Page 19 of The Dragon's Distraction

Falkon

The pain was still nearly crippling, but I knew only one thing mattered now. Keeping the most precious thing there was alive. With the toxic bullet out, I was healing. I could feel the flesh knitting together as my dragon healing abilities kicked in. This was still going to be torture, though.

I stood while Lyla tried to help steady me. She didn’t add much strength wise, but I appreciated the thought. The noises of a full-blown prison riot echoed through the walls.

“They’re coming this way,” Lyla said, fear tainting her features.

That’s ok, I’ve already prepared an exit. I glanced up at where the mesh cover to the yard had once been.

“Oh my gods, did you?”

“Yes, I melted it away.”

“I haven’t seen you breathe fire yet.”

Something shone in her eyes.

“My brightest love, are you aroused at the thought of me breathing fire?”

“Apparently. Plus, I almost lost you. It’s making me want to be close to you. To feel you against me, so I’m sure you’re really here.”

Her eyes glinted with tears now, and she sniffed. I looked her over.

“My love, we made it. I was the distraction. We survived. Even now my flesh is knitting. Do you not think I’m going to claim you as often as I can for the rest of our days? Now climb on.”

She blushed and her eyes widened with surprise.

“My back, not my cock, my filthy little mate.”

“Oh!”

I bent a leg to help her step up, and she positioned herself between my spine ridges and grabbed on to the one in front.

“Hold on tight.”

I leapt into the air. For the first time in years, I was airborne. I wobbled a bit at first and the muscles ached. But the instinct soon came back to me. Lyla whooped with joy as I powered up upwards with firm beats of my wings. Her legs gripped me tightly.

“This is fucking incredible!”

“Yes, it is,” I said, emotion overcoming me for a moment. Living without flying is a torment for a dragon and I hadn’t realized how much I missed it until that moment. How much my body needed this physical release. I took us high enough to be safe from any weapons and circled around to get a better view of the prison.

Small dots streamed out of the building from multiple places around the enormous building.

“My friends. I don’t know where they are.”

Lyla’s voice was stricken.

“Let’s try to spot them.”

“Are you ok?”

“Yes. It hurts, but it is worth it to have you safe and to feel this again.”

We circled around and dipped down occasionally when we thought we spotted a human.

“Cospire! There down by the treeline.”

I swooped lower and saw the frightened woman fall as a furry monster ran towards her, growling. I took a deep breath and shot a line of flame, incinerating it instantly. Cospire stood and watched us swoop back up before she began running again.

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