Chapter 7: The Handsome Stranger

“D—Dragon?” Netra stammered in fright, “Dragon egg?”

“Smaller than usual,” the stranger admitted. “But yes, it’s a dragon egg.”

Fascinated, the pulsing egg drew her closer. Instinctively, she reached her hand towards it, filled with an overpowering urge to touch it.

“Stop!” The stranger grabbed her wrist. “Don’t touch it!”

The contact sent sparks all over Netra’s skin. She looked down at his hand, still holding her wrist, and gaped open-mouthed. For a tiny moment, shiny blue scales gleamed from his knuckles to his elbow. A vision of a blue dragon flying through the skies flashed in her mind. The next instant, his skin was back to normal. The vision was gone. Taken aback, Netra pulled her hand away and skipped a few steps backwards.

“You’re—you’re a dragon?” she gasped.

Amused, he crossed his arms and gave her a lopsided grin.

“Oh! So now you want to run?”

“No,” she mumbled, closing her eyes and clasping her hands over her ears. “Its impossible! This is a dream. A nightmare! I must be dreaming. Wake up Netra! Wake up!” She pinched her arm and squealed in pain. “Ow!” The stings from the scratches she inflicted on herself earlier in the bush were still fresh.

The handsome dragon threw his head back and laughed. It was such a pleasant and lively sound. Netra’s heart fluttered at hearing it.

“You’re the funniest human I’ve ever met,” he chuckled, “though it’s been years since I actually met a human in these woods.”

“You’ve been living here for years?” she asked incredulously, “and no one saw you all this time? That’s impossible! These woods are full of dragon hunters.”

He scoffed. “Those pathetic losers won’t find me. Didn’t you know? This is an enchanted forest. Any human carrying a weapon can’t get close to me. There’s an invisible barrier protecting me from hunters at all times, up to ten metres in diameter.”

Dumbfounded, Netra’s eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“Why would the forest protect you?”

“Because it belongs to me.” He smirked. “I’m the lord and master of this forest.”

Once again, she felt mesmerized. This time, he approached her slowly and held out his hand. “You can call me Vak.”

Before she knew it, he clasped her hand in a firm handshake. His hauntingly green eyes locked hers in a penetrating stare. Unable to bear his scrutiny, she pulled away again.

“But this forest belongs to Lord Winter,” she declared. “It’s part of Silverville town.”

He shrugged. “Humans think they own everything. Nature doesn’t work like that, I’m afraid. The forest chooses its owner. Not the other way around.”

It all sounded so fantastic. Yet she knew he wasn’t lying. She had so many more questions. Before she could ask, a low rumble echoed from her empty tummy. She blushed red in embarrassment.

Vak laughed again. “Time for you to go home, Netra. Sorry, but I don’t have any food to offer you. Follow me!”

As he sauntered towards the forest path, the magical light that helped her see in the dark moved with him. The area around the egg fell into darkness while the forest path lit up.

“Wait! What about the egg?” she asked.

“It’ll be alright,” he replied, continuing forward. “The forest will keep it safe for me. Anyway, I won’t be gone long.”

She sprinted to catch up with his long strides, but stayed two steps behind him.

“What if someone tries to sit on it again?”

“Good question! But I’m fairly certain that won’t happen again. Can you guess why?”

“No!”

“Hmm! That’s your homework for today, Netra. Let’s see if you can figure it out.”

She rolled her eyes, exasperatedly. He just couldn’t give a straightforward answer.

“So,” he asked suddenly. “Who’s Kai?”

She blanched. Did he hear everything she said before?

“Did you say he’s the Baron’s son?”

“Mr Kailasa Winter. Everyone calls him Mr Kai,” she said, shooting a tentative glance at his broad back moving in front of her. “Please, can I ask you a favour?”

“What is it?”

“Can you just pretend you didn’t hear me shouting and screaming before?”

“I’m not sure I can do that. You were pretty loud.”

She fumed. “I thought I was all alone. How was I supposed to know you’d hear everything?”

“That’s funny!”

“What is?”

“You like to shout and scream when you’re alone?”

“Of course not!”

“Then what does it matter if I heard you?”

“Just this once, please? I promise not to do it again.”

“What are you worried about? It’s not like I can tattle on you to anyone.”

She fell silent. He was right. Since he met no one, her words were safe with him. Still, it was embarrassing to think he would always remember her throwing a fit in the middle of the forest the first time they met. But she couldn’t say that out loud.

“Tell you what,” he said, “I’ll keep it a secret on one condition.”

“Which is?”

“You need to answer some questions, that’s all.”

“What questions?”

“Nothing deep, I assure you. I’m just curious about some things you said.”

“I said?”

“Does Mr Kai play pranks on you all the time?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, it sounded like you were used to his antics.”

