by Noah Harris
Despite all the evidence against him, Arulean was still holding himself back. He kept himself in check. He could see himself falling down a slippery slope, but he hung on. For days he held on. But the tension to his anchor was taut and tenuous, threatening to snap and set him free with every whiff of his scent and every look of those brilliant, amber eyes.
He had spent much of the day in the great hall with Lyphnia, meeting with dragons and listening to grievances. They mediated disputes as was their duty, but he, for the most part, did all the work. He listened to each story, both sides, with an open ear, but a bored mind. The upside to going about his daily life without expression was that he could easily hold his face in check to keep from seeming too disrespectful. Lyphnia, unfortunately, hadn’t learned that skill. Nearly everything she felt and thought showed on her face, so she spent much of this time lounging on her throne, looking pained and bored and irritated.
She occasionally put in her ideas and thoughts on matters, but he preferred it when she didn’t. Her opinions often differed from his own ruling, and it was better that they appear as a united front, for the sake of their kin. There were a few disputes that they agreed on, those where the dragons in question were utterly clueless and completely idiotic. For the most part, however, she kept her commentary to hushed murmurs, and he was grateful.
Unfortunately, this meant when they were done for the day, he was tired and his mind was aching. He wasn’t used to interacting with this many people so often anymore. Much less so his own kind, who were known to be stubborn and arrogant half the time, making these matters that much harder.
He skipped dinner that night, opting instead to have food brought to his study. His only regret was that he wouldn’t see Rajiah at the nightly feast or usual gathering after, but the peace and quiet he got once he was alone was well worth it. Besides, he reasoned, he shouldn’t be disappointed in not seeing him in the first place. Not that it stopped him from feeling so.
He was flipping through several of the scrolls he had set aside to read, each and every one of them recent news and accounts from the recent spread of humans and the movements of shifters around the continent, when he heard the shouts. The words were muffled, but loud enough to carry. He lifted his head, eyes drifting lazily to the open doors to his balcony. He was about to look away, passing the incident off as something someone else could handle, when he recognized a familiar voice.
Heart rate suddenly picking up, his curiosity was piqued.
He did not admit to himself the speed with which he hurried to the balcony. He stopped when he reached the edge, hands resting on the railing automatically as he leaned past to gaze down. His study balcony loomed high on the castle, overlooking the large, grand steps that led up the hill to the castle’s front doors. Halfway up those steps, on a flat break between the steps, was a young man. He was no doubt a shifter, though of what kind, Arulean had no idea. He didn’t recognize him. He was dressed in ragged and dirty clothes, no doubt those of a traveler.
He was being held back by two servants of the castle, practically dragged backwards as he struggled in their hold, shouting and raving. Lyphnia stood on the steps above them, arms crossed over her chest and her hip cocked to the side. As usual, she was dressed impeccably, not a hair out of place as she stood in regal, cool beauty. What caught his interest, however, was Rajiah, standing between them and pleading with his sister. They were all shouting, drawing in attention from anyone within earshot.
He didn’t think before he was already moving, launching himself over the balcony.
He didn’t shift all the way. There wasn’t enough room for that, but he had enough experience and control over his shifting to go halfway. His body dropping hard and fast and form obscured as it was engulfed in the smoke that streamed from his skin. He was shadow and smoke shooting down to the steps in a controlled fall.
He shifted back to his human form as he landed lightly on his feet in the middle of it all, smoke dissipating as his skin settled back into place and the beginnings of his scales receded. A controlled half shift was difficult to pull off, most shifters were unable to stop and contain the beast once it started to emerge. But he wasn’t a king for nothing, and what he had done not only got him to the commotion sooner, but was also a clear show of power and authority.
The arguing had stopped, everyone staring at him with a wide array of expressions, ranging from surprise to irritation to relief. He stood tall, chin lifted as he lightly clasped his hands behind his back. He gazed at them all, making sure to hold contact with everyone for several moments, establishing control over the situation, before flicking his gaze to Lyphnia.
