by Nira Steele
Fortunately Andie’s bed was right behind her. Staring up through the dark fabric she sucked in a deep breath.
Then she slowly breathed out. This was crazy - she really needed something to distract herself. Pulling down her dress, she then lay quietly and began examining her room. Andie’s eyes found the little bedroom window, her personal aperture to the heavens. Gazing out through the disc of glass she could see a smattering of the evening stars. Not too many were out just yet as it was still too early to see more than a handful.
Andie allowed her mind to wander, to remember.
Closing her eyes she imagined the canvas of the night time sky. Focussing her mind she then began joining all the symbols hidden within the vista. These were the heavenly constellations, the ancient configurations her father had taught her. Some were small like the bright Southern Cross while others were giant monstrosities like the vast snaking Hydra. She quickly became absorbed in it, losing herself in all the patterns of the cosmos.
After a few minutes she started refocussing her mind. Blinking slowly she began thinking about her plan for avoiding people tonight.
By the time everyone was home she was ready.
Smiling serenely she then rose from her bed. Drifting smoothly back down the corridor she set her mind to a single belief. Andie had to pretend everything was still the same here. Well it was really, it was only her perspective which had changed today. The people she was about to meet were the same as they had always been.
She saw them, Tessa and her parents sitting in the lounge area… and she averted her eyes.
Approaching them calmly Andie began speaking. She revealed the trip to her aunt’s, explaining her visit had consumed the entire afternoon. Keeping it brief she carefully described some of the details which were actually true. At first they all appeared rather annoyed so she swiftly moved into the realm of fiction. Slumping forward with a look of despair she then began revealing the death - of a chicken.
It really was such a pathetic story. However they all bought it and appeared to be genuinely sorry for her. They were very understanding when she declared she was turning in early.
Probably because they all went out. Andie got the distinct impression they actually might have been relieved. Quietly stunned, she stood and watched as they all quickly departed from the house.
“There is some fresh bread and cheese in the pantry,” Willa called out as she glided through the doorway.
This was mortifying - Andie had never asked any of them to stay home with her. They must have been bored out of their minds sitting around here entertaining her every evening.
However this was not the time to be dwelling on such thoughts. Andie had far bigger issues to be considering right now. Once they were gone she headed into the kitchen to make herself a comforting cup of tea. Finding the kettle she placed her palm onto the smooth round orb which activated it.
She waited for it to boil…. But within seconds she was weeping.
When the blubbering began she felt like such an incredible wimp. Andie had not meant to start crying but it seemed she had reached her limit. Giving up on the hot drink she decided to head for the bathing room. She was sure a good long soak would calm her badly frayed nerves. Removing her dress she waded into the water and sank down to her chin.
Then she had a good long wail. Afterwards she felt much better as if she had literally wept out all of the stress. Drying herself off, she donned her dress again and meandered down the corridor. Entering her bedroom Andie shuffled over to the padded chair near her bed. Flopping down into the velvety fabric she began facing the truth of her situation.
In the end she came to a realisation – should she really be so surprised? She had seen and heard all sorts of incredible things since entering the world of the Draconarid. What she had learned was very shocking but there was one particular point which had really upset her.
Darius had said she could have been executed. If she wasn’t carrying the beautiful Eye stone then she would probably be dead by now. She could hardly believe they would ever behave in such a brutal way.
Deep down Andie knew she was being naïve though.
She had wanted everything to be perfect here like it was some kind of magical fantasy land. In truth Lunaris was just a place within the very real and natural world. She may find some of their laws barbaric but they had protected them for centuries. Were they effective? The obvious answer was yes.
Sighing heavily Andie realised this was her reality check. Rising from the chair she then began thinking about her little friend. Was Tessa even aware of the terrible risk in bringing Andie here? Releasing a gasp she then remembered Tessa’s declaration in the forest.
“We must get you inside soon. There’s something rather dangerous out here.”
Of course, Tessa had to make a difficult choice. Was it a bad one? Because it was the reason Andie was now here.
Somewhat relieved by this realisation she headed back to the kitchen. Absently watching the boiling kettle Andie began thinking about Tessa’s parents. Looking back she could now understand so many of their reactions.
After making a cup of tea she headed back down the corridor. Pausing briefly she examined one of the frescos painted along the wall. To think every person here was one of these dragons - well, it was quite a lot to take in. Had they always existed like this, hiding away from the rest of the world? Did someone back in ancient times learn how to transform into one of these beasts? Or perhaps it was the dragons who had worked out how to change their physical forms?
It presented more questions than answers.
There was a far more immediate concern, something Andie needed to be conscious of. She had to remember to never mention meeting with Darius. All of the things they had discussed needed to remain secret.
Andie recalled his disturbing words, how he felt like he was disappearing. It really was a miracle he had chosen to reveal himself at all. How did anyone cope with the destruction of their home? Or the fact they did not know if their family was still alive? She could not begin to imagine how traumatic such a situation would be. At least he was being well looked after by the Lunarians now. He had his own cave, regular meals and the shields were protecting him.
