On the way back I kept on repeating the conversation. Was it possible that they just wanted a breather from all the fighting among themselves and humans? Then again the dragon was so powerful, wouldn't it be much easier for her to just destroy the towns like the ones we just left? Why bother trying to change those humans instead? Those questions clouded my head through the flight.

However, my thoughts were elsewhere as soon as we came back. Once she threw me, once again, I asked “So gentle… Will you tell me now? Natalie’s sin?” The dragon went into the dark tunnel and I walked along the other one.

Once at the wooden wall she said “Yes. If you think you are ready.”

I shrugged “I just want to know for what reason I'm here right now.”

The dragon appeared with her usual half-dragon half-human form and lead the way after staring at me for some time. We headed to her house to the place with the water. Once there she reached towards the middle and one of those huge orbs slowly started to approach us. I stepped back and she said “Every dragon has their own orb depending on their abilities. I have all six, which makes me see every sin.”

I tilted my head “I don’t understand.”

She glanced at me and said “Each orb corresponds to power. Dragons keep them within themselves but some can take them out. Along with the orbs dragons which posses all six get a seventh one which brings them all together. But that one is within the body.”

I nodded and asked, “All right, so what each one means then?” I have gotten too curious for my own good.

She smiled at me noticing that, and said “I cannot tell you all of them, but I can give you description of one which is involved with Natalie,” she eyed me and probably my twitch meant yes to her so she continued, “each orb helps the dragon find a specific human, a human with a sin or a virtue. Fire orb shows lust. Humans like prostitutes will be seen here. Of course, not all of them as some do not have a choice. But the ones which thrive at lust will be those sinners. On the other hand, fire also sees diligence. People who work hard, who want to make a change. This is why Natalie was chosen as the next sinner.” Still not understanding I stared at her while the orb that arrived glowed, and that tinge of redness intensified “Look within it.” She said and I did so while she explained “You are diligent Darren. You work hard to protect your people despite your wants. While Natalie…” She didn’t finish but inside the orb, I saw her, she did not change at all. Then I saw a man entering our house. I frowned. I expected her to find someone new by now but I hoped deep inside that maybe she is still waiting and believing I will return.

I sighed “What are you showing me?”

She said with a sad tone “Your past.” I opened my eyes wide at those words. While the dragon continued “Lust and diligence, while you were working hard to provide for her and yourself, and killing off creature you didn’t really want to kill she would invite men. Not only would she cheat but also take gifts and money from those men. She accepted your proposal for her financial gain, while in terms of relationship she would continue to do what she was doing.”

My body froze, the air got stuck in my lungs. The first thing I could say was “You're lying.” I didn’t even realise I said it. Then in the orb, I saw the man leaving by the evening and then myself returning. I even recognised that pelt I was holding. It was from a werewolf. I stared in shock not being able to process it. Although I couldn’t look away, if I did I knew I would shatter.

Then the dragon said, “Since I have the seventh orb I can see pride and purity. That’s why I decided to take you as you offered. Your purity which you showed on that day masked her pride in what she did. She didn’t regret her actions but on that day her pride wavered. Depending on how she is right now will depend on if I will take her next year or not. You see sinners don’t need to make big differences. But she lied to so many good men, ruined marriages, and was about to ruin your life too.”

“I don’t believe you.” The words came in a whisper. However, her senses would probably pick up on that huge lie. Because at that moment I didn’t know what to believe in anymore myself.

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