by Tia Didmon
When the buzzing stopped, she opened her eyes. The presence in her mind had retreated. Strained green eyes stared back at her in the mirror. She placed her hands on either side of the porcelain sink. “I’m losing it.”
Legion’s eyes blazed with gold fire as he flew over the Colorado mountains. His wings flapped at a steady stroke, sending wind rushing beneath his enormous body. He roared his frustrations, allowing the thunderous sound to echo off the mountain peaks. Adara had blocked him. Him. The most powerful dragon ever born. She hadn’t known what she was doing. Her power a mere trickle of its former glory. Yet, she had focused on a childhood memory, and he was evicted from her mind. She would pay for her insolence.
He calmed his dragon. Her emergence had woken his beast from its slumber. The gray world in which they inhabited was now vibrant and bright. The sunlight reflecting off the white peaks made him squint. He had her to thank for that, but she owed him so much more. Finding her was paramount. Conner!
His current second in command shimmered in his mind. Why are you shouting at me?
Legion was thankful he was in dragon form. His long, serrated teeth didn’t allow him human speech, so his swear words were restricted to a growl. My dragon is angry. Adara has been reborn.
Conner was silent for a few moments. This does not surprise you. You knew this was coming. Didn’t you?
Yes. Adara was destined to be the catalyst for the druid resurgence.
Where is she?
I do not know. She has a new name. That fact had his dragon grumbling. His beast hated change. The centuries had been a struggle with his dragon dormant, uninterested in modern life. Now the beast focused on the musical voice in his head. The one that thought he was imaginary.
His dragon sent him an explicit image that made him lose this altitude and natural rhythm within the airways. He had to correct his flight pattern for the first time since he was a fledgling. In their thousands of years together, his beast had never had an interest in sex. That had changed. Legion hadn’t asked Ash about his mating with Robin. She was new to her powers and wouldn’t possess the power of transmutation for centuries. Yet, his own dragon had sent him an image of Adara in dragon form.
Conner interrupted his thoughts. Are you sleeping or flying?
Legion sent his second an image of him, holding up a middle finger. I don’t think she knows what she is. Her magic is untapped. I am unsure what prompted her to reach out.
Robin had no idea she was a druid either. She must be close to her twenty-third birthday, and if she is, she will draw the black dragons to her like a magnet.
Legion cut his connection to Conner to allow the flaming roar to infuse the air. His dragon hated the thought of the dark ones near his mate. Images of him ripping black scales from a dark’s back played in his mind. He could smell the iron in the air, feel the thick blood in his talons. Enough! We must find her. His beast grumbled his assent.
Is she close? Conner asked.
Legion exhaled, sending steam billowing from his nostrils. I needed to be in Colorado the last hundred years, despite several attempts to try alternate locations. Now, I understand why.
You have always had a special connection with Adara.
Legion felt his chest contract with the thick feeling of betrayal. Yes.
Did you see anything that can help us find her?
I saw an image in her mind, a shop that sells occult items. Check every store in Colorado that possesses that kind of inventory. There shouldn’t be too many with that sort of inventory. I will get you more information when I connect with her again.
Conner sighed. I am not that great with computers. I’m going to miss Ergen.
Legion had a flutter of regret, his failure as a leader every time a dragon sought his rest. We always miss our brothers when they choose to sleep. Perhaps when more druids emerge, our brethren will as well.
I hope so. Conner messaged before cutting communication.
Legion soared through the clouds. He surveyed the land below him as his magic reached out with unseen tentacles. Where are you, Adara?
Chapter 3
Mara put the phone down on the glass store counter. Silver handcrafted jewelry sat on black satin holders within the case. Many pieces sported faux gems or polished rocks. She glanced around the shop that had been in her family for generations. They packed old shelving units with various books, carved statues and handmade soaps and creams. It had always seemed foreign to her. Yet every witch or wiccan customer swore her items were of the best quality. Her mother had loved this place. Mara maintained it out of duty and the fact Natalie loved it as much as her mother had.
