Wrath of the Dragon 3, page 16
A demonic chant outside stopped our laughter, and Brooke eyed the covered window nervously.
“I wish we could stay in bed all day,” she sighed. “We would have so much fun now that I know how to do sex! I’m super good at it.”
She flicked her golden curls proudly, and I stroked her arm as I swung my legs out of bed.
I didn’t want to leave the warmth of the sheets, and I would love nothing more than to pull all my angels close for some steamy morning fun. But those noises outside reminded me of how close the final sacrifice could be. Every passing second was time I needed to be searching for the final piece of the key.
Ruby’s life depended on it. She needed me.
The angels cheered and whooped as I climbed out of bed naked, and I laughed as Cyra tried to coax me back to bed.
“Just for a little while.” Brooke pouted. “Oh, Ryaaaan.”
“We all want to play,” Cyra purred, and she leaned over to expose her insane cleavage.
“Yes, you can play with us any way you like, too,” Nisha said with a sultry wink.
A much closer-sounding howl pierced our ears, and the angels fell silent as I hurriedly pulled on my clothes and picked up my axe. Their playful smiles turned to worried glances, and Nisha smoothed down the bed covers as they got to their feet.
“The elves said they would make breakfast,” the night angel said. “We sat down with them last night while you two were having fun.”
“They also promised us swords.” Cyra grinned.
“Amazing!” I said. “They’ve been so helpful.”
Our smaller blades had been useful, but the demons were getting more deadly in this land. Having proper weapons for everyone would be a serious level up. Especially if we were going to come up against more of those two-headed fuckers. I swung my bag across my body, and we headed down from the guest house to be greeted by the scent of fresh bread.
“That smells so good,” I groaned as we stepped into the tavern, and Ashryn was waiting at one of the tables for us.
“Good morning,” she called as we hurried over. “Have a seat.”
The Amethyst Elf had a plate with two large bread rolls in front of her, and she pushed it toward me when I sat down. She poured tea into cups for us, and I grabbed a bit of bread to find it was still perfectly warm.
“The angels told me they would not need breakfast,” Ashryn said.
“It’s true.” Nisha nodded. “We ate enough stew yesterday to power us for a long time.”
“I may never need food again,” Brooke said dramatically. “Now that I have bound myself to Ryan…”
Ashryn raised an amused eyebrow as she watched the water angel, and I decided to change the subject before Brooke went into great detail about our lovemaking to the elf we had just met.
“Cyra mentioned swords,” I said as I ripped apart the bread. “That’s so kind of you. Should we just take them from that cupboard you showed us?”
“We are happy to give them to you,” Ashryn said. “Solina is in the workshop picking out some for you now. She had some in mind that would be the perfect fit for each of you.”
I ate my bread hurriedly and savored the warm food that would fuel our next journey.
“Enjoy your breakfast,” Ashryn said as she got to her feet. “I’ll be out at the gate if you need me. I want to make sure there aren’t any changes to the sun.”
“Is it still half-dark?” Nisha asked, and the elf nodded.
“The demons are especially rowdy this morning,” Ashryn said. “Ryan, come by the workshop when you’re ready. It’s just down past the jewelry stalls you saw last night. Ladies, why don’t you come with me to pick up some food provisions for your journey?”
“Okay,” Cyra said as the angels stood up. “We’ll meet you at the workshop, Ryan?”
“I’ll be there in a minute,” I said as I tore up the last of my bread.
The women headed outside, and Brooke blew me a kiss as they left me in the quiet tavern. I finished up my food and took a deep swig of water and tea before I got to my feet.
My body was now fueled from food, sleep, sex, and my new abilities. It was as if I could feel the individual powers from each dragon form pulsing through my veins, too, and I could hardly believe I had just gotten a third form to shift into.
And a third angel bound to me for life.
The image of Brooke moaning with pleasure sent a shiver down the back of my spine, and I could recall the exact shade of her sapphire-blue nipples as her heavy breasts jolted beneath me. Then there was the soft sigh she let out as she curled up in my arms afterward, and the way her big eyes glittered when she asked me if she’d done a good job.
