My heart, My love, My dragon

Chapter 32

{Anya}

"Ollie, please let me tag along! Only until we reach the town square then I'll ask you to give me directions to the Town Library and won't bother you no more."

Oliver had been persistent on saying 'no' to Anya going with him to town but Anya insisted. She had heard rumors that a portal to the Human World was in the Library and she needed to investigate. It could be her gate to freedom. Besides, today was September 23. Her birthday and Khaleesi's death anniversary.

But Oliver wasn't aware of such a day which was a plus in her book. The only thing was that the entire Kingdom was in mourning for their past Queen and little unborn princess. Anya could only imagine how awkward Libelle was standing beside King Vulcan above Khaleesi's and her baby's grave. Barely anybody roamed the streets and she was sure that King Vulcan would seek her to make sure she wasn't celebrating.

Oliver wrote, "Fine."

Anya clapped happily and followed him out into the hall and continued for about ten minutes before Luthor appeared suddenly.

"Happy Birthday, Anya" he announced cheerfully and slung his arm over her shoulders. Anya noticed how Ollie's eyes lingered on Luthor's arm before snapping away. "You're seventeen now. One more year and you're officially grown up."

Anya winced awkwardly when Ollie looked at her in offense. He was offended that Anya hadn't told him that today was his birthday. She knew he was wondering why King Vulcan reminded her of today.

"Yeah, today's that day," Anya trailed off, glancing at Ollie.

"I've got something special planned. I'm here to take you to see it," Luthor proudly stated but it seemed like he was trying to rub it in Oliver's face which didn't sit right with Anya. She was actually more surprised than content with Luthor. She had expected him to still be so engrossed in Kaida. 

"No, I can't right now. I'm busy. Oliver and I are going to town," Anya smiled charmingly. It was meant to sting. Just like it stung Anya before when Luthor wouldn't spare a second to listen to an important message she was going to give him. That plan had gone to the garbage already.

Luthor flinched as Anya linked arms with Ollie and tugged him along. Once they were at a safe distance away from Luthor Ollie handed Anya the notebook that read, "Revenge doesn't look good on you."

Anya wrinkled her nose and scoffed, "There's more where that came from."

He didn't reply but instead kept glancing at their locked arms. Anya became self-conscious and removed her arm but he placed it back and wrote, "It's fine."

Anya's cheeks burned as she was sure she looked as red as a tomato. He didn't meet her gaze until they reached the town square. Anya gasped at its beauty with flowers everywhere and a few vendors. This was only a fourth of how full it was on a regular day but since today was a day to mourn there were only a couple of vendors.

"Oliver!" someone called out and Anya watched as he tensed. A girl was calling out to him from afar but she turned pale when she realized Anya was beside Ollie. It was clear she was aware of Anya's presence.

Oliver smiled warmly at the girl who approached them steadily and introduced herself, "My name is Freya."

"I'm Anastasia of High House Hydra," Anya said but second-guessed herself. She saw as Freya gave Oliver a pointed look and Oliver winced. Was she still supposed to announce herself as a member of House Hydra? She had been so accustomed to introducing herself as such that it had been ingrained in her brain.

She decided to change the topic, "You two know each other?"

"Yeah," Freya nervously trailed off. "We're...Erm, we are....you see...It's just that-"

Oliver had shoved a piece of paper in Anya's palms for her to read. He had written, "She's my girlfriend."

"Oh," Anya said silently. Now that she looked at them she was embarrassed that she hadn't noticed earlier so she unlinked her arm with Ollie's. For some reason, she was disappointed on the inside and felt a tang of jealousy. When she realized her head was hung low she immediately raised it with a plastered smile, "Okay, I'll head off to the library now. Oh, don't worry Oliver, the town has signs that direct me to the library so you don't need to write anything down."

Anya skipped off a few meters and picked a flower off the ground but a rough wind had slapped her head. Anya frowned and looked back at Ollie but it wasn't his doing because he was discussing hurriedly with Freya. A flapping of large wings rang through Anya's ears as she looked above her. A crimson dragon was circling above her and coming down to her at rapid speed.

Her brow furrows and she dropped her satchel on the ground. Defiantly she stood her ground and stared that dragon in the eye. Eventually, the dragon had settled with a thud in front of Anya. She covered her face with her hands to prevent dust from entering her eyes.

The massive crimson dragon stared down at her tiny form. In comparison, the dragon could easily squash Anya with one claw. 

'Come with me, my name is Nuri of High House Vulcan' the dragon communicated with Anya in her mind. 

"Why?" Anya backed away, grabbing her satchel. This time, Freya and Oliver had stopped talking and Ollie appeared to be debating whether or not to stand beside Anya. 

'Hurry, we have no time,' Nuri urged hurriedly.

"I need an explanation," Anya insisted.

'You leave me no choice...'

Nuri slid her large wing under Anya's feet and flung her up into the air. Anya yelped as she felt gravity pull her back down again but she didn't hit the pavement but Nuri's dragon body. This time Anya screamed when she couldn't get a good grip and slide off.

She flailed in the air and her satchel slid off her shoulder. She tried reaching for it as she fell but it was too late, Nuri had caught her again. In her satchel, she had a couple of potions that could help to discover the portal in the library. Once more, Nuri's scales were slippery and Anya slid off.

She screamed looking as she fell, looking down at Oliver and Freya's bodies. Nuri had caught her this time with her teeth. Her teeth latched on to Anya's shirt and she tilted her head up to throw Anya beside the horn on her head.

Trembling, Anya quickly wrapped her legs and arms around her horn. "Why are you doing this?!" Anya screamed as the wind hit her face roughly.

Nuri had stopped flying and said, 'I'm sorry but it's too late. I couldn't tell you the truth soon enough. But you need to know that Arin is not who you think he is."

"What do you mean?"

'Arin is-' Nuri stopped and roared in pain as an enormous spear struck her in the chest. Her eyes shut and her body fell down.

"NURI!"