“What is going on here?”
She gave a half shrug, a small sigh, and gestured to the restrained traveler with a careless hand. “This man is here to complain about traveling woes, as if it is our fault that his party came across trouble on the way through our mountains.” She said with a sneer. “I was just sending him on his way.”
“He came here to ask for our help!” Rajiah snapped, taking a step forward. His face was contorted into a familiar stubborn rage. It was the same look Arulean had seen the night Rajiah had lured him out of the sky. “There are lives in danger and you’re sending them away like they’re nothing!”
“They are.” She said coldly, eyes locking onto her brother’s, face gone deathly still. “We are in the middle of a Summit. We have our own kind to attend to--“
“They are our own kind!”
“They are not! We are dragons. They are wolves.”
“They need our help--“
“We are busy--“
“We’re doing nothing but sitting on our asses!” Rajiah shouted, thrusting a hand out towards the man. “While his people are in danger. We can help them. There are so many of us in the valley right now. We have all the power in the world to help them!”
“We don’t know them.”
“It doesn’t matter!”
She scoffed, rolling her eyes in a dramatic, dismissive fashion, and Rajiah pushed forward.
“They came to this valley, your valley, for sanctuary and to start a new life! They’re in danger, and we can help them.” He took another step toward her, thrusting an accusing finger in her direction. “If you think you’re so superior, why don’t you prove it by helping those below you?”
“I have nothing to prove to lesser shifters.” She said icily.
“What is the purpose of being a queen if you won’t help the people who bow to you?”
She made an indignant sound, hands shooting to her sides as she took a threatening step forward. He could feel her aura flaring, sparks and embers coming off her in angry waves. Her eyes were like daggers, voice like venom. He knew even the strongest of dragons would wilt before her, forced into submission by instinctual self-preservation. Not Rajiah, however. He stood his ground, his own earthy aura firm and unwavering. Arulean had never seen the two fight, but he had no doubt that was where they were headed.
“The purpose is that I rule my own kin, not some flea bitten, wingless dogs with a lifespan akin to ants--“
“Enough.” Arulean said sharply, causing both of their attentions to snap to him. He took several steps forward until he was between them, holding his arms out, hands like a barrier to keep them both rooted in place. He glared between them, waiting until they both backed down enough to give him their full attention. “You two will not quarrel on the front steps of our home.” He said firmly, holding each of their gazes until they looked away with huffs of irritation. Then his gaze slid to the other three behind Rajiah. “Release him.” He commanded, and the servants did so immediately, shuffling away from the traveler quickly.
The man stumbled, falling to his knees. Arulean let his hands drop to his sides and stepped forward, kneeling in front of the man and offering a hand to help him up. The werewolf looked at it, surprise evident in his features. He gazed up at Arulean, warily searching his eyes. Arulean let his lips tug into the barest of smiles, a small
twitch of the lips in hopes of indicating his genuine desire to help. It seemed to work, for the man grasped his forearm and Arulean stood, helping him to his feet.
“Tell me what has happened.” He said, trying to keep his voice level and kind, but with the firm authority of his station.
The man shifted his weight from foot to foot, glancing sidelong at Rajiah, who must have given him an encouraging look because he looked back with his face set in grim determination. “I’m traveling with my pack,” He said, licking his lips and clearing his throat, voice coming stronger. “We wanted to move to the valley. Some of us have family working in the farms at the eastern fields. We were almost there, moving along the river, but the path was too narrow-- there was a rockslide-- half of our wagons were swept into the water, my people along with them. They’re trapped now, and the current is too strong for us to reach them on our own.” His voice was coming faster, more frantic, his fidgeting increasing as he nervously glanced to the east. “I shifted and ran here as quickly as I could, hoping I could find help...” The look he shot Lyphnia said very plainly what had happened when he got to the castle and what he thought of that.
“How long ago?”