I couldn’t wait to see that again.
Hopefully with my two other celestial beauties added into the mix.
I let out a long, steadying sigh as I headed for the door of the tavern, and the door swung open to reveal that the sun had barely risen from the horizon over the amethyst wall. It was a cloudless, windless morning, and the sky was a mix of orange and pink. I strode down the cobblestones toward the market stalls, and I waved at the elf who seemed to be guarding both stalls for the morning. She clutched a cup of tea and hummed as she gently rocked in her chair.
“Morning,” she called as I reached their tables. “Are you heading off today?”
“I will be,” I said as I looked down at the shimmering jewels. “Do you think the angels would like something? A necklace or a bracelet?”
“That would be very sweet,” the elf said. “Pick out anything you like. It’s a gift.”
“Oh, no,” I said hurriedly. “Cyra has some gold in her pouch, I can get it from her when we meet up.”
“I insist,” the elf chuckled. “It is the very least we can do, Ryan. You are going to save our lands and free us from evil. Besides, we don’t have a need for money in a land where nobody comes to trade.”
“But you’ll need it soon,” I said. “When everything goes back to how it was.”
“That will be enough payment for us all,” the elf said. “Choose. One for each of your beautiful women.”
I looked down at the two stands, and I stared at the sea of glowing gems and shimmering chains. Everything was beautiful, but I had no clue what I should pick.
“Just think about each of them,” the elf said gently. “And pick up whatever reminds you of them. The crystals call out when they know they are perfect for your needs.”
“Right,” I muttered. “Let’s see. Cyra, Cyra.”
I thought of the fiery redhead, and her sarcastic laughter and undying loyalty. Then my eyes fell on an amber gemstone attached to a thin, silver chain, and I couldn’t seem to look away from it.
“Fire opal,” the elf said as I picked it up. “Perfect choice.”
I thought about Nisha’s dark streak and thoughtful nature, and I grabbed a bracelet that immediately caught my attention. It was covered in black, glittering crystals along with dots of amethyst. It was the perfect combination of gothic and beautiful, and I knew it would look gorgeous against the night angel’s navy-blue skin.
“Obsidian,” the elf said. “We got that from a mine nearby. Nisha will love it.”
Brooke’s bright laughter filled my mind next as I scanned the table, and I smiled as I picked up a golden chain with three blue gems attached. The necklace would sit perfectly above her generous, turquoise cleavage, and the sparkle of the stones reminded me of her eyes.
“Azurite,” the elf said. “It is going to look so beautiful on Brooke. Well-chosen, Ryan.”
“Thanks so much,” I said as I slipped the jewelry into my satchel. “They’ll be so happy.”
“I’m glad they’re going to a good home,” the elf said.
“Where is the workshop?” I asked.
The elf pointed to an open door a few buildings down, and I left her to sip her tea as I hurried down the street.
“Ryan!” Cyra called, and I spun around to see the angels heading to meet me.
Brooke had a new black pouch slung over her shoulder, and Nisha had a pile of wrapped goods in her arms.
“They gave us so much food,” the night angel said as they reached me. “You won’t be going hungry any time soon.”
I opened my bag for Nisha to place the food into, and Brooke showed me the contents of hers. There were multiple wrapped items, and a bottle nestled in between everything.
“This is all food, too,” the water angel said. “I got a new bag! This is such a good trip! Well, apart from all the demons, and death, and bloodstones, and stuff.”
“Yeah,” Cyra snorted. “Apart from that, it’s been delightful.”
“I got you presents,” I said as I pulled the jewelry from my bag. “I hope you like them.”
“Presents?” Brooke cried as she bounced on the spot. “Ryan! This is sooo sweet!”
I passed the angels their gifts, and their faces lit up as they hurriedly slipped them on.
