Page 12 of Stolen By Dragons

We’d told her everything we’d deemed necessary on vampires, it couldn’t be helped if it was shared with disdain. Vampires were creatures that were wrong, feeding on the blood of humans. Any creature that had to thrive on the life force of another just to survive was an abomination. Without blood, they became crazed killers, tearing people limb from limb. Not to mention their unnatural speed that was unmatched.

Maybe my need to protect Aria was also because of their presence. With her being the only human… I didn’t want to even think about it, but I did notice how they all kept glancing her way. The one we’d seen in the communal area seemed awfully interested in her.

I found myself watching Aria more than I cared to admit. Her reactions to the new flavors, the way her face lit up with each discovery – it was captivating. And when she laughed at one of Zephyr's jokes, the sound seemed to cut through all the strangeness and uncertainty of our situation.

As I watched our little newfound group interact, a familiar conflict arose within me. The rational part of my mind knew I should keep these people at arm's length. We were in an unknown situation, surrounded by potential threats, and getting too attached could be dangerous. But my wolf nature, the part of me that craved pack and connection, was already forming bonds. Our little group had formed so naturally, coming together in this time of strangeness, and the friendships were already flourishing. They say dire situations brought people together, and this was one of those times. We were in a whole new world,at the mercy of these dragon shifters while we waited for them to explain to us why on earth we were here.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair again. It was a habit I'd picked up years ago, a tell that betrayed my inner turmoil. As much as I tried to fight it, I knew I was already becoming invested in these people. Especially Aria.

Her voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Christopher? Are you okay? You seem... distracted."

I managed a smile, hoping it looked more genuine than it felt. "Yeah, just thinking about... well, everything, I guess."

She nodded, understanding in her brown eyes. "It's a lot to process, isn't it?"

"You have no idea," I muttered, then immediately regretted it when I saw concern flash across her face. "Sorry, I didn't mean... Look, we're all in this together, right? Whatever 'this' is."

Aria's smile was small but warm. "Right. Together."

As the meal progressed, I found myself relaxing despite the bizarre circumstances. The food was incredible, flavors I'd never experienced before dancing across my tongue.

"So," Aria said, breaking a comfortable silence that had fallen over our group, "what did you all do for work back on Earth? You know, before all this dragon business?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal about my life back home. They knew I’d worked in an office, but I just hoped she didn’t press me on more matters, especially since we’d given her the rundown of werewolf packs, which I’d not commented much on. Thankfully, Lydia had then gone onto shifters, distracting Aria from asking me anything regarding my own pack or family. Zephyr had only told her a small amount on the Fae, our conversation being mostly geared towards shifters and vampires.

Before I could decide, Zephyr chimed in, his musical voice carrying a hint of amusement.

"Ah, well, that's a bit complicated for us Fae," he said, leaning in conspiratorially. "You see, we live in a veiled setting amongst the earthly world, tucked into tears in your reality."

I watched as confusion flickered across Aria's face, followed quickly by fascination. Zephyr continued, clearly enjoying her reaction.

"Think of Earth as having layers. The first layer is the one you know, the everyday world. The second is where we Fae live in peace, although we can step in and out of the main earthly plane whenever we want for some of your foods, your parties, whatnot. It's part of Earth, just unseen to those who aren't Fae, warded from most beings."

"That's... wow," Aria managed, her eyes wide. "So there's this whole other world just... hidden within ours?"

I couldn't help but smile at her wonderment. It was refreshing, in a way, to see all of this through her eyes. For us supernatural beings, the hidden world had always been a fact of life, just inaccessible. Witches sometimes did similar things to mask certain shops or areas. But the Fae’s little world was truly a marvel, and I’d sometimes wondered about their little gateways. Other supes couldn’t cross unless invited and granted access, which was incredibly rare and unheard of in the circles I knew.

But for Aria, every revelation was new and extraordinary.

"Indeed," Zephyr nodded, his impossible eyes twinkling. "The third layer was always believed to be the afterlife, but now, with Dracaria..." he trailed off, looking thoughtful.

I leaned in, my brow furrowed as I considered his words. "If they're calling it a realm, maybe that means it's its own whole world, not a tear or layer like you describe. Their portals were different, and this world, it feels nothing like home. The magic is all different. The fae plane, it’s still somewhat earthly, you can sense that it lies in the same realm of existence, right?”

“Yes, you are right there. Our plane, even with its Courts and gardens, we can still sense the earthly plane, cross over whenever we wish. This feels… too different,” Zephyr agreed with a nod.

Lydia pulled a face as she set down her fork. "It's all a lot to take in and figure out. Maybe the Dracarians will know exactly what it all is. After all, they brought us here.”

"Agreed," Zephyr said, nodding towards the high table where Elowen and Eirian sat. "They'd likely know more. The power and magic I feel here is immense, like nothing I've ever encountered. We Fae carry a lot of natural magics, but this..." he shook his head in wonder, "it's otherworldly.”

As the conversation continued, I found my attention drifting back to Aria. She was listening intently, her eyes darting between Zephyr and Lydia as they discussed the nature of Dracaria and their curiosities, wondering what animals the meats came from, and mentioning how this world seemed to at least harbor some of earth’s ways of living, like the plumbing and glass. There was something captivating about her eagerness to learn, to understand this world that was so new to her, whether it be the supernatural or this Dracarian one.

The meal began to wind down, and Lydia's expression grew somber. "My daughter must be worried sick," she said quietly. "And my husband and son… I can't imagine what they're going through."

I felt a pang of sympathy. While I didn't have close family ties myself, I could imagine the pain of being separated from loved ones without explanation. What they must be going through and thinking, what the entire world must be thinking and discussing, things on the news… I couldn’t even imagine.

Aria reached out, placing a hand on Lydia's arm. "I'm so sorry, Lydia. That must be awful."

As they continued to talk, I found myself thinking about my own situation. No wife, no kids, no real ties to speak of. In a way, it made this whole bizarre situation a little easier to bear. But watching Aria comfort Lydia, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of... something. Longing, maybe?

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