Natalie came behind the counter, polishing a silver cat figurine. “How did it go?”
Mara glanced at a patron who sat on a purple couch sipping coffee. “I have a meeting with the gallery curator tomorrow.”
Natalie put the figurine in the counter display before grabbing the coffeepot from the warmer. “But that’s the day we planned for your birthday. I arranged for the shop to be closed. You and I are spending the day watching chick flicks and eating pizza and ice cream until we barf.”
Mara laughed. “That is the dream birthday right there, but I can’t turn them down. The Dark Art Gallery isn’t going to re-book because it’s my birthday. I will be an hour or two. My appointment is before lunch, so we will have plenty of time to gorge ourselves after.”
Natalie put her hand on her hip. “Okay, but you have to help me shine the figurines since you are cutting into my movie marathon.”
Mara grabbed a polishing cloth. “Deal.” She picked up the dragon sculpture in the glass case. It was her mother’s favorite and was one of the few items not for sale. The unique carved wood with golden accents was rare for the era it was created. It was likely worth thousands, but her mother had made her promise never to sell it. Mara found it strange that the dragon was the most valuable piece in the store, and not a single person had ever asked to purchase it. She rubbed the smooth surface as the wood distorted. It shimmered like her mirror had earlier, rippling like waves of water, before the dragon turned its head. The eyes glowed with golden fire.
She closed her eyes, willing the apparition to disappear. There’s no time for this Mara. Get your shit together. She glanced down at the dragon statue, only to find it solid and perfect. “Natalie!”
Natalie ran over, splashing coffee on the floor. “What’s going on? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Mara stepped over the brown liquid that steamed from the floor. “I need to lie down. I’m not feeling very well.”
Natalie put her hand on Mara’s forehead. “You don’t have a fever. Is it a stomach flu?”
Mara faked a smile. “Maybe.” She headed upstairs, hoping Natalie was right. That her predicament was something that would pass with lots of fluids and rest.
A gentle voice in her head, that sounded like her own, told her not to be afraid. That it was time to meet her fate.
Mara always knew when she was dreaming, and the ones when she was flying were the best. The pink clouds backdropped the blue sky as air rushed beneath her feet. While some found it scary, she found it exhilarating. A fairy tale oasis where she was both champion and princess.
This, however, was the first time she wasn’t alone. As the clouds whizzed by, a golden dragon flew beside her.
He was huge, his natural gold armor shimmered in the sun as his muscles flexed beneath the thick scales. His long-spiked tail moved over the wind with beauty and grace while his clawed feet tucked under his body. The predatory golden eyes held fire and anger as they survey the imaginary countryside while thick wings pounded the air with rhythmic strokes. He was the most majestic creature she had ever seen. A god compared to the dragon replica in her store. The one that depicted this magnificent creature perfectly.
His deep growly voice shimmered in her mind, but the lips that covered razor-sharp teeth never moved. How do you remember a place that you have never visited? One that no longer exi
sts.
It was the voice from her bathroom. Her delusion seemed more real than when she was awake. Like you, this place does not exist. This is a dream. My fantasy.
The dragon looked ahead. A single stroke of his wings sent flurries of wind blustering into the colored clouds, yet Mara was unaffected. Is it? His voice was distant, as if he was concentrating on something else.
Mara squeezed her eyes tight, concentrating on her bedroom. She ran her hand through the air when her attempt to wake failed. You are a figment of my imagination. I saw the sculpture of you move and now you’re in my dream. It’s my brain trying to work through the trauma of my mental breakdown. She rubbed her chest as old memories attempted to take hold. I have always loved painting mythical creatures, so an imaginary golden dragon with a sexy voice isn’t the worst apparition I could come up with.
The dragon shook its massive head. His scales scraped against one another as if made of steel. The beast had the audacity to look irritated at her lack of acceptance. Your theory is interesting and somewhat amusing, but it is incorrect.
