Layla the dragon princess

Chapter 8 - Scolding

Layla's POV

The whole ride back the panic grew stronger and stronger as we got closer to the school.

Oh my gash, we are so dead. This is all your fault Dakota. I could have been sleeping soundly in my safe bed but noooooooo , you had to put me 100s of feet in the air behind two very angry males.

"Oh your over thinking it. Maybe they'll calm down on the flight back. I hope."

"You hope ? You hope ? That doesn't help at all. I don't like getting into trouble, it makes me all anxious."

"Just be quite and look really sorry and sad. He'll soften up."

Our little conversation was interrupted by John's loud voice, " start circling down."

We did as told and when we hit the ground I pulled my nonexistent acting skills together.

" John you know I'm sorry right ? Dakota's excitement just got to me and it was a split second decision. She's very persuasive. I understand that you're mad and you have a right to be."

John looked at me for a few seconds with an anguished face and replied , "What if you couldn't control her ? What if you fell and screamed for help and nobody could hear you ?... What if you died out there ? I was scared to death Layla. Never do that to me again. Please."

My eyes filled with tears at the thought of him caring so much for me, but also for the hidden anguish in his eyes, like he was reliving a memory and I can't help but wonder who, how and when.

" I promise I won't. I'm so so so sorry John please forgive me." I said with tears running down my cheeks.

John stepped closer with a sad smile on his face, "Don't cry Layla. You are more beautiful when you smile." He said as he swiped away my tears.

I gave a short but happier laugh and hugged him close. "Thank you for caring for me. I've never had someone like that before."

John hugged me tight and said, "I do care Layla, more than you know. It's not true though, your parents cared for you, so so much."

"I want to learn about them John. I want to find out what happened to them and why they had to leave me behind. I just... want to understand."

"I don't know much but I know someone who may be able to help. I'll help you. But for now, go get some sleep and no more midnight adventures without me or a guardian."

"Thank you so much, it means the world to me. Goodnight John , sleep well."

And with that we all parted ways, the dragons to their nests and John and I to our rooms.

In my room I think about what John said as I put on my pj's. I want to know what happened to the person he talked to passionately about, even though he didn't notice.

My mind is racing with all that happened tonight and I try to calm my thoughts and go to sleep.

After a few minutes I succumb to darkness.

(Dream)

I'm running , but I'm not getting anywhere.

The darkness behind me is close. HE wants me.

I kick my legs and sway my arms but it feels like I'm running in one spot.

"I will have you chosen one. Your power, your energy, your magic,...YOUR LIFE WILL BE MINE !!!"

The scraping voice echoes in my head and tries to brake down my minds barriers.

I scream as the voice gets closer and repeats over and over," Krinos , Krinos , Krinos."

My head starts pounding with pain and I feel close to tears.

I scream and sit up in bed covered in sweat. Then the tears come.

After a while I calm down and decide to take a shower. It's almost waking time anyway.

I take a long hot shower to sooth my nerves and put on my uniform.

By now students should be making their way to the eating hall so I do the same.

At the bottom of the stairs I find John with all his friends and I join them.

"Why does it look like you didn't get any sleep?" Asks John with a frown.

" I had a very intense nightmare and I'm still a bit shaken up." I say with all seriousness.

The group quiets down and look at me expectantly.

Taking a deep breath I told them about the dream and at the end I ad, " Then I kept hearing this voice in my head saying it wants my life and my powers. I couldn't escape him, it's like he was in my mind. Then the chanting started, Krinos, Krinos , Krinos and I woke up in a sweat."

The whole group looked at me with wide eyes and John asked, " What did you say his name was ?"

"Krinos."

John for the first time ever looked truly frightened. He grabbed my arm and pulled me down all the halls , dragging me behind him.

"Where are we going John?"

"To see my father." Is all he said.

We burst through the door and startled the headmaster.

" Good heavens what is the meaning of this ? " the headmaster demanded.

John looked straight into his fathers eyes and said,

"He's back."