Kaelthys had seen plenty of absurd things in his life, four-headed monsters, witches with thunderous voices, cowardly kings, dragons falling in love with mountains. But nothing was as strange as that night. The clearing that had been Lyra's refuge for so long now glowed with a different light, intense, pulsing. The scent of vanilla was almost solid, clinging to the skin, wrapping through hair, setting every nerve on edge.
Kaelthys, crouched high in a tree, watched it all from afar. With every step Lyra took, his heart beat faster, a blend of anger, worry, and… jealousy? He didn't want to admit it, but that was exactly it. When he saw her silhouette disappearing toward the brightness, he felt a panic so fierce he nearly lost his balance and fell.
For a moment, he thought Lyra was enchanted, being lured into a trap.
The ex-dragon didn't waste time. He jumped from the lowest branch, landed awkwardly, cursed under his breath, but didn't stop. He ran through the forest, branches scratching his arms and legs, leaves sticking to his hair, mud splattering his pants. Every breath he took, the scent of magic grew stronger, as if destiny itself was laughing at him.
When he neared the clearing, everything got even weirder. Colored smoke swirled upwards, lights danced around an impossible building, a structure of dark wood and shining glass, full of golden details, Italian words on its signs, and a silver bell hanging on the door. Above all, there was the scent, that perfume that blended vanilla, desire, and danger.
Kaelthys saw Lyra just steps away from the door, her eyes wide with excitement. Without thinking, he ran faster than he'd ever run as a human.
On impulse, he stretched out his hand and grabbed Lyra's arm, yanking her back hard.
"Are you crazy? Just walking right into some witchcraft like that? It could be a trap, Lyra!"
His voice came out louder than he meant, full of desperation and fear.
Lyra, startled, turned to him—but before she could answer, the ice cream shop door swung open, pouring out even more sweet smoke and golden light.
Out stepped a figure impossible to ignore: a woman with long, straight, sky-blue hair that gleamed like a summer sky, striking pink eyes, and a smile that was both mischievous and dangerous. She wore a black vinyl outfit clinging to her curves, with a lace-trimmed neckline that looked almost sinful, radiating power, mystery, and raw mischief.
And on her head, a huge black witch's hat, decorated with a blue star ornament. It was Zafira Blu.
She strutted out, tossing her long gloves aside, eyeing Kaelthys and Lyra like she was sizing up rare ingredients.
"Well, look who finally decided to show up," Zafira said, eyes fixed on Kaelthys. "And here I thought dragons only turned into omelets, not men."
Kaelthys tried to protest, but the witch's amused gaze interrupted him, scanning him up and down, smiling even more.
"Oh my… And here I thought you'd lost your fire after transforming, but it looks like you picked up a new tail to make up for it. You're better equipped up front now than you ever were in the back, big guy!"
Lyra burst into nervous laughter, her face burning. Kaelthys widened his eyes, both confused and indignant, covering his crotch with both hands in a completely human reflex.
"Hey, have some respect! I didn't ask to become a man, much less to parade around like this!"
Zafira stepped closer, circling them like a feline about to pounce, leaving a trail of perfume and provocation wherever she passed. She stopped beside Kaelthys, poking his stomach with a blue-nailed finger.
"Relax, ex-dragon. I'm just checking the goods. You know how it is—fresh ingredients make all the difference in my ice creams."
Kaelthys tried to regain his composure, still annoyed. His blood boiled with anger—and, strangely, something else he didn't want to name.
"I'm not here for games, witch. I just want to make sure Lyra isn't getting into trouble."
His tone came out rougher than he'd planned—half defensive, half lost.
Lyra looked at Zafira, half hypnotized, half embarrassed.
"It's true, Miss Witch. He's been a bit sensitive since he turned into… this. But don't worry, he's a good guy. He only growls when he's nervous."
Zafira smiled, grabbed Lyra's hand, and pulled her into the ice cream shop, shooting a mischievous glance at Kaelthys.
"Come on, big boy. I promise my magic is sweeter than you think. And if you don't like changes, relax. In here, no one's forced to do anything—except enjoy pleasure."
With no alternative, and feeling totally out of his depth, Kaelthys followed them inside. The interior of Gelato del Peccato was even more surreal: shelves of floating ice creams, glasses that filled themselves, mirrors that reflected secret desires, plush cushions scattered everywhere, and soft music that seemed to massage the soul.
Zafira put her hands on her hips and looked at Kaelthys with genuine interest.
"So, little dragon—or should I say, walking mast? What flavor of desire do you want today?"
Kaelthys tried to keep a tough face, but the scents, the heat of the place, and Zafira's presence got to him in a way he couldn't explain. He was still hurt, still missed his wings, still hated being human—but he couldn't stop staring at the witch or the tempting flavors floating all around.
Lyra came closer, smiling sideways, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Relax, Kaelthys. Just let the magic work. Even an ex-dragon deserves a little pleasure now and then."
Kaelthys huffed, crossing his arms, pretending not to care. But inside, his defenses were melting. Old cravings were returning with full force.
The anger over his transformation, mixed with attraction to Lyra and the seductive spell of Zafira, created a storm inside him.
He knew he was lost. He knew that night wouldn't end like all the others.
And for the first time since he'd stopped being a dragon, Kaelthys thought about surrendering.Even if it was just a little.Even if it was just to taste the flavor of sin.