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A gryphon's love ... a son's deception ... a warrior's vengeance ... In this tale of peace and warfare, love and death, friendship and betrayal. Dragon and gryphon alike, must set aside their differences, and fight against a darkness more terrible than anything imaginable ... A darkness that threatens to consume them all if left unopposed ... this is:

Feral Dominance: The Demon King

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Oulissa

There was pain. A cruel, aching, pain, that pounded throughout her fragile body with every beat of her heart. She felt it in her strained muscles, her limbs, her neck and especially inside her soft feminine cleft. A deep, inner soreness, that robbed her of what little strength she had left, and left her weak and helpless upon the cold wooden deck.

There was also a heat. A burning inferno concentrated right between her thighs, and forced deep inside her womb: A male's warm seed. It felt hot and terrible, and perhaps even worse than the pain. She knew nothing good would come of it, and prayed the berries she had eaten earlier would prevent it from quickening.

"Oulissa."

There was a voice being called at the edges of her hearing, a faint echoing sound that beckoned her softly. She wanted to go to it, but all she saw was darkness. She groaned and felt something touch the side of her cheek, gently stroking her feathers and making her forget the pain, and fire, and heat for a fraction of a second.

"Oulissa." it whispered again, and she opened her eyes at last.

"Numinax." she answered weakly. Her vision was a blurry mess, but she knew it was him. She could make out his sleek, draconic features, his smooth, black horns and handsome aquamarine scales shimmering in the dim light of the room. She felt a rush of relief. Numinax had come for her! Everything would be okay now. The fire and pain and heat almost disappeared entirely.

The handsome male dragon stroked her nape, his bright blue eyes shining with concern. "I'm sorry Oulissa." was all he could manage, his voice taught with emotion. "I'm so sorry."

She blinked to clear her eyes, gazing up at the regal drake and meeting his worried gaze. She wanted to laugh and cry and nuzzle him all at the same time, but she could hardly lift her head. She settled for licking his paw, his scales soft and cool to the touch. He settled down beside her and nuzzled her neck, his breath comforting against her ruffled feathers.

"Numinax." she whispered. "I knew you would come back for me."

"Always." he said with a sad smile. He inspected her physical condition, tilting her yellow beak and groaning when he saw the bloody mating bite his brother had inflicted upon her collar. "You're hurt." he whispered in fear. "Draxyl bit you."

She met his gaze, willing herself to appear strong. "It's ... it's nothing."

Numinax frowned and shook his head. "I promised I wouldn't let him hurt you. I promised ... and I failed you."

She rubbed her beak against him. "There was nothing you could have done Numinax. It's not your fault." She saw his features darken at seeing her like this: wounded, broken, and completely helpless.

"Draxyl is a monster." he growled. "And I am a fool for letting this happen. I should have done something! I should have stopped him!"

Oulissa didn't want to see him angry. Numinax was a healer, and she knew he wouldn't stand a chance against his ruthless brother. "Numinax." she whispered - and he met her gaze, his expression softening at the tone of her voice. "There is something I must tell you Numinax ... something terrible."

"Please." He begged. "It must wait. First let me attend to this wound."

"-No." she interrupted. "This is far more important than my injury. It concerns the emperor ... your father. Draxyl ... he said ..." she didn't know how to explain it so she blurted it out: "He said he was going to murder him!"

Numinax's expression furrowed in shock and confusion. "What ... what are you talking about Oulissa?"

"Draxyl told me right before he left, that he would slay your father and take the throne for himself!"

Numinax's expression was one of utter horror, he stopped stroking her feathers. "Are you certain this is what you heard Oulissa? Are you sure?"

She nodded. "And I shall be found guilty as I am the only gryphon aboard this ship!" She had to admit, despite it being a twisted, evil plot, Draxyl had planned it well. A few hours ago, she had accidentally stowed away aboard the vessel they were on as a means of escaping an arranged coupling back home: _ The Dawnfire_ ... the largest, most luxurious sailship ever made, and the pride of the Dragon Empire's armada. When she'd been discovered hiding among the crates of spice in the cargo-hold, the Emperor had sentenced her to mate with his two sons: Draxyl and Numinax, lest she be executed for being an enemy spy.

