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Chapter 5

Darkness wrapped around her like a cloak. Why was she surrounded in it? She groaned as her faculties started to return to her, a dull ache pounding against her skull. Questions came to surface as her limbs twitched beneath her, the cold stone beneath her claws kissing her scales. She had been dreaming if she recalled correctly, of a desert. One that stood with vast buildings with painted moving pictures.

Why was I dreaming of that? Who was Hadariel?

Her tail twitched, she had never remembered being in a desert. Why was she remembering things from the boys perspective anyway? She shook her head lightly,a faint jingle whispering at her ears. Iit was all so confusing. Probably just some inconsequential dream brought upon by the drugged wine she drank.

Drugged wine. Her eyes sprang open instantly, her thoughts catching up to her a second later. She was lying on her side in a dimly torch-lit cavern room with stone polished to near perfection. It looked like something right out of a story book that Axton had read to her. It had dressers with mirrors, clothing upon racks and neatly to the side. Tables set with dishes and cups as if ready for a mortal meal. Boxes and pots lined the stone edges, there was even an armoire almost within reaching distance of her tail. With a quick glance she even caught sight of a large bed, with low hanging shades. It was made of a polished wood, golden stripes lining the surface like little snakes. It reminded her of a princesses room.

She went to raise herselt to all fours but felt a sudden force catch around her neck and pull her down with a groan. Her neck lit up in a sharp pain as it felt like needles had pierced her scales. It made her eyes clenched shut and her tail twitch involuntarily, working a groan from her snout.

What in the hell? She looked down, a blackened steel collar around her neck attached to equally as dark chain with rings as thick as a human's wrist. Upon closer inspection with her talons she found the collar not only had her bound, but had little metal spikes on the inside. Like little thorns it would press into her if she leaned too far in any direction. It sunk into her mind that she was trapped again.

Damn that dragon. Her snout curled into a snarl as she tested the chain again to no success. That's what I get for being trusting. Letting my guard down for even a moment. She glared flames at the stone, looking for any glint or shimmer of light that might draw her attention. She took a breath as she settled down, trying to slow the ever quick beating of her heart. She just had to focus and maintain her cool. Nothing this dragon could do to her would compare to what the lich had in store for her every waking day of her life.

What would Axton do? Her eyes lingered to the entrance to this section of the cave, a small wooden box clasped in brown leathers sat below the flickering torch. She maintained her gaze, truthfully looking past the box and into her memories. Times came to her like a running river, filling her senses with pleasing thoughts as the darkened room slowly faded away from her. She remembered the first time she had flown for him. The time within the enclosure.

The time I was smaller. She grinned, eyes opening as she rose her forelimb with purpose. Al she had to do was shrink and slip out of the collar. THen she would be free to search for Lyyreth, get out of this cave and find Cordenth. Then together they could confront this sneaky purple dragon.

And find out what he meant by his daughter. Her nose wrinkled. She didn't remember meeting any dragons along the way to this cave. He must have been confusing us for someone else. She focused on Axton's movements that he had done that day. How his eyes had lit up with glee as he watched her shrink.

Shrink...Get smaller. She closed her eyes, reaching out like the Emerald lady had taught her to harness magic. Nothing happened. Her eyes bolted open in surprise. How could that be? She had always been able to feel the faint sensation of the magic that wrapped all around them. However as she swished her claw around she felt nothing. It left a void within her that licked at her scales with an icy touch. How is this! She scratched a talon hard against the stone, scarring the perfect surface with a gouged line. The only thing that's different is the-

She curled her neck, eyes locking onto the coller. Her emerald spheres widened as the collars purpose came to the forefront of her mind. It was this little circlet of steel that was preventing her from calling upon her arcane might. That had to be the answer. She slipped a digit underneath the steel, slowly trying to work the collar up her serpentine neck. As if sensing her trying to escape she felt the metal band tightened around her neck, the thorns digging deeper the longer her digit stayed connected. Her tail trembled as small whines escaped her throat as she thrashed and struggled to raise that collar higher. Then it started to choke her. The thorns now felt like outright daggers had plunged into her hide, enough to make her wince and gasp out. Sweet air filled her lungs as her claws fell to the ground and she was left panting in loud gasping breaths.

Damn...She collapsed to the ground, stars on the edge of her vision as the torches twinkled at her. Like th little dancing flames were daunting her failure to escape. I can't stay here. I need to find Lyyreth. If the purple dragon was not with her, there was a good chance he was working over the green dragon. She knew she could take what pain he could dish out, but she wasn't so sure of the green one. If you've hurt him. The threat sprang to mind, an image of herself ripping off the purple's head clear as day to her wary eyes.

