“Then let us go,” Showl whispered vainly.
“I cannot do that either,” Ileana replied sadly. “I am sorry. Please reconsider your position.”
Ange was tired of hearing Showl allow himself to be bullied for her sake.
“Sheesh, you make me sound so damn selfish,” she spoke into his mind, she had the satisfaction of startling him and feeling him tense up through their bond.
Footsteps quickly approached as a weight sunk into the bed next to her back.
“How long have you been awake, little thief?” Showl whispered into her ear, concerned.
“A while,” Ange replied loudly, annoyed as she opened her eyes. “I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard you allowing others to bully you around. I must still be sleeping.”
Showl sighed in relief, she could feel him appreciate her attempt at humor to lighten his dark mood thought it failed to work to his regret.
“How are you feeling?” he asked gently.
“Tired,” Ange sighed. “And I just woke up too,” she added crankily.
“I’m sorry we disturbed you. Rest if you still feel weary,” Showl suggested.
Ange shook her head, curiosity took her as she gazed about the strange and alien room. The walls were chiseled white marble, as the walls curved up the room an ornate frieze traveled around the upper part of the round wall that touched the ceiling, depicting many dragons in flight. A strange metal figure at the center bemused her, four dragons hung from the ceiling by their tails, facing away from one another yet twisting around each other’s bodies and held orbs in their front talons. They were inlaid with silver and gold, gems in their eyes. The furniture on the white marble floor was made of strange marble, gray black and white swirled in rings on the marble’s surface, with legs and supports of curling dark metal with designs of dragons and other animals and flowers.
Even the bed was made of the same twisting steel and the mattress was the softest thing she had ever laid on, she felt she could sink into the luxurious cushions and fall asleep for hours. A night stand was nearby and to her astonishment was an ancient lamp in the shape of a wilted lily, metal petals curled closely around what she suspected was a sol gem.
There were shelves as well, with a few dusty books but mostly empty, next to a desk with modern pens to her surprise and another lamp. Across the room from the desk was what looked like a fireplace protruding from the wall, two dragon busts decorated the columns at the top. To the right of the fire place was a mannequin, made of materials she couldn’t identify. And to the left of the fireplace was a closed decorated white wooden door.
“Do you like your room?” asked an excited voice.
Ange’s eyes snapped warily to the six figures standing just within the open arch doorway in the round room.
She could tell the three dragons apart immediately from the humans, though she was startled to see the humans have fair skin and faces like a portion of their dragon’s overwhelming beauty had rubbed off on them.
Hu, guess Showl was telling the truth. They can’t all be that naturally good looking! Ange thought feeling putout.
Showl’s voice chuckled in her mind. “Give it time, little thief. In a few years you’ll be making other mortals envious.”
“I doubt it,” Ange snorted.
She recognized the two girls that helped them fight off Sora. Now they wore casual clothing and to Ange’s surprise they looked like sisters.
The first girl had dark brown hair, a little shorter than Ange’s hair, tousled and slightly curly. Her eyes were a reflective and bright chocolate brown that danced with mischief and spirit, and her face was open and friendly. Her posture was confident as she stood next to a tall figure that made her seem petite. Her body build betrayed years of physical training and to Ange’s eyes she seemed flexible and quick like a seasoned thief or assassin.
The man beside her was obviously a dragon, he wore a loose fit black shirt and pants like the girl, Ange guessed he was the black dragon that had battled Sora. His human figure was just as intimidating as his dragon form but in a completely different way. His pale and fine face was serious and pensive, his dark black layered hair was a thick tussled mane that reached past his shoulders, and his eyes gave Ange the chills. They were white, a sharp white that seemed to be able to see every facet of her being, of her soul. Powerful, intelligent, unblinking eyes set in a marble perfect face that showed no expression. He was as tall as Showl, his body more lithe but just as powerful in frame.
