“State your name newcomer.”

At first, I didn't realise she spoke to me until her demon eyes met mine.

“Darren,” deciding to play along I answered. I trailed after Belle who was a few steps behind her master. Was she a dragon too? Or another beast? I did not want to find out.

Then the dragon said “Darren, quite a gentle name for a murderer.”

Belle eyed me but turned away when I looked over to her.

“I am Arlene. If you require anything, ask for my name and my people will lead you.” The dragon said calmly as if I was her new co-worker. It made me feel quite sick if I may be honest. I didn't like the thought of being close to that thing let alone work alongside it. I didn't respond just kept my eyes on her in case she tries something. She was smaller than Natalie and yet so powerful. I had to be extremally careful, with what I do, but my hand never left the hilt of my sword.

Then we came to an opening, and I couldn't believe what I saw, a town. People walking around the streets. Buildings which looked like naturally formed rocks. Each one with what seemed to be windows and doors. In the middle of the whole area was a big space where few plants grew. Probably to imitate a park of some sorts. It did break the cold look of the place, even though the plants growing there were very limited. I looked up and saw the ceiling which was high enough to give a feeling of the sky, where at the top was a huge hole which showed the starry night sky. Around the opening were - what looked like - lamps which hung with a fire burning inside. As my gaze came back down again I noticed that on the other side of that town was another opening but a small one this time. It looked like a second entrance, which most likely led outside. Which meant that even when the town was closed off, people still could get a walk outside.

I stared with my mouth open and only then I noticed people glancing at me with a slight concern. They didn't seem hateful but not friendly either. It felt more like cautiousness.

Then I heard the dragon's voice “Surprised I see.”

I turned to her and she was looking at me with what seemed to be an interest. As if I was some test subject.

Keeping my composure I glared at her “That you're keeping slaves? Not really.”

She sighed shaking her head and looked towards the cave “They choose to stay I don't force them, once they change.”

I scoffed which brought her eyes back to me “So what are they? Dragons or other monsters?”

Those people looked human but the dragon did as well except few details. It felt like I had a lot to learn about fairytale creatures once again. So who knows if other beasts cannot change their looks too?

She looked me dead in the eyes and said calmly “Humans. All of them.”

I stared at the passersby not wanting to believe it. It was much easier to accept if those were just disguises. Then an explanation which I could believe popped in my head - humans under a spell I bet. Although I said no more as I noticed Belle looking sadly at me.

“Mystical creatures are no monsters. The only monsters are humans that come here before they change.” Belle's voice became quieter as if she was guilty. So the dragon brainwashed her to believe she was one of those sinners? What kind of monster was this beast? I looked over at the dragon while she was looking at the poor girl with sadness in those eyes, and that confused me even further especially since it seemed genuine.

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