THE DRAGON CRIES HOME

When Laverna saw flames coming out of my hands, I was sure she was going to run and our relationship would end right there and then. Instead, I saw her vibrant smile, comparable to when a child does something for the first time and reaches out to their parents in the hopes they would see and appreciate what they have done. The glimmer in her pupils were like miniscule stars that twinkled with enough energy, and even though they were small, their light was still able to shine the vast sky. That smile, that was what made me fall in love with her and seeing she wasn't freaking out, I knew I made a great choice.

"You're from the Dragon Realm?" she asked, approaching me and taking hold of my hand, making sure it was okay. "This is so cool!"

I smiled. "Wait, you're not afraid of me?"

She diverted her gaze and looked me straight in the eyes. "And why should I be. Cadmus, this is amazing."

Was I glad, never in my years would I believe that a human and a dragon would co-exist. Ever since I was a child, I heard stories of the 'Realm War'. How humans maximized their technological power to destroy us. Forcing us to hide. Until I decided to step into the picture, I refused to remain the way I did and I travelled to see the world myself. Even though I lived a lie as a human, I was able to fulfill that mission. I believed that we would live in harmony. Difficult at first but right now, I knew it was about to change.

"I... know this so sudden but..." she spoke. "Can I Learn Draconic magic from you? I've always been interested and now that I have a boyfriend who can make fire, this is so cool! Imagine we become some sort of superheroes or maybe we could-"

"Okay, okay. Calm down," I took her hand. "I'll do anything for you."

Her smile widened. "No, we do anything for us."

We gazed each other's pupils and leaned close to each other for a heart felt kiss. Believe it or not, that was the first time I ever kissed her. The first time I kissed a human. This is the life I wished we could have. Where dragons and humans could live together, in peace.

***

Six months passed, I knew Laverna was a quick learner but for six months, that was fast. I taught her all the basics in the first two months and then we delved into the hardcore mechanics and she mastered that well. She even surpassed some of my kin when they first started to learn. I was impressed. From the stories, I learnt that humans tend to adapt well with things they are taught for the first time which was now clear to me.

As for our relationship, it grew and I mean GREW. There were a lot of ups and downs, other times I thought she only wanted me so that she could learn the magic with how strict and determined she was. Other times she would wind up with unexpected moods that I didn't understand fully, why would she act a certain way as though I were the source of her problems. But apart from that, our love bloomed and I knew that sooner or later, the first half breed would be brought to life.

Maybe I was a bit overboard but I had my reasons. That night, it was the first time, we engaged in an... intimate and must I add lovely session. I did not know humans possessed such strength during those moments. But it was the best night I ever had ever since I set foot here. She was... enthusiastic.

After having our bundle of fun, we cuddled with small kisses crossing us from time to time and reminiscing our journey as a couple.

She laughed. "You were so weird. I loved the way you tried to explain yourself to the waiter. Who comes to a date without money."

"Hey! I was desperate. It was the first time I went on a date with anyone. I was adjusting to everything."

She chuckled then took my hands. "Thank you so much, for everything. I'm so glad I met you. So sweet, charming and a badass Dragon."

I giggled then glanced her face.

"I mean it," she kissed my hands. "I love you Cadmus."

We kissed one more time and I held her closer. Yes, I made the right choice.

***

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

I grunted, I didn't set an alarm, why is my phone beeping. I shook my head and took the phone from the desk next to the bed. My pupils enlarged when I saw who's calling me. For eight months, I cut all ties to meet the truth of the world. Seeing the name of my sister at the screen, that meant something, something bad.

"Hello-"

"Cadmus!" she interrupted. "I don't know where you must have gone and I don't care but please, come home."

"Wait, what's going on. Is it father? The high elder?"

"Humans," she cried. "We're under attack!"

The phone buzzes off. Humans! Under attack! How? Why? The Dragon Realm has always remained hidden after the 'Realm War'. There's no possible way this could have happened. How will I tell Laverna.

I turned to her side but she's not here. Humans... causing trouble... No! Laverna adored dragons. She loved me, it wasn't possible. Staying here wouldn't do any good. My kin needed me.

***

Through magic, I was able to come back home. At first I was worried that I lost my touch but it turned out fine. I hoped it was some harmless joke she pulled to bring me home but it was far from that. The houses were infused with flames, ashen corpses laid beside them. Some of them were demolished, piles of rubble scattered everywhere with masses struggling to pull through. A horde of human soldiers walked past, swinging their swords and destroying the little life they had.

I glided above my village and the condition was worser than I thought. I spotted my house, under the same torment and I swear, I saw her. I dived in and reformed into my human body, taking her hand. Tears pricked my eyes, my sister didn't recognize me. Blood is spilt falling from her nostrils and a deep laceration to her forehead. Her eyes, they have no life. It is as though she is staring deep space, losing her own form of sanity.

