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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

H ours had passed and there was no sign of Aurelius. Dragon, however, had finally made an appearance, looking just as grouchy as Melora felt.

“Don’t tell me you’re having a bad day too?” she asked, feeling sympathy.

You could say that. His voice boomed inside her head, sounding distinctly morose.

She huffed and flounced down upon a nearby chair, only to grimace. “Why must everything be made of gold? Didn’t anyone tell Aurelius that it makes the most useless furniture? Unless this is your decorating prowess?” Folding her arms, she narrowed her eyes at Dragon, who was contentedly curled up on the rug beside the fireplace like a gigantic dog.

Gold does, indeed, make the most useless furniture. Come, you may sit against me where you can get comfortable.

She hesitated a moment, then gave in to her need for the comfort of physical touch, moving to nestle into his side. Those liquid blue eyes of his made her feel safe and cherished.

The tears she’d barely been holding at bay came spilling out in wrenching sobs, her shoulders heaving. “I ruined everything, Dragon. He… he and I…” More sobs choked her words. She didn’t even know how to formulate her thoughts into words, how to express the pain she was feeling. This was far worse than when her father rejected her. She’d grown used to that.

But with Aurie, she’d allowed herself to hope.

A hope that was destroying her now.

Without a word, Dragon wrapped his wing around her, cocooning her in his comforting embrace. She pressed her face against his smooth scales, allowing the pain to seep out of her. “I was just trying to help that family, so I offered to help mend the roof.” A hiccup interrupted her words. “How was I to know his curse extended to touching inanimate objects? I’m just so, so foolish. I should have known it was a bad idea, but I insisted we do it. I even recruited Galen to help. But that only made things worse for him.” More tears spilled forth.

“He didn’t want my help. No one ever wants me. My looks are the only valuable thing about me.”

I wish you would not speak of my friend Melora that way. Your value extends far beyond your looks. Your kindness and love shine through in everything you do. Of course you are wanted. What would that family have done without you? It sounds to me like you were their hero today. His rough voice was somehow soothing.

She blinked up at him through wet lashes, taking in sharp, short breaths. “You really think so?”

I know so. There was no way you could have known the full extent of Aurelius’s curse. He hadn’t told you.

She shook her head and buried her face back into his scales. “You don’t understand, Dragon. You didn’t see him. He must hate me. He wouldn’t even look at me. He was so angry he dashed away before we had even reached Everrose.” It would seem that her well of tears wasn’t quite as dry as she’d thought, as even more came rolling down her cheeks, the large drops splashing against Dragon.

She snuggled into his embrace, feeling the rhythm of his breathing. As the sobs slowed, she began syncing her breath with his.

I doubt he hates you. I’ve known him my whole life and… I’m quite certain that he… he cares a great deal for you. Dragon nudged her shoulder softly with his head. Surely, he was just as worried about what you thought of him as you were about what he thought of you. And once he has made his peace with things, he will come back and work things out with you. That is… if you still want him to. Do you? He seemed to swallow. Do you want to work things out with him? How do you feel about him? Could a dragon’s words sound hesitant?

She swallowed and pulled back to really contemplate his question. How did she feel about him? She lightly traced the golden flame upon Dragon’s chest. “When I first met Aurelius and he refused to help me, I thought he was a bit of a privileged snob, too arrogant for the likes of me. But then I got to know the man behind the flashy golden attire.” She gave a half-smile. “I’m afraid I did the very thing I accused him of doing; I judged him on his outward appearance instead of who he was underneath.”

And now what do you think? Dragon’s usually deep, resounding voice almost sounded breathy.

Her eyes grew distant. “I think he’s hiding behind a wall as gilded as the clothing he wears, afraid to be his true self. Under his facade, he’s sweet and thoughtful and a rather talented artist, though he’s too humble to really consider he has any kind of a gift. Which was oddly unexpected. If he truly was as arrogant as I first thought, he’d be crowing about his talent to anyone and everyone—and yet he insists that his paintings are worthless…”

She shook her head, her stomach dropping again as her reality descended.

“Not that it matters. Who am I to penetrate those gilded walls of his? I’m just a poor nobody. He deserves someone so much better than me, someone who helps him see who he truly is, not someone who embarrasses him in front of others. Not someone who has no value or standing in society.” Her shoulders slumped as more tears dampened her cheeks. If she had never let that blasted hope in, she wouldn’t be feeling this way now.

