Found In The Flames

"We're halfway through the story, and the genie has become even more bitter than he was in his previous life," Visenya stated.

"That's because his last master callously threw his lamp into the ocean. He spent a hundred years lost at sea," Lucian justified.

"Still... he's taking all of his anger out on this poor, young woman, all because she's indecisive and doesn't know what to wish for," she retorted empathetically.

"He's never stumbled upon someone like her before," he expressed, his voice filled with compassion. "All of his previous masters were eager to seek power and wealth, but she's different from the rest. He doesn't know what to make of it."

"That's because she isn't self-absorbed like all the others," Visenya expressed, a hint of admiration in her voice. "She genuinely cares about others. I really like her."

"Good, because she plays a significant role in this story," he said, his words carrying a sense of importance.

"Don't spoil anything for me," she scolded playfully.

"I'm not, I'm just saying..." The corner of his mouth quirked up, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"What would you wish for?" She asked.

"Nothing, I have you, and that’s all that I want in this world.," he replied sincerely.

"Oh, come on," she pressed, her tone insistent. "If you could have any wish granted, what would it be?"

A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he considered the countless possibilities that raced through his mind. "If I had to choose, I would wish to turn back time and do things differently."

Curiosity sparked in her eyes as she leaned closer. "Like what?"

His gaze softened, reflecting a hint of regret. "Like treating certain people in my life a lot better."

“Like your father?” She inquired.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "He's one of them."

"Lucian, you can't beat yourself up for your past behavior," her words were filled with reassurance. "You were just a kid, learning and growing. Look at you now... You're kind, caring, and you make me feel so very loved and important. You're a good man."

If only she knew the truth, he thought silently. With a forced smile, he redirected the conversation away from himself. "What about you? If you had one wish, what would it be?"

"Hmm..." she thought aloud, contemplating her deepest desires. "To swim with the dolphins."

"Swim with the dolphins? You don't need a genie to make that happen," he replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, I don't think we live anywhere near an ocean, and it's not exactly safe for me to be around other people," she explained, her voice tinged with wistfulness. "So, yes... I would need a genie."

No, she just needs a dragon to fly her to a secluded island. However, he had yet to reveal himself to her, fearing that his dragon form might startle her half to death. Would she be frightened or awestruck? The answer remained a mystery, and he wasn't sure if now was the right time to unveil his true self.

"I better go and check on our lunch," he announced, gently lifting her off his lap and guiding her back into the chair. "It should be ready now."

As he disappeared into the castle, leaving her on the balcony, a slight frown played on her lips. She gazed out at the sprawling landscape, feeling a twinge of guilt. She couldn't help but blame herself for their seclusion from the outside world. If only she had her memories back, she thought, perhaps she could find a way to control this mysterious 'curse' that now plagued her existence.

“I need something that can help me remember,” she proclaimed to the heavens.

A raven suddenly flew in and landed on the edge of the balcony. It was clear that this was no ordinary raven; it was a messenger bird with a note attached to its claw.

Visenya rose from her chair and cautiously approached the bird, careful not to startle it. Surprisingly, the raven seemed receptive, inching closer as she reached out for the note. She gently retrieved the parchment paper from the small tube and carefully unrolled it to read its contents.

"What is that?" Lucian asked, startling her with his unexpected presence.

"I... I don't know," she stuttered. "The bird just flew in out of nowhere with a message that makes no sense to me."

He took the note from her hand and scanned over the text: "He lies to you. Search for the red carpet."

"What does that mean, Lucian?" She queried.

His jaw tightened, and his eyes turned cryptically dark. "Which direction did this bird come from?"

"Uhm..." She glanced back at the raven, uncertainty in her eyes. "From the north, I think. I'm not really sure."

"It probably just veered off path," he lied. "Perhaps, it was heading towards the kingdom or one of the surrounding villages. Why don't you go down to the dining room, and I'll join you in two minutes? Maybe I can put him back on track."

Her forehead creased as she hesitated, torn between him and the mysterious bird. He couldn't help but worry that her trust in him was beginning to slip away.

"Alright," she finally replied, her tone tinged with doubt. "I'll meet you downstairs then."

He waited until she had retreated inside and left their bedchamber before he turned back and looked the raven dead in the eye. Oddly enough, the raven returned his gaze with an unsettling intensity, as if it knew his deepest, darkest secrets. This stirred a surge of frustration within Lucian, and he cursed the gods for the birds of the sky, who seemed to lack the fear of dragons that other creatures possessed.