She had reluctantly agreed.

Now, after her first brutal mating with the eldest son Draxyl, he had left her here weakened and injured to enact his vile schemes. Everyone aboard already thought she was an assassin, and it wouldn't take much to convince them once they found the Emperor dead in his chambers. She would be torn apart in a rage of blind vengeance, and a long bloody war would fall upon both their realms. She wondered why Draxyl had told her all of this, was he really so arrogant and prideful? So confident in his success?

"If what you say is true we must get you to safety immediately!" Numinax whispered, his features gaunt with fear. "I must warn my father and stop this madness before it is too late!"

"Draxyl said he would kill you if you tried!"

"Then he cannot be acting alone. There must be others who've sided with him. Warriors perhaps. He's one himself."

"I saw him with Vrin before he and I ... before we mated." she spat. Vrin was an ugly brown dragon partly responsible for her capture. An old, grizzled warrior. "He was beneath Draxyl's legs before we met, surely he must be part of this scheme as well!"

Numnax shook his head in disbelief. "Commander Vrin is my father's most trusted advisor. They have been together since hatching! This cannot be."

"I know what I saw. He was pleasuring Draxyl." She could see the concern in his eyes as she poured all this terrible information upon him. Numinax glanced down at the ground in deep thought before looking back up, his gaze steely and hard with resolve.

"There is still hope Oulissa. I must take you to the one place I know where you will be safe, where even Draxyl cannot hurt you."

"Where?" she whimpered. She would much rather stay by Numinax's side, but she trusted him entirely, and arguing would only waste precious time.

"Can you walk?" he asked.

She gave a tiny, hesitant nod.

"Then stay close and follow me."

They left Draxyl's room, brushing past the black veiled entrance and entering a long, ornate hallway. She felt a wave of dizziness suddenly wash over her, and realized it was the massive ship gently moving beneath them. The Dawnfire was truly gigantic. Even the hall they were in was wide enough for her to spread her wings and fly down. The walls were made of finely-carved yew, dark and rich in color, the corridor softly illuminated by a series of crystalline chandeliers that lined the walls and ceiling. The ship was beautiful, yet hidden beneath the beauty was a vile corruption. She felt exposed and uneasy in the massive hallway, as if there were eyes watching her from behind the paintings of kings and queens long since passed.

"We must move quickly." Numinax said. He set off at a brisk pace, padding down the hall and hardly making a sound. She followed closely behind, feeling safe behind his tall, slender stature.

"Where are you taking me?" she whispered.

"To Starmire." was all he said.

Oulissa stopped dead in her tracks. "Surely you jest."

"I jest you not, gryphon."

She couldn't believe him. Starmire was a Mesmerai: A tall, sensuous, bronze-scaled dragoness with dark, mysterious powers. Oulissa had only met her once, but just thinking about seeing the titillating female again sent a shiver down her spine. Starmire could bend minds with the merest glimpse, and once you were under her spell, there was no telling what she was capable of ...

She hurried to catch up.

"How can you even trust her! For all we know she could be a traitor too!"'

"Starmire and the other Mesmerai have taken sacred vows." Numinax explained. "They are protectors of the realm, and sworn to defend it against evil. Besides, I think they took a shining to you gryphon. Something tells me they are looking forward to meeting you again."

Oulissa scrunched her beak up, recalling what Starmire had said:

_ 'Come see me when your good and sore from the pounding Draxyl gives you, and I promise I'll show you what true nobility tastes like.'_

Oulissa shivered. Well, it seemed like she was going to find out. "How will they help us?" she asked.

"They'll keep you safe while I discuss these grim revelations with my father. I can't let you become more involved in this Oulissa. It's too dangerous."

"But what if it's too late! What if Draxyl has already-" she gulped. "-killed him?"