She coiled around herself, inspecting all her scar and scales that lined her body. Her segmented dull grey scales still bore the same scars they usually had, no extra ones to add to the list of pain she had experienced. It looked as though the purple dragon had not yet gotten to her. Wonderful. She rolled her eyes, casually tracing the sharpened tip of her spade like tail. She moved her neck as far as she could get to it, admiring the gleaming surface. Her mind wondered if he knew everything about her. Would cutting my neck work? She ran a digit over the metal, the collar flinching at the touch as if it was threatening her to continue. One clean cut and my neck would be free...Free to regrow and set me loose upon this place. Her eyes narrowed at the entrance, her ears flicking back as she could hear the faint sound of footsteps come echoing down the cavern walls.

Muscles tensed as she froze, her bones turning to ice. It didn't sound like a dragon coming down the hall. It was too small. Her ears twitched. It sounded like a bipedal mortal. Perhaps a human or elf coming to see her. Why was that? Was he trying to send a mortal as a last meal to her? The idea made her stomach growl as she remembered how he had wanted to eat the humans with her. Their terror only slipped through her scales and wrapped around her heart How hopeless they looked as they shuffled in, uterrely given up. How much they reminded her of herself after the tower.

Not like that. She took a deep breath, lungs tingling as she let out a heavy exhale. I can get out of here...Nothing like the tower. Her eyes locked to the wide entrance as the steps grew closer, and a woman appeared from the edge of her vision carrying a wash pail and dark blue rag.

She was adored in hardly any clothes, more strips of clothing then anything else. It covered her chest and lower regions, leaving her mahogany colored skin to bare. It was rough and covered in many scars, as if her draconic master had inflicted harm with her claws. The woman turned her bald head and looked to Infinity with soft brown eyes. Their eyes met and the human's eyes widened in fear. With a quick meep of fear the woman lowered her gaze in a near fraction of a second to her feet.

“Please can I wash?" The woman spoke in a softened voice, raising the pail in her grip. “Make scales all pretty. Sorry about look, did not know you up."

Infinity sat in silence, contemplating the woman's words. To be honest she was morbidly curious what would happen if she stayed. Though she had a good idea that bubbled to the surface. She fought off the growl that threatened to come out, as to not scare the already trembling mortal. She pinned her ears back as she realized the woman was quivering in place, almost on the verge of tears. She could hear silent whispers under her breath that begged to some god she never heard of for mercy.

“You may." Infinity nodded her head, making sure to lower her voice to a near whisper.

The woman took a trembling step, putting the cloth into the bucket. Her eyes never rose as she slowly made her way over. Infinity could practically hear her heart beating so fast the human was so nervous.

“You don't need to fear me." She tried to shift her voice into a tender coo. One that she had used with Axton many times. “I don't wish to hurt you human."

If she ignored her words Infinity didn't know. The human still trembled and took another step, pulling free the dripping cloth. The woman nodded without a word, placing the cloth to Infinities scales

She went to wince, expecting cold water to bite at her hide like a knife. Instead she found the cloth soothing and warm. It made her relax upon contact, her eyes fluttering in delight. Her tail quivered over the ground as the woman went to circle her scales with careful motions. If she was nervous now the dragoness couldn't tell, as she was too lost within the pleasing warmth and forceful motions. Purrs soon came to reward the woman's tender touch, almost making the dragoness forget she was locked within the bowels of some purple dragon's lair.

“Master want black dragon clean." The woman mumbled, scrubbing every scale on Infinitie's hide. From snout to tail the woman worked, scrubbing away every bit of grime and dirt that she could find. When she came to Infinitie's tail and paws she lifted each one, sighing and melting with each stroke of the warmth cloth and tender hands. It was like the little human before her was gifted to ease the stress and distress from a dragon's scales with her mere touch. She wanted her to never cease her ministrations and just relax the night away in utter bliss.

He probably trained her to do this...Like a pet.

Infinity groaned as her mind reminded her of the purple's smug grin on his maw. His threats and hisses. When the woman reached her tail with her delightful touch the dragoness felt guilt nag at her sides, guide her mind back to the concerns at hand. And just like that, the pleasing bath she had just got was lost to time.

The woman padded to Infinitie's head, bowing her head low enough to almost have her pointed nose touch the smooth rock. “Did..I do good?" The woman sniffed, skin trembling before her.

Infinity rose her snout, rumbling in the back of her throat as she pushed forward to nuzzle at the terrified mortal. The human meeped in surprise, almost unsure how to act as Infinity gave her thanks for her tender care. “You did very good." She purred before returning her head to an S.

“You tell master?" The woman's eyes brightened, raising up with a smile. “You tell him I give his ness good pleasure?"

“Yes I will." She sighed, internally feeling her hatred for this dragon grow. How despite the relaxing warm water her blood already began to boil as she imagined his eyes before her.

“You need anything else? Food? Water? Master wanted you taken care of." She bowed again, hands pressed together. “He say honored guest."