He carefully rolled the note back up and placed it inside the small tube. Then, with precision, he tied it back to the raven's claw. As the raven flew off, Lucian took one last look behind him, ensuring that Visenya wasn't silently observing. Satisfied that the coast was clear, he agilely leaped up onto the balcony and seamlessly shifted into his dragon form.

With determination, he trailed the raven, hoping that it would lead him directly to the messenger. In that moment, he wanted nothing more than to confront them about their audacious note, because he’d be damned if anyone came between him and Visenya.

Lucian's hope began to waver as he realized that the raven was not heading towards the kingdom but flying aimlessly towards no man's land. However, his skepticism was interrupted by a sudden and astonishing turn of events. The raven abruptly burst into flames, illuminating the sky like a mythical firebird before inexplicably vanishing into thin air.

Lucian followed the dwindling remnants of the flames as they descended towards the earth. As he touched down, he gracefully shifted back into his natural form, his eyes fixated on the final embers of the flames dissipating into the dirt. Perplexed and intrigued, Lucian found himself confronted with a series of inexplicable occurrences that eluded any rational explanation.

He quickly flew back to the castle, pretending as if nothing had ever happened. However, Visenya sensed that something was bothering him. Throughout the night, he remained quiet, lost in his own thoughts, with a persistent undercurrent of dread surrounding him like a buzzing echo.

That night, as they lay in bed, he held her tighter than usual, as if fearing she would slip right through his hands. Between the incident with the raven and her relentless nightmares that haunted her every night, he felt like his time with her was ticking away.

He wanted to tell her the truth now more than ever, but he knew that it would surely come with a price that he was too stubborn to pay. The mere thought of losing her was unbearable to him.
———

"Hello?! Is anyone there?!" Visenya's trembling voice cried out, echoing through the eerie darkness.

She walked down the path, a haunting silence enveloping her, sending shivers down her spine. It felt as if her body was no longer her own, but a mere shadow, disconnected from the tangible world. Desperate for guidance, she called out again, her voice carrying a plea for help through the blackness.

And then, like a beacon of hope, a beautiful white wolf materialized before her. The wolf called out Visenya's name, her voice carrying a soothing melody that instantly eased her fears. Her fur gleamed with an ethereal radiance, as if touched by celestial light.

Visenya was overcome with an overwhelming desire to touch the wolf's fur, to feel its softness against her fingertips, to hold her close and never let go. With a heart full of joy, she followed the melodic sound of the wolf's voice, drawing closer to the luminous glow ahead. But just as she was about to reach the radiant light, a sudden, brighter light caught the corner of her eye.

She gazed towards the blinding light, her eyes struggling to adjust to its intense brilliance. Through squinted eyes, she finally discerned a formidable presence. It was a bird, unlike any she had ever seen before. This majestic creature resembled an eagle in size, adorned with vibrant scarlet and gold plumage that blazed as fiercely as the sun in all its glory.

Visenya couldn't resist being drawn towards it, as its warmth enveloped her like a comforting blanket of belonging and hope. The wolf called out to her, urging her not to return and enticing her with the promise of eternal companionship.

Visenya yearned to be with the wolf, sensing that she held a missing piece of her soul. However, Visenya also felt an inexplicable connection to the sun bird, as if it had been concealed in the shadows of her being for far too long, waiting to reveal itself to her.

With a longing in her heart, she reached out her hand, yearning to merge her essence with this celestial being. Deep within, she believed that this encounter was her true destiny. Step by step, she gradually drew nearer, until suddenly, the sun bird soared directly towards her, enveloping her in its mesmerizing, scintillating flames.

Visenya abruptly woke from her sleep, terror striking her the second she realized the sheets were engulfed in flames.

"Lucian!" She cried out, untangling herself from his embrace and hastily discarding the scorching sheets onto the floor.

She leapt out of bed, stamping out the fiery inferno with her feet as Lucian joined in to extinguish the flames devouring the bedding. Once the fire was finally subdued, Visenya hurried over to Lucian, anxiously inspecting his body for any signs of burns or blisters that she feared he might have suffered.

"I'm alright, baby," he reassured her, his voice filled with tenderness.

"But how?!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief. "I saw you! You were completely enveloped by the flames! You shouldn't be near me... I'm dangerous!"

"Baby," he said, his tone gentle and comforting, as he lifted her chin and gazed into her frightened eyes. "I told you... you can't hurt me."

"How is that possible?" She asked, her voice choked with tears, as she desperately searched his face for answers.

"Because," he replied with a sense of honor shining through, "I’m a dragon."