Oliver wasn’t home that night. He returned from his work a few days before. That night, he went to see a friend.

It was a clear, warm night. She wanted to fly, but she stopped herself. The staff and Oliver know she’s a shadow dragon now, but they weren’t aware at the time.

It was a perfect night to fly. The wind was calm. There was no chance of rain or a storm. Being captured was still a possibility, though. Shadow dragon hunters are always watching.

Instead of flying, she took a walk. Libsia was quiet for a Friday night. It surprised her. The streets were always crowded on the weekends.

She looked around, unnerved. Maybe there was nothing happening, but…

She turned back as someone approached. She quickened her pace, not wanting a conversation with someone she didn’t know. Tonight was not the night for that. It was too quiet and there were no witnesses.

“You work for the duke, don’t you?”

She froze. Who was this?

She resumed walking, her heart racing. He followed. Shit. She should have brought her headphones. It would have been very clear she didn’t want to talk.

“Yes,” he said. “You do. I recognize you now. You’re one of the ones that got away.”

No. No. No. No. No.

She ran. It couldn’t be. Why now?

No one knew. No one could protect her. No one could…

“You haven’t changed at all,” he said.

Neither had the damn black market.

“Why are you following my assistant?”

Oliver stood close enough that she could grab him. She took hold of his wrist, pulling him next to her.

“No,” she said. “He is a dangerous man. We need to go.”

“I know who he is,” Oliver said. “Due to my work, I’m aware of who he is.” Oliver smiled. “It seems he came to me, but I–“

She didn’t think. She shifted, grabbing him with her claws by his jacket and lifted him. He blinked as she flew as high as she could.

She was not used to carrying someone when she flew. She managed to keep themselves in the air, but he was heavy.

She sensed the shot before it got to them. Oliver opened his mouth, probably to warn her. She blew a stream of fire toward the man. The bullet was destroyed before it reached them. The man jumped back, but the fire followed.

Oliver stretched out a hand, pressing his fingers to the scales on her cheek. It must have been burning, but he didn’t remove it.

“You need to put me down,” he said. “I need you to trust me. Nothing will happen to you or to me.”

“She’s going to hurt you,” the man said.

She pulled him close to her chest. Putting him down would mean his death. Even if he believed she was dangerous by the end of this, he would be alive.

He stroked her scales.

“It’s okay,” he said. “It’s okay.”

It wasn’t. The man lined up a shot. She blew a stream of fire at him again. The first time, her fire was a warning. Now, it gathered around him, burning him. He attempted to run away from the fire, but it followed. It consumed him.

Oliver’s hand was still on her scales.

“Well,” he said nonchalantly, “I suppose we won’t have to deal with him anymore.”

---

Did you enjoy this chapter? Let me know in the comments. Your feedback is also welcome.

It’s release month! My debut, Daughter of Death will be out on December 26. It’s a perfect Christmas gift for yourself or a reader in your life, especially if they like short stories.

Daughter of Death is the first in the Child of Death series following Vivian, a half-deity. After eight years of living in the mortal realm, she’s discovered. Now, she and her family have to adjust to new changes.

If this interests you, you can find it for preorder on Apple, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. If you want to get it before the release date, check out my shop.

Thanks for reading! Come back next week for the next chapter.