Used to Kai’s antics? Perhaps he was right.

His words brought bittersweet memories to her mind. Although she hated Kai now, she remembered a time when she had known him as a good friend.

“We used to be best buddies growing up,” she spoke aloud, thoughtlessly. She had always laughed at Kai’s silly games in the past. Pamela couldn’t stand him. She and Kai would quarrel every day, while Netra would mediate between them. Until one day, the games turned into something else altogether.

When did it all go wrong? When did they change from playful children to scheming adults?

“We were always together. Kai, me, Pamela and—”

With dismay, she gulped back a lump in her throat.

What’s wrong with me? Why am I saying all this?

“And?” Vak pressed for an answer.

“And my late husband, Aryan.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s alright!”

“How old are you?”

“Eighteen.”

“And you’re already a widow? What happened?”

Netra wondered at his question. It was none of his business. Yet she couldn’t stop revealing everything to him.

Was this some kind of spell?

“We got betrothed as children because of our parents. Two years ago, we were married. Everything was perfect. But he fell sick and never recovered. I lost him before my seventeenth birthday.”

“When is your birthday?”

“In the summer.”

“And why do you hate Kai now?”

“Because I—!”

No, Netra, don’t say it, she ordered herself.

“I’m sorry! I can’t tell you that.”

Suddenly, he stopped and whirled on the spot, his exquisite blue hair flying in a dramatic swirl. Netra stepped back involuntarily. His emerald eyes locked on her once again.

“This is as far as I can go,” he said, gesturing at the path ahead.

They had reached the notorious fork in the road where Netra took the wrong path. She could see the lights of the town in the distance, beyond the deserted meadow. All she had to do now was walk towards the lights and she would be home soon.

“Will you be alright from here?” Vak asked.

She looked back at him, feeling a strange sense of loss at parting from him. She should have thanked him. This strange encounter was over now. It should have brought her a sense of relief. He was a dragon living in the forest and he frightened her.

Didn’t he?

Instead, she asked, “Will I see you again?”

His noticeable hesitation made her believe he would decline her request.

Finally, he smiled and said, “If you wish it.”

Bonus Story: An Unexpected Visitor

Pamela dusted her hands on her apron and proudly surveyed the evening feast on the circular dining table. Chicken salad, pies, vegetable soup, mashed potatoes, cheese, chocolate cake, a ceramic dinner set, two lit candle-stands, and three bottles of white wine made up the arrangement.

Presently, there was a knock on the front door.

Who could that be, she wondered.

She knew her friend, Netra, would not arrive home until later. Shrugging off the apron, she smoothed down her sky-blue dress, ran her fingers through her golden curls, and sauntered to the door.

A tall, slim, and attractive young man with coffee brown hair and a full beard stood outside. His bright blue eyes sparkled intensely on seeing her. The unexpected visitor wore a typical dragon hunter’s attire—leather armour over a black shirt, trousers, boots, and a pair of silver, cross danglers in his ears. Unlike other hunters, he had no tattoos on his arms or face. Despite her momentary surprise, Pamela felt an irresistible urge for mischief.

“Hello Pam—” he began expectantly, but she cut him short.

“May I help you, Sir?” Turning up her chin, she regarded him coolly.

“Pardon?” He looked puzzled.

“You seem lost. Perhaps you took a wrong turn?”

For a moment, he stared back at her, the corners of his mouth curling upward into a knowing smile. “Did I?” he asked. “I was certain this is the right house.”

Pamela bit her lip, trying hard not to smile back. As expected, he had caught on to her little performance. “Are you looking for someone?” She titled her head in mock curiosity.

His grin widened. He crossed his arms and leaned against the door frame, arching his head towards her. “I believe she’s a seamstress living in this town.”

She scoffed. “That’s a terribly broad description. There are many seamstresses living in this town. Do you remember what she looks like?”

His eyes moved dreamily over her face. “All I remember are her beautiful green eyes that remind me of the sea.”

She could feel her cheeks heating, but she still kept a straight face.

He whispered. “And her soft red lips—”

“That’s enough!” She exclaimed. “Clearly, she’s someone very important to you. Why don’t you come inside so we can discuss this further? Maybe I can help you find her.”

As he walked in through the door, she shut it and turned to face him. His passionate gaze rendered her speechless. Without a word, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, tentatively at first and more earnestly when she responded in kind. The tantalizing aroma of his perfume, a mix of rosewood and lemon, invaded her senses. When he finally released her, both gasping for breath, his firm hands remained fastened to her waist.

Unlocking her arms from behind his neck, she giggled. “Roy, what was that for?”

“I missed you.” Roy planted a kiss on her forehead.

“Really?”

“Your little act nearly fooled me. Sir? I thought you forgot about me already.”