"Please ... don't say that!" Numinax whispered fearfully. "We are not too late. See? We have arrived at their tower with haste! You will be safe with the Mesmerai inside." He gestured towards the curving archway ahead of them that led up spiraling grand staircase. "I wish I could come with you Oulissa, but this must be done for your safety. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you." he admitted quietly.

She hugged him tight, burrowing her heart-shaped face into his chest. "Please be careful Numinax." she whispered, her voice muffled against his warm scales.

"Do not fear Oulissa. I promise you I shall."

She looked up into his blue eyes, her liquid yellow ones wavering with uncertainty. Numinax touched her cheek, then pressed his muzzle against her beak in a sudden, passionate kiss. Her breath caught, but she quickly relaxed into his warm embrace, whimpering softly as he kissed her for what might be the last time. She wanted the moment to last forever.

He pulled back. "Follow these stairs up to the top of the tower." he said. "The Mesmerai will treat your wounds inside." He turned and cast her a final, parting glance. "I will see you shortly Oulissa, I promise." He rounded the corner and finally disappeared.

Oulissa felt a pang of longing seeing him go. She didn't want to be alone. She looked up at the grand staircase and hesitated. What could she expect from Starmire and the other Mesmerai? She sighed. There was only one way to find out ...

She started to climb the golden stairs, her pawsteps echoing around her ...

It took ages. Oulissa counted nearly three-hundred steps before she reached the top of the tower. Before her was a massive onyx door, inlaid with ancient runes scrawled in sharp, draconic scripture. Embedded within the unfamiliar markings were shimmering rivers of gold, silver, and bronze, poured between the etchings and forged beautifully into the face of the stone. blood-red rubies circled the exterior, sparkling brilliantly as they caught the light and cast spiraling rainbows across the dark, mysterious obelisk. Mesmerai certainly knew how to impress. She felt absolutely tiny beneath the massive entrance to their lair.

Oulissa approached the door and placed a paw on its smooth surface. It felt oddly warm to the touch. She glided her talon down one of the swirling rivers of gold, transfixed by its almost reflective shine. To her surprise, the door started moving. Groaning and rumbling as it slid into the wall beside her.

She took a step back, watching as the huge monolith opened before her. When it finally stopped, she found herself staring down a long, dark hallway lit in a fiery, otherworldly glow. Far down at the other end was a shimmering veil that led further into the depths of the tower. She knew the door hadn't opened by chance. The Mesmerai were waiting for her inside ...

She stepped into the gloom, the door rumbled deeply as it closed behind her, plunging her into semi-darkness. Her eyes adjusted quickly enough. Red candles flickered down the hall in their thin brass stands, illuminating the rest of the way.

She heard something on the edges of her hearing ... a soft hiss almost ... a whisper ... but it disappeared as soon as it came. She shook her head and breathed, trying to settle her nerves as she crept forward. The carpeted floor was soft beneath her claws, her heart hammering inside her chest as she approached the veil at the other end. Her eyes followed the frighteningly real mosaics along the walls that swirled to create images of dragons, and beasts, and other strange things that seemed to move amidst the flickering candlelight. She thought she may have seen a gryphon or two, loping along beside her, but the longer she stared, the more she realized they could have been anything, blending together with the other monstrous shadows. She looked down at the carpeted floor and swallowed nervously. Hundreds of intricately sewn eyes stared back up at her. Watching silently.

She reached the end of the hall and found herself standing in front of the thin drape of silk. It billowed lightly in the otherworldly breeze. There were noises coming from within, gasps and moans that sent a shiver of fear coursing down her spine. She could see shadows dancing on the veil from the other side, dragons rising and falling, and arching back in cries of pleasure ... or pain. She peeked cautiously around the veil, afraid of what she would see inside. The drapes glided off her face almost as if they were hardly there ...

The first thing she noticed was the pleasant, almost overpowering smell of incense. Rich and exotic, making her wrinkle her brow at its intensity. The chamber itself was large and immensely hot. A forge on the other side burned brightly, fiery coals glowing inside. A sharp hiss filled the room as someone poured ice water over them and sent steam billowing into the air, obscuring her vision, but also hiding her from the other dragons within.