Dragon nudged her shoulder again and rested his head against her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her moist cheek against his scales.

Melora, you are the most wonderful, thoughtful, hardworking, loving person I know. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. You matter. You are more than needed, you are necessary! I selfishly brought you here with me because I needed you.

She choked on a laugh. “I doubt it. How would you even know? You hardly know me.”

I wouldn’t be too sure. He winked at her with one large reptilian eye, lightening her mood.

She hugged his neck, thankful to have him to lean on. “Well, I’m glad I could be of service… Since you won’t let me polish your gold.”

His rich laugh rumbled inside of her head, warming her down to her toes.

* * *

A urie felt like Vilastoria’s biggest heel for making Melora cry like that. She had to know that his running had nothing to do with her and everything to do with him. But how could he tell her that when he was stuck as a dragon again? Hopefully the curse wouldn’t trap him for too long this time. His heart ached for her. From this moment forward, he vowed that she would never have to feel so alone again. The burdens of the world did not need to weigh upon her shoulders alone.

Three days passed, and still he couldn’t turn back into a human. On the one hand, he longed to be human again and defend himself—to let her know how much he wanted her, how much he was beginning to value her. The very thought of life without her sent a panic through him unlike anything he had ever known. And yet, he was the one who had brought those tears to her eyes. He was the one who was unworthy of her—not the other way around.

How could he face her after what he had done? He hadn’t meant to hurt her, but the shame of his curse had been too great. Worse still, the dragon had broken through while she was with him, and he’d been unable to control it—proving that he was nothing but the privileged, arrogant snob she had originally seen. He didn’t deserve such a beautiful, kind, and loving woman—someone who showed concern for him, when she deserved the recognition for all her hard work. No. He didn’t deserve any love at all. His mother’s fate proved that. The memory of her contorted face mocked him. But he was too selfish to break the curse even for his own mother. How had his love of money and wealth become stronger than his love for her?

No wonder he had become a monster.

* * *

N early a week passed without any sign of Aurelius, and Melora was beginning to worry. Dragon had lamented that Aurelius was called away to town on urgent financial business, but she didn’t believe it.

Either her actions had affected him more than she realized, or something was wrong. He hadn’t been well when he ran off, and she wished she could put her anxiety to rest. She longed for an opportunity to talk with him about what had happened and apologize for hurting him. She must explain; he had to know that she honestly hadn’t realized that he would be unable to help more.

Each time she mulled over their day at the cottage, she was impressed with how Aurie had interacted with Taren’s little sister. She thought she’d seen the glint of gold in the girl's hands. Obviously, he had helped in his own way.

She knocked on the door to his room for what felt like the thousandth time over the past several days. Just like every other time, silence met her insistent knock. He still seemed to be gone. Where was he? Where would he go?

As she thought back to all the things they had talked about, she realized she still knew little of his family. His father had passed away less than a year ago, but he was strangely tight-lipped about his mother. Perhaps he was visiting her?

She knocked again, only to be met with echoing silence. After an extended wait, she gave up on his door and began searching the manor. She opened each and every door save the one Dragon had insisted she never open. Though she doubted that Aurie would be hiding in one of the bedrooms, she had to do something, or she might just lose her mind.

When she reached the stairs leading up to Dragon’s turret, she paused. He had been a constant companion since Aurelius’s disappearance, and a balm to her hurting heart. Perhaps he would have news.

She soon found Dragon out in the gardens, stretching his wings and blowing smoke as he flew in tight circles.

“What do you have to be grouchy about?” she called to him.

Upon hearing her, he immediately landed and shook out his wings, his reptilian brow furrowed adorably.

“It’s a beautiful day,” she said. “Is the wind poor for flying?”

No. But seeing you has already brightened my morning.

She chuckled. “Are you sure I haven’t become an annoyance?”

Melora, you could never become an annoyance, no matter how hard you tried. Though I do appreciate that you took my advice and stopped trying to clean everything. Lyra says you only clean your room.

“Well, I was taught to clean up after myself. I’m not used to having servants.”

Have you been enjoying your project?

