Page 15 of Chains of Nightshade

"Your fear betrays you," he murmurs, his voice rich and deep. "But there's no need for it."

The dreamscape shifts around us, becoming softer, warmer. His scales gleam in the ethereal light as he moves closer still, and I find myself leaning back slightly, drawn to his warmth.

"We'll continue your training next time," he says, and something in his tone makes my heart flutter. "You have potential, little one. More than you know."

My eyelids grow heavy as his magic wraps around me like silk. I try to fight it, wanting to stay in this moment just a little longer, but exhaustion pulls at me. The last thing I feel is the solid strength of his arms as I fall backward, my consciousness slipping away into peaceful darkness.

8

AUREL

Ipace in my dreamscape prison, watching Vera struggle with the simple magic exercise I've set for her. My coils shift restlessly against the ground. Days of this, and still no progress. Time bleeds away while she fumbles with basic incantations.

"Focus, Vera. You're holding back." My voice carries an edge of irritation. How long must I wait? These chains grow heavier with each passing moment.

"I'm trying!" She grits her teeth, sweat beading on her forehead. Her hands shake as she attempts to channel energy from the stones around us.

"Try harder." I slide closer, towering over her slight frame. "The magic is there. You can feel it, can't you? Stop fighting it."

She closes her eyes, concentration etched across her features. A flicker of energy sparks between her palms, then fizzles out. Dammit.

"This isn't working." I turn away, my tail lashing in frustration. "You need to stop thinking like a slave."

"How am I supposed to think?" Her voice cracks. "I've never been anything else."

I whirl back to face her. "Then pretend! Imagine you're one of them - those bastards who look down on you. Channel that anger, that resentment."

Her eyes snap open, meeting mine. There's a flash of something there - defiance, perhaps. Good. I can work with that.

"Again," I command. "And this time, remember how they treat you. How they mock you. Use it."

She pushes back her mop of blonde curls and raises her hands once more, but the magic refuses to come. My jaw clenches. At this rate, I'll rot in this prison forever. What use is she if she can't even master the basics?

"Maybe I was wrong about you." The words slip out, sharp with disappointment.

Her shoulders slump, and I see that familiar defeat creeping back into her posture. Damn it all. This isn't working. I need a new approach before she gives up entirely.

I slide behind her, my chest nearly touching her back. Her scent fills my senses - a mix of lavender soap and something uniquely her. Damn these dreams making everything feel so real. I shouldn't be able to smell her, to feel the warmth radiating from her skin.

"Stop thinking." My hands cover hers, and electricity shoots through my arms. My breath catches. What is this? "Just let it flow."

She trembles against me, her pulse racing beneath my touch. I lean down, my lips nearly brushing her ear. "Feel the power around you. Draw it in."

"I-I can't concentrate when you're..." Her voice trails off as my fingers tighten over hers.

"When I'm what?" I press closer, using my body to guide her movements. The magic stones pulse around us, responding to our combined energy. "Focus, Vera."

She inhales sharply, her small back arching slightly. The air crackles with potential. Yes, there it is.

"Do it," I whisper, my voice rougher than intended. "Now."

Magic explodes from her palms, a burst of pure energy that lights up the dreamscape. She spins in my arms, her face radiant with triumph.

"I did it!" Her eyes shine with joy, and something twists in my chest. "Did you see?"

I step back, disturbed by my reaction to her closeness. This is just manipulation, I remind myself. She's merely a tool for my escape. Nothing more.

But why does her smile make me want to pull her closer? To feel her small body pressed into mine. My magic snaps, and so does my tail, beckoning to coil around her…

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