Ange’s eyes traveled to the next pair, the second was only slightly taller than the first girl, probably only by an inch. Her hair was the same dark brown, curling down to her shoulders and framing her heart shaped face, her eyes were a dark chocolate brown, serious and somber, not as light hearted as the other girl’s eyes. She still wore pieces of her white armor with filigree gold weaving through the hard plates. She was the only one among the humans to still have weapons strapped to her hips, two long swords, one on each side of her belt. Her body build was exactly like the other girl’s. They looked very similar.
Behind her stood an intimidating and eerie beauty. The woman was as tall the other dragon, her face was sharp with high cheekbones and very feline curves rimed her entire body, her autumn fiery eyes had the sharp and analytical ferocity of a merciless raptor as she gazed at Ange and Showl. Her posture was very proud and regal, as her straight white hair draped past her shoulders to her middle back. She too like the girl next to her wore parts of her armor over her white shirt and leather pants, a strange weapon with a long chain hung on her waist.
The next pair were robust shapes, the human had gold slightly waved hair draping down to his shoulders while his cerulean eye caught the light in an alluring manner. His frame was wide and strong as he stood next to the tallest dragon in the room, they were nearly the same height, dwarfing all the other people in the room. They did not have the dexterous shapes as the other four and by far had the greatest musculature and athletic physique of the entire group. The dragon was only slightly taller with dappled brown and gold shades in his layered hair that streaked back away from his face to the back of his neck, whilst his deep tawny aureate eyes stared unblinkingly at them. In their eyes Ange saw immense intelligence, not just brute brawn.
The short haired girl took a fluent step forward till she was close to the bed, Showl stood up and stepped back as the girl sat by Ange.
Ange’s eyes flickered to the black haired dragon that tracked the girl with his striking eyes, seeming disgruntled and never taking his eyes off her.
“Do not reveal anything about the battle, little thief. We need to talk before we decide on anything, we cannot divulge sensitive information if we wish to get away.”
Ange sent him a thought of agreement, not so much as glancing at or indicting that they were speaking mentally to one another.
“So, do you like it?” The girl smiled expectantly.
Ange gazed about the room one more time and frowned. “It’s…very nice.”
The girl frowned confused. “You don’t seem too pleased…”
Ange smiled warily. “I’m sorry. It’s beautiful, but I‘m not used to such luxury. It’s a bit overwhelming,” she admitted, her skin itched with uneasy like she had been caught in a noble’s house that she had intended to rob.
The girl nodded in understanding. “I was a bit flustered too when I first saw the Dragon Palace,” she admitted. “Growing up on a farm, this was all too fancy from I was used to.”
Ange smiled, liking the girl instantly. She felt she could be great friends with her.
“Oh! Manners, sorry!” she laughed extending out her hand. “My name is Amaris, call me Amy.”
Ange grinned wider and took her hand in a solemn shake. “Call me Ange, its short for Angeline.”
The girl smiled widely, seeming very pleased. “Is your name too old-school for your taste too?”
Ange giggled as they released hands. “No, it’s just that when I was a little girl I could neve
r pronounce it correctly, so I went by Ange instead.”
Amaris laughed amused before she stood up suddenly. “Let me introduce you then!” She spun around half way to face the somber faced others in the room by the entrance.
“That broody one over there is my partner Corvus, don’t let his looks deceive you, he actually very nice and the smartest one here to boot,” Amaris pointed out fondly with mischief. “So if you’re ever stuck with a puzzle or you want to know some useless fact, he’s the guy to go to. That is after you go through me,” she winked with a serious and possessive gleam in her eyes.
The black haired dragon, Corvus, snorted and smiled slightly, turning his gaze away from where he leaned casually against the wall.
Ange gawked amazed at the momentary smile, she figured it must be a rare expression coming from him.
“Oh, and that there is my big sis, Ileana. I call her Ana though,” Amaris winked deviously at Ange as her sister sighed annoyed and nodded her head in greeting. “Careful, she’s real serious, a stickler for following the rules, and not good with jokes,” she laughed.
Ange scowled, distinguishing the girl that had threatened their lives and still was inclined to carry out the threat.
