Page 26 of Hot for the Dragon

More like teaching you some manners.Archer's tail whipped around, catching the younger dragon across the snout.Attacking civilians? That's just poor form.

He glimpsed Daphne and the woman making it safely into the Cauldron & Cup before focusing fully on his opponent. The bronze dragon tried to buck him off, but Archer's weight and experience kept him firmly in control.

You're getting soft,the bronze dragon taunted.Running errands for witches now?

Archer responded by slamming the dragon's head into the street.Better than being Carmen's errand boy.

Three more dragons dove at him from above. Archer launched himself skyward, meeting them head-on. His massive red form twisted between their attacks, his greater size and skill making up for being outnumbered.

Below, he noticed some of the town's magic users joining the fight. A water witch sent a hydrant's spray arcing up to knock a dragon off course. A fire witch redirected dragon flame away from buildings. Even Nina from the coffee shop stood in her doorway, her protective wards shimmering as they deflected attacks.

Are you worn out yet?One of the younger dragons called out mockingly.

Archer snorted, smoke curling from his nostrils.Please. I'm just warming up.

He spun through the air, his tail catching one dragon while his claws raked another. The third tried to retreat but Archer's powerful wings carried him in pursuit. These youngsters might have enthusiasm, but they lacked his decades of combat experience.

A dark shadow passed overhead, and Archer's muscles tensed as he recognized Carmen's distinctive blue scales. She hovered above the town square, her massive form blocking out the sun.

Well, well. If it isn't the infamous Archer Hawke playing guard dog for the Council,Carmen's mental voice dripped with disdain.

Archer maintained his position, wings spread wide.And here I thought you'd learned your lesson about picking fights you can't win.

Carmen's laugh echoed through his mind.You think stealing my supplies will stop me? That little raid on my storage unit just proved how desperate the Council is.

Storage unit? Oh, that dusty old box.Archer circled lazily, matching her altitude.I needed kindling for my fireplace.

Carmen's tail lashed through the air.Always with the jokes. But I'm not laughing anymore, Hawke.

The younger dragons gathered behind her, forming an intimidating wall of scales and teeth. Archer counted at least thirty - more than he'd initially estimated. His wings ached from the earlier fighting, but he kept his movements fluid, refusing to show weakness.

This was just a taste,Carmen's mental voice boomed across the square, intended for everyone below to hear.Next time, I will bring my full force. No more playing nice. No more warnings.

You call this playing nice?Archer snorted smoke.Hate to see your idea of a real party.

Carmen's massive form wheeled around to face him directly.You've gotten soft, Hawke. Living among these weaklings, making wooden toys. When I return, I'll remind everyone why dragons should rule.

Big words from someone who's leaving with their tail between their legs,Archer projected back, letting his amusement color the thought.

Carmen's response was a deafening roar that shattered several windows.The town will kneel, Hawke. And you'll wish you'd chosen the right side.

With a powerful beat of her wings, Carmen soared upward, her followers falling into formation behind her. Archer watched them disappear into the clouds, his jaw clenched. He'd forgotten how exhausting it was dealing with megalomaniacs who loved the sound of their own mental voice.

Archer landed in a nearby alley. His transformation back to human form was swift and practiced. His muscles ached from the fight, but concern for Daphne pushed him forward. The bell above the Cauldron & Cup's door chimed as he entered, the magical aroma of coffee and starlight doing nothing to calm his racing heart.

"Daphne?" His eyes scanned the crowded café, catching sight of her helping Nina tend to the elderly woman she'd rescued.

"Archer!" Daphne's face lit up. She hurried over, her hands fluttering near his arms as if checking for injuries. "Are you hurt? That was incredible what you did up there."

"Me? You're the one who ran out into dragon fire." He caught her wrist, examining a small burn on her forearm. "What were you thinking?"

"Someone needed help." She smiled up at him, and something stirred inside of him. "Besides, you had my back, right?"

Nina floated two steaming mugs their way. "Dragon's Breath Hot Chocolate, on the house. You both earned it."

"Thanks, but I don't need-" Archer started.

"Drink it," Nina insisted, purple sparks dancing at her fingertips. "It'll help with the muscle strain from shifting."

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