Page 13 of Captive Heart

I nod, my curiosity piqued.

"And…" I hesitate. "What are you?"

"I am a dragon shifter, little human." His dark eyes bore into me. "We are more powerful than you could ever imagine."

As we continue to walk, I learn that the dragon shifters have their own unique currency – small, gem-like stones that they call "firestones." Each stone is imbued with a tiny spark of dragon fire, making them incredibly valuable.

My fingers itch to hold one of the firestones, to feel the warmth of the dragon fire against my skin. But I know better than to ask. Zoldryn may be tolerating my presence for now, but I don't want to push my luck.

Zoldryn watches me with amusement, his lips curling into a rare smile. "This is the most you've spoken since you arrived," he comments.

I blush, feeling self-conscious.

Just as I'm about to ask Zoldryn more about the firestones, a dragon shifter approaches us, his eyes fixed on Zoldryn. "The Elder requests your presence," he says, his voice low and urgent.

Zoldryn's expression darkens, and he lets out a frustrated sigh. "Very well," he growls. He turns to me, his obsidian eyes softening slightly. "Stay here, little human. I'll be back soon."

I nod, trying to hide my disappointment. I was enjoying exploring the marketplace with Zoldryn, despite his gruff demeanor.

As soon as Zoldryn is out of sight, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn to see a familiar female dragon shifter. Nindre, I believe her name is, regards me with disgust, her brown eyes narrowed in anger.

"What do you think you're doing, human?" she hisses.

I take a step back, my heart racing. "I-I don't know what you mean," I stammer.

Nindre's lip curls into a sneer. "You think you can just waltz in here and steal Zoldryn's affections away?" she spits.

I frantically search the bustling marketplace for Zoldryn, my heart pounding in my chest. "I-I'm not trying to steal anyone's affections," I say, my voice quivering as I try to wriggle out of Nindre's grasp.

Her grip on my shoulder tightens, and I wince in pain as her long nails dig into my skin. "You're lying," she snarls, leaning in closer. "I've seen the way he looks at you. You're using your human wiles to manipulate him."

I try to pull away from her, but she's too strong. "I'm not manipulating anyone," I say, my voice rising in panic. "I- I'm just a slave-"

Suddenly, I feel two more hands on my arms, and I'm pulled away from Nindre. I look up to see two other female dragon shifters, their eyes cold and calculating. They're dressed in fine silks and jewels, their long hair braided with gold and precious stones.

"You aren't fooling anyone, rat," one of them hisses, her lip curling in disgust.

The other paws at my dress, a simple linen tunic that barely covers my body. "Look at this. He's giving you his treasures and you lie to our faces?"

Nindre is suddenly in my face again, her eyes blazing with anger. "I think you need to be reminded of your place here, human bitch."

I feel a surge of fear and desperation wash over me, and I struggle to break free from their grip. But it's no use. I'm outnumbered and outmatched, with Zoldryn nowhere to be found.

And if he was, would he even care?

12

ZOLDRYN

Istride into the throne room, my footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The Elder sits on his throne, his obsidian scales gleaming in the torchlight. He looks up as I approach, his eyes narrowing.

"Zoldryn," he greets me, his voice a low rumble.

I stop a few feet away from the throne and bow stiffly. "Elder," I say, my voice tight.

He leans forward, his eyes boring into mine. "What have you learned from the human?" he demands.

I bristle at his questioning, my contempt for the old shifter's leadership growing internally. I want to tell him that I've learned nothing new, that the human is as much of a mystery to me as she is to him. But I can't admit that. Not yet.

---