Chapter 149: Chapter 149 Dragon
Her eyes widened when she saw a massive dragon lying there. He was enormous, his dark blue scales looking both gorgeous and dangerous.
His long tail coiled around him, and his vast wings folded protectively over his body. Even in slumber, his snout moved with each deep, rumbling breath, sending puffs of steam into the chilly air.
Seeing this huge creature, Kyra’s breath caught in her throat. Realizing he was sleeping, she sighed in relief. With her eyes fixed on the dragon, she slowly walked backward, careful not to make a sound.
She knew one wrong move could wake him. Slowly, she started to back away, her eyes never leaving the dragon. Each step was cautious, her footfalls muffled by the icy ground.
With every step, she felt the tension in her body increase. She could hear her own heartbeat, loud and fast in the silent cave. Her legs ached, and she struggled to keep her movements slow and quiet. The pain from her earlier injuries was growing, but she pushed through it, knowing she had to get away.
Just when she thought she was far enough, her foot hit a small piece of ice, and it cracked loudly. The sound echoed through the cave, breaking the silence. She froze, her heart skipping a beat. The dragon’s breathing hitched, and for a moment, everything seemed to stop.
Kyra held her breath, praying the dragon would stay asleep. The seconds felt like hours as she stood there, not daring to move. The dragon shifted slightly, but then his breathing returned to its steady rhythm. She let out a slow, careful breath, relieved that he hadn’t woken up.
She continued to move backward, even more cautiously now. Each step felt like it took forever. The cave seemed to stretch on endlessly, but she knew she had to keep going. The thought of the dragon’s enormous form and the fear of waking him kept her moving, even though every muscle in her body screamed for rest.
Finally, she reached the entrance of the cave. The cold outside air hit her, but she welcomed it. She turned and hurried out, her body shaking with a mix of fear and relief. The dragon was still asleep, and she was safe for now.
"Where do you think you’re going, little thing?"
She froze when she suddenly heard a deep and thick voice. Gulping, she slowly turned to look back.
Standing there was a tall, sharp-featured man with narrowed, piercing silver eyes. His blue hair was sleek and smooth, cascading over his shoulders, giving him a fierce, almost predatory look.
His strong, muscular bulging body was covered in fur clothes that were elegant and wrapped around him like a robe. His chest was partially exposed, revealing intricate, ink-like patterns that looked like tattoos etched into his skin.
Unlike the other beastmen she had encountered, his presence was cold and intimidating. His eyes held a glint of danger, and the way he stood conveyed both strength and authority. The sight of him made her heart race, and she felt a shiver of fear run down her spine.
His intense gaze never left her, and she felt trapped under his scrutiny. He took a step closer, and she could see the sharpness in his eyes.
Kyra’s heart pounded in her chest. The man’s presence was overwhelming, his sharp features making him look like a predator sizing up its prey.
"I... I was just leaving," she stammered, trying to keep her voice steady.
He stepped closer, his piercing silver eyes locking onto hers. "Leaving? After trespassing in my domain?" His voice was cold and mocking.
She took a step back, but her legs felt weak. "I didn’t know... I was just looking for shelter."
His lips curved into a cruel smile. "Shelter? In my cave? You must be very bold or very foolish."
Kyra felt a wave of fear wash over her. She tried to summon her courage. "I didn’t mean any harm. I’ll go now."
He tilted his head, studying her intently. "You’re injured," he observed, his voice softer but still sharp. "You won’t get far in this state."
She hesitated, unsure of what to say. His eyes seemed to pierce through her, seeing her fear and pain.
"Come," he commanded, turning and walking deeper into the cave. "I’ll tend to your wounds. You won’t survive out there alone."
Kyra didn’t trust him, but she knew he was right. She had no choice. She followed him, limping slightly, her heart pounding with each step.
As they walked, she noticed more of the intricate patterns on his skin, like tattoos that seemed to tell a story. The cave grew warmer, and she could hear the sound of water.
They reached a chamber with a hot spring, the steam rising in the air. "Sit," he ordered, gesturing to a flat rock near the spring.
She obeyed, lowering herself onto the rock. He knelt beside her, examining her leg. His touch was surprisingly gentle, but his eyes remained cold and calculating.
"Why are you helping me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he tore a strip of cloth from his robe and began to bandage her leg. "Because you intrigue me," he finally said, his eyes meeting hers. "And because I want to know why you’re here."
Kyra felt a shiver run down her spine. She wasn’t sure what he wanted, but she knew one thing: she had to be careful. This man was dangerous, and she was at his mercy.
"Thank you..." she muttered as she looked at him.
The man laughed sharply, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and something darker. "I think you misunderstand, little thing," he said, his voice cold. "I am not offering my help out of kindness."
Kyra’s heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"
He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her face. "You see, I was going to make a meal out of you. But I find myself curious about how you got here."
Kyra’s blood ran cold. "You were going to eat me?"
His smile widened, revealing sharp teeth. "Yes, but I’m giving you a chance. Prove your worth, and maybe I’ll let you live."
She swallowed hard, fear gripping her heart. "What do I have to do?"
However, she was pondering how to escape. She disliked the way the dragon looked at her; she feared he might actually eat her.