8. Zoldryn
8
ZOLDRYN
I lift Lyra into my arms, her touch sending a jolt of energy through me. It's as if her very presence amplifies my strength and magic. I can feel the power coursing through my veins, making my scales shimmer and my wings beat with renewed vigor.
"O-Oh…!"
As I transform, Lyra's eyes widen in fear, but she doesn't struggle or try to escape. Instead, she clings to me, her fingers digging into my scales. It's a strange sensation, but not an unpleasant one. In fact, it only serves to fuel my determination to keep her safe and use her to my advantage.
I launch into the sky, the wind rushing past us as we soar above the obsidian empire. The underground obsidian city sprawls out below us, a maze of twisting tunnels with coves and towering spires carved from them.
As we fly, Lyra remains stiff and silent, her gaze fixed on the flames. No doubt her human eyes can't see much with the sparse lighting. I can sense her fear, but there's something else there too. A spark of defiance, perhaps? It's intriguing, and I find myself wondering what she's thinking.
We reach my lair, a secluded cave nestled on the outermost edge. It's a place of solitude and power, far removed from the politics and intrigue of the for the escape I often desire. As I land, Lyra's grip on my arm tightens, and I can feel her trembling.
I can't help but admire her spirit. I've heard it's a rare quality in a human, and one that could prove useful in the days to come. With Lyra by my side, I may just be able to overthrow the Elder and claim the throne for myself.
But first, I need to unlock the full extent of her powers.
I transform back into my dark elf form, the glittering hoard in my lair reflecting in Lyra's wide eyes. For a moment, she seems to forget her terror, her gaze sweeping over the piles of gold and jewels. Then her eyes fall back on me, and a strange pinkness fills her cheeks. I can't help but find it amusing.
"What...what are you?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I am a dragon shifter," I reply, stepping closer to her.
Lyra takes a step back, her eyes darting around the room as if looking for an escape. But there is none. She's mine now, and I intend to use her to my advantage.
"Uh," she says, her voice trembling. "You are entirely naked."
I chuckle at her naivety, glancing down at myself. "Yes."
I try to engage Lyra in conversation, but she remains guarded, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape. "So, Lyra," I say, trying to keep my voice casual. "Tell me about yourself."
She hesitates for a moment before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. "There's not much to tell. I was born into slavery, and I've been a slave my entire life."
I can see the pain in her eyes, and it stirs something within me. I want to comfort her, to tell her that she's safe now, but I know that would be a lie. She's not safe here, not with me. But perhaps I can make her life a little easier.
Lyra looks at me skeptically, and I can't blame her. She has no reason to trust me, not after everything she's been through. But I can't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. I'll need her to trust me if I have any hope of using her power to overthrow the Elder.
After a moment of silence, Lyra speaks up again. "What cleaning duties do you want me to begin with?"
I stare at her in confusion. "Cleaning duties? My lair is fine."
Lyra looks down at the ground, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I just assumed...I mean, I'm used to cleaning and cooking and...and..."
Seeing Lyra cower and apologize only fuels my anger. If I wielded the power that she so clearly possesses, I would never grovel before anyone. But then again, perhaps she's unaware of her own strength. Despite my rage, I find myself captivated by her abilities. All I desire is to experience the exhilaration it offers me.
I can't help but wonder how she managed to keep such a potent force hidden for so long. It's almost as if she's been suppressing it, like a dragon shifter trying to hide their true nature. The thought intrigues me, and I can't help but feel a strange sense of kinship with her.
As much as I want to lash out at her, I know that I need her trust if I'm going to harness her power. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing within me. Something I've never bothered doing before.
"Human," I say, my voice low and dangerous. "You have no reason to apologize to me. You are my property now, and you will do as I say."
She flinches at my words, but there's a fire in her eyes that I can't ignore. I stare at her in disbelief. How could someone with such power be so unaware of it? It's infuriating, and yet...it's also strangely exciting. I can mold her into the weapon I need to overthrow the Elder.