Lyra's POV
It wasn't such a bad idea, honestly.
Sneaking into the human village. I was certain there would be nothing there, just a small town, a dumping ground for bones, forgotten bodies, and most definitely the final destination for any human foolish enough to believe the dragons. And proving that would finally clear the air
I could not wait to show Alisha the truth, and eventually everyone else. No rare gems or polished promises would ever brainwash me.
We walked down the path leading to the town square as everyone seemed to be going there, they were all so focused on a design being created, woodworkers trailed down the path leading to the town, and trucks fully loaded with flowers all drove down to one direction.
We decided to see what was being created and see the center of attraction. The street was crowded with loads of dragon males and very few human females, most of whom were the newly brought humans from the last two nights, who were enthusiastic to see what the dragon feast held for them.
The stores around the corner had jewelry, food, spiced wine, snacks, and weird-shaped art, and it was almost like a normal place. Almost.
"Come on, let's try it out," Alisha said, grabbing my hand as she dragged me toward a stall shaped like a small wooden kiosk. She reached into her pocket and slammed a dragon coin purse on the table like a regular.
"We'll have one of your finest meals," she chirped.
The dragon male behind the counter barely looked up. He slid a wooden menu across the surface and went back to his task. There was no reaction to our presence, just a quiet air of power, like they didn't need to raise their voice to be obeyed. I had my guard up, he could not intimidate me.
I stared at him for a long moment. Something about his gaze made me defensive. He glanced up, looked right at me, then calmly returned to mixing his stew.
"I've made my decision," Alisha said brightly. "Now it's your turn."
I scanned the menu. None of this should be for human consumption. The ingredients were probably designed for their fire-forged insides. If this region weren't so cold, we'd be burning alive. Humans should not be brought anywhere close to them.
"I will go for bloodroot stew and some root juice." Still giddy, she tapped endlessly on the table.
Sigh
"I will have the same thing."
The dragon finally cracked a smile. "Coming right up, beautiful ladies."
Our eyes locked. I stiffened, but Alisha tugged me toward the sitting area.
"So," she whispered, "when do we meet tonight?"
"When the sky is dark, I will be waiting outside," I answered. "Most humans should be asleep by then, and I'll be done with servant duty."
"Perfect. Here, right?"
I nodded. I could navigate an entire desert blindfolded. Finding this little stall again wouldn't be hard.
"Sure."
The food arrived in steaming clay pots, and thick chunks of meat and strangely vibrant vegetables floated in it.
"Ladies," the vendor said, "as you may already know, this is not a human meal. Dragon cuisine is very hot, please eat slowly, or you may bleed from the tongue." He grinned.
His eyes lingered on me again. A warning? A dare?
I pushed my bowl away. I wasn't eating that. I'd starve before letting one of these beasts melt my insides with their stew.
Alisha slurped a spoonful and immediately began fanning her mouth. "Hot!" she hissed. "But delicious. Seriously, you should try it."
"How were you caught?" I asked, genuinely confused by her cheerfulness. And eager to change conversations.
"Sold by my parents," she said, still smiling. "Didn't want me. So they went to Andrew, the slave trader. Got some gold coins, at least I am worth something. "
No anger. No resentment. Just… acceptance.
"And you?" she asked.
"Sold by my twin brother."
Her eyebrows rose. "Damn. That's rough. I thought twins were supposed to be inseparable."
I clenched my fist under the table. My palm throbbed where my nails had pierced skin. Lannister didn't need gold; he didn't need anything. He simply did what he did out of spite, cruelty, and jealousy. I made sure I covered up for him in the eyes of everyone. And somehow he could look me in the eyes and betray me. Maybe not in this life, but as long as the moon still hangs in the sky, I will run a knife through his heart.
The dragon vendor returned. "How's the meal, ladies?"
Something in my mind snapped. My composure dissolved.
"Why don't you shove your face into the stew, huh? You stupid beast!" I stood, shoving my chair back with a loud screech.
"You poisoned it, didn't you? Trying to trick us with fake hospitality? I know what you are!"
He blinked, calm. "I'm sorry if something offended you. It's clearly a misunderstanding." Their human language was so pure, it only made me wonder when they truly learned it. Everyone here spoke a human language.
"Say it!" I shouted, pointing at him. "Say what you were thinking earlier when you kept staring!"
Alisha grabbed me from behind. "Lisha! Stop. You're making a scene!"
Behind me, a crowd had gathered. Whispers echoed through the street. Most of them are dragons.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
I backed away. "I need to get to my room. My three hours are up."
"Lisha—"
"No. Later."
I stormed off, my rage bubbling hotter than the bloodroot stew. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.