Dragon Soul

Chapter 4

4

After fifteen minutes of rapid combos and well-coordinated attacks, Pete dealt the final blow. With a cackle and one more shriek, the witch exploded into green dust. She left a shimmering chest behind and the golden achievement banner flashed across my screen. Congratulations to me indeed.

A second notification popped up to inform me I was now welcome in the player versus player zone. “Yes!” Finally. Now the real fun could begin and I could join Pete in the new player realm. I’d finally be able to let some of my frustration out on real players and put some arrogant dragons in their place. I wasn’t worth less just because I wore purple and wanted to break free from the ancient traditions.

I pushed those dangerous thoughts to the back of my head, not wanting them to take root. I couldn’t, not when I needed all my courage for my marriage in two weeks.

I’d worry about that later. Right now, I was enjoying my game and our victory. I popped the chat back on and found Pete’s message waiting for me.

PETE3: We did it!_

His excitement was contagious, even through the screen. I forced the flutter back and willed my trembling fingers to type an acceptable response that didn’t reveal how much I enjoyed questing with him.

JJ-E2: Good game_

PETE3: Want to check the loot?_

JJ-E2: Yes! Maybe we’ll get some rare items_

The chest glimmered as we opened it and the contents aligned across my screen. A bunch of gold, some common daggers, a couple of health potions. Nothing special so far. I scrolled further down to the rarer items, hoping there was some decent loot.

PETE3: That dark obsidian sword is mine!_

I chuckled. Sure. My two-hander skills were very poor and I didn’t get the obsession with swords anyway.

JJ-E2: Anything else in there?_

I heard the emerald witch gave amazing loot, but this was quite disappointing. The sword was decent, but for a final boss, that wasn’t anything to write home about.

PETE3: How about the enchanted elven bow?

My heart thudded and I quickly scrolled down. I’d been wanting an elven bow for ages, but it was so expensive.

“Janet!”

Ah damn it. Mum’s timing was impeccable. What now?

I pushed my headphones back. “Yes?” I called out, not sure what she wanted.

“Can you do the dishes?”

Oooof course. Why did we have a dishwasher if Mum insisted we did them by hand before they went into the machine? “Can’t Dad do them?”

“Your dad is a little sleepy, you know how brussels sprouts make him feel!”

Yes, sleepy and gassy. Just my luck. “Coming!”

JJ-E2: Got to leave again. Thanks for the game_

PETE3: Shame. Sometime, I’m going to come and steal you_

I chuckled. I’d like to see that.

JJ-E2: Please do_

PETE3: Be careful what you wish for. Maybe I’m already underneath your window_

JJ-E2: Perfect. You do the dishes then_

I loved our banter. Time passed so easily and quickly when I was chatting with him.

PETE3: Only if you run away with me after that_

How cheeky. Run away, what a stupid suggestion. I scoffed. “Hah.”

My fingers hovered over the keyboard, ready to type a witty reply. His words danced across my screen and the thoughts crept into my head.

I could run away.

No marriage, no parents, no brussels sprouts. I had enough savings to rent something, it just was highly unconventional for a dragon to live on their own. And my parents always told me to save, save, save.

PETE3: That was just a joke_

On no. He was taking my silence the wrong way.

“Janet!” Mum called again. Why did she always get me to do chores while I was in the middle of stuff? Urgh.

“Coming!” I shouted back.

JJ-E2: I got to go. Will be back later_

PETE3: Okay. I’ll be here!_

I resisted the urge to reply and logged myself off. Irritated, I thundered down the stairs and bumped into Dad.

“Just on my way to the toilet.” He grinned as he waved the newspaper.

Why did he always tell me? “Too much information, Dad.”

“Have fun with the dishes.” The bathroom door slammed shut and I rolled my eyes.

“Not likely.”

“Janet. There you are.” Mum ushered me into the kitchen, the water already waiting for me. Of course. Why couldn’t she stop treating me like a child? I was twenty-four, about to be married, for mountain’s sake. Was she going to come fill the sinks in my new place too?

“The water is nice and hot. Use gloves.” She threw a pair in my direction and I sighed. Arguing with her took more effort than actually washing the damn plates, so I just let it be.

“Thanks, Mum,” I mumbled. Against my better judgement, I brushed my fingers through the water. Ouch. It really was scalding hot.

Mum scampered past me. “Make sure to do the glasses first.”

“I know, Mum. I know.” I sighed, the annoyance not well-veiled. Not that she noticed. She really couldn’t help herself and I couldn’t wait to be out of the house.

Pete’s last words echoed through my head and I frowned. Running away didn’t sound like the worst thing I could do.