Page 9 of The Exiled Dragon

Small hums came from Amora's hut. The huts were small, built with sturdy mud and straw. Their ugly and weak appearance was only a mirage to the dragon supernatural. On the inside, they were large and luxurious. Each Dragon collects items they consider to be their treasure. Gold, silver, diamonds, rubies, many even barter to give their mates something beautiful. Amora was no different. Adam showered her with necklaces, rings, bracelets, and the best furniture in all the realm.

I tapped the door with my middle finger twice. Amora's head shot up in surprise; a broad smile could be seen from the other side of the room. She laid her needle and leather down, running to me.

"Creed, it is so good to see you!" With a kiss on the cheek, she pulled me inside. "You came at a good time; Adam isn't here. You can't stay long, though; your scent will get everywhere." Amora grabbed a glass of wine from her table. "Drink this."

I took it gladly; speaking to the dark Fairies had only irritated my throat. "What brings you here?" Taking the glass from my hand, she motioned for me to sit. I would have to use my Dragon voice once again. It only startles her after many tries to speak to her when we were younger.

"Yellowcress," I spoke. My voice rumbled in my throat like gravel as I tried to whisper. Her brows furrowed, not understanding.

"You need Yellowcress?" I nodded. "What for?" I couldn't communicate well with Amora, but we had a few hand signals. I could also draw pictures, but it would take time. She reached for parchment paper and a quill, urging me to draw.

Do I tell her about my Odessa? Would she be in danger? I do not want Amora to keep things from her mate; that wouldn't be honest. If Adam does return and asks if I came, she wouldn't lie to him either.

I shook my head, pushing the parchment back into her hands.

Chapter Seven

Creed

Amorastoodstill,holdingthe parchment in mid-air. Her lips fell open, not understanding that I would not indulge in her questions. I couldn't, not with her mate. Adam had taken everything from me; did she not know that our dynamic had really changed?

Sure, we were close. The best of friends, brother, and sister even. The day Adam ripped my throat, clawed my face, and disfigured me entirely was the day I no longer trusted him. Once he and Amora came of age, I had not only lost my brother but now the sister I had gained. Adam kept her from me indefinitely. Shortly after, he had banned me from the tribe, saying a disgusting bastard like me caused too much distress for everyone. The young children feared me only because of what they did not know.

Gossip lies spread. Many were told the lies over and over until they took. I had my face ripped by Adam because I challenged him, that I wanted his place to be Alpha, the head Dragon. Nothing was further from the truth, but all will believe a handsome face.

I shook my head again at Amora, waving my hand. If she could not help me, I would not blame her. I asked much of her for the Yellowcress root; it was hard to come by. I took my journey to the door, only to be stopped by a hand on my shoulder. "I would always help my brother." Her voice softened. "I know Adam has done you wrong, and for this, I cannot fully love him as he wants." Her head bowed. "But I do adore him for the way he treats me. You are his half-brother, Creed. One day I hope the two of you will resolve things. Adam won't be the bigger man about it, but one day, in my heart, I believe it will happen.”

My Dragon growled. I would never trust Adam again, as much as Amora had hoped. Amora grabbed my hand and put a bag with powder inside in my hand. "Whatever you are hiding, I hope it makes you happy." She winked. Some Faes had hidden powers; Amora had told me once before she could do light mind-reading. I prayed to the goddess she didn't know about Odessa. She was my secret to keep. I leaned down, pressing a kiss to her cheek. Amora's hand went over mine.

"Let me know if you need anything else, brother." Giving her the best-forced smile I could, I returned to the woods to go home to my unique treasure waiting for me.

***

It was close to evening; the whisps had come out from their morning slumber. Whisks were troublesome creatures. They liked to play with a person's hair, pulling and tugging. Legends say they could lead you to your true fate. I wasn't sure about that. They looked like mischief to me.

Upon entering, Odessa lay where I left her. I did not mean to be gone so long, but she took it upon herself to get comfortable and sleep. Her breathing was no longer labored, and her heartbeat was beating steadily in her chest.

Razak had climbed into the nest and curled up next to her. Once the beast saw his master, he jumped down quickly. No animal was to be in my nest. I was the only animal allowed, except for her. I'd be happy to give it up for her.

My Dragon agreed, purring too loudly. Odessa's body stirred, blinking her eyes. "Hey, Prince Charming." Her voice was sleepy and only made me want to smile. Maybe I'll use enough of my facial muscles one day and give her one. This Prince Charming name she had given me had to go. I was the furthest thing from a prince.

"Everything all right?" I stared at her, not sure how to act. It was hard when you couldn't speak and had difficulty moving your lips the way you wanted. I nodded, putting my weapons down. She would be hungry soon; I would need to feed her.

"I hate to bother you…" Odessa fiddled with the furs. She had braided a portion of the black lion fur she was nestled under. Three of the braids became loose while Odessa played with them mindlessly. She was embarrassed, and I didn't want her to be. Standing closer to her, I tilted her chin towards me.

I could get lost in her eyes. They weren't just amethyst; gold and silver flecks sparkled within. The fringe of her lashes cast shadows on her cheeks.

"I kind of need to use the ladies' room," she whispered.

Ladies room? I raised one of my brows in question.

"To relieve myself?"

Is she not comfortable? Too many seconds passed before she spat out: "I have to pee! Urinate!" Odessa slapped a hand over her mouth. My Dragon huffed a rackety laugh; she did not flinch. Rubbing my chin in amusement, I pulled the blankets away. Her long porcelain legs, still riddled with scratches and scars, made my Dragon growl again.

"Do you have indigestion or something? You do that a lot?" I didn't know what this indigestion was, but if it was my Dragon she was speaking of, then yes, I have a lot of indigestion. She giggled again when I picked her up. She wasn't afraid or looked away from my face. Her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling herself up.

"Sorry, I'm heavy." I wanted to laugh again at her; could she not see the power in these arms? Maybe she didn't see me as powerful, so she wasn't afraid of me. I would have to work harder to show her my ability to keep her safe.

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