Chapter 26. The black dragon

The image of Amiro Feren kept troubling Fajardo, he let out a deep breath slowly, worried, but he knew well that he was safe there with the Young Master.




UNCEASING fights between mortal and evil creatures plagued the entire Forteza Village. No one seemed to know why this was happening, but everyone knew it wasn't the first time.

These creatures were so evil. They destroyed everything in their path without a single shred of compassion and a bit of hesitation. They attacked without provocation and left nothing in their wake but broken bones and blood, numerous lifeless people, and intensive pain splattered on every corner of the village.

Screaming and crying filled the air as the battle spouted throughout the land. The incessant cries for help and desperation could be heard, yet they remained unfulfilled because these creatures were merciless.

Draco, the dragon king, was scrutinizing how his allies slain innocent people with his satisfying grin. He had no remorse, nor did he feel guilty over those who perished in this vile battle. The only reason he spared them was that they were searching for Hera. His dark eyes radiated a fierce, uncompromising intelligence and conviction in his power.

Watching the subordinates from the edge of his vision, he respired and sensed something good news was about to come.

"We found her, Your Majesty." two men clad in long black coats made of leather exclaimed at each other, holding up the small body of a woman they had just found.

It was Hera.

She struggled slightly against the grip of the men who dragged her toward the dragon king.

"Let me go!" she shouted and kicked at the ground, but the men were far more potent than her and managed to drag her unceremoniously in front of Draco, who was now scanning her features with interest.

"Who are you?! What do you need from me?" she hollered, furious, but Draco didn't answer; instead, he motioned the two men to release their hold.

"I will not introduce myself unless you decide to come with me." he grinned.

"And who are you to tell me what to do?!" Hera spat back at him defiantly.

"You are the peculiar gift that has fallen into my hands," Draco replied, full of eagerness. "And I'm here to claim it for myself."

"Peculiar gift?"

He nodded, but Hera still couldn't fathom what he meant by it.

"If you think you can fool me, then please, try to deceive yourself!" she said. "I will not allow my treasure life to fall into the hands of some greedy bastard!"

Draco paid no attention to her; instead, he continued.

"Come to my realm, and let us work profitably," Dragon stated. "Otherwise, I won't hesitate to kill all who dare to lay hands on you."

Feeling angry, Hera stepped like she intended to attack Draco and run for freedom. "How dare you ask me to come into your realm, considering you ruined this land where I belonged?"

Draco took a step forwards, but the two men quickly grabbed both arms, ensuring she would stay there. He raised one hand and pointed at her in an imperious manner. "My patience is running thin," he warned. "Stop treating me like you are the superior, mortal girl."

"And if I did?" her gaze burned with fury and defiance.

"I won't hesitate to kill them. And when I say 'kill them,' I meant that literally." he sneered only to realize that his speech caused Hera's face to be pale. She gulped as she realized he wasn't fooling around.

"Do you want that?" he asked in a whisper.

Hearing those words, Hera could do nothing but shake her head fervently, fearing the worst. She turned her head only to witness how numerous people were being slain right before her very eyes. The sound of the sharp talons piercing flesh sent shivers down her spine. And the sound of fire crackling in the entire surrounding added a cacophonous soundtrack to the scene she witnessed.

"But why me? What should I do?" she faced him again, unable to comprehend why this unknown creature decided her fate. "What do I have that you can use?"

Her eyes flitted through the area, seeking any possible solution to her situation, but she failed when Draco spoke again.

"Let be your ignorant drunken impropriety. In return, I will make you the queen of my kingdom. A position which may be the most prestigious one ever to exist," he answered coldly and arrogantly.

Hera didn't acquiesce to that and will never, as it is the most immoral idea she'd heard in her life.

"I can't," she replied in a most determined tone, endeavoring to stay calm even though she was afraid internally. She was afraid this might be her last day; however, that could not change her choice. "I'd rather live with no power and position than in your hands."

She was about to run after delivering those words, but Draco's temper erupted with great force, making him transform into a black dragon. He snarled as he charged at Hera with his massive talons outstretched before swooping above the sky.

Draco blew the fire that engulfed his mouth and flew directly into every corner, intending to devour Hera, who was now struggling to breathe as the fire approached closer and closer.

The truth is he doesn't have a plan to kill Hera because his true objective is to take possession of her powers by turning her to his side. But Hera seemed to be more intelligent and cunning than him.

And again, Draco heaved another fireball, but this time, Hera couldn't evade it in time, no matter how numerous times she avoided it until she fell onto the ground.

Without skepticism, Draco whipped his tail in her direction of her. He was about to strike her when a sudden vigorous wind blew, catching all the flames in midair and dispersing them to the vicinity, and Draco felt the impact of the powerful blast almost knocking him aside.

And soon, Hera was standing and staring at the man before her, and her eyes carried a mixture of shock and barely contained hope upon recognizing him.