Loving the Dragon

New York, April 1850 Cayden Blue fire lit up the pitch-black night, yanking me from a nightmare. I laid on the bed motionless, trying to catch my breath. The fiery tongues licked the wooden floor in the middle of my bedroom without burning it, casting shadows on the walls. Blaze ceased as fast as it came and I got up, reaching for the folded piece of paper that remained on the ground. Celeste. I growled silently. As much as I loved my cousin, her preferred way of communication was getting on my nerves. Why couldn’t she send letters like a normal person? Without turning on the lights, I unfolded the paper and read the words scribbled on it. And then again. Was this for real? Chasing away the last remnants of my nightmare, I waved my hand and the light in the room came to life. Maybe my eyes didn’t need light to read, but my mind needed clarity. Collapsing back on the bed, my hands clenched the note before I straightened it and read again, soaking every word until it engraved in my soul. ‘Dear cousin, I’m fairly certain I discovered your destined one. Time is of the essence and you should not waste a minute of it but come as soon as possible! I will prepare everything for your arrival. Your humble servant’ I needed a moment to collect myself. My destined one. I spent decades looking for her! I combed the world; from deserts and jungles to mountains, villages, and metropolises. But she was nowhere to be found. After everything, I started believing she didn’t exist… that I was cursed to never have her in my life. Now she was here, right within my reach. And damned I were if I wasted a second before I made her mine. The clock on the wall showed that midnight barely passed. If I left immediately, I could reach the British coast by morning. The night was my friend; it would conceal the monster so no one would witness it leaving the city. With that, I climbed to the roof from where I spread my wings and headed toward England where my destined one awaited. ~ ~ ~ The black carriage rushed toward the city, pulled by four impressive stallions. Wooden wheels screeched unpleasantly as they rolled on the gravel - the consequence of the carriage not being used for the better part of the century. Irritated by the sound, I closed my eyes in a futile attempt to get some rest. Flying across the ocean without stopping was bound to exhaust every other creature, but my body wasn’t budging - it was fueled by expectation. I still had trouble believing. The one. I frowned. It wasn’t like I didn’t trust Celeste; she was powerful and very rarely wrong. However, I couldn’t simply allow myself to hope before I knew for sure. Because hoping in vain would destroy me beyond repair. Approaching noise of the busy city streets announced my destination was not far away. Indeed, not long later, the carriage halted and I stepped out, heading toward the entrance of the grand city house. The door opened before I had a chance to knock, granting me quick access. “Your highness.” It was Celeste herself welcoming me. “You know I hate titles.” I reprimanded as the side of my lip crooked upward. Celeste smiled as she stepped forward and pulled me into her embrace. “It’s been long. I missed you, cousin.” “I missed you too, Cel.” “Your Highness.” Stepping away from his wife, I accepted Leopold’s hand for a shake. “You traveled well, I assume.” I nodded, skipping the details. Celeste wrapped her hands around mine and led me inside, stopping only when we reached their drawing room. “We let the resident staff know you’re arriving. Although it was an untimely call, everything should be prepared by now.” She chimed. “Thank you both. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” I sighed, slightly annoyed with the courtesy. “Now, tell me. Where is she? Who is she?” questions burning at the tip of my tongue spilled out. “Actually, Your Highness- she’s Bea’s friend. They are in the park, but should be back for tea soon.” My eyebrows furrowed on their own accord, perfectly resembling the confusion I felt. Celeste smiled nervously, clasping her hands together. Something was off. She was hesitating. Celeste never hesitated! “Speak, cousin.” Order rolled off of me in waves, affecting both my hosts. But I couldn’t help it. Nor did I want to. “What is she?” “Human. She’s human.” Celeste blurted, closing her eyes shut. What? I stumbled back, completely dumbfounded by her declaration. “How’s that possible?” I mumbled, getting lost in the maze of my jumbled-up thoughts. “Is it even possible?” I looked at Celeste, desperate for any sign that she knew more than I did. “It seems it’s very much possible.” Realization settled in my bones slowly. I had a destined one. I had a soulmate, and she was human. A fragile human. “Has- has there been any other cases before?” I asked, not recognizing my own trembling voice. “I found records of a few. But-” At that moment, my ears picked up a distant chatter, a giggle - light as air, happy and carefree. Instantly, my body perked up as my heart changed its rhythm; it quickened, beating so fast like it was trying to escape my chest. My breathing deepened and the entire world changed its color; everything that once was dull and dark now became bright. There was no need for words, no need for conformations. I didn’t even need to see her - I knew exactly who I heard. Nonetheless, I moved swiftly to the window overlooking the street and hid behind the curtain. It took no effort to locate two approaching figures, holding hands as they joyfully advanced toward the house. I didn’t even register Beatrice; my attention belonged to the blond woman walking beside her. An angel. A fairy. A goddess! The otherworldly beauty of my soulmate captured me; her deep blue eyes and wide smile imprisoned me for eternity and I never wanted to be free. The beast inside me roared, demanding full control. It wanted to snatch its destined one right then and there and ensure she belonged to it forever. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, asserting dominance over the monster. I couldn’t allow my instincts to drive me and do what they urged from me. I had to do this right by her. “You were right, Celeste. It’s her.” “I’ll be damned!” Leopold exclaimed and I almost laughed. However, the situation I found myself in was everything but funny. A sweet, innocent young woman was destined to spend the rest of her life alongside a monster and she was oblivious to her impending doom. “What the hell am I going to do now?” Desperation overwhelmed me; there was no going back for me. It was already too late. “Oh, that’s easy!” Celeste chimed. “You accept to be our guest of honor at tonight’s ball!” ‘I’ll be damned!’