Page 17 of Chains of Nightshade

"Don't question it. Just feel it." I slide behind her, close enough to sense the magic pulsing beneath her skin. "This is only the beginning of what you're capable of."

The stones around us glow brighter, drawn to her energy like moths to flame. My mind races with possibilities. What else might she be able to do? What other powers lie dormant within her?

"I've never seen magic respond quite like this," I admit, watching the energy weave through her fingers. "There's something different about you. Something special."

Her power flares at my words, and the very air crackles with potential. Yes, she could be exactly what I need - not just to escape, but to understand the mysteries of her own existence. And perhaps... to unlock even greater powers.

I push Vera harder tonight, watching her channel raw energy through the ancient stones scattered around us. Her power has grown exponentially these past weeks, but something still holds her back. A barrier I need her to break.

"Again," I command, circling her. "This time, draw from deeper within."

She grits her teeth, sweat beading on her forehead. The stones pulse brighter, responding to her call. Magic crackles through the air, making my scales tingle.

"More." I slide closer, my voice dropping lower. "You're still holding back."

"I can't-" She gasps, her legs trembling with effort.

"You can. Stop thinking like a slave."

The magic surges, wild and untamed. The very air vibrates with potential. My tail twitches with excitement - this is what I've been waiting for.

"Focus it," I instruct, moving behind her. "Channel it through-"

Her knees buckle. Without thinking, I lunge forward, catching her before she hits the ground. My arms wrap around her waist, pulling her against my chest. The contact sends electricity shooting through my body.

She turns her head, and suddenly her face is inches from mine. Her breath catches. Those eyes - when did they become so captivating? I can feel her heart racing where my hands grip her sides.

The magic stones pulse in rhythm with our heartbeats, casting shifting shadows across her features. Her lips part slightly, and something primal stirs in my blood.

What am I doing? She's just a tool, nothing more. But then why can't I look away? Why do I want to...

The air between us crackles with more than just magic.

My gaze drops to her lips, and for a moment, I forget myself. They're soft, slightly parted, and far too tempting. The magic stones pulse around us, matching the thundering of my heart. Heat courses through my veins, and my tail coils tighter against the ground to keep from wrapping around her waist.

I pull back abruptly, steadying her on her feet. "Careful." The word comes out rougher than intended, and I clear my throat.

A blush spreads across her cheeks, staining them pink. Her pulse races beneath my hands where they still grip her arms. "Thank you," she whispers, and the softness in her voice makes something twist in my chest.

I turn away, forcing my expression blank. I can't let her see how she affects me. Can't let her know that for a moment there, I wanted... No. Focus on the goal. Freedom. Revenge. Nothing else matters.

"Don't let your emotions distract you," I say coldly, putting distance between us. "Focus on your training."

My scales scrape against the dreamscape floor as I move, trying to ignore the lingering warmth where her body pressed against mine. Damn these dreams for feeling so real. Damn her for making me feel things I haven't felt in centuries.

I watch Vera rest against a dreamscape boulder, her chest rising and falling with exhausted breaths. The magic stones around us still pulse with residual energy from our training session. Her power grows stronger each night, yet something else grows too - something that makes my coils twitch with unease.

My gaze traces the curve of her neck, the way her curls falls across her face. Even exhausted, she holds herself differently now. There's a quiet strength emerging, like a flower breaking through stone.

"Damn it all," I mutter, turning away. She's nothing but a means to an end. A key to unlock these cursed chains. I've spent centuries plotting my escape - I won't let some human slave derail my plans with her soft eyes and gentle smile.

But the energy doesn't lie. I feel it crackling between us, electric and alive. When she touches me, it's like being struck by lightning. Every brush of skin sets my scales on fire.

"Is everything alright?" she asks, and her voice slides down my spine like honey.

"Rest," I snap, harsher than intended. "You'll need your strength."

She flinches slightly at my tone, and something in my chest tightens. Weakness. That's all this is. Centuries of isolation making me forget myself. Making me imagine feelings where there should be none.

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