She nodded. After Aurelius vanished, she’d asked Dragon for some fabric to begin making another dress. He’d insisted upon giving her the most luxurious fabric along with the serviceable fabric she’d requested. She needed something to keep her mind off things, and Dragon seemed satisfied that she was doing something for enjoyment. She had to admit, if she hadn’t been so stressed about Aurie, she would have enjoyed all this time to herself and hours spent talking to Dragon. He proved to be an enjoyable companion.

“I know I already asked you, but is there any news of Aurie?”

Dragon huffed in agitation, smoke puffing from his mouth.

Melora took a step backwards, her heartbeat picking up. Rarely did she see him so volatile; she often forgot that he was a dangerous dragon. He was usually more careful around her. Perhaps she ought to give him some space.

Why would you still want to speak with him anyway? After he left you and made you cry like that, I’d think you’d be glad he’s gone.

She blinked. Dragon usually encouraged her to forgive Aurie, not the other way around. “I’ll admit he was a bit of a jerk, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to speak with him. I was at fault, too.”

Dragon’s uncanny blue eyes softened. You are far too kind. He doesn’t deserve your forgiveness.

"No one truly deserves forgiveness, and yet the Great Creator offers it freely—and asks us to do the same, no matter what someone has done. Holding onto bitterness only harms my own heart. I choose to let go, not because they deserve it, but because I want peace."

Dragon narrowed his eyes and raised his head, shaking his wings. Melora took another step backwards, her heart fluttering far too fast. No matter what? His voice rang in her mind in a terrifying manner. Even your father? He practically sold you to that man and then gave you to me! Your suitor only saw you as property! I can only imagine what he would have done with you had he succeeded in marrying you.

“Yes. I forgive all of them. It’s important to understand that forgiveness doesn’t mean I condone their actions or that I’m saying what they did was okay. Quite the opposite. I’m just choosing to let go of the power they hold over me. Their actions can only harm me now if I keep holding on to them.”

Dragon shook his large head. I don’t see it that way. His voice rumbled in her mind. And if your father dares to ever come back, he’d better watch out! If you refuse to protect yourself, I will.” Another puff of smoke curled out of his lips.

She sucked in a breath as a frightening thought struck her. “Dragon, you didn’t—you wouldn’t… Do you know what happened to Aurie? You didn’t do anything to him did you?” Sometimes she forgot just how dangerous he could be.

Dragon’s growl resonated through her mind and all around her. What difference does it make? I can’t bring him back, now can I?

Color drained from her face, and she covered her mouth to stifle a gasp. No! He couldn’t, he wouldn’t! Rarely had she seen Dragon so angry. “I-I have to go.” She turned toward the pathway leading back to Everrose.

Dragon grunted but made no move to stop her as her feet carried her faster and faster away from him, her heart thudding a frantic dance. She barely noticed the uncannily still forest around her. The flowers, leaves, and trees all standing frozen, like sentinels—watching her.

What was going on?

Had Dragon really done something to Aurie? Surely not.

And yet… it wasn’t like him to be so surly and evasive. Visions of their first meeting flew through her mind—the terrifying dragon that had emerged from the trees, standing larger than life in front of all of them.

Next, she remembered the moment she had nearly opened the forbidden door. He had been fiercely angry then. What was behind that door? Could it possibly contain the answers to Aurie’s disappearance? Before today, she would have said with absolute assurance that Dragon was safe and kind. There was no way he would hurt anyone despite his chilling appearance.

Now she couldn’t help but wonder: what secrets was he hiding?

And the even bigger question—if he were as generous and big-hearted as he seemed, then why had he brought her here in the first place?

Without conscious thought, she had left the forest, made her way up the stairs and into the family wing. She was drawn to the forbidden room, pulled by an unseen force, powerless to resist.

Her breathing increased, and her hand trembled as she reached for the metal door, her eyes darting around as if Dragon might show up at any moment.

Assured she was alone, she pulled open the door.

A t first, everything looked the same as the other bright, metallic rooms. Gold shone, from the walls and the long flowing curtains to the uncomfortable chairs in the sitting room. The only obvious difference Melora noticed was the vase of golden roses upon the end table, much like the vase of roses Aurelius had given her.

However, despite the normality of the room, something felt deeply uncomfortable. Pushing aside her anxiety, she moved further into the room, entering the sleeping chamber.

She couldn’t help herself as a scream tore through her lips at the horrifying sight before her.