Rise of Fire: Dragons Reborn [COMPLETED]

Chapter 46

Talia's eyes peeled open slowly at first, painfully even, as the world swam in and out of focus. She winced at the blending of mana and solid sight, everything trying to mix together gave her a splitting headache. Or was it the fact that she was hung over? She could taste the bitterness of alcohol on the back of her dry mouth, how much had she drank?

Looking around she could see faintly the outlines of her room and the things in it including an unconscious Midnight draped across her floor, her body glowing a soft purple. She looked awfully peaceful when she was asleep, why was it that awake she was more a demon than anything? Grunting she closed her left eye bringing a more-clear focus and alleviating her headache slightly.

'You should go back to sleep, the sun is far off yet.' Reezara's sleepy voice filled her mind affectionately. Talia looked around, spotting the glittering blackish-red scales piled up in the corner next to the bed. Reezara seemed completely content, her eyes remained closed as she attempted to drift back to sleep. Talia sighed as she crawled over to her bed. The world was spinning violently, her stomach churned and pitched like a ship on rough seas.

'I don't anticipate I'll find sleep again tonight. I've got things to do.' Her heart was racing in anticipation of everything she wanted to get done. Drinking was all well and fun, but she wasn't going to let it get in her way. Once she reached her bed she reached underneath it and pulled free a chest-full of her old clothes. Inside she had her work outfit, tight fitting leather as black as the night. Perfect for her kind of gallivanting.

'Is it murdering?' Reezara's voice was quiet, almost as if she were drifting in and out of sleep. Talia smiled softly as she worked to wriggle into her clothes. She was pleased to find she hadn't gained any weight while being held prisoner, although her legs might have gotten a little less toned. She fit nonetheless, and it was a sweet sensation to finally be in her old skin.

'If things go well, perhaps.' She was eager to go bloodletting. While her stomach was still upset and her head was pounding she was energetic. Reezara's eyes opened slightly, her lips peeled up into a thin smile. Her tail slapped the floor eagerly and she stood.

'Maybe sleep is overrated, I'm suddenly hungry.' Talia reached back into her chest and pulled free a wickedly curved dagger. It was still as sharp as ever, she could almost imagine what it would feel like if she slid her finger across the blade. But she didn't need to, the memory was sufficient enough. She eyed Midnight again before rolling her eyes and dragging her over to the bed, throwing her onto it haphazardly. The woman didn't even stir, though she did snore slightly.

'Lets go find the last of the healers, I want to wrap up what we started. The sooner the better, before the King notices what I'm up to.' She knew at least three more of the lead healer's minions remained. Grabbing the vial of her potion she slid it down her cleavage after dousing the blade of her dagger.

Before she was able to slip past the door she heard the distinct angry cries of a particularly grumpy raven. She turned to see Nico sitting on the bed, his beady eyes glowing red in the dark. While they couldn't communicate mind to mind as they normally would, she could plainly tell he was upset at not being invited to the party.

"Fine, get your feathery ass over here you drama queen." She hissed at him darkly. She eyed Lotus and Midnight, neither moved an inch.

The halls were dark as expected, for whatever reason no one kept the torches lit in her corner of the castle. No guards stood post either, while it made her job easier it also came with some disappointment. Or perhaps it was Reezara's disappointment, she was oddly eager to dig her teeth into a human. To devour a guard.