The beast was enormous. I have never seen a dragon this big. He would definitely bring prosper to the poor family. That skin was stretched over meters and meters of a sturdy body and it looked like one of the rare ones too. Tail long like a river with an axe-like end. Wings which would be at least a hundred meters in span. I've killed many dragons but this is the first one that made me feel small. I raised my head to look at the head of the beast which was at the end of a long thick neck. The monster had an overbite with some teeth sticking out slightly. Muzzle long and covered with spikes from the top of the nostrils till the horns. Which were magnificent, they pointed upwards but with a slight bend to it. If it wasn't for the fact he attacked us I think I would marvel in the beauty of this creature, and I call myself a hunter.

I reached for my sword knowing full well the only way to kill a dragon is the element of surprise and even then - with that beast - I don't think my sword would reach anywhere near its heart. Silver would be a more appropriate weapon for this one. Once my sword was at ready I noticed one thing surprising detail. If a dragon, like that, existed why have I not heard of it? It must have only migrated or hatch not too long ago but even then surely there should be something.

Then after a quick scan dragon did something which I wouldn't have guessed in a million years, he spoke: “I am here for a sinner Natalie.”

My blood froze in my veins and Natalie grabbed hold of my shirt from behind me, she dug her nails almost into my skin from fear. I didn't blame her. Breathing deeply I looked around the panicked villagers, and I noticed another odd thing about the attack. Almost nothing was ruined. No dead bodies scattered around, no burning buildings only a few ruined walls which I can understand with the size of that monster. He couldn't leave the place in perfect condition. However, his choice not to destroy the village did not make up for the fact he came to ruin Natalie's and my future.

I gritted my teeth and shouted hoping it will hear me “Why her, you foul monster?”

The dragon turned around and looked at me, its eyes flashing jade crystals. They looked like the most precious gems. After eyeing me for a bit he exhaled “She's a sinner and I am here to give her punishment. I am to take her away."

I frowned even harder “She is not going anywhere, over my fucking dead body!”

Then the dragon chuckled, if it wasn't for the fact his voice was demonic it would sound like a human. He then said with what seemed to be humour in his multivoiced sound “It can be done, but I've rarely meet humans with such pure intentions”

I asked “Pure? Do you know who I am?” I hoped that at least conversing with him would give me or whomever enough time to find a weak spot.

Dragon nodded “A hunter, you hunt my kind. That unicorn blood smell will linger for some time. None the less your job doesn't defy your heart.” I didn't know how to respond, it left like a compliment. Although it was from a dragon so I steadied my sword and he added: “Hand her over peacefully and I will spare you.”

I stood without motion just glaring at the beast, “In your dreams!”

The dragon looked past me at my beloved who was weeping and shaking then his eyes returned back to me “You're her lover? And yet you don't know… I pity you.”

Pity? He did call her a sinner - whatever that could mean - but how could I believe something which is trying to kidnap her “I don't care what you say she is not going.”

The dragon bore his eyes into me and then huffed which made a light smoke escape his nostrils “I come once a year for a sinner to different places, I will not leave with empty claws. So get out of the way.” He measured me and then raised one of his four powerful paws about to smack me away.

In the few seconds I had I said the only thing that would save my dearest “Then take me instead.” Not the smartest choice, even I knew that.

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