“Doesn't feel that way." She growled. “Not after he poisoned me and took me prisoner." She gestured to the collar and chain around her neck. “Does he give all his honored guests such lovely jewelry?"

“No." The woman said quickly, her cheeks reddening. “I misspoke nice dragon."

“Night Rising." She replied softly, perking her ear up as she heard the sound of a faint roar bounce across the cavern walls. Her mind dreaded the sound as it sent a shiver down her spine. Who did it belong to? Was it one of pain? Was it Lyyreth? She hated each question more than the last, reminding herself that it was partially her fault they now were in his claws.

“Excuse me? What is Night rising?" The woman's brow rose, confusion lingering in her eyes. When Infinity turned to attention to her the human lowered her head once more.

“It's my name I use for mortals." She rumbled. “Does your master not tell you that?"

“Master is...Master." The woman trembled. “He give no other name."

“What is your name?" She lowered her head closer, tilting it to the side and flicking her ears back. “I wish to not refer to you as human."

“My name is slave." She replied, her head drooping. “That is what master calls me."

“Not what he calls you." She sighed, pushing the issue further with a shift of her paws. “What you were called before."

“Marybelle." The woman whispered, covering her mouth as if she had said something naughty. “Though don't let him! Master get very angry with me!"

“I wouldn't dare tell him Mary." She bowed her head, closing her eyes gently. “I will keep your name safe with me." With a snort and flick of her tail she opened her eyes, lingering on the darkened cave in the distance. She could no longer hear the faint cry, and it troubled her heart. “Where is your master now?" She hissed, tapping her tail on the stone. If that was indeed Lyyreth he might be in trouble.

“With green one. He seemed really mad."

Guess I might have to speed up my escape then. Pity. She rose her tail, hovering it in the air with a sigh. I almost wanted to lob it off in front of the prick. Watch his dumb expression when they regrow. Her ears swiveled as an angered roar shook through the cavern, rattling the roof and scattering coins. Mary ducked behind the bed, whimpering in her throat with trembling hands. Following the roar were loud stomps, and they were heading right for her.

Well...You're going to get what you wanted. Her eyes widened, tail posed to strike, just as the purple behemoth began to stroll by the section of the cave. His eyes were filled with fire, narrowed, and he seemed to be walking in a hurry with heavy steps. His claws scraped against the stone loudly and made her eyes clench and ears hurt. He met her gaze, stopping mid stride. The look of fury on his snout faded away in an instant, smoothing into a smirk dripping with an aura of smugness. Gods how she hated him even more,

He sauntered over to her with a sway in his tail and haunches. He seemed to be eating her with his eyes, a hunger reflecting within those darkened pools. It made her uneasy, sick to her stomach as she saw them linger on her haunches. One too many seconds for her liking. She bared her teeth sharpened teeth, flared up her spines, and let out a threatening hiss.

“Well...Well...Well. If my prized guest is awake. Thought you were going to sleep the day away. Not that I mind of course, you are quite the beautiful creature." Grozzo chuckled, stopping far enough away so that she could not snap at him with her teeth.

“Some guest. You drug and chain me! Come closer and I will show you just how hospitable I can be." She ignored the last part, his compliments sickening her insides.

“You best fix that look to me girl. I could have killed you while the drugs worked their magic. Quite the remarkable plant dragonsbane. Took you and your boyfriend out fairly quick. Hardly put up a fight...Well at least he didn't drink it. Had to put him down with a show of force." Grozzo showed off his talons, and she saw they had dried blood on their gleaming surface.

She winced. Lyyreth had to fight the purple without her, this larger dragon that slammed his head on the table. She could only imagine how he was right now. How bloodied and broken his body might be. All because of her.

No. She focused her mind, maintaining her death stare. Don't let him see your weakness.

“But you must understand. To have two dragon's come into my home smelling of my daughter and lying to me about whom they are?" Grozzo started to strut around her, his tail brushing the ground with each step. “I can't let that pass. Can't be too careful. I needed you in my claws before we began. That way you and your…" He looked back to the cavern entrance with a twisted smirk. “Friend back there can be more truthful."

She made sure to stare square into her eyes as she kneaded her claws against the stone. She hoped she could convey that she thought little of him. That he was less than dirt in her eyes. With each pass of his paws she only wanted to see him taken down a peg. Perhaps three or four for good measure. She pulled against the chain with a growl. If only she wasn't bound.

“Now." He sat down onto his haunches, tail curled around him. She noted he was still just outside her reach. “I would like to know why you two were with my daughter. Where has she gone? Where have you spirited her away?" The purple's friendly demeanor suddenly faded, his eyes flickering with a fury she knew too well. “Where have you taken my daughter. I am not one known for my eternal patience."

“Daughter?" She rolled her eyes, shifting to stare at him. “Why would we ever stand between you and a child? You seem to have been such a loving father."

