The night wrapped around me like an old friend. Darkness was where I thrived, where I moved unseen, unnoticed, like a shadow on the edge of the world. I had been following Seraphina for days, studying her movements, her routines. Getting close to her wasn't easy—she was always surrounded by people, protected, watched. But tonight, something had shifted. Something was off.
It wasn't her I sensed watching me from the trees. No, this was someone else. A presence that wasn't hers, but still dangerous. I didn't have to look long to figure out who it was.
Dragonir.
I had heard of him—a dragon, dangerous in his own right, a loyal dog to the academy and to Seraphina. He would be a problem. A problem I would have to deal with sooner than expected.
I stayed hidden, lurking just beyond the line of sight, watching him move through the shadows, his large frame oddly graceful for something with so much raw power. He thought he was being stealthy, but to me, he was as loud as a storm. Dragons weren't built for subtlety.
When he called out to me, I weighed my options. I could have kept moving, kept hiding, but I didn't. This had to happen eventually. He was in the way, and I couldn't afford any more delays. Seraphina's time was coming, and anyone who stood between me and my goal would meet the same fate.
I stepped out, just enough for him to see me. His posture shifted instantly, a predator recognizing a threat. His voice was low, dangerous. "Show yourself."
I didn't respond. Not yet. Let him sweat a little. Let him think he had control of the situation.
When he spoke again, demanding answers, I allowed myself a small smile. He really had no idea who he was dealing with.
"You don't know what you're getting into," I finally said, my voice soft but carrying the weight of the warning. "Turn back now, dragon, and maybe I'll let you live."
He didn't back down. Of course, he didn't. They never do.
"You're the one who's been following Seraphina. Why?"
I tilted my head slightly, amused by his determination. He thought this was a fight he could win. "That's none of your concern," I said coolly. He didn't need to know anything more. Besides, by the time this night was over, he wouldn't be in any condition to remember much of it.
He growled, stepping closer, and I saw the shift in his eyes, the glint of his dragon instincts rising to the surface. I braced myself. This wouldn't be easy, but it would be necessary.
"You'll tell me who you are and what you want," he snarled, the growl deepening, "or I'll make sure you regret ever stepping foot near her."
I let out a small laugh, but it was devoid of humor. It was time. I lunged, catching him off guard, my body moving with speed and precision. The blade in my hand flashed in the moonlight as I struck, aiming for his throat, but he was quick—quicker than I expected. He dodged, the air where his neck had been seconds earlier now empty.
He was a good fighter, I'd give him that.
The dance began then. He fought well, his strength and speed impressive, but I had fought better. I had fought worse. I had fought dragons before, and while each battle was unique, they all had their weaknesses.
As I moved, dodging his attacks and countering with my own, I could feel the frustration building in him. His growls became deeper, his attacks more aggressive. He was getting desperate.
I saw the moment he made his choice—his throat bulged, the heat gathering there as he prepared to spit acid. I'd read about this ability. I'd seen the aftermath of what dragons could do when cornered. But I wasn't worried. Not yet.
When he spat, I moved just in time, the acidic venom hissing as it splattered against a tree behind me, sizzling as it ate through the bark.
"Missed," I taunted, my voice light, teasing. I wanted him off balance, unfocused.
The anger in his eyes flared, and he charged at me again, but he was slower now, tired, and I was ready. I dodged his wild attack, sliding behind him before he could react, my blade finding its mark as it slashed across his chest. It wasn't deep, but it was enough to stagger him.
"Who the hell are you?" he spat, breathing hard.
He was weakening. Good. I needed to end this soon. I couldn't afford to be here much longer. The longer this dragged on, the more likely someone would notice, and I wasn't prepared to deal with more than one problem at a time.
But Dragonir wasn't ready to give up. He charged again, trying to knock me off balance, but I saw it coming. I spun around him, my foot connecting with his chest as I shoved him back with all my strength. He staggered, but before he could react, I lunged again, my hand wrapping around his throat.
"You should've listened~," I whispered, leaning close as he struggled against my grip. His eyes widened in shock as I tightened my hold. "Now it's too late."
He tried to gather the acid in his throat again, but I wasn't giving him the chance. I slammed his head against the tree behind him, hard enough to daze him. His body went slack, his eyes rolling back as consciousness slipped away from him.
I let him fall to the ground in a heap. I stood over him for a moment, my breath steady as I looked down at his unconscious form. He would live—for now. I didn't have time to kill him properly, not without risking exposure.
I grabbed his body by the shoulders, dragging him toward the edge of the forest, further from the academy grounds. The weight of him slowed me down, but I had to move fast. If anyone saw me now, it would ruin everything.
A rustling sound nearby caught my attention, and I froze, my heart pounding. Someone was close. Too close. I dropped Dragonir's body, quickly slipping into the shadows as the sound of footsteps grew louder. Whoever it was, they weren't here yet, but they were heading in this direction.
Damn it.
I cast one last glance the dragon, unconscious and vulnerable on the ground, before I turned and fled into the night. He was no longer my problem. For now.