Page 3 of Burned

Last I remembered, we were deep in the woods near the coastline, not in a place where people would just be passing by. You typically won’t find dragons just chilling in the woods these days, so what was this guy doing out there if he’s not a hunter?

He doesn’t elaborate, choosing instead to sit in a nearby armchair. “Your injuries are extensive, but I have access to remedies that can help.” He crosses one elegant leg over the other. “Forgive me, but I took the liberty of removing your clothes due to their condition.”

That’s the least of my problems.

“I have to go. My family will be looking for me.” I try to sit up again, wincing at the weariness in my body and the fresh stab of pain that lances through me.

A divot appears in his forehead as he knits his brows together. “I’m afraid you’re not able to go anywhere. I doubt you can walk unassisted at this point, and your chest wound needs time. I assure you that you’re safe here. Very safe.”

I want to argue, but since I can barely nod without searing pain, he’s probably right. I won’t be able to get back to my brothers in this condition. Icy dread fills my gut at the realization that follows. I was injured in battle and I’m sure my dad will find a way to blame me for it. It might be best to avoid punishment until my body is healed too.

He narrows his eyes at me, studying me silently. I shift under his gaze, shaking thoughts of my family out of my mind just in case he can somehow see them written all over my face.

“What happened to you?” he asks.

I manage to shake my head, but even that hurts. I can’t possibly explain that I was dragon hunting with my brothers when we were ambushed. Most humans don’t know they still exist… or that they were ever more than fairy tales to begin with.

I groan in agony and the man shifts toward me quickly, his expression filled with an unusual level of concern from a stranger.

“Here. Have some tea.” The man is on his feet, lifting the cup from the tray and bringing it to my lips.

The liquid is hot and sweet, and immediately soothes the burning throbbing in my chest. It’s not like any tea I’ve had before.

“What is that?”

“Tea with some special herbs in it.”

“You’re not poisoning me, right?” I eye him warily.

Humor briefly dances over his face, but it’s gone quickly. “Why would I bring you here just to poison you?”

“People are fucked up sometimes.”

He nods. “I can’t argue with you there, but I promise you’re not being poisoned. How do you feel now?”

Rubbing my hand over my chest, I’m surprised by the decrease in pain. “Better.”

“Good. What’s your name?”

“Alrick. Yours?”

“Lord.”

I raise both eyebrows. “Your name is Lord?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting.”

“I’m afraid you weren’t found with a phone or any other means of identification.”

“Shit.” I shift, finding it a little easier now. “I don’t remember how I got separated.”

“Why were you there? It’s a desolate area.”

I tilt my head and narrow my eyes at him.

“Then why wereyouthere?” I counter.

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