11. Lyra

11

LYRA

Z oldryn's treatment of me is confusing, to say the least. One moment, he's kind and gentle, showering me with treasures and trying to gain my trust. The next, he's cruel and demanding, barking orders at me like I'm his personal slave.

I've asked him countless times if I'll ever be let out of this cave, but he always brushes me off or changes the subject. Today, I decide to press the issue.

"Zoldryn, why can't I leave this cave?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

He turns to me, his obsidian eyes narrowing. "Why do you want to leave?" he growls.

I take a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "I miss the sun," I say softly. "I miss feeling the warmth on my skin and the wind in my hair. I miss being able to breathe fresh air."

Zoldryn snorts, his long horns glinting in the firelight. "You humans are so weak," he sneers. "You can't even handle a little darkness."

"You belong to me now, Lyra," he says, his voice low and dangerous. "And I won't let you go."

I bite my lip, trying not to let his words hurt me. "I don't want to run away," I say carefully.

Zoldryn's eyes soften, and he lets out a low chuckle. "Very well, little human. I'll take you to the surface."

I can't help but feel a flutter of excitement in my chest as we make our way out of the cave. The air is cool and damp, and I can hear the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore.

As we emerge from the cave, I'm greeted by a breathtaking sight. The sun is setting over the ocean, casting a warm orange glow over the small gathering of stalls and buildings at the foot of a massive volcano.

Zoldryn's heavy footsteps echo through the marketplace as he stays close to me, his obsidian scales glinting in the fading sunlight. I gaze around in awe, my eyes darting from one stall to the next. The variety of goods on display is astounding – intricately carved wooden figurines, shimmering silk fabrics, and an array of vibrant fruits and vegetables.

I can't resist reaching out to touch a delicate silk cloth, its softness brushing against my fingertips. Zoldryn grunts in annoyance but doesn't stop me. I cast a sideways glance at him, noting the slight curl of his lip as he watches me explore.

"What is this place?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

"This is our marketplace," Zoldryn responds gruffly. "It's where we trade treasures and services with each other that the Elder hasn't already taken for himself."

I nod, my curiosity piqued.

"And…" I hesitate. "What are you?"

"I am a dragon shifter, little human." His dark eyes bore into me. "We are more powerful than you could ever imagine."

As we continue to walk, I learn that the dragon shifters have their own unique currency – small, gem-like stones that they call "firestones." Each stone is imbued with a tiny spark of dragon fire, making them incredibly valuable.

My fingers itch to hold one of the firestones, to feel the warmth of the dragon fire against my skin. But I know better than to ask. Zoldryn may be tolerating my presence for now, but I don't want to push my luck.

Zoldryn watches me with amusement, his lips curling into a rare smile. "This is the most you've spoken since you arrived," he comments.

I blush, feeling self-conscious.

Just as I'm about to ask Zoldryn more about the firestones, a dragon shifter approaches us, his eyes fixed on Zoldryn. "The Elder requests your presence," he says, his voice low and urgent.

Zoldryn's expression darkens, and he lets out a frustrated sigh. "Very well," he growls. He turns to me, his obsidian eyes softening slightly. "Stay here, little human. I'll be back soon."

I nod, trying to hide my disappointment. I was enjoying exploring the marketplace with Zoldryn, despite his gruff demeanor.

As soon as Zoldryn is out of sight, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn to see a familiar female dragon shifter. Nindre, I believe her name is, regards me with disgust, her brown eyes narrowed in anger.

"What do you think you're doing, human?" she hisses.

I take a step back, my heart racing. "I-I don't know what you mean," I stammer.

Nindre's lip curls into a sneer. "You think you can just waltz in here and steal Zoldryn's affections away?" she spits.

I frantically search the bustling marketplace for Zoldryn, my heart pounding in my chest. "I-I'm not trying to steal anyone's affections," I say, my voice quivering as I try to wriggle out of Nindre's grasp.

Her grip on my shoulder tightens, and I wince in pain as her long nails dig into my skin. "You're lying," she snarls, leaning in closer. "I've seen the way he looks at you. You're using your human wiles to manipulate him."

I try to pull away from her, but she's too strong. "I'm not manipulating anyone," I say, my voice rising in panic. "I- I'm just a slave-"

Suddenly, I feel two more hands on my arms, and I'm pulled away from Nindre. I look up to see two other female dragon shifters, their eyes cold and calculating. They're dressed in fine silks and jewels, their long hair braided with gold and precious stones.

"You aren't fooling anyone, rat," one of them hisses, her lip curling in disgust.

The other paws at my dress, a simple linen tunic that barely covers my body. "Look at this. He's giving you his treasures and you lie to our faces?"

Nindre is suddenly in my face again, her eyes blazing with anger. "I think you need to be reminded of your place here, human bitch."

I feel a surge of fear and desperation wash over me, and I struggle to break free from their grip. But it's no use. I'm outnumbered and outmatched, with Zoldryn nowhere to be found.

And if he was, would he even care?