“Ryan,” Nisha breathed as she slipped her bracelet over her slim wrist. “This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
“I am in love!” Cyra gasped as she stroked the orange gem. “How did you pick something so perfect?”
“Because I know you so well, I suppose,” I chuckled. “That’s a fire opal, apparently.”
“I love it,” Cyra said softly. “Thank you, Ryan.”
Brooke was quiet as she clipped on her necklace, and her eyes were filled with tears as she sniffed.
“I can swap it out,” I said hurriedly. “If you don’t like yours, there’s lots more. I’m sure we could trade it out. It was just the blue that reminded me of you, and it’s all sparkly, just like your personality.”
“I love it!” Brooke wailed as she flung herself onto me. “I’m so overwhelmed with how nice this is! This is the kindest, sweetest, best thing anyone has ever done for me.”
“He did rescue you from a demonic queen,” Cyra chuckled. “But, sure. This tops it.”
I held the water angel as she sniffled into my neck, and I stroked her blonde hair until she pulled away. Then Brooke fanned her face as she composed herself, and the angels admired their new jewelry happily. It was amazing to see them get so excited and forget about the demons for a moment.
“I’m glad you like them,” I said. “Let’s go and get some swords to finish your new looks.”
We walked to the workshop, and Brooke slipped her hand into mine as we strode into the dimly-lit room. The space was filled with Amethyst Elves who had hammers and lengths of metal laid out on tables. They measured carefully as they sculpted out blades, and Solina waved us over to a large workbench at the far end of the room.
“Ryan,” she said as we made our way over. “I’ve picked out the blades that were meant for each of you.”
I whistled as I looked down at the display of weaponry on the table, and each item was sheathed inside an ornate scabbard. The protective casings were black with intricate purple swirls carved all over.
“This one is for you,” Solina said as she picked up the largest weapon and presented it to me.
I took the sword carefully, and it had a pleasant weight to it without being too heavy. The hilt was a dark silver, and I pulled the blade from its sheath to inspect it further.
“Woah,” I muttered as I held it up to the light.
The sword’s blade was a deep gold, and there were black carvings all over that matched the ones on the sheath. It felt perfect in my hand as if it had been crafted specifically for me.
“This is amazing,” I said as Solina passed the angels their own weapons.
Cyra gasped as she pulled out a thin blade that was speckled with amber, and she grinned as she held up the warm-toned sword. Nisha’s weapon was bright silver with amethyst encrusted on the hilt, and Brooke’s blade had a turquoise tint all over.
“Did you make these today?” Cyra asked. “How do they all fit us so well?”
“They were forged a few days ago.” Solina smiled. “I think we crafted them around the time when you first arrived in our land. They have been waiting for you ever since.”
“That’s so fucking cool,” I chuckled. “Thank you, seriously. This really levels up our fighting.”
Each sheath had a belt attachment, and Solina even had new belts for the angels to carry their weapons. The elf helped them slip on the thin accessories, and they looked seriously hot with their new blades.
“My warrior queens.” I grinned. “You think we’re ready to go and find that last key piece?”
“Hell yes!” Cyra cheered, and Brooke punched the air.
I noticed that Solina’s face had fallen, and a few nearby elves glanced my way with frowns.
“What’s wrong?” I asked as I sheathed my blade. “Do you not know where the final piece is?”
“I do,” Solina said. “I’m worried that even you will not be able to retrieve it.”
“Why?” Brooke asked as she shot me a worried glance. “Ryan can do anything. Who has it?”
“The Obsidian Giants do,” Solina sighed. “They have not been sighted since the demons came. Nobody knows what happened to them.”
“Okay,” I said. “Do you have any idea where they could be?”
“Most people believe they have gone to the mines,” Solina said. “The caves of the Obsidian Hills might be the only place big and deep enough for them to hide in. They are powerful creatures, and I know they won’t give up that key as freely as we did.”
“But we can talk to them,” Brooke said. “Maybe we can trade some of our food for the key?”
