The soft snow falling made everything seem even more surreal.Catori couldn't believe that she had finally left Desolation, and that this was where she'll be living from now on."I already love it here already." Catori smiled."I can imagine. This is a place our kind needs to be. Open, fresh and with those that are of our own."''What is it like living in a house full of dragons?""Palace." Rydstorm corrected. "But it can be chaotic, a lot of snapping, growling and going for each other's neck. But we can’t kill our own.""Your people try to fight you?" Catori's eyes widen in shock."No, they are more sensible than that.''"So, there is no danger to worry about, then?""Mostly not. We haven't had an attack in centuries." Rydstorm told her truthfully."Apart from your sister, who else do you live with?""Four sisters and one brother. I'm the eldest. You will know us different because our blue hair and height sets us apart from everyone else.""Do they live here?"Normally Rydstorm would
"Rydstorm, sir. Your sister Winona is requesting your presence." The man that seemed to materialise out of nowhere said."Why?"His eyes drifted to Catori, and it was clear he didn't want her to hear."Galveston?""The same problem from a month ago, the unusual spotting close to the peak." He finally said.Rydstorm's jaw ticked."Very well." He told the man.With a sigh he addressed Catori, "you are free to explore. I know you like the air garden.""What is happening?" The ever curious girl asked."Nothing for you to worry about. I'll be back to you before you know it."He ran a finger down her cheek before leaving.Catori watched as they leave, the man in the silver breast piece glanced back at her and she swore his face changed and so did his eyes.After watching until they disappeared around a corner, Catori stood where she was for a while, wondering where she could go.She walked around aimlessly until she was at the bathhouse.This time it was empty, and she used that as an oppor
The next morning, while Rydstorm and Catori were having a private breakfast.Catori brought up the issue with Fang and Nita."Did you know that Fang treats Nita like she is nothing?"Rydstorm looked up from his plate."I'm aware that he rejected her, but I didn’t know he mistreated her."Catori recalled the encounter they had.Rydstorm cut her off in the middle of her story."He didn't see you naked, did he?"''No, and that's not the point.""Catori, Fang is of a different breed of a dragon than you and I. His kind is more barbaric. They live in caves or forgotten towns. Their only purpose is to serve families like mine-"It was Catori's turn to cut him off."That still doesn't give him the right to treat Nita the way he does.""Please let me finish."She nodded."Centuries ago, his people were cursed to be savages. To be uncaring, even to their own. The only people they are loyal to are kings and queens, along with the royal's immediate families. Until that curse is broken, Fang will
All Catori had to do was follow the path where the doors were falling off the hinges.She felt bad for not intervening, for not saying anything and stopping Fang before things escalated to this.Now it all had gone too far, and she feared what he might do to Nita.She somehow managed to get a glimpse of them as Fang was dragging Nita along. She struggled to break free of his grip.Catori could even hear her begging someone to help her, but Catori seemed to be the only one around that could do anything.She was afraid to leave and find anyone now, because she knew she would only get lost and would be out of time."Fang!'' Catori called."I hope that this will teach you some respect, and you will continue to be here until you do." Fang's voice growled over Catori'sAfter kicking a double door open, Fang threw his mate roughly on the dusty, blood stained floor then slammed the door behind him."Learn some manners. Maybe then I'll let you out.""No, no. Wait, don't leave me in here.'' Nit
Seeing that, Fang had become conflicted with Catori's words. Lilith thought of taking matters into her own hands."Well, you little unwanted bitch, I might just have to do this myself.''"And what purpose does this even serve you?" Catori asked. "It's not like you will be the one to rule, you still will be a slave to someone.’’"Better than being devoted to this family, or a whiny child like you.''Catori soon wondered if no one ever comes down this path, thinking that there was just no way so many dragons lived in the Palace for no one to not happened by."You best be careful how you talk to about us,'' Catori warned."And you better be careful about what you say to me. Or you will be the only one to suffer.""Catori, just go. I will be fine,'' Nita said.She hated the back and forth. But she knew that no matter what Lilith was telling Fang, he could never hurt her or gods would step in.But Catori was determined to help the both of them.Lilith checked her nails before saying."Peop
After Rydstorm went over plans with Fang about getting prepared for an attack, he went to find Catori, who was having a conversation with Nita."I mean it when I said that I will break the curse. I will do all that I can to help you."Nita took her hand in hers and smiled. "I believe you. I can't thank you enough for never leaving my alone in that place."Nita glanced over to see Rydstorm leaning on the wall. She immediately jumped to her feet, did a bow, then rushed out.When Rydstorm got to where his mate was still sitting, her stomach made an embarrassing noise that caused her face to go red and her to peek up to see if he heard."Let's go get you some food." Rydstorm held out a hand for her.He shimmered to the eating area, which caused Catori to double over and dry heave.Rydstorm rubbed her back soothingly, sending apologies."I have to remind myself that you aren't used to that yet before doing it again."“I’m fine.’’"What would you like?""What time is it?" Catori asked."I'm
Catori stir in her sleep from loud shouts and a booming sound. She shifted to her side, then the shouts came again.They caused Rydstorm to jump to his feet and rushed out of the room, which in turn woke her up.Not long after, Rydstorm came back from wherever he was, then pulled Catori to her feet."I need to get you somewhere safe." His voice held urgency, as he stop pulling her to lift her into his arms."What's happening?"But he didn't have to answer. The surrounding chaos was enough, they were under attack."Is it Lilith?" She now asked."No, wyverns. They followed a soldier here when he came back from returning with his mate.""What?" Catori’s eyes widen.Rydstorm didn't answer, as his only priority now was to get her to safety."Alice, take her to the safe room." Rydstorm said, putting her on her feet."But-"Rydstorm cut her off with a kiss."Amica mea, please. I want you to be safe. It would kill me if anything was to happen to you."Alice's eyes widen as she saw a gust of w
Fang looked taken aback when he entered the room shortly after"What's going on here?" Rydstorm asked.Catori pushed the tied up nymph who fell to the floor."I was interrogating her. I have suspicions that she might be working with Lilith."Fang fell upon Raven instantly, grabbing her by the neck.He snapped his teeth in her face. " You dare to bring harm to my king and queen.''The nymph struggled in his grasp.Rydstorm turn to his mate. "What raised your suspicion?''"I don't know. I just had a feeling one of them might know. When I spoke with the group, she was the only one to act suspicious.''Rydstorm pulled Catori closer to him.''Please don't do anything like that again. You could have been hurt.''''But I'm not, and I was right.'' She tried to pull away from him. Rydstorm sighed. "Leave her to Fang. He will get the information we need out of her.''Catori frowned up at him, knowing he was hiding something, but his face gave nothing away.Before she could say anything, Raven