Page 24 of The Book of Legends
“My reason for being in here is different. You look human. You…smell human, but that doesn’t mean you are.”
“How is that exactly?” I don’t want to point out that he smells like a filthy recluse.
“Magic. It isn’t the first time someone has used it to turn themselves human. But it doesn’t last. Maybe it’s why you were thrown in here.”
“I don’t know magic, Lox. Where I come from, magic doesn’t exist. Besides, I wouldn’t know where to begin. Like I said before, I’m from Idaho. I don’t know how I got here, but I assure you, I’m human.”
“They’ll find out soon enough.”
“How’s that?”
He finishes cleaning the cut and moves away. “Because it’s one of the few magic spells that doesn’t last. Once it wears off, you go back to your original form.”
Air shoots through my nose. “Well, get used to this form. I’m big in places many people don’t approve of, but I guarantee you I’m not changing into some creature.”
His attention rests on me, neutral and unwavering. “You don’t look big to me,” he finally says. “There are bigger things. Ugly things. If you can imagine it, it most likely exists.”
Pfft. “Next thing you’re going to tell me is that there are dragons flying around.”
He gives me a slow smile, showing decaying teeth. “Who said they don’t?”
My eyes widen. “Wait, you mean there are dragons?”
“Yes, and you must respect them. They are the oldest living creatures in existence. Gods to this world.”
“Why do you call them gods?”
“We exist because they allow it.”
Great.
He must see the looks of uncertainty on my face because he asks, “Have you seen a dragon before?”
I shake my head rapidly because it’s the last thing I want to see. The first thing that pops into my mind when I think of a dragon is fire coming out of its mouth, burning everything in its path. Sharp teeth and talons. They belong in myths and legends.
“What do I do if I see one?”
He chuckles darkly, causing a shiver of fear to run down my spine. “Run.”
A metal door slamming open makes me flinch. Three huge beasts walk inside. One growls, with hands the size of medium-sized boulders.
The middle one, with a huge nose piercing, speaks first. Its voice is deep and resonant, like distant thunder. “It’s time.”
I glance at Lox. My pulse skyrockets.
He must see the panic in my eyes because he moves in front of me. “She’s not ready,”
I’m grateful for Lox trying to protect me even though we just met, but he’s no match for these large beasts.
A bubble of snot pours out of the middle one’s nose. “We are not here for her. We’re here for you.”
“What does he mean, Lox?”
Where are they taking him? I try not to panic, hoping that they’re here to release him. I don’t want to be left alone, but he deserves his freedom if what he said was true.
“Where are you taking him?” I demand, trying to keep my voice steady.
The one with the nose piercing pins me with his flaming eyes. “To die,” he says in a hard tone.