“She’s my twin, too. She’s also our Dragonbound leader, the head of the Sky Warriors,” Amaris continued on, not seeming to catch the hostility coming from Ange, or simply ignoring it.
Ange grimace deepened, she never much liked authority and this case was no exception.
“And that tall beauty right behind her is her partner and our dragon leader Grace, trust me, she’s not as cold as she looks,” Amaris chuckled. “But if there’s a book you can’t find or you’re feeling sick, she’s the lady to go too.”
Grace smiled slightly with a short defeated shake of her head and smiled kindly at Ange.
“Oh, and the blond one is my Ana’s hubby, Adam. He’s a bit shy but he’s a really nice guy, he’s really good with technology too. So if something is ever broken, he’s your man.”
“Amaris,” Ileana growled slightly.
“Ooops, sorry,” Amaris smiled unapologetic. “Correction, that’s her mate,” she emphasized the word with a giggle.
Ileana growled deeper, infuriated but let out a sigh of defeat as Adam touched her shoulder gently and smiled. Ileana returned the smile reluctantly and allowed her stiff composure to relax slightly.
Ange smiled amused, she was liking Amaris more by the second. Ange guessed she ruffled her twin sister’s temper quite often and somehow still managed to get away with it.
“And that there hunk right behind Adam is his dragon, Chrysaetos.”
Corvus’s face twitched briefly as he returned his gaze to Amaris.
She caught his gaze and chuckled as she continued, undaunted by his glare.
“Now his name is a mouthful, so we all call him Saeto. Well, except for Grace, they are mates after all. If you need hunting lessons or battle strategies or simply a sparring partner, he’s the dragon for the job,” Amaris added with a thrill as another sigh filled the room. “Falco and Eirian are off patrolling at the moment, but you’ll meet them later. Falco is real friendly, Eirian is more withdrawn…but she’s a nice girl once she warms up to you. She’s a fierce warrior though, you don’t want to get on her bad side,” Amaris winked and whispered quietly. “She’s got a bad temper but don’t let her catch you saying that.”
Ange tried to suppress a giggle. “I’ll try to remember,” she promised.
“Excellent, that’s everyone then. All the Sky Warriors.”
Ange stared shocked for a moment. “Wait…that’s everyone?” she asked baffled.
“There are only nine pairs of us left, not including the Phoenix Queen,” Showl answered quietly.
Ange frowned, thoughtful, considering the sad plight of the dragons, her thoughts unintentionally straying to the strange aberration in the sky before she fainted. Her skin crawled and she pulled up her gaze to Corvus who was glowering at Showl and her almost openly.
Ange waved Amaris closer and whispered nervously into her ear.
“What’s wrong with him?”
Amaris stood up and looked to Corvus then back with an amused smiled. “Oh, nothing. He’s just on nerve, he thinks you two are going to try and take me hostage so you can get away.”
Corvus sighed with a shake of his head and turn of his eyes as he kept his gaze glued to Amaris.
Ange laughed loudly, entertained by the idea. “Are we that easy to read?” she asked with a touch of dramatic innocence.
“Afraid you are,” Amaris admitted humorously. “But you’d have to catch me first,” she added with gleam in her brown eyes.
Ange smiled challengingly. “I’ll have to take you up on that, but on another day.”
“Agreed,” Amaris concurred, her hand out to finish the deal.
Ange grasped her hand, eager for a workout and a challenge when she was in better shape for a spar.
As they let go hands Grace’s voice cut in.
“We should let Angeline rest, she has just completed her bonding, her body needs time to recuperate and Showl needs time to establish their mental connection and adjust to the aftereffects of their bonding.”
“Grace,” Ileana growled. “We need to settle this matter before anything else.”
Grace raised her hand and halted her in her tracks.
“This is a lot for this young girl to take in right now, Ileana. You should understand better than anyone else how difficult a change in life this will be for her,” her eyes flashed to Showl and Ange. “Only her dragon can help her through this transition from mundane life to the weight of an immortal existence.”