There were dozens of them she realized, males and females, lounging at the sides of the room on soft velvet pads, and conversing with each other in their smooth, deep voices. Puffs of smoke billowed from some of their muzzles as they inhaled from ornate, glass verahns,_their claws wrapped gently about the thin tubes as they exhaled colorful fumes to mingle with the steam already swirling about. She heard laughter and sounds of pleasure. Some of them were necking each other. _'They are enjoying themselves.' she thought. Dragons lived lavishly aboard the Dawnfire, but she could tell these were not the common soldiers or guards she had seen earlier. Many of them were rather elegant, rings of gold dangling from around their horns and tails, or pierced everywhere across their bodies. Even more were intricately tattooed, somewhat akin to the mosaics she had seen earlier, shimmering vibrantly in hues of red, gold and silver.

The room itself was magnificent. Richly decorated with hanging flora the likes she had never seen before. In the middle of the high ceiling was a large tunnel wide enough for anyone, dragon or gryphon alike, to fly through. She assumed it led outside the ship.

The main attraction was in the center of the chamber. She counted six ... no seven dragons engaged in various acts of copulation, and soon, they were joined by another couple that had been watching from one of the dark corners of the room; a sensuous, pearl-scaled female Mesmerai leading a small, green male into the middle with the others. She watched in shock as she pushed him onto his back, laughing playfully and positioning herself over-top of him. She sunk down slowly ... almost teasingly towards his aching red cock that stood straight in the air. The green dragon - whom she now recognized as the young soldier who'd found her earlier - eagerly thrust upwards to meet the Mesmerai's glistening slit. He burrowed himself fully inside her with a moan of pleasure, his dark eyes fluttering with bliss. Oulissa grimaced. The emperor had rewarded him well it seemed.

The other drakes were unfamiliar strangers. One trim and angular - a male - was busy taking his mate from behind, his dark green eyes wild with enthusiasm as he bred her hard and fast. The other two were equally handsome, one with brown scales and a set of sharp horns, the other teal with green eyes. The brown one was devouring the cunt of his pretty female counterpart, her cream colored scales polished to a sparkling sheen as she gasped and moaned with obvious rapture. The green-eyed male looked wholly subsumed by pleasure, his eyes rolling up as the the two silvery females attending him licked and kissed every inch of his ribbed cock. She shuddered when she saw him groan and twitch, his cock erupting like a volcano before them. Thick, creamy spurts of cum jetted out of his pointed tip and drenched the two silver-scales, their maws opening to catch his seed as they giggled and fought for better positioning. She recognized their tinkling laugh. They were twin Mesmerai ... friends of Starmire. She watched for a bit longer as the two of them started kissing and cleaning each other. The spent male collapsing to the floor with a pleased expression, his cock still drizzling cum.

There was a flash of white fangs from the other side of the room. The observant dragons were entertained by the scene of debauchery before them, and she noticed most of them were either rock-hard or soaking with arousal. Within moments, a few more couples had joined the fray, the females bending low and being instantly mounted by males as everyone began fucking without a care in the world. There seemed to be no clear selection of mates. Females grabbed males and pulled them over, offering their willing bodies to complete strangers. Males shared females without hesitation, stuffing their maws and cunts full of thick cock. It was a veritable breeding frenzy. Dozens of dragons, young and old, mating furiously, moaning and gasping and pounding away at each other. She even saw some unscrupulous males lifting their tails high in the air, exposing their dark holes for claiming, and grinning with lust as other hungry males climbed atop their asses and started thrusting deep inside their rumps.

Oulissa's beak dropped. Gods above. What had Numinax gotten her into? She felt a painful twinge within her womb that reminded her she was still deep in her throes of heat. 'Perhaps it's the berries he gave me earlier.' she wondered, or perhaps it was the knowledge that every single dragon aboard this ship was willing to breed her senseless. Either way, the sight before her was incredibly arousing, and it was all she could do to not throw herself into the mix and let some male - gods even a female - pleasure her endlessly. The smell of incense in the room was rapidly eclipsed by the overpowering stench of dragons breeding. The thick, heady scent of sex hanging in the air and turning her on even further.

