The Enchanted Warriors (Dragon Riders AU)

77🤎

Tori slowly got up, her body aching. The massive dragon's head snapped back to look at her, its piercing gaze making her feel small. Her vision was slightly blurred, and a warm liquid trickled down her forehead. When she touched it, her fingers came away stained with blood.

The dragon let out a deep, grumbling sound of disapproval, a hot puff of air escaping its nostrils and washing over her.

"Thank you for saving me," Tori said, looking at him. The dragon's eyes flickered to her bloody hand, and a low, soft rumble echoed from deep within its chest.

"I'm fine. Don't worry, you can go now," she added, though her voice wavered.

The dragon didn't move. It simply stared at her, its enormous face making her feel even smaller.

Tori glanced around, her eyes landing on Y/N, who was sitting atop a massive green dragon, waving at her. Relief flooded through her as she slowly made her way toward Y/N. The red dragon, however, followed her, its massive form moving cautiously. Each step was slow and deliberate, as if it was afraid of startling her.

"Tori, you're okay, right?" Y/N called out, concern evident in her voice. But then her eyes widened.

"You're bleeding! V, put me down! Put me down!"

V, the green dragon, loosened the vine-like roots wrapped around Y/N's legs, which had been securing her in place. Slowly, he lowered her to the ground.

Y/N immediately fussed over Tori. "You're not fine-you're bleeding so much!" she protested.

"I'm fine," Tori tried to insist, but the dizziness creeping into her vision said otherwise.

Y/N didn't listen to Tori's protests. She placed her hand on Tori's forehead, her eyes glowing blue. A soft, shimmering light spread over Tori, washing away the pain as her wound slowly began to heal.

"There. Now you're okay," Y/N said gently.

Before she could say anything else, B.i lowered his head close to her, making V snap his head around, glaring at the red dragon.

"You-" Y/N started, pointing at B.i, but before she could finish, the vine-like roots wrapped around her again, lifting her back onto V's back.

The green dragon didn't give her a chance to protest. The moment he knew she was secure, he spread his wings and took off into the sky.

Tori watched as the green dragon flew away, then glanced down at her watch. Three hours left. Exhaling heavily, she started walking-only to have her path blocked.

A massive red tale settled gently in front of her. Not in warning, not in threat-just a quiet, deliberate stop.

She looked up. The dragon's red eyes bore into her, unreadable yet intense.

"I need to go," Tori said firmly. The dragon didn't move.

She tried stepping around it, but again, the tale shifted, blocking her path. Again and again.

Frustration flared. "What now?" she snapped, her voice sharper than intended.

The crowd fell silent.

Everyone knew this dragon's reputation. It was ruthless, feared, known for its brutal discipline. Even its chosen riders had to tread carefully. A raised voice, a sign of defiance-normally, that would have consequences.

But instead of anger, something flickered in the dragon's eyes.

Hurt.

Was that even possible?

Guilt settled in Tori's chest, and she lowered her voice. "I need to go, or I'll be eliminated," she said softly.

The dragon stared at her for a long moment, then nodded-slow, deliberate. It lifted a talon, motioning toward its back. An invitation.