“I--“He hesitated, chewing his bottom lip. “I don’t know.”
“Are they still alive?” The question was blunt. He realized that when the man flinched. But it had to be asked.
He steeled himself. “They have to be.” He said, then softer. “They have to be... There’s not much of us left. We were hunted by the humans--“
“We’re wasting time!” Rajiah snapped, and Arulean looked at him, eyebrow raised. His face was contorted in anger. Much to Arulean’s amused horror, he was already stripping. He untied the sash from his waist, letting it drop before pulling his tunic over his head and dropping it on top. “They need help. Now.” He bent to unlace his boots with swift, sure fingers, kicking them off. He stood, glaring at his sister. “And if you,” His eyes slid to Arulean. “Won’t help, then I will.” Hooking his thumbs into the waistband of his pants, he threw them down, stepping out of them.
Arulean felt his heart lodge in his throat, and his body still. He kept his eyes carefully on Rajiah’s face. The pounding of his heart was deafening in his ears, his inner dragon rearing his head with interest at the sight of Rajiah’s bare body. He breathed heavily and steadily through his nose, willing his own pheromones to keep from acting up. He wasn’t used to having to control himself like this.
“Rajiah, don’t be rash.” Lyphnia was saying with the same stern voice she had used when keeping their children from acting out. It always stopped them in their tracks, but not Rajiah. The omega was pulling off his bracelets, dropping them to his stack of clothes as he glared at her.
“I’m not being rash. I’m being reasonable. They need help. Now. And I’m the only one willing to help them. So I will.” He pulled his necklaces over his head, and they dropped to the pile with a sense of finality. The wind brought the omega’s scent to Arulean’s nose, tickling his senses. It wasn’t as strong as the night of the full moon, but now that he was bare, it was certainly stronger than normal.
He kept his feet firmly planted and curled his hands into fists to keep from reaching out.
Rajiah turned to the shifter, who was watching him with hope lighting his features. “Lead me to them. Now.”
The werewolf hesitated for only a moment before he was stripping down with practiced speed, tossing his clothes into a bag he had strapped to his back. He shifted quickly, picking up the bag in his teeth before regarding Rajiah. The omega nodded, lips pursed into a determined line. He nodded, and the wolf took off down the steps. Rajiah cast one last scalding look at Lyphnia before shooting Arulean a more reproachful one. His eyes saying more than words could. Then he was running, leaping, and shifting mid air. His scaled body twisted in the air, wings flapping furiously to gain air as he followed the direction of the wolf down below as he weaved through the village.
“He is a fool.” Lyphnia’s voice broke the silence. He glanced at her, watching the way her lips contorted into distaste, delicate nose crinkling, brows furrowing. Her eyes narrowed on Rajiah’s distant form. “He needs to learn that we must look out for ourselves first and foremost. We cannot help everyone, and they should not expect us to-- what are you doing?”
Arulean already had his shirt off, tossed into the pile with Rajiah’s clothes. He rolled his shoulders, feeling the muscles in his back shift and stretch in anticipation of the shift. Pin thin bones of his wings pressing to the surface of his skin, eager to expand, grow, stretch. The pain was pleasant. He kicked off his boots, removing his pants with practiced ease. He tossed away all his adornments, all the things he wore to look like a king of his station.
When he looked back to Lyphnia, he was bare, standing tall and regal even in the nude. The wind was crisp against his pale skin, but the fading rays from the sun were warm.
She was staring at him, lips parted, eyebrows raised a look of absolutely incredulousness adorning her features. He met her gaze steadily, not bothering to plead with her for understanding. He knew it would take a lot of conversation and convincing that they didn’t have time for.
“I am doing what needs to be done.” He said simply.
“Don’t be a fool, Arulean.” She said, voice full of warning. It had long since lost its potency with him.
“A fool is one who does not change.”