None of this was going to last though as in just two more days Andie could be leaving. From what Darius had told her he would be departing as well.
After a fitful night’s sleep she had come to a conclusion. No matter what it took she was going to get Darius to stay here. She had to find a way to convince her wary friend to remain in Lunaris.
Gazing out through the lounge room window Andie quietly sipped on her morning tea.
The weather outside was blustery and cold today which gave her an excellent excuse to stay inside. Curled up on her favourite lounge chair she waited for her flight time to approach. The house was wonderfully quiet, devoid of any prying Draconarid who might try to question her.
Today it was more important than ever she performed her duties well. Her personal feelings had to be put aside, all of her fears and concerns.
The world of the Draconarid was not what she thought it was. People did not ride dragons here - they actually were dragons. They would also kill any human who discovered their secret.
Shuddering a little she rose from the chaise lounge and went to prepare herself.
✽✽✽
By three o’clock the wind had finally eased.
Andie had been sent home twice already by Marcellus. Disappointed, she had been unable to hide her unhappiness about the delay. Eventually the skies did clear as the atmosphere calmed down.
The time had come to head upstairs again. Dressed in a fresh set of grey leathers Andie was ready to hit the skies.
Yesterday’s revelations had really put a strain on her. She was tired, her mind was worn out but she was alright. In fact, she was better than alright now.
No matter how awful reality was Andie always preferred it to living a lie. She had seen what denial could do, how it woul
d erode the strongest of bonds between people. So no matter how dreadful the truth was she would always seek it out.
In the end she was very glad she had talked to Darius. His words had strengthened her resolve to remain in Lunaris. She wasn’t just hanging around to keep a dragon entertained anymore – no, this was about preserving someone’s life.
Today she was determined to speak to him. Andie felt it was her duty to convince Darius to stay here. It was the one place she believed he would be safe from harm.
Shaking her head she focussed on where she was walking. The pavement was damp with the heavy rain which had fallen earlier in the day. It wasn’t rain to begin with though, more like icy blasts as it battered into the shields. When it met with the invisible barrier it miraculously transformed into droplets of water.
This really was such an incredible place. Despite everything, Andie was still very grateful to be here.
Yesterday’s flight had yielded so many unexpected benefits for her. One of the less obvious ones was the retrieval of some much needed personal items. Sure it was great having her own underwear again but she had been missing her makeup kit like crazy. She had used it sparingly today, just a touch of eyeliner and a dab of colour.
It felt good, more like her really. Although she had become used to going around completely bare-faced these days. The only thing she had been using was a cream Tessa had given her. It was a soft paste which stopped her skin from drying out when she flew.
All the same she felt much better with a little bit of enhancement. The truth was everybody here was remarkably good looking. They were well groomed of course but there was more to it than that. It was their skin, their hair… so clear and fresh like they had just stepped out of a spa.
They were all individuals though as her outings had soon revealed to her. Andie had seen all sorts of different features; some were quite tall while others were petite. A few had very fair skin but it always seemed to match with the shade of their hair. Those with darker complexions always had warmer shades of blonde. Their faces were unique as well, not to mention the colour of their eyes. She had seen everything from the palest of blues to a deep violet shade in the irises of a seamstress.
In the end she concluded they probably did not come from just one place. The main connector was their hair colour which generally varied in shades of blonde. Maybe it had something to do with being part moon dragon?
Well at least Andie felt a bit more on par with everyone else here now. Marching along she made her way briskly towards the platform. As she ascended the final staircase she looked up at the clear blue sky. She smiled, knowing soon she would be a part of the endless expanse.
Turning to head for the cave she abruptly pulled up mid step. Looking sideways she noticed Darius hunkering right in the middle of the platform. With his saddle already strapped on he seemed very keen to be finally airborne. But there was something very wrong about his demeanour.
“We can go now grumpy face! You can wipe off your glum look,” she called out to him.
Darius did not respond to her at all. Keeping his head plonked firmly on the tiles he released an extended sigh. What had gotten into him? He looked like a deflated balloon.
“Good afternoon Andie.”
She literally froze in place hearing that voice. Of course she knew who it was but surely he could not actually be here. What on earth would induce him into turning up?
Then Lord Laurentius glided directly into her view. Andie dropped down instantly onto her knees - it wasn’t an automatic reaction, well not for the right reasons anyway. She was far more concerned about hiding her gobsmacked face than showing him any respect.
“You may rise,” he advised her coolly. “You are not one of my subjects so gestures of loyalty are not required.”
Andie kept her eyes glued to the ground as she slowly got to her feet. Unfortunately Laurentius then started stepping forwards into her view.
“Y-your majesty,” she stammered out as she stared smack into the middle of his chest.