“I LOVE my daughter!" Grozzo snarled, snapping his jaws inches from her face. Infinity maintained her calm, smirking as he lost his composure.

“We didn't meet any dragons on our way here." She mockingly snorted. “I think you might have us confused with other persons. Shame you went through all the effort."

“No. I have not." He growled, his claws trembling. “What have you done with my beloved Amatae? I swear on my scales if you've harmed her in anyway. I will make sure you and that green whelp suffer for the rest of your days. No matter who he calls his mother."

She scoffed at his anger, looking away with a disinterested look. “I'm so scared." She looked down to her talons, admiring the blackened scales.

“Look at me!" He snapped forward, claw grabbing her roughly by the throat. His talons dug into her scales twisting her head roughly until she was glaring into her eyes with renewed fury. “There we go whelp. Isn't that much nicer?"

She said nothing as he tightened his grip, smirking as she gestured to her scales to show off how they were lined with scars. Memories that she had survived far worse than a brute choking her throat. “You...Will have to try harder than that." She smirked.

“Oh." The purple dragon licked his lips. “A dragoness with a strong will. You have the taste for this sort of thing eh?" He rose a brow and let her go and took a stride back. “You're going to be fun breaking in."

“You're free to try." She growled, tail lashing out behind her. She watched as he casually stood, circling her with a smug grin. It was then she spied on his scales several crimson lines. Like they had been clawed by talons.

“So...You're going to tell me where my daughter Amatae is before we start seeing how much you can take from me." His head lowered, eyes filling with a malevolence she had seen in the lich's blackened eyes. Though this dragon's eyes once more drifted to her tail.

“She was your DAUGHTER?" Her eyes widened in realization as she followed his movements like a hawk. Amatae was as much this dragon's daughter as Axton was her son. “The little elf that was terrified of you?" She snarled, words laced with a cold fury. “SHE was so scared!" She opened her maw, blue flames erupting from her mouth, bathing the purple dragon in their cerulean light. He did not flinch or turn away, seemingly unhurt by her draconic fury. She was left breathing deeply, staring into his spheres.

“Yes. She is my daughter. She has been for the last 400 years." He waved to the entrance. “This is a little game of hers she likes to play. Trying to leave me." He sighed, looking to his talons with a look of pity. “It's like she thinks she knows what's best for her. Sadly I have to retrieve her each time if only to keep her safe. It is quite the dangerous place out there after all. Never know which kind of monsters she would run into."

“Not hard when she sees you everyday." She snorted, “Like I'd ever tell someone like you where to find her." Her tail swayed behind her, her neck curling to make sure she had it at just the right angle. She'd only get one chance after all.

“Why you little." His teeth barred, snarling his fury as he took a step towards that shook the cavern. “I hope you enjoy pain little one. For I will make sure that you have your resolve tested until the words come slithering from your maw. Then we can see how much you can stand before I break you in and." His eyes gleamed with wicked intent, swiping his lips with his tongue. “Make you my little toy."

“More intimidating creatures than you have tried." She sneered, amused that he stayed still just out of her reach. Well if he wasn't going to come to her. She whipped her tail around with all her force, slicing the sharpened spade clean into her neck. Pain shot into her scales as thick spurts of blood splattered to the ground.

“What are you doing!" He snarled, urgency in his voice as his eyes brimmed with fear. The purple dragon twitched his claws, holding up his forelimb. He was going to try and stop her with his telekinetic power. She was not going to give him the chance.

With a cobra like speed she withdrew her tail with a sickening slick. Her limbs trembled but she found the strength and lashed again, cutting into the gaping hole left in her neck. She heard him scream his fury, moments before her tail sliced through the last bits of muscle and bone.

Her vision went black, sound faded, and infinity was wrapped in the pure silence of the void. Her body slumped to the ground, blood running from her neck like a burst dam. Grozzo stood in shock, mouth agape with flicking tail. The dragon picked up her severed neck and head, settling down onto his haunches. He admired it, as if looking at some lost treasure. He stared at the pool of blood, letting out a heavy sigh.

“Didn't think you had it in you." His voice lowered, eyes narrowed as he turned over the lifeless scales in his claws. He threw her bloody stump to the ground with a hiss. “Such a waste."

*****

Thanks for keeping up with this adventure of hers. Click the fav or vote button if you ended up liking it. If you want to be really awesome post a comment. Takes only a moment from you and leaves a lasting impression on me. It also keeps my batteries charged and ready to go keep posting. to encourage more of this my raffles for watchers will be for people that routinely comment on chapters and things. When I return from England aug-25-september 5th 2018. I will do something for 300 watchers!

if you feel like helping support me in editing and want some free extras not posted online. I do have a physical and digital copy of the first book here: www.amazon.com/dp/B07G5NDQMM