“It will not be that simple,” the elf said sadly. “These beasts have never been social creatures. I fear that hoarding the key might give them the only sense of power they have left.”
I could see that Solina was worried about the next stage of our trip, and I trusted the warrior elf to be a good judge of danger. But my powers were sparking at my fingertips, and I felt fucking invincible as I gripped the hilt of my new weapon.
“We can do this,” I said. “It hasn’t been easy to get these three pieces of the key, and we aren’t going to stop at the last one.”
Solina studied my face for a moment, and she slowly nodded as her smile returned.
“I hope that is true,” she said eventually. “Our senses are never wrong, and I can already feel how much light you are going to bring back to our world. If anyone can do it, it’s you.”
“We should get going,” I sighed. “It’s been truly amazing to meet you. I hope you will be ready to use your skills in battle when the time comes. I’m going to need all the help I can get when I free Ruby.”
“We will be ready,” Solina said.
“You’ve all been so kind,” Brooke said. “We looove our new jewelry and swords!”
“And this place is so pretty,” Nisha gushed. “I love it so much, and you’re all absolutely gorgeous.”
“So are you,” Solina chuckled. “Now, be on your way, and be safe.”
I smiled at the elf, and we turned to make our way back out of the workshop. The elves gave us small waves as we passed, and I led the angels back out into the morning light.
“We are ready to go!” Brooke cheered as she spun around excitedly. “New weapons! New shiny things! New dragons! We are unstoppable!”
The water angel’s wings rustled as she spun, and her golden curls swung around her beautiful face in a blur.
“Okay,” Cyra sighed as she watched her friend. “I need to get some recharging soon, Ryan. She’s really selling it to me.”
I snorted with laughter as we headed over the cobblestones toward the gate, and the sun had risen further in the bright sky. Ashryn was standing by the entrance, and she smiled at us as we approached.
“Your new blades suit you,” she said. “I’m glad they are finally with their rightful owners.”
“They feel great,” Cyra said. “Thanks so much for everything.”
“Solina told us about the obsidian giants,” I said. “Any tips before we go to find them?”
“Be respectful,” the elf said solemnly. “We know very little about these creatures, other than how ancient they are.”
“Noted,” I said. “Which direction are we supposed to be heading?”
Ashryn smiled as she pushed open the amethyst entrance for us, and we stepped out into the open land.
“You see those hills?” the Amethyst Elf asked. “The mines are down there. I’m afraid you will have to make the journey on foot until you reach them. Good luck.”
“Okay,” I said with a nod. “Thank you, for everything.”
“I could say the same to you,” the elf replied, and she gave us one final wave before she slowly closed the gate behind us.
“They are amazing,” Nisha sighed as she stared up at the purple entrance. “Now I have something to remind me of them.”
The night angel glanced down at her black and purple bracelet, and she smiled as I stroked her inky hair. Then I scanned the land for movement, and there were a few ominous shapes lumbering far off in the distance. The hills Ashryn had pointed out were black, and they shone under the half-sun. It would be hard to spot any demons against the dark background, but the weight of my new sword comforted me.
“Come on,” I said. “Let’s go and get this final piece.”
We began to stride toward the Obsidian Hills, and Brooke hummed as she ran a hand over her necklace. I kept my eyes on the distant shapes, and we stayed silent as we rushed over the exposed land. The angels’ silent footsteps were a blessing since broken twigs littered the ground, and I was careful to make as little noise as possible. Demonic cries echoed out over the land as we jogged, and Cyra shuddered as the noise pierced our ears.
“How long do you think we have?” Nisha whispered as she glanced over her shoulder.
“Not long,” I said. “I have a feeling this might be our final chance to complete the key.”
“You think the sacrifice will be tonight?” Brooke gasped.
“I wish I was wrong,” I said. “But the demons sound wilder than before, and the sun seems to be getting duller by the minute. I don’t think we’re going to have long until we need to fight.”
“Then let’s hope the giants are willing to cooperate,” Cyra groaned.
