and your friends stay… unharmed.”
As the soldier’s proposition hung in the air, Silas felt a wave of revulsion wash over him. He thought of Shadow, with his black scales that easily blended into the shadows, of Hellfire, whose fiery breath could incinerate the heart out of an enemy soldier, and Dune, the quiet protector whose massive wings had shielded them from the world's terrors. This wasn’t just a fight for survival; it was a fight for their very souls.
“No deal,” he said firmly, reminding himself of the bond he shared with his friends. “You can’t be trusted. You send our dragon into war and they'll die”
The soldier's eyes hardened. “You’re making this harder on yourself. Even now, we’re tracking you and your companions. One way or another, we’ll have those dragons. If you cooperate, perhaps it won’t end poorly for you.”
Silas held his resolute gaze, recalling Lucifer’s fierce loyalty and Allison’s unyielding strength. No matter what, he would protect them and their dragons, even if it meant sacrificing his safety. The soldier leaned in closer, his voice dropping to almost a whisper, filled with threat and promise, “We’ll see how long that simple resolve lasts.”
. . . .
Lucifer passed in worry when Silas hadn't returned, he prayed that he hadn't gotten caught but deep down inside he knew he had been.
"Lucifer..." Allison whispered softly, laying her hand on his shoulder, he shrugged her off and quickly walked over to Hellfire, climbing onto his back, "I'm going to go look for him" he said.
Allison sighed as she watched his ride off, Shadow taking off after them. When Dune gave a small sound, she sighed and climbed into her back, quickly flying after the others.
. . . .
"Ok...I have a new proposal...you, your friends and dragons win the war for us... we'll let you all live freely, no military bothering you, no press, nothing" he said.
Silas looked tempted, but this wasn't something he had to agree too, it was something his whole friend group had to agree to.
"Sir" a soldier said, walking in, "what?" He said, "the captives friends are outside...w-with the dragons" he said, the man glanced at Silas before rushing out.