Mara slapped her hand to her forehead. Ha! Says the talking dragon. If I didn’t know I was dreaming, I would check my medication to see if it was dosed with LSD, then check myself into a mental institution.
The dragon snorted. Both are ridiculous and unnecessary. Besides, I would not allow you to remain in such a facility.
Mara concentrated on the shop. Whatever this was, she didn’t have time for it. I need to get my art sold and get my head on straight. The store won’t save itself. Get it together, Mara.
The dragon turned his head, piercing her with his gaze. His black pupils ignited in yellow fire. Your name is Mara.
She huffed. Great, even my imaginary dragon friend doesn’t know my name. I’m even forgettable in my delusional state.
The dragon’s snout twitched. A long-winded exhale sent wind fluttering against Mara’s cheek. You are not forgettable, Mara. You’re powerful and able to block me, which is surprising since your magic is untapped. Your instincts and power are maturing.
Her laugh was more hysterical than funny. My magic? Wow, I really have fallen off the reality train, haven’t I?
This is more than a dream, Mara. We’re connected in a way you don’t understand. You must tell me where you are.
Mara shook her head. You’re a sculpture in my shop. My imagination springing to life because I’m under a lot of stress. You don’t exist.
The dragon flew in silence for several seconds. If that is true, then there is no harm in telling me where I sit within your shop. What is the name of my home?
The words echoed in her head. Inn Plain Sight.
The dragon’s lip curled, exposing long serrated teeth. What does that mean?
That’s the name of my shop. Inn Plain Sight.
The dragon looked to the heavens. How ironic. Years ago, I asked my brethren where a druid would hide in the coming centuries. Inn Plain Sight. How clever.
I wasn’t hiding.
Yes, you were, but that time has passed. I will see you soon, Mara.
I guess that means it’s time to wake up. Bye, dragon boy.
I have already told you; my name is Legion and I assure you, I am not a boy.
Mara’s eyes snapped open. “Legion,” she said, before jumping out of bed then running down the stairs.
Chapter 4
The notion that the dream was real wouldn’t leave her. That sexy male voice vibrated in her ear, unwilling to relinquish his hold. Mara pointed at the bookshelf. “Natalie, can you grab the large brown leather book at the top?”
Natalie went over to their private selection of books. She pulled out the large tomb with gold Gaelic script. “This one?”
Mara nodded. “See if you can find any mention of a dragon named Legion. I think my mom mentioned it once, but I’m not sure.”
Natalie brought the enormous book over to the counter and opened it. “Why the sudden interest in Scottish fairy tales?” Her hand ran over the imbued gold letters. Though worn over the ages, the craftsmanship was impeccable and Natalie’s appreciation showed.
Mara pursed her lips, unsure how to describe what was going on. She told Natalie everything, but how did you explain something you didn’t understand yourself? “I need to know if he’s real. I mean, was real.”
Legion shimmered in her mind. There is no need for you to search my history. I am on my way to you and will answer any questions you have.
Mara’s eyes closed. “Stop it.”
Natalie touched her shoulder. “Mara, what’s going on? You’re scaring me.”
Mara gazed into the blue eyes of her best friend. The face that had kept her sane when her world had crashed around her. “I think I am having a mental breakdown. I am hearing voices. Well... one voice.”
Natalie’s brow creased. “A voice? What does it tell you to do?”
She rubbed her temple. “He doesn’t tell me to do anything. He just...”
Natalie held up a hand. “Wait. You hear a man’s voice?”
“Yes.”
Natalie’s eyes narrowed. “Is he cute?”
Mara covered her face with her hands. “You’re not helping.”
Natalie put her arms around Mara’s shoulders. “Sorry, but you are the most stable person I know. I don’t believe you’re having a break with reality, no matter what this voice tells you.”
Legion’s voice echoed as if he were in the room with her. Your friend is wise. I recommend you listen to her.
Go away.
I am already here, Mara.
Mara looked around the room. Where?
