The Ties That Bind
1079 Words
"Why… why am I not burning?" I whispered, trembling.
Cautiously, I opened my eyes, bracing for searing pain. But none came. Instead, I saw him—Ryvarn, flapping his massive white-golden wings. The air around me shimmered with heat, but I wasn’t harmed.
His wings were mesmerizing, catching the dim light like rippling molten gold. Despite the fear gripping me, I took a hesitant step closer. He descended slightly, his powerful body lowering as if his strength was waning. My fingers reached out almost of their own accord, brushing against the smooth, warm surface of his wing.
The moment my touch met his, his form flickered. In a blinding flash of light, the dragon vanished, replaced by Ryvarn in his human form.
He was on the cold stone floor, bare, his broad chest rising and falling as he panted. My breath caught in my throat. His body was magnificent—chiseled muscles, the faint sheen of sweat glistening on his skin, scars trailing across his arms and abdomen like a map of battles fought and won.
But the sight of him—so vulnerable, so exposed—broke through my awe. Snapping myself out of the trance, I averted my gaze and grabbed the nearest bedsheet.
"You need this more than the floor does," I muttered, draping the sheet over him.
His breaths came in harsh gasps as his head tilted upward to meet my gaze. Something in his expression made me forget my fear. I knelt before him, pulling his trembling frame against my chest without thinking.
"You’re safe," I murmured, stroking his hair.
A low growl rumbled from him, but he didn’t resist. Instead, his head burrowed into my shoulder like a wounded animal seeking warmth. My heart ached. This is what they’ve done to him. Broken him, tortured him, all for their greed.
Behind me, I heard the faint murmurs of the guards.
"She really can tame him."
"Do you think it’s a spell?"
"No, it’s something else. Look at him—he’s calm."
"Quiet!" I hissed over my shoulder, glaring at the doorway. "Get out. You’ll disturb him."
They exchanged uneasy glances but left, their whispers fading down the corridor.
Ryvarn remained still, his breath warm against my neck. "It’s all right," I whispered to him, my voice barely audible. "I’m here. I’ll keep you safe."
He shivered slightly but pressed closer. For a moment, he seemed… small. Not the fearsome dragon the world saw, but something fragile and human. I held him tighter, stroking his hair in soothing motions.
...
His breathing slowed, and I thought he’d fallen asleep until I felt something warm brush against my neck.
"Ryvarn?" I whispered, my voice shaky.
His lips trailed along my neck, barely a touch, like the brush of feathers. My breath hitched, the heat of his mouth sending a jolt down my spine. When his lips grazed my collarbone, I froze, torn between the urge to pull away and the strange pull that kept me rooted in place.
"Ryvarn," I said again, louder this time, trying to steady my voice. "What… what are you doing?"
He didn’t answer, but his movements slowed. For a moment, his forehead rested against my shoulder, his breaths shallow and uneven. Then, without warning, he slid back across the floor, the sheet slipping.
"No way," he said, his voice quiet but commanding.
I clamped my hands over my face, heat rushing to my cheeks. "I’m not looking at you like this!"
A soft chuckle rumbled from him. "You can look now."
Peeking through my fingers, I saw him seated on the floor, the sheet securely wrapped around his waist. His golden eyes held a faint spark of amusement, but something deeper lurked behind them.
"How did you do it?" he asked, his tone growing serious. "Did the magicians teach you some trick to tame me?"
I shook my head. "No trick. Maybe… maybe it’s because you’re weak right now. It could’ve been the moment, or—"
"You think I’m weak?" he interrupted, a sharp edge to his voice.
I swallowed hard. "I didn’t mean it like that. You’re not weak, Ryvarn. You’re… you’re just going through something difficult. That’s all."
His expression softened, though his brows remained furrowed. "Fine," he muttered, his tone curt.
He pushed himself to his feet, walking over to the bed. His movements were deliberate, graceful, like a predator always in control. Turning, he looked back at me.
"Come here," he said, his voice low but firm.
I hesitated. "Why?"
He smiled, and it caught me off guard. It wasn’t the mocking smirk or sardonic grin I’d seen before. This smile was pure, unguarded. For a moment, I forgot to breathe.
"Because it’s part of the drama, isn’t it? The seduction. The magicians need to believe it’s real, which means you spend the night with me."
His words sent a shiver down my spine. He didn’t mean it the way it sounded—did he?
I nodded, my legs feeling like lead as I crossed the room. The bed dipped slightly as I climbed on, my hands clutching the edge of the sheet for stability.
"Good," he murmured, lying back against the pillows. "Now sleep."
...
The next thing I knew, I was running.
The forest was dark, the sound of leaves crunching under my bare feet echoing in my ears. My lungs burned, my heart pounding in my chest as the shouts of men grew closer.
"There’s nowhere to run, girl!" one of them called, his voice dripping with malice.
I stumbled, nearly falling as a branch snagged my dress. My breath came in ragged gasps, fear clawing at my throat.
They were behind me—closer now. I could hear their laughter, their heavy footsteps, the crude words they hurled at me.
"Let’s see how long you can keep this up."
"Don’t tire her out too much—we want her alive."
Tears blurred my vision as I tripped, collapsing to the ground. I scrambled backward, my hands digging into the dirt, as the men surrounded me.
One of them crouched down, his grin twisted and cruel. "No one’s coming to save you, little bird."
"No," I whispered, my voice breaking. "Please, no."
Then light—blinding, pure light—filled the clearing.
The men froze, their faces pale as they stared up at the figure descending from the sky.
White wings spread wide, glowing faintly in the moonlight. An angel. My angel.
- Writer
