The forest air is chilly, especially in this secluded part.
We keep our captives far from the castle, letting them stew in their fate.
Our underground cells are tucked away in the most remote part of the forest.
Sometimes, their screams echo through the darkness, reaching all the way to the castle.
It’s a stark reminder for any enemy who dares to encroach on our territory.
As we descend the stairs, the captives shrink back in fear. Their bodies quiver in the corner.
A woman with fiery red hair catches my eye. She lets out a small cry. I meet her gaze and my heart skips a beat.
There’s a strange sensation in my chest.
I study her. Without thinking, I step forward, but she recoils. Her eyes widen with fear.
I frown, watching her chest rise and fall rapidly. Her heart is racing, adrenaline pumping.
But there’s something else: determination.
She’s different from the others.
I sense the others around me tense, ready to tear the captives apart.
“Hold on,” I command.
And then it hits me…
I watch in disbelief as the men transform into dragons.
I’ve never seen creatures like these before.
One moment they’re men, the next, dragons.
Bodies are torn apart before my eyes.
My fellow captives are dying around me.
The dragons are closing in on me.
I’m next.
Just as I’m about to accept my fate…
Startled, I look around. Where did that voice come from?
I lock eyes with a man across the room. His jet-black hair falls to his shoulders. His chest is broad and rugged. He’s staring back at me, slowly making his way towards me.
The man who condemned me to this fate.
Did he just speak to me?
I don’t recognize this creature, but I decide to respond.
“Valkyrie,” I say, loud enough for him to hear.
My voice is steady, confident. It gives me courage.
“I see a chooser of the slain,” the creature replies.
He exhales a puff of fire from his nostrils. Lowering his head, he studies me. His golden eyes bore into me, making my heart pound. But it’s not fear I feel; it’s a strange pull.
I can’t tear my eyes away from the creature before me. I’m entranced.
What’s happening to me? I don’t even know what these creatures are. He keeps his gaze locked on me. I take a step forward, surprised by my own action. Why do I feel so warm? Is this what hope feels like?
I’m so captivated, I almost forget the stench of death in the air.
Is that a command?
His molten gold eyes are fixed on me. He’s tall. I have to tilt my head back to meet his gaze.
He’s breathtaking. His rippling muscles make me swallow hard. I bite my lip as my eyes wander down to his perfect abs. I want to trace them with my fingers.
Suddenly, a strong arm wraps around my waist and pulls me close. I look up. He’s holding me tightly against his chest. My sword slips from my grip and my hands move to his arms. His skin feels good under my touch.
Why am I reacting this way? I’m confused.
“Don’t look away, Valkyrie,” the creature murmurs seductively. “Just look at me and no one else.”
“Who are you?” I ask.
I can feel every inch of his body pressed against mine. His eyes drop to my chest. Then, licking his lips, he looks back at me.
“Me? I’m the king of the dragons, and you are to be my one and only captive. My Queen,” he says, smirking.
Slowly, he lifts my wrist to his lips and kisses it lightly.
“Welcome to your new home... Mate.”