“If we help them now, they will always expect our help. We must look out for ourselves first and foremost.” She slid down the stairs and to his side on graceful steps, moving like liquid fire. That fire had once lit something inside him, but now it just felt cold. “Rajiah is still young. He is idealistic in ways that are far too fantastical for reality.” Her voice was softer now, soothing, honeyed and sweet. She put a hand on his arm, letting her fingers trail over his skin. It was a touch that had once stirred his heart. Now it just made his skin crawl. She looked up at him through her long lashes, her plump red lips tugged up into a small smile. “Don’t encourage his mistakes. He will come around. Come back inside with me.” He knew that tone, that sugary sweet voice she used when she wanted something of him. It had once worked. Not anymore.
Arulean put a hand on hers, soft and gentle. Her smile widened a fraction, no doubt in victory. But then his fingers tightened around hers and very gently, very slowly, pulled her hand away from his arm. Her smile fell, brows furrowing in a small, confused frown. She searched his eyes, wary. He released her hand and took a step backwards, away from her.
“Arulean...” She said, voice full of warning. “Don’t do this.”
“If we don’t look after those weaker than us, then what good are we?” He said coolly, steadily, repeating the words that had haunted him for weeks.
“We are dragons!” She snapped, fingers curling into fists as she glared. “We are the most powerful creatures in existence!”
“Then it is time we started putting our power to good use. Or else we are no more than beasts.”
He saw the beginnings of confusion and rage contorting her features, but he looked away. He took a step, then another, until he was sprinting to the top of the next set of steps and leaping into the air with all the strength his legs possessed. He let his body hang in the air for one breathless, weightless moment before he shifted, smoke curling and coiling, body swirling and expanding, wings snapping out and catching the wind.
And then he flew after Rajiah and the werewolf without another glance back. He knew Lyphnia would not follow, nor did he expect her to.
Rajiah was far ahead of him, having pushed his smaller body to the limit. He was already on the outer reaches of the valley. Arulean hurried after him, following the glinting of his bronze scales in the light of the setting sun. As he flew, he passed over the werewolf sprinting below, realizing that Rajiah had flown ahead, intent on following the river to the east.
He followed the river out of the valley, between the mountains and through a pass. He was out of Arul
ean’s sight, and by the time he reached the pass himself, Rajiah was nowhere to be seen. He reached out with his senses, looking for the familiar, warm aura. He found it readily enough, spying a glint of scales between the trees. Arulean dove after him.
The river was wide, and the current was quick. The paths on either side of it through the mountain pass were thin and crumbling in places. It wasn’t the easiest way into the valley, but it was accessible if need be. It certainly wasn’t hospitable for a caravan of wagons. He dove down to the river, spreading his wings and gliding along it downstream. It was wide enough that even his massive wingspan didn’t cover the entire thing.
He found them moments later. Several wagons were up turned in the river, the bank of the river had crumbled, clearly showing where they had fallen. Some were caught at the edge, a group of shifters desperately trying to haul them back out of the water, but others had been swept away by the current. Four wagons and carts were scattered further down river, two of which were stuck on rocks. Supplies rushed down river, along with several shifters, clutching to wagons, branches, or rocks.
He knew this section of the river. The waters got choppier, rougher with rapids caused by rocks beneath the surface, leading to a waterfall that dipped over a cliff in the mountainsides. He surveyed the scene quickly, eyes calculating and hard with the need for swift action. Rajiah was below, still in dragon form, helping the pack pull the wagons back up to the path on the water’s edge. Despite being bigger than the wagon itself, Rajiah was still small and slight for a dragon. Good for speed and quick maneuvers, not so much for strength.
Arulean dove, hovering over one of the wagons caught on a rock, threatening to shatter with the weight of the current. A mother and her two children were huddled inside, staring up at him in shocked awe, mingling with their looks of terror. He lowered himself slowly and precisely, carefully grabbing the wagon with his claws. When he had a good grip, he beat his wings steadily, rising and pulling the wagon from the water.
