บท 28: The Dragon's Lair

Ethan's POV

On seeing the woman's dragon horns and her vertical dark gold pupils, I already had a suspicion about her identity. The dragon species were among the most powerful and long-living beings in the Agate Star World. Their sheer might was unparalleled, but their low population was the only reason they did not dominate the world entirely.

It was said that each dragon subspecies numbered only in the tens. They preferred solitude so they chose to reside in secluded regions, far from the prying eyes of society, often in forbidden zones where few dared to venture.

It had already dawned on me that I had unknowingly intruded upon one of those lairs.

While dragons were notorious for their temperamental nature, I didn't panic. From her demeanour, I gauged that this dragoness wouldn't kill me without reason, it would likely be beneath her pride to do so. Besides, I hadn't done anything deliberately to antagonize her as my trespass was unintentional. Still, her gaze carried the weight of judgment, and her next words would decide my fate.

"You have to live with me for an indefinite amount of time in my lair and do whatever I tell you to. If your actions satisfy me, I might let you go. But if you anger me or leave me dissatisfied..." She trailed off, but her meaning was clear. The weight of her warning hung heavily in the air.

Faced with no other choice, I hurriedly agreed. This was my only chance to escape her wrath, and I had no intention of doing anything that might change her mind. From the pressure she had exuded earlier, I was convinced she was one of the strongest Dark Dragons of the Blood Veil Continent—a name that struck terror into even the most fearsome beings, including demon clans, vampires, ghouls, and countless others.

"Okay, let's go then," she said with a casual wave of her hand.

Before I could react, dark streams of magic power wrapped around my body, lifting me effortlessly into the air. She rose from the cave entrance, her form cutting through the darkness like a shadow of pure majesty, and I followed alongside her, carried by her magic.

The ascent was unlike anything I had ever experienced. One moment, we were at the foothills, and in the blink of an eye, we were soaring up the mountain's sheer height. Her speed was unfathomable. As we streaked across the skies, dark clouds churned violently around us, and black lightning crackled like the roars of angered dragons. Yet, I felt no fear; her magic shielded me completely from the storm's fury.

Through the dense layers of ominous clouds, we climbed higher and higher until the darkness seemed endless. Finally, as we broke through the cloud cover, an incredible sight greeted my eyes.

Before me lay an expansive mountaintop, breath taking in its grandeur. Massive and foreboding dark caves dotted the peaks like gateways to another world. From my vantage point I could see elaborate dark pavilions that clung to the cliffsides, suspended as if by magic. A majestic dark waterfall, its waters almost black with shadowy hues, cascaded down from a massive cave high above, vanishing into the mist below.

The air here was freezing, the temperature dropping to levels that would have frozen an ordinary person within moments. Fortunately, my training in the Arctic Sovereign Immortal Body technique allowed me to endure the cold with ease. Otherwise, I might have struggled to withstand such conditions.

We landed gracefully in front of the enormous cave opening. The smoky dark tendrils that had carried me retracted silently, flowing back into her body like streams of living shadow. I was left standing at the entrance to what could only be her lair, my heart pounding with a mixture of awe and apprehension.

"Come with me," she commanded.

I nodded silently and followed her as she led the way toward the largest cave opening. The entrance loomed ahead like the maw of a great beast, both intimidating and awe-inspiring. When I stepped inside, I was immediately struck by the sheer vastness of the cavern. It was at least a hundred meters tall, its width so immense that my eyes couldn't discern its farthest edges.

The walls of the cave were adorned with shimmering gemstones, hues of deep purple and vibrant blue glowing softly like scattered stars. Each gem was the size of a human head, their light casting an otherworldly luminescence across the cavern. The effect was mesmerizing, transforming the dark cave into a dreamlike haven. The light wasn't harsh but soft and soothing, akin to moonlight spilling gently across the night sky.

As we ventured deeper, a towering black altar came into view, dominating the cavern with its grandeur. My gaze climbed the altar's intimidating height until it rested on the top where a magnificent black throne rested. Its surface was intricately carved, with golden engravings etched into the obsidian-like material, depicting dragons in flight and scenes of power. The armrests were shaped like dragon heads, their ferocious expressions frozen in lifelike detail.

The eyes of the dragon heads glowed faintly, a fiery mix of red and gold, and I couldn't shake the feeling that they were watching me, their gaze piercing through every layer of my being. I shuddered inwardly but remained unnerved by their almost sentient presence.

When we reached the first step of the altar, she didn't bother climbing it. With effortless grace, she levitated upward and glided onto the throne. As she sat, the scene came together with an almost eerie perfection and the throne seemed made for her, as though she embodied its essence.

Fixing her dark golden eyes on me, she finally spoke, her voice calm yet commanding.

"Now, tell me your background, and don't bother lying. It would be... unwise." Her words were laced with an unspoken threat, and her slight smile only heightened the tension. "For a half-demon, half-human like you to come so close to my lair in the dark forest, I'm very intrigued. How did you manage to do that?"

Her smile widened, her expression one of fascination, and for a brief moment, I was struck by her beauty. She looked absolutely breath taking, like a goddess descended to judge the mortal before her.

I stood frozen for a moment, stunned by the intensity of her gaze and the sheer elegance of her presence. But I quickly pulled myself together, unwilling to show weakness or embarrassment.

Clearing my throat, I began my story.