"Adalinda," I cried. "Talk to me."

No response. Just the same dead stare. I wondered, who did this. My parents were nowhere to be seen. I transformed and flew to the capital. They must be fighting alongside the high elder. They have to be. The human advance was greater than I presumed. I wanted to think that my eyes were playing tricks on me but I saw one of them throw a flame projectile. How have they possessed draconic magic? It can't be!

I've reached the capital. The humans have gathered the most there. I saw the high elder, on one knee. All the others, including my parents, are down on the ground, dead. I rushed and landed in front of him. The humans stopped marching. The high elder looked at me with disdain as he bled in every part of his body. His breaths were shallow and I was certain he had no force to push forward. Nonetheless, he lifted his hands and touched me by the collar.

"You... did this..." he said with a raspy voice. He blinked feebly. "... You traitor."

He fell and I caught him. I didn't understand. How did all of this transpire.

"Cadmus."

That voice, Laverna's? I turned and there she was. Clad in a black cloak and giving me a stern look. I don't believe it. She's not only part of it but also leading it.

"Laverna?" I was shaking. "What's going on? Why are you doing this?"

She sighed. " You weren't supposed to come here. I had a personal score with the high elder. He killed my father Cadmus. I had to avenge him."

"And what about all of the others?" I pointed the men behind her. "Why are they here? Why have you murdered all the other dragons when you were coming for the high elder alone. Why?"

She closed her eyes and clenched her fist. She opened them. "Cadmus, all of us, we had scores of our own. And most of the dragons, they stood in our way. For years, I traced where the Dragon Realm was hidden. I found it but there was only one way I could get here..."

"Through Draconic magic," I said and staggered back. "You used me."

"No! No, it's not like that. I only used you for the power. I learnt from you and I taught the others. That was it!" She walked to my direction, I managed to be far from her. "Cadmus, you have to believe me, I love you!"

I shook my head. "You built these fantasies for us just to throw it all away."

"No! Cadmus I mean it. What we shared last night, that was something more and I know you felt it. Don't you see, you were the only dragon with a pure heart. You weren't like the rest of them. We can still be happy together. You always wanted a peaceful civilization between us. We can build a new generation of half breeds. A world where dragons and humans..."

"How can you build a civilization with only one person," I retorted, my throat and eyes were ablaze. "I loved you Laverna. I was ready to take that step with you and you went your way to kill my people. Sure, I wanted to experience the world in a different way. I wanted to bring peace between the realms but you squandered my trust. I was going to marry you. How could you do this."

Tears cascaded her cheeks as she shook her head. She attempted to walk forward while I did the opposite. More tears fell.

"No! No! I'm not the monster!" she shrieked. "We can still be together. You can still marry me. And yes we can build a populous with just the two of us. I'm ready for anything. For our life! The one we want so badly. Please." she kneeled down. "Cadmus, don't do this to me. I love you."

One tear finally fell from me. My face became dull and I no longer saw the love of my life. I saw the enemy of dragonkind, the true nature that humans possessed. She disliked the look and stood up. Wiping her tears, she offered her hand.

"I won't say this again," she said. "Join me Cadmus, marry me. And let's live the life we wanted. Or I'll be forced, the people behind me, they don't care, they're waiting to kill you. Make your choice."

My eyes burned up to the max. My skin has hardened and scales formed. "Burn in hell Laverna."

My throat is powered and I shoot a turret of flames. Laverna rolled out of the way while the unlucky ones turned into ash. My radius increased and more of them fell. They tried to take me where I was open but I swooped in and using my strength shoved them to the walls. Laverna shouted and sprinted to me.

I took hold of both her wrists and gave her one last death glare. There was fear, she knew she can't escape. I immersed her left arm into my jaw. She pleaded that I don't, no luck for her. I tore it off and blood sputtered. She shrilled the loudest while her knees gave in.

"There's one thing you should know, sweetheart," I mocked. "Apart from wanting to see the world, there's another reason I couldn't stay here."

I touched her cheeks. My palms are blazed, she could feel the heat while I relished the moment. I didn't want her to die yet. She had to feel pain. Steam emanated from her cheeks, she's crying but I didn't stop.

"I am one of the strongest dragons alive. I killed the dragons who messed with me and I was always put to prison. Until they saw value in my strength and I became the senior low elder. A rank below the strongest one. But within the months I trained you, I became stronger. You've killed my people. I'll wait until it's my turn." I pause. "And when it happens, I'll make you regret it."

She opened her eyes. "Don't... do this."

I raised my hands. The humans regained their energy and dashed to me. I completed the transformation and flapped my wings. I flew towards the horizon, far away from the capital and possibly beyond the realm. All my trust was burnt before my eyes.

I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE.