The Dragon's Legend

Darius was a young promising and handsome CEO of the books editor company Drakion, he was 25 years old, but that didn’t stop him from succeeding in his career. Even though he was the dream of many women, what almost anyone knew was that he is actually a Dragonborn. Dragonborns are descendants with dragon blood, capable of many mysterious things, humanity hunted the most of this race. Some remain hidden, some pretend to be human trying to live a “normal” life. Normally, Dragonborns are very similar with humans, but they have horns coming out of their heads, wings that grow as they age and a tail. The most talented can hide them, and so Darius lives hiding his true nature from humans.  Darius was at his office, he was surrounded by shelves full of books, one of his passions. He sat behind his desk and closed his eyes for a moment. With no control of his emotions he just goes back into some very old memories. He could smell that sweet scent again, her small child hands, her dark hair… He was totally overridden by those memories, those emotions… His heart was racing so fast it felt like it was gonna fly. -Sir… Oh no, wake up Mister Kadec… Your wings and tail… - Weng closed the door immediately, he was Darius' right hand and had been serving Kadec’s family for a very long time, even though he seemed as young as Darius. And he was also a Dragonborn. -Oh.. Weng! - Darius opened his eyes startled as he didn’t see Weng entering the room, nor haven’t noticed his traces being so exposed. He passed his hands through his red hair as he stood up and recomposed himself - So, you were saying… -The new recruits are starting today and you said you wanted a meeting with them. -Oh, of course.  -Are you alright Mister Kadec? I haven’t seen you lose control like that since you were a kid… -I’m fine… I just had a weird dream, that’s all… - Darius knew that if he told Weng the truth he would probably get scolded, so it was better to leave those memories in the past where they belong. Darius and Weng went to the meeting room, the CEO sat on the end of the long table, there was a white board behind him. As Darius gave the signal Weng told the new staff to enter the room and came back to stand behind his boss. As the new recruits entered the room, that sweet scent once again overwhelmed Darius. His instincts were screaming inside him, his muscles began to tremble, his mind went blank, the young CEO started to hold his head trying to come back to normal, but that seemed impossible. -Mister Kadec! - Weng was confused but rushed to help him - Sorry, this meeting will be canceled, go back to your posts now! -  He knew that whatever was happening, it would be the best if the two of them were alone. And as everyone left the room, Weng closed the curtains and Darius let it all out. He spread his wings as much as he could, his tail went from one side to another, he kneeled on the floor begging his blood to calm down. -Mister Kadec! I will get the clan’s doctor! -NO! - He held his head stronger - AAAAAAAAAARGH. -Sorry but I won’t sit back and watch you stay like that! -I SAID NO! - His green eyes turned red as fire as he grabbed Weng’s arm fiercely. Weng kneeled immediately and bowed his head. -Yes, my lord. -Please, get me some water… - Darius asked between breaths, he was still on the floor, his wings almost touched the ceiling, his tail still wagging from one side to another intensively. Weng reached the water on the table for the meeting and gave it to his young master. As the minutes passed Darius got to calm himself and Weng found the moment to ask: -Sir, What is happening to you today? -I don’t think you would believe me… -What are you? A kid? Come on, you know you can talk to me… - I think I had an imprinting… -Oh Darius! You know this is a mere legend!  -But I felt it years ago when I was a kid! It was the same thing back then!!! Something inside me is screaming… -Yes, your dragon instincts! That’s why we learn to control them, and you surprisingly controlled them at a very young age... -I’m telling you...This is different! I haven’t even laid my eyes on anyone in the room, but I felt the exact same scent I felt when I was just a kid! -I think you should go home for the day and rest, it’s probably just stress. Darius got really upset by how Weng just sent him home, but it was probably for the best. He wasn’t in any conditions to deal with boring meetings and paperwork. So he took his things and called a car to take him home. -But reschedule the meeting with the newcomers for tomorrow at 8 a.m. and send me their files. -Yes, Sir, but please rest at home. -Ok, I will…                                                                                    *~*~*~* Alice was one of the newly contracted, starting as an editor, and she was already getting along with Fred and Lizzie which also just started today. They were back to their seats, but were told to wait for instructions, as their desks were so close they could enjoy the small free time they had. -Oh my god, that CEO was so hot. - Fred said while looking over the other two. -Do you think he’s alright? - Alice looked really worried. -Oh, he’ll be fine! Money is not a problem for him and his family. - Lizzie smiled at her two new friends. -I hope so… -Don’t tell me that one look at him was enough for you to get in love with him?! - Lizzie gave a naughty smile to Alice. - Of course not! - Alice blushed because of her timid nature, even though she was telling the truth, she got nervous.  -Oh come on Lizz, stop bullying her. - Fred had a nice timing as Weng came by to instruct them. Weng had a very serious vibe, even though he didn’t seem very old, at best he looked like he was 35 or so. The trio listened to Weng’s instructions very carefully, as nobody wants to have a bad start on your new job. - You already know where the library is, you can use it as you wish. Any doubts you have you should first come looking for Miss Nora, she’s the chief editor and your supervisor. - Please feel free to come to me anytime!! - Nora had such a motherly aura, it was impossible to dislike her at first sight. She had dark long hair and seemed to be around her 50’s, maybe a little less, yet her kindness was overwhelming. - You will start with some reviews that Miss Nora will pass down to you. Don’t forget you’re here to impress us and not to chat with friends. - As soon as Weng finished talking he turned back and went through the corridor that led to the Director’s office. - Please don’t mind him, Weng is always so serious but he has a good heart and we can say the same to our young and lovely Director, Darius Kadec. Now, I will give each of you these assignments, so please try to finnish by tomorrow morning. At lunch time all the new recruits gathered at the company cafeteria and the main subject of the conversation couldn’t be different, everyone wanted to talk about the handsome CEO, Darius Kadec. The cafeteria had large rounded tables all around the place and it just fit perfectly the 6 new employees from Drakion. Lizzie and Alice sat together, but were quiet in front of so many people that they just met recently. -What do you think happened to Mister Kadec? - Liam, a tall black haired boy, started the conversation. He was hired as a book designer. -Maybe he has a frail body? - Lizzie answered while playing with a lock of her dark brown hair. She looked way quieter than when she was with just Fred and Alice. -Or maybe he just didn’t want a meeting on a monday morning? - Rina inquired. -Come on Rina, you can’t be that naive! - Fred laughed at her, he passed his fingers through his blond hair and continued: - It doesn’t really matter what happened to him, just that we’re gonna have a second chance to enjoy all that beauty again. - Ok,ok I think that’s enough talking about our Director… - Liam stopped fred with a smile, it didn’t have any malicious or second intent, not apparently at least. -Ohh, but I bet the girls are loving the subject - Fred pouted and everyone started to laugh. -We certainly are! - Rina said between laughs. -It’s really nice that we all can get along on our very first day! - Bella, the red haired girl, said with a gentle smile. She seemed nice and reliable, someone who would earn everyone’s trust. And with a nod everyone on the table agreed with Bella.                                                                                 *~*~*~* At home Darius calmed his instincts once again and as when he were younger he started doing some exercises to control his powers and appearance, he couldn’t risk his true nature being revealed like that. He sat at the center of the garden of his house, he was surrounded by plants, trees and a nice artificial lake, he could only sense and hear the sounds of nature. Darius felt the sunlight on his skin and centered his concentration on his magical power. He knew that he had to suppress it so he wouldn’t lose control again. After some hours of training Darius took a hot shower to relax his tensed muscles and as he left his room Weng was waiting at his door. -Sir, you have received a summoning from your clan… -What?! Why now? -I think they might want you to marry… -But, that’s not how this works! I should fight for a female and win every battle! -And you have any doubts about your strength, my lord? Must I remember that you were the youngest to ever control your powers? Not only that, you always have succeeded in all your training, in magic and fighting, and are still unbeaten in all of your duels. -Yeah, I know but… -I think you should hear the head of the clan first. -Well, it’s not like I have any choice, huh… Darius felt his heart heavy, even though he didn’t even have the chance to look for the girl of his dreams, he surely didn’t want to have an arranged marriage. Darius has always liked the life between humans, studying and working was as important to him as his training as a Dragonborn. -Weng, send word that we will go by the end of the week. -Yes, young master. Darius went back to his bedroom, he jumped in his bed and staring into the ceiling he started to let his memories flow back. It was a sunny day, the wind blew gently and Darius was venturing himself in a forest near the clan grounds. He was 10 years old and already fully capable of controlling his appearance and to prove it he kept all the time his traces hidden. He was trying to get to the highest hill by foot, and that wasn’t a problem for him, even though it would be easier to go flying, he wanted to strengthen his body too. The sunrays felt warm on his skin, he liked to feel the warmth as a nice breeze blew through his red hair. Darius stopped to look to the sky when the wind brought something unexpected, a scent so sweet, it was so good that his wings, tail and horns came out immediately. Suddenly he wasn’t in control anymore, his whole body demanded that he went racing to the top of that hill. Without second thoughts Darius opened his wings and flew as fast as he could to the top of that mountain. He went through the trees without minding the twigs and thorns that were in his way. As he flew the scent got stronger, his heartbeat was so fast he couldn’t even think straight, he just flew as fast as he could, never minding the bruises and cuts he made on the way. His instincts were right, there was someone on the top of the hill. But he flew so desperately that it looked like a monster was coming to get her and she had nowhere to go. As Darius got out of the trees and looked at that little girl, he felt like his heart stopped for a moment. She had dark hair, was smaller than him and looked so frail, like he would always need to protect her. But in the eyes of that little girl a monster just came out of the forest, with devil wings, two horns inclined to his back and a huge wine red tail, it didn’t matter that he looked also like a kid, he was a monster! She stood on the edge of the hill, shaking in fear, but suddenly she felt the earth underneath her crumbled and she fell. -Wha… - Darius didn’t even finish the word, he rushed to get that little girl. He went as fast as he could, as she screamed and cried, Darius held her with his arms and tail and he opened his wings as wide as he could to stop them falling. Even though Darius was already so strong for his age, it was the first time that he was carrying someone and it felt too heavy for his child body. - Sorry I scared you, but please try not to move… It’s kind of difficult to fly carrying someone… - he tried to smile even though he was scared of falling too. The girl with tears in her eyes just nodded and stayed as quiet as she could. Slowly they descended until they reached the ground, Darius let go of her and started: -I’m really sorry to startle you like that- he smiled - My name is… -STOP! - Weng shouted and came running to his young master's side, Darius never saw him so angry - What do you think you’re doing! - He was clearly upset - You’re showing it all! -Weng… I felt a scent and I couldn’t help it.. -He saved me mister. - The girl finally spoke - I fell off the hill, if it wasn’t him… - Weng whispered some words and the young girl suddenly fell asleep in his arms. -WHAT? -She will think that it was all just a dream, I will return her near her family, you should hide your traces… -I told you...I can’t help it...They just popped out when I felt her scent, Weng… -You should stop saying that or the clan head will get angry at you. -Okay… - Darius looked down with a heavy heart. -I’m going now, be more careful from now on. Darius opened his eyes with sorrow in his heart, but at least he controlled himself properly this time. He always felt like searching for her, but he didn’t even know her name and now the time came to him to fight for a female Dragonborn, someone more like him. His instincts were screaming for him to run, to find her but he knew he couldn’t. The next day came, Darius woke up earlier than usual to repeat his training and avoid any problems at the company. Weng drove him to the office and once again he was the first to enter the meeting room. Before Weng opened the door, the young Dragonborn could feel that same scent again, this time he controlled himself even though his instincts were screaming already. Is she here? Darius thought. He couldn’t believe he would be so lucky to have her as a new recruit. The six recruits entered the room, but he noticed that three of the girls had dark colored hair, and they were sitting together. It’s not like he had an accurate radar or anything, but he was sure that his promised one was one of them. Without realizing the director opened a bright smile, Weng coughed to make Darius realize that he was the one to speak. -Well, Good morning and welcome to Drakion! Sorry for yesterday, I had a health problem but nothing serious. Well, I believe that Weng has already introduced each of you to your supervisors... We hope that you can also accomplish great things here. We look forward to working with new minds and new ideas, so please don’t be afraid of suggesting anything, in the worst case your suggestion won’t get approved. But I believe that it’s important to hear different ideas, new stories and new authors, feel free to say whatever you think should be heard. The conversation went by as Darius told them what he expected of each one and explained what they could do for the company. Weng stood behind the Director the whole time, as if he was watching him to make sure that everything  went smoothly, even though Darius didn’t show any difficulty at explaining exactly what he wanted and expected from them. From time to time Darius felt his body burning up, his instincts trying to get the best of him, but still he contained it. If anything happened the head of the clan would immediately confinate him to their homeland. As the meeting ended and everyone went back to their posts, Weng took the opportunity to talk to Darius: -I do hope that you keep in mind that it’s in your best interests to control yourself ‘cause if the chief clan asks me I’ll be obligated to tell him the truth. -Yeah, I know… - The young dragonborn was emotionless, it didn’t even look like he was on the brink of losing control again a few moments earlier. -That said, Elizbeth Sanders, or Lizzie as she pointed out, was greatly recommended and I do believe she will be a great editor soon, it would be wise to keep an eye on her and make sure we don’t lose such a valuable employee. -Thanks, Weng.  Was Weng tipping me about her?...Nah, he wouldn’t do it… I have to find out about that girl, I have to figure it all out before it’s too late… Darius' body was boiling hot, he still found it difficult to control his instincts and that made it even harder to figure out which one of the new girls was causing all this but by the end of the day he decided to once again become a writer so he would have more contact with the editors.