The Dragon King

Chapter Three

Meadowpeak

Levi raced through the woods on the dirt path. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword as he panted trying to keep his pace up. One wrong move, one second of rest, could mean the end.

He glanced down as a giant shadow crept up overtop of him, blocking out the sun. He didn't dare look up. He knew what it was, but he couldn't risk losing his footing.

His heart pounded against his chest as he glanced ahead, knowing there was a clearing only a mile up ahead. What was he going to do? Risk stepping out into the clearing and being destroyed? But he had to keep running. Maybe somehow, he could outrun his pursuit.

Levi mustered what strength he had left inside and moved his legs faster. As he emerged from the tree-line, someone landed in front of him causing the ground to shake. A gust of wind blew him off his feet onto his back.

He shook his head and propped himself up on his elbows. His eyes opened wide as a massive, ferocious, dragon looked down at him with green eyes, the pupil split like a serpent. Purple scales coated its body, and large horns that made one curl mounted its head.

Levi gritted his teeth as he scooted backward. His hand outstretched as the dragon reared back, mouth open.

He clamped his eyes shut as another gust of wind appeared, and he covered his face with an arm protecting himself from the twigs and pebbles that flew his way.

"I win!" came a feminine voice in a taunting tone.

Levi lowered his hand staring up at a blonde who held a hand on her hip in a victorious pose. He huffed. "I don't think it's far that you get to morph into your dragon, Elyssa." He pushed himself off the ground and gave her a skeptical look. "Still not one hundred percent persuaded that you have full control."

Elyssa rolled her eyes. "You're just jealous that I always win." She hit his shoulder playfully with her own. "Besides, I've been able to control it for a full two years now."

"Wow, that makes me feel so much better." He rolled his eyes.

Elyssa giggled as she slapped him playfully on the arm again. "Come on. We better get home."

Levi sighed as he smiled. These were dark times they were living in, but no matter what, Elyssa's smile always made the day better.

He balled his hands into fists and took off running, sprinting past his friend. "Race you there!"

Minutes passed before they came to a halt right outside their village outskirts. They both stood with their hands on their knees panting from their run.

"I... win," Levi said through breaths. "You may have wings... but my legs are stronger."

Elyssa stood up straight, not replied to what he had to say, and walked into the town.

Levi sucked in one more breath before following after her. He looked around to find the same familiar people covered in dirt, houses beginning to crumble at the foundations, and the well that only ever game them dirty water. There wasn't much here, and it certainly wasn't the best living accommodations, but it was home.

As Levi strode up onto the porch of his home, he heard whispering coming from inside. He looked over at Elyssa to find her face, too, held confusion.

He shifted around his friend, circling the back of the house until he found the window that Mother cracked open every day to let fresh air in.

He knew Elyssa was behind him when someone placed a hand on his back. He craned his neck upward to listen to the conversation inside.