Ileana sighed, appearing suddenly tired. “You’re right, Grace. As usual,” she added with a frustrated smile. “It’s difficult to be compassionate after this morning’s…” she turned her unconvinced and suspicious gaze to Showl and Ange, “mysterious battle. It’s been a long time since we had a new face among our ranks.”
“If you don’t mind,” Showl directed to Ileana with a strained tone. “I want to take Angeline out on a flight. Our first flight wasn’t…memorable…” Ange snorted ironically, he glanced at her raising an eyebrow before rectifying his statement. “Perhaps memorable isn’t the correct word…it wasn’t quite…traditional,” he smiled at Ange, expecting her to protest.
She smiled innocently, and shrugged in response, not intent on an argument.
Ileana frowned thoughtfully, exchanging glances with the rest of the group, Adam nodded to her while her twin smiled encouragingly.
“Very well,” Ileana allowed quickly before she turned away followed by Grace, Adam, and Chrysaetos. Corvus followed slowly, pausing by the door and looking back at his Dragonbound expectantly.
Amaris sighed and turned back to smile at Ange. “Well, I hope it goes well. I have to follow my sister, she’s more than eager to scold me.”
“How do you know she wants to scold you?” Ange asked baffled.
Amaris’s smile became a thoughtful line. “Well…Ana and I are actually very special, even among the Dragonbounds. Since we were children we were telepathic.”
Ange stared surprised, sitting up straighter.
“But only with each other. It’s not like the telepathy you and Showl share or the connection I share with Corvus. It’s more limited. We only hear each other’s thoughts when we send it to each other, our emotions on the other hand…well let’s just say we can feel those from each other even if we don’t intend for the other to feel them. And pain…when one of is wounded, we both suffer the pain.”
“That’s amazing,” Ange breathed. “I’ve always heard stories that some twins had special bonds.”
Amaris frowned obviously thinking before she smiled with mischief.
“Do you want to know something even weirder?” Amaris asked eagerly.
“What?”
“Our dragons share the same connection, so before we were even part of the Council, we could all share though
ts with each other,” she glanced at Corvus with open admiration and winked at him.
Corvus smiled and leaned against the door frame, the smile quickly leaving as he turned his gaze to the hallway.
“That is strange,” Ange agreed even though she had not the slightest idea what was strange among dragons. She stole a glance at Corvus before returning her gaze to Amaris. “He doesn’t say much, does he?”
Amaris smiled fondly as she turned her stare to her dragon. “No, he really doesn’t. You should hear all the mental sighing and agitation I give him. He can’t claim I give him any mental peace,” she smiled deviously.
“On the contrary,” Corvus responded much to their surprise. He took several fluid steps toward Amaris, stopping only inches away and tilting her face up to him with a finger. “You’re the reason I have a peaceful mind,” he winked at her and smiled widely as her face flushed red.
Ange couldn’t repress the giggle that escaped her.
Amaris stepped back and swallowed, trying to regain her composure. “Wellllll, I uh…” She looked at Ange embarrassed and startled, her voice coming out in a rush. “Well, will you look at the time!” she let a short hoarse laugh as she brushed her hair back with her left hand. “Ana, is going to kill me and I…uh…I forgot to clean my room, yes, that’s it!” she rushed out without a glance back.
Corvus let out a small chuckle, shaking his head slightly as he gazed after her. He turned his gaze back to them, bowing his head slightly to Showl before turning his white gaze to Ange.
Ange froze immediately under his eyes.
“I hope you and Amaris can have a long and prosperous friendship,” he said quietly, his voice a soft tone.
Ange glanced at the door where the girl had vanished and smiled warily to the black-haired dragon. “I hope so too.”
He nodded to her once with a slight inclination of his head seeming satisfied with her answer before he turned away and strode out the door after his Dragonbound. He closed the door behind him as he left.
Sky Warriors: Poleuthan's Thief (Sky Warriors Saga Book 1) Page 21