“And you’re boring! Green eyes that remind you of the sea? Couldn’t you think of anything more romantic?”

He pulled her closer. “Would you like to find out?”

She giggled again, pushing him apart. “Behave! How did you find this place? Did I tell you where I live?”

“I was at the pub waiting for you. A colleague of yours told me you’d gone home straight from work. She gave me your address.”

She caressed his shirt collar, relishing but not trusting his words. No one had ever waited for her before, let alone come looking for her. They met for the first time at the pub last evening. How could he miss her after only one date?

Sensing her distant thoughts, Roy interrupted, “Hope you don’t mind me coming here.”

“Did you really miss me that much?”

He smiled again, sending a thrill down her spine. “More than you know.”

He was about to kiss her again, but she pressed a finger to his lips. “I’m sorry, Roy! You can’t stay.”

“Oh?” He glanced about the small living room and noticed the feast on the table. “You’re waiting for someone?”

Her heart beat faster. Did he sound jealous?

“Netra,” she explained. “My housemate. We’re celebrating her new job. She should be home soon.”

He looked openly relieved, making her blush again. “I see! Why don’t I stay a while? I’d like to meet her too. I’ll say hello and leave.”

Normally, she would’ve refused and sent him away. He was a dragon hunter, after all. Just like the rest, he would be gone soon, leaving her with a broken heart.

“Why not?” She smiled instead. His presence had completely disoriented her.

Thrilled at her response, he led the way to the table. Fleetingly, she remembered Netra’s words from that morning. Pamela, didn’t you say you were going to stay away from dragon hunters for good?

Easier said than done, she reflected.

Strangely enough, his weapons were missing. Did he not bring his weapons out of consideration for her? A gentleman dragon hunter?

“Looks delicious,” he said, eyeing the spread. “Did you make all this?”

“It’s a surprise,” Pamela answered, resting her head on his shoulder. “You can’t touch any of it, though. Not until she gets here.”

“Not even a glass of wine?”

An idea occurred to her. “How about this? You get a glass for every question you answer honestly.”

His eyebrows went up. “What?”

“It’ll be fun. I’ll play too. You can ask me anything.”

He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, studying her pretty face. “Pamela, I can be as honest as you want.”

Guilt pricked her. So, he knew her true intentions.

“One glass,” she persisted, “and I won’t trouble you again.”

He sighed and nodded. “One glass!”

Satisfied, she kissed his cheek and poured two glasses while he took a seat at the table. Adding a plate of cheese in between the glasses, she took the opposite chair.

Despite his obvious reluctance, they didn’t stop at a single glass. At first, Pamela asked the usual questions. Why did he become a hunter? What did he do before? Where did he live? What about his family and friends?

His answers were short and plausible. Like all hunters, he wanted to make quick money. Growing up in a small town with limited jobs, he had lost touch with everyone there once he left. His questions were even simpler. Her favourites—colour, food, places to visit, people, hobbies, books?

With every round, they inched closer to each other along the edge of the circular table until his arm rested on the back of her hair, and he leaned his head on his hand, watching her intently.

Soon, she emptied the bottle into the last two glasses. “Are you ready for the last question, Roy?”

A hint of sadness dimmed his blue eyes for a tiny instant. She blinked. It vanished. Once again, he was smiling as usual. Had she imagined it? Was she that drunk already? She dropped her eyes to her glass. “What happens when you don’t find any dragons in this town?”

His silence unsettled her.

Unable to meet his gaze, she babbled on, “I mean, it’s been twenty years since anyone even saw a dragon around here. I know there’s a legend about silver dragons living in the sea caves outside town. That’s why dragon hunters are so common on the streets here. But they never find anything. I thought—”

“Pamela, look at me!”

When she looked up, his face appeared clouded. The silver danglers in his ears glinted in the candlelight, making him look even more mysterious. Was this really Roy? He seemed a complete stranger without his signature smile.

“I won’t lie to you. Yes, once this is all over, I will leave with the others. But you already know that.”

Despite knowing the truth, his words still stabbed her. Her eyes moistened against her will. “Why?” she asked without thinking.

“That’s two questions.” He drank his wine in a single gulp. “So I get two glasses.”

As he reached for her glass, she tried to stop him.

“I take it back!” Her voice faltered.

“I think you’ve had enough to drink.” He picked up the last glass and emptied its contents down his throat.

Pulled into a tight embrace, she closed her eyes, feeling his mouth hovering over her lips, their breathing almost synchronized. A rebel tear escaped down her cheek. He wiped it away with a deep kiss and drew back. Her eyes fluttered open as though waking from a dream. His genuine smile was back, coupled with a soft longing. Before she knew it, he was sucking the knuckles of both her hands long and hard till she moaned audibly.

Hiding her face in his broad chest, she murmured, “Stay with me!”