Abomination

“There weren’t always dragons in the Valley.”

As Dearay was dragged across the Crest Church floor by her long, white hair, the words pounded inside her head. She didn’t know if they were to encourage her or damn her.

Uniformed, Zthoah led while two of his soldiers pulled Dearay through the streets of Crest Valley, shackled like a beast in her torn, bloody dress. Fresh tears fell as Dearay choked on a sob, reliving the moment her baby girl was ripped from her arms at the alter and her son’s terrified scream. “Ma-Ma!” Jewlar’s little hand; still clutched her ceremonial dress as the soldier’s blade slit his throat.

Dearay collapsed on the hard-cold street. She would never see her children again. The two dragon-shifter’s escorting her, gripped under her forearms, jerking her back on her feet. The clash of steel inside the church faded until the clanging suddenly stopped.

“The church is on fire!”

A man’s frantic voice penetrated Dearay’s consciousness; she pushed the noise to the back of her mind. Each step closer to the castle was harder to make, but the firm grip on each arm kept her moving forward. Tears streaked her blood-coated face. Dearay vowed she’d rather die a thousand deaths than being matted to the ruthless King, Zthoah.

An overzealous crowd of humans followed as vicious men and women jabbed her with canes every chance they could. Ominous taunts struck like pelting stones against her soul.

“Kill the beast! The witch bore an immoral monster. With her death! Crest Valley can sleep safely once again, knowing there will never be another.”

Dearay’s eyes closed, walking with her head held high. Hearing Vabera’s last cry and visualizing Jewlar’s lifeless body lying on the floor in a pool of blood. She grunted after the last jab, which snapped her tattered emotions. Dearay’s furious, oval pupils narrowed. The woman quickly backed up.

When the procession stopped, Dearay eyed the massive stone structure in front of her with disgust. She followed the dragon she was handed to with a hardened heart. She knew Zthoah killed her children, so he would be able to bond with her, to father his own lineage of terrifying dragons.

Zthoah lifted Dearay’s chin to make her look at him. Her moist gaze remained dead-eyed as he stood above her in his human form to intimate her.

“You should be happy, Dearay, as my mate, you get to live.” He chuckled. “Even though it will be in my dungeon for the rest of your life.”

She remained speechless.

“Come on!” Zthoah barked and roughly jerked on the chain that bound her wrists.

Dearay stumbled. She caught her balance before she fell, then watched Zthoah waltz as he pulled her through the archway onto the balcony. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his eyes radiate. She quickly looked away and scanned the crowd searching for a familiar face to give her hope that Xzorah escaped. Not finding the sign, she craved, swallowed a lump in her throat, and carefully watched the dragon that held her captive.

At the rail, Zthoah raised his free hand. The mob quietened as everyone’s attention focused on the couple. Dearay saw Zthoah take in and survey the crowd as he basked in his victory. As soon as he saw the red-crested dragon flying toward them carrying a bag, his chest puffed out. Once the dragon shifted, they talked so low that Dearay couldn’t make out the words.

She watched Zthoah unwrap the bloody offering. Through her tangled, sticky-white hair, she saw Xzorah’s shield.

“Xzorah’s dead. Dead!” Dearay cried.

Zthoah’s grip prevented her from moving. He held his trophy up for the crowd. His voice boomed. “Xzorah’s death prevents the danger of another foul creation’s conception. Dearay’s blood marred by sorcery and her unorthodox matting with Xzorah formed the abomination, we had to terminate. ”

The crowd cheered.

He roared. The rumble stopped. “For unknown reasons, Dearay lived through the cleansing process. So, I took it upon myself to make her my mate.”

Angry wails pierced the air.

He held his hand up.

The crowd settled.

“Fear not, citizens. This union will ensure, Dearay never has another female dragon.”