Chapter 5

Xavier was confused. He turned around, but couldn't find the woman who was with him in the room.

"That bitch," He murmured, putting his length back in. He turned to the girl who had gotten into his room. He stared at her for a while before smirking. "You've got guts, but you do know I can end your life with just a snap of my fingers."

She smirked.

She moved around his room, staring at the stuff he had. "You can." She touched the tip of a sword that was hanging on the wall. "But I don't think that would help either of us."

Xavier raised a brow at her. "So what do you think you have that can help me?"

"Well, you need a woman who can seduce a dragon, and I need the reward from the King."

"So many women have tried to seduce the dragon," He said, walking towards her. He held her hand before she touched an artifact by the corner. He pulled her closer, staring into her blue eyes. "What makes you think you can?"

She chuckled before gently pulling her hand away from his. "All my life I have lived in a tavern. I have watched people make endless love to each other. I know what to do, how to do it, and what not to do." She walked towards a chair next to his and sat on it. "If you are looking for someone to do the job, then I don't think you'll ever find someone better than me."

Xavier was intrigued. He stared at the girl as she sat like a noblewoman in the King's court. But, from the way she was dressed, he knew she was nothing more than a peasant.

He sighed.

He had tried noble ladies and peasants, those who were skilled in the art and those who weren't, so why not try this girl?

Besides, she was beautiful. Her long blonde hair flowed to her waist, her blue eyes could catch anyone's attention and pull them like a magnet, and her skin was smooth and flawless.

She looked the part, so what more could he lose?

He walked towards her and sat down. "Fine, I'll give you a shot, but first of all, tell me, how were you able to get up through my window."

"I'm sorry Mage, but I'm sure you know this too well." She folded her arms. "A Magician never reveals her secret."

The Mage chuckled. "So tell me, what is the name of this brave damsel?"

She smiled. "You can call me Elaina."

***

Elaina stood by the gate. She had been adorned by the Mage's maids. When the Mage arrived, he handed her a torch and then a harp.

"What do you need this for?" He asked.

She smiled. "It's part of my plan."

He just looked from her to the harp. "Then I expect great news from you then."

Elaina curtsied before turning around.

Slowly, she went down the flight of stairs.

When she got to the bottom, she searched for a torch holder. She lit the ones she found, giving light to the dark dungeon.

She turned around, surveying everywhere.

She was alone.

There was another gate by the corner, a smaller one, but it was shut.

That was where the dragon was—she guessed.

She sat down on the floor and started playing the harp. A minute turned to an hour, but she didn't stop, she just kept playing.

Suddenly she heard footsteps approaching.

At first, it was faint, but then it became more audible—he was getting closer.

Then, she heard the gate open. She looked up to find a tall man walking towards her.

His skin shimmered like hidden scales, and his golden eyes burned like fire flakes, with its slit pupils cutting through it.

His black hair gleamed like molten metal. He was handsome, so handsome—Elaina couldn't stop staring at him.

As he approached her, her heartbeat fastened. When he was right in front of her, he crouched down, meeting her eye level. He had a stoic look on his face, never batting his eyelids.

All of a sudden Elaina heard the cracking of wood. Her eyes widened as she looked down to find the harp crushed under his arm.

"I hate music," He muttered, his voice deep and raspy, laced with a hint of disdain.

Without saying anything else, he stood and walked away. Elaina was shocked. She watched as he walked back into the small gate.

Then she frowned. She was furious.

She stood up and walked through the gate.

It was not as big as she thought. Bones lay scattered on the floor. She felt fear creep in, but pushed it away.

She looked around, and found him at a corner, sitting on the floor. She hurried towards him and threw the broken harp next to him.

The dragon was shocked.

"Do you know that it costs a fortune?!" Elaina yelled at him.

He pushed the harp away and picked up a bone covered with meat. He was about to take a bite when she slapped it away.

"How dare you?!" He yelled at her as he stood.

"No, how dare you?!" She screamed. He took a few steps back, confused and stunned. "Didn't your Mom ever teach you how to treat a woman?!"

He stared at her with bewildered eyes, not knowing what to say.

This was the first time in centuries that a human had treated him this way. Creasing his brows he looked from her to the broken harp.

He smirked. "My Mom never taught me how to treat a human woman right," he said before sitting down.

Elaina chuckled. "Then she should have, because right now, you are in a spot that only a human woman can get you out of."

"What makes you think so?"

She crouched down in front of him. "You may try to hide it, but I can see through your facade. The sweat breaking out on your temple, your weak pupils, your slow but heavy steps, it's written all over you. You are in a lot of pain because of your estrus period and you need help—"

"—I will never mate with a human!" He yelled as he glared at her, cutting her off.

She snickered. "Who said anything about mating?"

He raised a brow at her, confused. "What do you mean?"

She sighed. "I do not want to mate with you...I want to help you escape."