“It’s Lordship actually,” he corrected her in a musical tone.
Flicking her eyes up Andie caught the hint of a smile upon his lips. Was he actually enjoying her discomfort again? Frowning with annoyance she began shifting her weight between her feet.
Today he looked very different. He was not wearing any shoes, not that she could ever recall noticing his footwear. His legs were sheathed in a pair of tight white trousers or perhaps they were some kind of leggings? Covering his torso was something which could be described as a white shirt. The whole look was rather casual and very different from his usual attire. It was modern and effortlessly sexy in a way which she found deeply unsettling. The fabric of his top hung loosely at the front, opening into a V over his chest. Right where she was staring right now….
Andie could feel her cheeks beginning to burn. What was the deal with this guy? Did he actually take pleasure in making her feel uncomfortable? Shifting her gaze to the side, she desperately studied the patterns in the pavement. It was too late though as a vision of his well-formed chest was already etched into her mind.
Then the air started vibrating with a deep powerful hum.
“I think someone is growing impatient,” Laurentius advised her. Turning away he then glided straight towards Darius.
Now Andie was just expecting him to watch them taking off today. She thought he would merely observe as they launched from the platform. What actually occurred was something she was completely unprepared for. Laurentius moved alongside Darius and reached up to grab onto the pommel. With one smooth movement he then swung himself up into the saddle.
Andie almost wet herself.
Darius emitted a rumbling growl which could register on the Richter scale.
A dreadful feeling erupted in the pit of Andie’s stomach. Staring mutely she considered dashing for the stairs. Should she try to do it? They were literally five seconds away from her.
“Please come here,” Laurentius called out to her.
For a moment she blinked at him, realising it was already too late to flee. Shuffling forward she dropped her head in an effort to hide her pained expression. She knew the saddle could fit two people but getting her on would still be a bit of a squeeze. There was only one set of stirrups too and they were adjusted to fit her feet.
Then she remembered - Laurentius was a Draconarid.
As she passed by Darius’s head she caught a baleful glance from a big golden eye. Well there was nothing for it, they would both have to endure this terrible event. Slouching up next to the saddle Andie stood and glared at the patterned pavement. As the panic rose into her throat she considered running away again.
“Andie?” Laurentius said in an expectant tone.
Turning her head she glanced up briefly from under her brows.
“Please take off your cape my dear.”
Unfastening her neck tie she let it fall to the tiles. Then her feet left the ground and within a heartbeat she was sitting sideways across the saddle. Gasping loudly she could barely comprehend where she was now.
Andie was perched right in front of Laurentius. She felt an arm wrapping around her waist, pulling her shoulder in against his chest.
“Ascend,” Laurentius commanded.
In an instant they were airborne. Darius had not moved to the edge of the platform though – in fact he had not even risen to stand. He had sprung upwards from the ground like a cat, launching himself skywards with sheer brute force.
Andie hung on for dear life… to Laurentius. Without thinking she had thrown both of her arms around him.
Her cheek was pressing into his shoulder, putting her into a position she had never chosen to take. She could not help herself though as she had latched onto him automatically.
Now Andie was no genius but even she knew they should not be here now. Tessa had warned her never to attempt a vertical take-off for a very good reason. The extreme force should have dismounted them both instantly.
Yet s
omehow Laurentius had kept them in place. Why was he even bothering to do this? She could not see what it would possibly achieve. All he was doing was aggravating poor Darius to the point where he was behaving aggressively.
And Darius really was furious. He was grunting, the sound so loud it resonated in her ears. His wings were pounding through the air with such intensity it was creating a maelstrom.
Opening her eyes Andie glanced down to see a vista of the town rolling by beneath her. A sea of shining glass domes was rapidly shrinking from her view. Then they vanished, winking out of sight as they moved beyond the layer of the shields. A shallow valley was now spreading out beneath her in a blinding white expanse of ice.
So this was how the town was camouflaged. It truly was a remarkable illusion.
However the view only distracted Andie for a few seconds at most. She was far more concerned about the dizzying heights they were reaching. Then it dawned on her she wasn’t chewing any of her gum. Going into a panic, she instantly withdrew an arm to clutch at her throat. She seemed to be breathing just fine though - the altitude wasn’t affecting her at all.
“Are you alright?” Laurentius spoke softly to her.
“Oxygen?” Andie managed to croak out.
“You are safe,” he breathed as he relaxed his grip on her waist.
Sucking in a shallow breath Andie attempted to calm herself down. She could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage like her own personal jackhammer.
Unfortunately the strange and unexpected flight was nowhere near its end yet. Darius levelled off briefly before banking around in a long slow curve. The wind began drumming into Andie’s ears as she saw a stark white peak passing by.
They were very high up now. This was madness, so unnecessary and frankly very dangerous. Was Laurentius making Darius perform some kind of a test? Or perhaps this was meant to be a challenge for Andie? Either way she knew there was something very serious going on here.