My hands started to tremble as I kept my eyes glued to the orbs which zoomed through time showing me so many different people going into my house with Natalie. The dragon didn’t say anything for the duration until it showed her appearing. Then the orb faded and she sent it back to join the others. I gritted my teeth. I wanted it to be a lie. I wanted to believe she is hypnotising me, but… There was something about this that I couldn’t deny. I looked at her, those jade eyes sadly looking back at me. I mumbled “Can… Can I talk...?”

She looked down “You mean you want to talk to her right now?” I nodded and she sighed “Are you ready to face it?” I couldn’t believe how much pity I got from a reptile. Thought at that moment I didn’t care what she was and how she felt about this situation. I just wanted the truth. The harsh horrible truth. I nodded once more and the dragon took a deep breath “All right. I will take you there once. We will go during the night so no one will see you. You don’t want to be recognised, and cannot talk to anyone other than her for a few minutes. Is that clear?”

“Sure,” I responded without thinking. I would stake everything on this. She stared at me for a while, and I said: “I have to ask her.”

The dragon understood and started to head back out. I followed her and on the way, I saw Leon and Camellia. Rick was with them and by the grim face, he gave me I think he figured out what happened. He looked apologetic. I spend a month with them and to be frank I enjoyed every minute, so even if I cannot return to my village that would be fine. I tried to give him a reassuring smile but I wasn’t sure if it came across that way. Once again the dragon went through the other tunnel and I went towards the entrance. I looked at the afternoon sky, still hoping that it was all a lie.

Just as the dragon hoped we arrived in the late evening. She turned into her human self and we sneaked into my village. But when normally I am stealthy I felt like I dragged my feet more than anything. As we got close I was about to head for the doors but the dragon reached to me and pulled me back down into the bushes whispering “Not yet. She is not alone.”

I shivered, I didn’t want to know what was happening. I didn’t want to be there anymore, but I had to. If I won't face those demons, who will? We waited for an hour and then the doors opened, from which Paul came out. Natalie smiled to him as he waved and quietly sneaked back into his house. His family. As if nothing ever happens. The sadness I felt since the dragon told me the truth was quickly replaced by rage. So there was no question if she felt my anger because she let go of my shoulder letting me storm into the place I called home, once. 

*********************************************************************

Writer's note: If you enjoy my writing consider supporting me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/Zorion