Chapter 6: Lost in the Forest

“Kai! You bastard,” Netra screamed into the night sky, “I hate you so much!”

She stood in the middle of the forest path with nothing but her small lantern to light her way. Lost in her depressing thoughts, she had a taken a wrong path in the darkness and ended up further away from town.

The mill was at the other end of town, a long distance from the castle. Although it was a simple route—straight down the town road from the square, past the meadow, up a short hill and beyond, and right next to the edge of the forest—, a fork came up halfway between the meadow and the hill. The broader half of the fork led towards the forest. When Netra finally realised her mistake, it was already too late. She couldn’t see the way back anymore and she couldn’t find anyone to guide her, either. Lonely, angry, tired, and cold, she found the perfect opportunity to vent her frustration.

“Everything is your fault, Kai,” she cried. “Baron’s son, my foot! You’re nothing but a brute. Hooligan! Villain! Scoundrel! Someday I’ll get back at you for this.”

All that shouting made her hoarse. Heaving to catch her breath, she stomped about the path, sending twigs and stones flying in all directions. When nothing seemed to calm her down, she strayed from the path towards a low bush close by. Thrashing at the dry branches with her bare hands, she gained nothing but multiple scratches on her arms. Compared to the ache in her heart, the pain was insignificant. Exhausted in another couple of minutes, she searched for a suitable spot to sit down.

That’s when her eye fell on a smooth white boulder in the centre of the bush. It looked inviting. Slowly, Netra made her way towards it. Just as she was about to sit down, a sudden strong wind pushed her off. Harshly, she landed on the dry ground, bruising her palms and knees. The tiffin basket toppled over. The lantern crashed and shattered, throwing her in to complete darkness.

“How dare you try to touch it!” a threatening voice roared.

Frightened, she searched in vain for the speaker. She could see nothing.

“Who are you? Where are you?”

“Foolish human! Are you blind as well?”

The strain of disappointment, and the uncalled for insult, made something snap inside her. Whoever this prankster was, she was not having any of it.

“I’m not blind,” she insisted, scrambling to stand up again and failing miserably. “You pushed me and broke my lantern. How dare you call me names? Show yourself, you bastard! Who are you?”

Silence followed her outburst.

Having finally jumped to her feet, she shouted with renewed vigour. “Kai, it’s you, isn’t it? Are you following me? Haven’t you done enough mischief for one day? Come out and fight!” She ball her fists and held them in front of her. “I’m not letting you get away this time. I don’t care if your father owns this town. What are you waiting for? Show yourself!”

“Not just blind and foolish. You’re crazy too!” the voice scoffed.

“Show yourself, damn it!”

“Are you lost?”

“Kai, stop this nonsense right now and come out wherever you are!”

“You’re mistaken, human. I’m not Kai—whoever that is—Look here!”

Stunned at his words, logic came to her rescue. It wasn’t Kai’s voice. But she could still see nothing around her.

Who was talking to her?

“I’m not a cat,” she said. “I can’t see in the dark.”

“Yes, I forgot about that,” the voice responded. “Humans have far too many flaws. Very well, I shall help you see.”

Snapping fingers resounded close to her. Suddenly, all the trees and bushes around her glowed with a faint light. She could see once again. As her eyes darted about, she blurted out in astonishment, “How did you do that?”

Finally, she saw the mysterious stranger.

Lounging under the tree behind the white boulder was a lean and rugged young man with the most exquisite hair and eyes she had ever seen. Luxuriant, midnight-blue tresses cascaded down from his shoulders. Emerald green irises, set in a winsome square face, fixed her with a scrutinizing stare. Mesmerized by his elemental beauty and dark complexion, Netra stared back at him brazenly.

How could anyone be so beautiful? She thought.

Everyone considered Kai as the handsomest youth in town. However, this person was on a whole different level. He looked like a Demi God, despite his worn out overcoat, hooded shirt and patched trousers. A mysterious purple aura emanated from him.

As she continued to stare, he smirked and teased her. “I’m impressed. Most humans would run away by now. What’s your name?”

“Netra,” she replied in a daze, and then shook herself. “I mean, never mind my name. Who are you? What are you doing here?”

“Do you not know?”

“Pardon?”

“Hmm, that explains a lot of things.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’ll see soon enough.” He stood up to his full height and once again Netra stared, fascinated. Over six-foot tall, he towered over her. His long hair tumbled down to below his knees as he rose. Stepping closer, he hooked his thumbs in his pockets, titled his head, and narrowed his eyes at her.

“Are you not human?” Netra asked, innocently.

He laughed. “Not entirely foolish, I see,” he stated. “So, Netra, I’ll ask you again. Are you lost? Do you need help getting back home?”

“Are you going to help me?”

“Sure!” He shrugged. “I’ll walk you to the edge of the forest. After that, you’re on your own. It’s the least I can do since I broke your lantern.”

The word ‘lantern’ brought back a barrage of heated memories. “You?” she demanded, glaring at him. “You broke my lantern? So you’re the one who pushed me, didn’t you?”

He blinked. “You really know nothing, do you?”

“Stop talking in riddles! Tell me, why did you push me?”

“Technically speaking, I did not push you,” he replied. “Just a reflex. I’m sorry, but I couldn’t let you sit on it.” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder.

Netra peered curiously in the direction he pointed out. The white boulder came into view. Its smooth exterior shone pearly white in the dim light.

“Occupational hazard, you see. If anyone tries to touch it, my powers work spontaneously.” He grinned.

“That stone?”

The grin vanished instantly. “Stone?” He sounded upset.

“I don’t understand. What do you mean, powers? What are you?”

The mysterious stranger did not answer. Instead, he walked towards her deliberately. A frown clouded his gorgeous face. Uncertain of his intentions, Netra took a step back. But he was faster. He grabbed her hand and dragged her back to the stone. Still feeling dazed, Netra did not even try to resist him.

“Look at it closely now,” he explained. “This is not a stone. I’m guessing you’ve never seen one of these before.”

Bewildered, Netra obeyed him and studied the boulder. Immediately, she noticed a pulsing movement under the smooth exterior.

Before she could ask, he spoke. “It’s a dragon egg.”