The door chime made both her and Natalie turn. The man who entered couldn’t be called big. He was massive. He had to duck under the short door to enter the shop. His muscles flexed under his tight black t-shirt as he walked toward them. His eyes were the color of amber. The gold crystalline glow identical to the dragon in her dream. “Hello, Mara.”
Her entire body reacted to the low predatory voice. In her head, he seemed powerful. In person, he was a thunderstorm in human skin. Currents of electricity raced through her blood. Her nipples peaked as she took a stuttered breath. “How can I help you?”
“You know who I am. I am here to help you. Protect you. Guide you in the coming years.”
Mara shook her head. “Get out of my shop. I don’t know you. I don’t owe you anything.”
Legion’s eyes flared. The air heated, surrounding them in waves of distorted air. “You owe me everything. Two thousand years of pain, loneliness and betrayal. I am here to collect that debt.”
Mara wanted to tell him to go to hell. To tell him he was insane. Her lips froze as the words refused to leave her mouth. He wasn’t lying. He believed every treacherous word.
“I am not who you think I am,” she whispered.
Legion leaned forward as the surrounding air returned to normal. “You can change your name, but you can not change your soul. It is as powerful as it ever was and it belongs to me.”
Legion tracked the single tear as it rolled down Mara’s face. It took him a moment to realize she wasn’t sad. She was terrified. Her body trembled under his fiery gaze. He had thought he wanted her to feel his pain. His loneliness was a result of her actions, but as he watched the torment on her face, his dragon grumbled. Time was a bitter enemy. While the centuries had been unkind, the woman in front of him knew nothing of her responsibilities or her guilt.
He took a long breath. “I am sorry if I scared you, Mara. That was not my intention. You are in danger and my emotions are... chaotic.”
Mara looked him over. “Yeah, you seem really warm and fuzzy.”
The acrid smell of her fear dissipated, but her friend was clutching at the back of Mara’s shirt like it was an anchor. He dropped the tone of his voice. “Hello, Natalie.”
Natalie swallowed hard. “This is your...”
“The voice in my head. Yeah, that’s him. Honestly, I didn’t think you would see him. I thought he was
imaginary.”
Natalie looked Legion over. “He’s the size of a Woolly Mammoth. Of course, I can see him.”
Mara pinched the bridge of her nose. “This can’t be happening.”
Natalie pushed closer to Mara. “How do you talk to him? Is he psychic? Are you?”
Mara whispered in Natalie’s ear. “I have no idea. He pretended to be a dragon in my dream.”
Legion frowned, then motioned Conner forward as he entered the shop.
“Good day, ladies,” Conner said with a smile.
Mara looked suspiciously at the large blond man. His copper crystalline eyes glinted in the dim light of the store as he walked behind the counter. His large frame crowded the two women before he held out his hand. “Please come with me, Natalie.”
Natalie shook her head, clinging to Mara. “No.”
Conner held out his hands as Natalie’s eyes rolled back. Her swaying motion was reminiscent of a snake before she crumpled into his arms. He picked her up as Mara grabbed the material of Natalie’s shirt.
“What are you doing to her?” Mara snapped.
Legion reached over and took her hand from Natalie’s shirt. “Conner has simply put her to sleep and wiped her memory of us. He will lay her down upstairs. You can return her memories later if you wish, but I warn you to be wary of those apart from our world. You would endanger her needlessly.” Her fingers felt warm and inviting in his. His dragon rumbled its approval. Dormant emotions rushed to the surface, forcing Legion to go rigid. Lust. Want. Power. All swirled in a hurricane of fire within his body.
Mara pulled her hand from his. “What world? What are you?”
He pulled his magic back. It threatened to explode in the haze of lust he was unused to containing. His body was hard. As a dragon, this was usual. This was the first time the uncomfortable feeling included his dick. It throbbed with a painful reminder that Mara was the only creature in the universe who could assuage his hunger. “You know what I am.” The hitch in his voice had never existed before today. Doubt.