Heaven's Dragon

All That Glitters

Raphael leads me into the elevator, with Adalene hurrying behind. Raphael begins to speak as the doors close.

"So, miss Olivia," he begins, "what brings you to New York?"
"Well, sir, I was on my way to Latvia. I just need to rest."

He gasps slightly, but continues.

"What business do you have in Latvia?"
"The President has asked to see me, sir."
"Wha-why would he need you?"
"I'm wondering the same thing."

The elevator doors open to a brightly lit hall. I follow Raphael, and he stops in front of a door identical to the rest. Adalene fits in a key, and it swings open to reveal the room.

The furnishings are pristine, with almost as much gold as the lobby. There is a small living area to the front, with some couches and a gold coffee table in the middle. To my left is a small kitchen, and the right is a bed nightstand. There is a door leading to the bathroom to the side of the bed, and a full floor to ceiling window at the back of the living space, giving a gorgeous view of the city.

Raphael gestures to the couch.

"Sit, miss. We have much to discuss."

I sit down, and Adalene and Raphael sit across from me. Adalene looks nervous and awkward, while Raphael looks calm and in control. He begins the conversation.

"You are Heaven's Dragon, correct? You killed the Hell Beast?"
"Yes," I sad flatly, trying to keep the emotion in my voice stalled.
"Are you aware you are being hunted?"
"Adalene told me earlier, yes. Why?"
"Well, you see, miss," he began in a hushed tone, "there are some... Dark borns left."
"I thought they were all supposed to be killed?" I interjected, shocked.

"Yes, miss. But some... Had more light than dark. 49 and 51 percent, if you will. They showed dark qualities, but are, technically, light. They hate you. You, essentially, killed their families."

Well, I killed mine too. But I contemplate the information.

"How can they be avoided?" I ask.
"There aren't many, so it shouldn't be too difficult. Just stay low. Try not to fly into too many more major cities with your dragon form in full. You are headed to Latvia, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"How does a jet sound."
"I'm sorry," I stutter, taken aback.
"A jet plane, madam," Adalene interjects, excited.
"Yes," Raphael continues, giving a slightly annoyed look to Adalene, "we have one. You could... Borrow it. To get to Latvia. There would be no way you could fly yourself across the Atlantic Ocean. It's just too dangerous."
"Thank you, sir."
"You may take a companion, if you'd like. A friend, or something."

I glance at Adalene.

"May I take her?" I ask.

Raphael mulls this over, at first confused, but then pleased. Excited even.

"Yes, please take her."
"Thank you sir."
"No, thank you, miss," he says, getting up, "It was a pleasure to speak with you. The jet will be ready at sunrise tomorrow."

He leaves, leaving Adalene and I alone in the room. Night has fallen, but the lights from the city leave the room well lit.

"Madam Olivia, as you Americans say, no offense, but why did you pick me?" Adalene says nervously.

I smile at her.

"Because he told me to bring a friend. I don't have many friends these days, but it is safe to say that you are one of the few."
"Madam Olivia, I don't know what to say."
"Please, just call me Liv."
"Alright, Mada- Liv."
"Thanks," I giggle.

Adalene rises and strides toward the door.
"Sleep well, Liv. I will see you in the morning."
"See ya."

She leaves, and I'm alone again. I take a deep breath, and settle into bed. I drift off into a abnormally peaceful sleep.