Chapter 26

As I sink into the depths of my dream, I find myself amidst an endless expanse of darkness. The air around me is cold and heavy, making each breath feel like a chore. My surroundings are devoid of any life, save for the luxurious velvet high-backed chair that appears before me as if conjured by some unseen force. The opulent purple fabric of the upholstery contrasts the gloom around me, and I' Lilah, the female lead, find it strangely inviting.
I cautiously approach the chair, running my fingertips along the smooth, cool iron chain that begins to emerge from its structure. My curiosity gets the better of me, and I cannot help but follow the chain's path. It leads me to a figure in the distance, a naked red-haired man. His dark skin is a stark contrast to the red streak of camouflage that adorns his rugged face.
As I draw closer, I see his horns, curved and menacing, jutting from his head. His body below the neck is covered in a sleek layer of red scales, and I can't help but gasp as I behold his dragon-like form. A wound on his muscular belly catches my eye, oozing a thick, black liquid that pools around him.
The resemblance to the dragon from my earlier dream is uncanny. I can't tear my eyes away from him as he looks up at me with a mixture of pain and defiance in his eyes.
"You must choose," he growls, his voice raspy and labored. "Stay and face the consequences of your curiosity, or leave now while you still can. The decision is yours, but know this - there is no turning back once the choice is made."
The dragon-man's chains rattle in warning as he strains against them, his body contorting in agony. I sense his torment, his desperate need for release, and I find myself drawn to him in an unexplainable, primal way.
What do I do? Do I stay and learn more about this enigmatic creature in front of me, or do I turn my back on this twisted yet captivating scene and return to my mundane life? The choice is mine to make, and the weight of my decision hangs heavy in the air.
With my heart pounding in my chest, I decide. I can't leave him in such misery, regardless of the consequences that may await me. "I-I'll stay," I croak, my voice barely a whisper. The weight of my decision settling heavily on my shoulders as I approach the injured creature.
He seems to sense my resolve, and a flicker of surprise and gratitude flashes in his eyes before he closes them, his head dropping to the floor in exhaustion. "So be it," he rumbles, his voice low and rumbling like thunder.
Slowly, as if trusting me not to bolt, the dragon-man lifts his wounded wing, revealing a jagged obsidian dagger protruding from his side. "You must remove the blade," he grunts, wincing with pain. "The poison it carouses... will kill me."
Trembling, I reach for the hilt, my fingers brushing against the icy cold metal. Steeling myself, I grip it tightly, preparing to free him from his agony. There's no turning back now. As I look into his eyes, I see no fear, only resignation and a flicker of hope. And hunger. For me. I take a deep breath, and with one swift motion, I yank out the blade.
A torrent of blackened blood gushes forth, staining my hands and cloak as I work to staunch the flow with a piece of fabric he rips from his tunic. His breathing comes in ragged gasps, his body shuddering with each heaving breath. "H-hurry... the antidote... my... pouch," he gestures with his free hand.
Frantically, I search through the satchel at his side, my hands shaking more than ever as I rummage through its contents. Finally, my fingers brush against a vial of shimmering emerald liquid, and I pull it out with a sigh of relief. Uncorking it, I raise it to his lips, but he shakes his head.
"No... not like that," he chokes, his breathing labored. "You... must administer... it... yourself."
He looks down and I follow his gaze to his erect penis.
My eyes widened in shock as realization dawned on me. I couldn't... could I? The thought of touching him in such a manner was both terrifying and strangely alluring. The venom coursing through his veins wouldn't leave us much time. Swallowing my pride, I carefully removed the stopper and bent over him, pouring the antidote into his shaft.
I took his penis into my hand and began
squeezing it gently, feeling the warmth and firmness that spoke volumes about his desire. His breaths came out in pants, and I could feel his entire body quivering with anticipation. I knew what I was doing to him. I looked up at him, my eyes locked onto his as I slowly moved my hand up and down his shaft, setting the pace for our encounter.
He groaned softly, his eyes fluttering shut as I continued to pleasure him. My other hand reached up to his chest, gently stroking his tight pecs as my fingers trace the outline of his nipple. His body stiffened slightly at my touch, and his breath hitched in his throat.
"Mmm, you feel so good," I whispered, my voice low and sultry. "Do you like that?"
He moaned loudly, his eyes still closed as he nodded vigorously. I smiled, feeling an immense sense of power as I took control of his pleasure. I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement run through me, my own arousal building with each passing moment.
My grip on his shaft tightened, and my strokes became more rapid, my hand moving in a steady rhythm that matched the pounding of my own heart.
He grunted and gasped, his body arching slightly with every stroke. His breaths were coming faster now, his moans growing louder and more desperate. I watched as sweat began to form on his forehead, a sheen of desire reflecting in his eyes.
He exploded in my hands.
"T-th-th... thank you," he managed to gasp, his voice a hoarse whisper. "I... owe you... one."
The mention of repayment made me uncomfortable. I had done what any decent person would have done, but I knew I couldn't deny the debt. "Don't mention it," I muttered, my cheeks flushing. "Just... rest. You need it."
With a weary nod, he closed his eyes, his chest rising and falling in a more regular pattern. Relieved, I allowed myself a shaky exhale before making my way back to the safety of my bedroll. The adrenaline was beginning to wear off, and exhaustion was setting in.
As I lay down, the adrenaline high faded, replaced by the weight of the day's events. Images of the battle and the serum's influence replayed themselves in my mind. I tossed and turned, unable to banish the memory of him... of us... joined as one. Finally , I drifted off into an uneasy sleep, haunted by the knowledge that my life had just become much more complicated... and dangerous.
I woke to the sound of birdsong filtering through the window, my mind foggy and my body aching. Slowly, the events of the previous day crept back to me, and with them, a blush crept up my cheeks. A quick glance at the empty space beside me was both a relief and a disappointment. I couldn't reconcile the gentle, sensitive dragon with the creature I had faced in the forest.
Throwing on some clothes, I made my way to the infirmary, desperately in need of a chance to clear my head and process the night before.
"Doctor... I... I need some... medicine," I stuttered, my face flaming as I recalled the events of the night before. "For a... headache," I added lamely, as if that would somehow make my request less conspicuous.
The doctor, to her credit, didn't pry. She handed me a small bottle of pills and a glass of water, her expression carefully neutral. "Take two of these, and try to get some rest. If your headache persists, come see me again," she said.
As I thanked her and left, I noticed two school workers whispering in the hallway, casting furtive glances in my direction. They were talking about a dragon but their voices were too low for my ears to pick up the individual words. But I heard enough. Alan wants anyone who can to capture the dragon and give it to him. What does he want with it?