Page 6 of The Soul of the Dragon

The imp laughed, a throaty, gravelly sound dark and almost threatening. "What's your name, young one?"

I blinked at her. I was the young one? She was tiny and petite—almost childlike. Since I'd never seen an imp who looked more than a child, maybe this was how they all looked no matter their age.

"How old are you?" I didn't want to give her my name. I knew how much power a name contained among the fae, and I was already feeling vulnerable enough.

"A might bit more than you," she laughed. "If that's what you're thinking."

"I'm thinking I'm grateful you helped me back into the tree, but now I need to get some sleep. I have a long journey ahead of me, and I really need some rest to get through it." I probably wouldn’t sleep a wink after this incident, but I’d say anything to get rid of her.

"That's not all you need," she mumbled. "But aye, I can see you're done talking for now. Rest. I will stay close by in case you need me."

I thought that was an odd sentiment from a stranger. And an imp at that. I'd never heard of them being particularly friendly. Most fae did their best to steer clear of them. However, I was on the verge of collapse and thus far she'd done nothing to warrant my mistrust.

I settled back into my nest, wishing it had more to keep me safe while I fought to stay alert. But my eyes drooped, and as hard as I tried to keep them open to watch her leave, I couldn't do it. Like it or not, I had to trust her intentions...

ChapterTwo

Isaac

Standing in the shadows between buildings, I glanced skyward, ignoring the ache to shift into dragon form and take to the skies. Flying would get me where I wanted to go in a lot less time, but I'd learned the hard way that it also made me a target.

I rubbed the scar on my shoulder where I'd been shot with a poison arrow. Fucking fae.

It hadn't been enough to kill me, but it had hurt like hell, and while magic had helped heal it, it had taken more time and power than usual. Something I was running low on by the way. I pulled the dragon blade from its sheath at my side and wrapped my fingers around the hilt until I felt the familiar jolt of power sing its way through my veins.

I didn't know much about this world yet, but I'd learned pretty quick that they didn't like outsiders.And in my dragon form, I didn't exactly blend in. There were rumors that dragons existed in this realm. Apparently, one even belonged to the king's guard.

Magnus Aegrond.

First, I had to find my way into the damned castle. And I was trying to get there on my own two feet instead of via the dungeon in shackles. I'd learned the man my father told me to seek out, rarely left the stone walls of his fortress. But now that I was finally here I had no intention of leaving without getting in.

Tonight, he and I would discuss a trade.

The crowd of men I'd been waiting on walked out of the bar and turned in the direction I wanted to go. Taking that as a sign of my luck turning, I joined them, blending into the shadows as best I could.

They all looked like they'd enjoyed their fair share of ale, and not a one noticed they had an extra person in their group. Perfect.

Or so I thought.

When we turned the corner into an alleyway, three large men brandishing swords approached. Fuck.

Dealing with troublemakers looking to steal from these men was not on my agenda for the evening. I had half a mind to disappear into the shadows. I could find another way into the castle.

"Give us your coins," the man in the middle demanded.

The men halted, some bouncing into some of the others. So much for stealthy.

"Excuse me. Do you know who we are?" The one who might be the least intoxicated of them spoke up, but the obvious slur of his words didn't help.

"Don't care. We just want your coins."

The drunk harrumphed and I couldn't help the slight upturn at the corners of my mouth. "Perhaps you should speak to the barkeep. I believe he has most of our coins."

All the men in the group laughed as the jaw muscles of the would-be assailant ticced angrily.

"Look," I interrupted, before these assholes turned vicious and the scene turned into a blood bath. I could best them all, but then my secret would be out. "These men are part of the King's Guard. Attacking them come with severe consequences from the crown. Are you sure you want to do this?"

Each of the attackers eyed me up and down. However, it was the one who hung back that caught most of my attention. He held himself differently than the other two men, and his eyes had a different look in them. Something was amiss.

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