Page 17 of Captive Heart

"Yes," I reply, my voice heavy with resignation. "But that doesn't mean I agree with his methods. I believe that change is necessary for our kind to survive."

She nods slowly, her eyes filled with understanding. "I see," she says. "And what kind of change do you have in mind?"

I smile, my teeth glinting in the low light of the room but don't respond.

Even as we grow closer, I know that I can't let my guard down. I need to keep my eye on the prize, and that means finding out how to use her power to my benefit. And I won't stop until I do.

She tells me about her childhood, about being taken from her parents and sold into slavery. She tells me about the hardships she's faced, about the cruelty she's endured. But she also tells me about the small moments of joy she's found, about the friendships she's made, about the hope she still clings to.

As I listen to her, I feel a strange sensation in my chest. It's a feeling I can't quite put my finger on, but it's warm and comforting. I realize with a start that it's affection. I've grown to genuinely care for this human woman.

I'm confused by my own feelings. I never expected to develop any kind of attachment to her. I had always seen her as a means to an end, as a way to gain power and overthrow the Elder.

But now… I'm not so sure.

15

LYRA

As we soar higher and higher, the wind whipping through my hair, I can't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer power and majesty of Zoldryn in his dragon form. It's hard to believe that this creature, who can breathe fire and fly through the sky with such grace, is the same man who has been both my captor and my protector.

But ever since that night we kissed, I've seen a different side of him. A softer, more vulnerable side that makes me feel like maybe, just maybe, I can trust him.

As we reach the peak of the volcano, Zoldryn lands gracefully on a ledge, shifting back into his human form. He offers me his hand, helping me down from his back, and I can't help but feel a flutter of excitement at the touch of his skin against mine.

"So," I say, trying to sound casual as I look out at the breathtaking view, "what exactly are dragon shifters? Where did you come from?"

The sprawling island where beach is met by lapping waves, and the sight of the lush tropical forest all look so small from up here.

Zoldryn's expression softens, and he takes a deep breath before answering. "We are an ancient race, Lyra. Our people have been around for thousands of years, long before humans even existed."

I turn to face him, my eyes wide with curiosity. "And your magic? How does that work?"

He smiles, a rare sight that makes my heart skip a beat. "Our magic is tied to the earth, to the elements. We can harness the power of fire, water, air, and earth to do our bidding."

"Just like any regular dark elf. That's amazing," I breathe, feeling a sense of wonder that I haven't felt in a long time. "And your duty? What is it that you're supposed to do?"

Zoldryn's expression grows serious, and he looks out at the horizon, his eyes distant. "Our duty is to protect the balance of the world, to keep the forces of darkness at bay. It's a hallowed responsibility that has been passed down through generations of dragon shifters."

I nod, feeling a sense of respect for this man who carries such a heavy burden. "And what about the Elder? What's his role in all of this?"

Zoldryn's jaw clenches, and I can see the anger simmering just beneath the surface. "The Elder is our leader, but he has grown weak and complacent. He cares more about his own power than the well-being of our people."

I can feel the tension radiating off of Zoldryn as he speaks about the Elder, and I decide to steer the conversation in a different direction. "How did you come to be?" I ask, genuinely curious about the origins of the dragon shifters.

Zoldryn's expression softens, and he takes a deep breath before answering. "We were created by the Hearthkeeper, our goddess, with the sole purpose of defeating the vrakken."

I furrow my brow in confusion. "The vrakken? Who are they?"

"They are a race of vampires that have been at war with us for centuries," Zoldryn explains, regarding me with a gaze that questions how I don't already know this. "They live underground and are sensitive to sunlight, but the most powerful among them have bat-like wings."

I shudder at the thought of facing such creatures. "And the Hearthkeeper created you to defeat them?"

Zoldryn nods. "Yes. She saw that we were losing the war and decided to create a new race of beings with the power to defeat the vrakken. That's how the dragon shifters were born."

I can't help but feel a sense of awe at the thought of being in the presence of such powerful beings. "And you've been fighting them ever since?"

"No," Zoldryn says, his voice heavy with regret. "My ancestors were outmatched by the vrakken. They were forced to flee and make a home here on Fouuer Island."

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