As soon as I opened the doors I saw shocked Natalie. At first, it was due to the bargaining in but as she recognised me the realisation dawned on her and she looked half relieved and half confused. It took all my might not to come any closer to her. With a cold glare, I asked her “Tell me what was Paul doing here?” Natalie froze and so I continued the questioning “Doesn’t he have his own family?” Natalie’s eye grew larger and so I asked: “For how long was he coming over?” I wanted to shout at her, tell her to reassure me it was a lie, but I stopped myself letting her explain herself.

She then snapped “Darren, what are you…? I am so glad you're alive!” She was about to hug me but I stepped away instantly.

“Answer me.” I couldn’t conceal my anger, I'm pretty sure if I had those dragon eyes right now they would glow with a sieving rage.

Natalie was still in shock but she sighed “So… was this all a trap? To catch me? Did you buddy up with a dragon? You, out of all people?”

I rolled my eyes “Don’t change the subject, I didn’t buddy with anyone. Now tell me the truth.”

“What truth? That you're an idiot?” That made me swallow my next words. While she sighed “It doesn’t matter now, you're probably a ghost anyway.” My throat was closed off, and I couldn’t choke out a single word. While she smirked. I have never seen Natalie smirk before, and I wished I never had.

“Poor Darren lost his voice? Look, since you're a ghost you probably know by now the truth. I never cared for you. You are just the richest guy out here and probably the most handsome… or was. It was a game, my dear. Nothing more.”

I dropped my eyes. I couldn’t believe how a single person could shatter me so much. Then from behind me, I felt a gentle hand on my back. I turned just to find the dragon there. She looked stoic, while Natalie said “Is this your previous lost love or something? You are not very lucky with the ladies you chose. But at least you got some fun out of me, huh?”

I was mute so instead, the dragon talked “Do you remember what the dragon said?”

“No, and I don’t care.”

“He will come back for you. You had your chance.”

Natalie backed away at those words. While the dragon continued “You are lustful and greedy. Pride is also one of your sins. You hid it well but it will always come out.”

Natalie frowned, “Who are you?” She asked in a mumble, and as I looked at the dragon I saw her eyes glow, while she said “Your nightmare.”

Natalie shouted, now scared “Get out!”

The dragon stepped away and slowly walked out of the house saying “A year, it is not long so use it well.” Her words were carried off by the blowing wind as if never existed. If I didn't know better I's day she really was a nightmare that came over to just scare a poor soul.

Natalie looked at me once again saying “It isn’t my fault you were stupid Darren. Marriage to you meant stable life but I wouldn’t give up what I do. Besides, it is also your fault. You always went on hunts. A young wife cannot be left alone for such a long time.” She giggled, and whereas in the past I would find it adorable now it was like a screech of a dying fairytale creature.

“You might be right. But time will come for you too.” I said looking at her dead in the eye and left not looking back. I walked back into the bushes and into the forest. As promised I wouldn’t linger in the village.

Each step I took felt heavier and heavier, I couldn’t believe people like her existed until I experienced it. I even sacrificed myself in order to protect her and she didn’t care. That calmness she gave me everytime I left wasn’t for my sake, she just hoped I will never return. My feet stopped moving and I just leant on a tree next to me with my hand. I wanted to wake up. I wanted to trust, but that wasn’t possible. Not anymore. I gritted my teeth trying to at least pretend I could be strong about it, but the truth was I was never strong, not mentally at least. Losing my brother made me miserable for months, now I lost another dear person, and for what? Sex and money.

Suddenly I felt that soft touch again. I didn't move but I heard behind me "It will be all right. Time will heal it." I should hate her, I should despise her for ruining my life, maybe I could have lived blissfully unaware but she had to come and tell me the truth. Still, I couldn't hate her, I tried so hard throughout that month but it was in vain, the dragon... No, Arlene was just different. Not spiteful, not vengeful, just helpful. Even when her help killed a small piece inside of me that day, in the end, I think I was slightly relieved that I knew.

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

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