[Clyde]   “There’s an intrusion in the east. The barrier has been compromised.” Moran bowed his head when I looked up. I could feel my scales surfacing. Moran knelt on one knee and said, “Allow me to take a look. Shall I call Ryker?”    “An intruder has trespassed and you are asking permission to investigate the matter?” I bristled at his ignorance and the need of being formal when he should have gone to check. “Take care of the paperwork. I will go and check.” I got up from my chair and stomped out of the room.   Who would dare to invade? I seethed at the thought. Brenton was ready to tear them apart. How could someone choose the steepest side of the mountain to invade? Was the barrier less powerful there? I decided to consult Hansika once I have dealt with the matter. My footsteps quickene

[Valerie] “How long will it take us to reach us to the…err, office, Mr….?” “Moran.” The guy supplied helpfully.  “Mr. Moran,” I said, clearing my throat. He smiled, not unkindly, and it had me blushing again. Were dragons this hot? We were walking slowly or rather he was matching my pace unlike someone else and I was thankful for that. I wouldn’t have asked this question had my feet not protested. Also, my body was catching up on exhaustion and hunger. I was famished.   “That depends on Theo,” he replied, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked at him to see his amused expression and wondered why

[Valerie] I speed-walked out of the office knowing very well that Viola was following me. I heard Moran calling behind me, but my tears had already begun streaming down my cheeks. I almost wished for my mom to be here or Xyan… or Kenneth. Anyone but Viola. A gust of icy wind hit my face as soon as I exited the office, making me shiver. I pulled my hoodie tighter and stuffed my hands into the pockets but it did little to warm my fingers or lessen the shiver in that case. “Val.” I stiffened. I swallowed around the lump forming in my throat and brace for the reprimand that would soon commence. I didn’t turn around but that didn’t stop Viola from coming around and standing in front of me. Her midnight blue eyes flashed with anger. “Why?” She didn’t have to elaborate. I matched her glare with mine. “I’m not in the fucking mood to talk.” I hitched my backpack, even though it was now more like a rucksack now. And looked back for Moran. Wasn’t I promised a room? I could sleep off the exhau

[Clyde] “Zenith is back? When did she come back?” Moran asked, a hint of surprise in his tone. I stared at the map that was more like a drawing of a bunch of faded lines and scribbles. They say this was drawn by our ancestors and will give an idea of where the dragon pearl is. It was more like a few centuries old scribbled bullshit to me. I hummed. “And did she…?” “No. We haven’t spoken much. Only catching up,” I replied in a clipped tone. In truth, I had gone back late to the residence and was told that Zenith had returned to the guest quarters. In the morning, I had come to the office earlier than necessary, knowing that Zenith wouldn’t visit unless necessary. I was not one to avoid people, but she was, as always, not everyone even if our relationship had become sour or stagnant. But that wasn’t for Moran to know. He was usually deferential, but being my second-in-command for years sometimes made him bold at times. He took the hint and murmured, “I see.” It was then that the

[Clyde] “What worries you, Clyde?” I turned and bowed my head respectfully. I let out a puff of air to let him know that yes, I was worried, but staying in my dragon form was helping me to repress my worry and concern as well as my unreasonable anger towards the force that was unfathomable. This must have been a surprise to him, for this was the second time in a week that I was here. This cliff was a stiff one, overlooking a gentle stream that flowed beneath and the lush forest surrounding it. The very place that calmed my mind and gave me solace. My brother and I discovered this place when we were at the age where we didn’t know sorrow. It also happened to be where my brother was living, in a humble log cabin. This place was so isolated that hardly anyone dared to climb it, giving both of us a perfect opportunity to get respite. For him, it was more like a prison– a self-proclaimed prison. My brother smiled, the same serene smile as if his heart hadn’t been torn apart and his f