She couldn't take another second of it and pulled back from the veil, lifting a hind-leg and rolling onto her side. Her mind was a blur, but all she knew was that if she didn't find pleasure soon, she'd be joining them willingly or not. She used her flexibility to bend forward and bury her beak into the warm, tawny feathers of her groin, feeling her wetness for herself as it soaked her soft fur and drenched her completely. She stuck out her small tongue and began licking furiously at her dark feminine petals, delighting at the innocent flavor of her nectar until she climaxed after just a few licks. She whimpered softly as her pussy quivered and pulsed, fluids spurting out and drenching her fur. She panted with relief, her beak covered in a thin sheen of moisture.

Oulissa was shocked at what she had just done. Never once in her life had she ever debased herself to such primal urges! She felt ashamed, but her body throbbed with fiery satisfaction. The emperor had been right. Being surrounded by dragons was changing her, and not for the better.

She stuck her head back through the veil, unsure what to do next. A fresh pour of icy water on the coals sent another cloud of steam spiraling into the air. She saw the tall, dark-eyed dragon thrust himself to the hilt inside his female companion, her mouth yawning open in a screech of pleasure as he cummed inside her hot depths. His fangs clamped down around her neck in a shaky mating bite, his pleasure so great that it was weak and quivering. His seed gushed straight into her womb, the female's belly distending slightly with the sheer volume of his load flooding into her tight, clenching vent. They quivered together for a few seconds, before his cum suddenly burst from around the tight seal of their bodies and sprayed from her over-stretched lips, dripping wetly to the ground in thick white streams. Oulissa nearly fainted watching it drizzle down the female's spread legs. There was so much that it pooled on the carpeted deck below, the female's eyes fluttering with absolute bliss at being undoubtedly impregnated by a young, virile stud. Without even a moments rest, the male started thrusting anew, a faint smile on his face as he whispered naughty things into her ear. She laughed and eagerly pushed back into his thrusts, working his seed deep inside her body.

In the middle of the orgy, she saw an imposing red elder dragon finish in a similar fashion inside a lithe blue youngster. It took her a moment to realize they were both male, and she shivered with lust when she saw the big red pull his massive cock from his smaller partner's tailhole, and his wasted seed splash out everywhere. She expected him to thrust straight back in - and for a moment - she could tell the larger drake considered it, but a second later he dismounted the smaller dragon and yanked his tail high in the air, pushing his blunt snout into the blue's quivering rump. She saw the whelp squirm with pleasure, his eyes rolling up with bliss as the red drake plunged his fat tongue deep inside his cum-filled depths and began licking him out. By the blue's expression she could tell it was a special treat, but looking at the red she knew he secretly enjoyed it more than he'd like to admit.

The young green soldier ... what was his name? Taraguin, she recalled, was in a trance-like state. His tongue was hanging out as the pearl-scaled Mesmerai rode him hard and fast, her body bouncing up and down on his slimy cock. He seemed locked in her gaze, the Mesmerai's golden-brown eyes glowing with a strange light that seemed to tap into his very soul. There was a faint twist of a smile on her pretty face as she bent down to whisper something in his ear, something dark, hungry, and seductive no doubt. Oulissa couldn't be sure, but it looked distinctly like "Cum for me." and Taraguin did: His body going completely stiff as his cock pulsed deep inside her nubile body. The Mesmerai threw back her head and cried out as his seed spurted directly inside her receptive womb.

Something changed as the she climaxed, almost as if everybody felt it and experienced her pleasure. She ground her hips against him, moaning softly. Eventually, the feeling subsided. The glow in her eyes fading as she lifted herself off Taraguin's dripping cock, and kissed the semi-conscious dragon on the cheek, his expression betraying one of deepest lust. She made a graceful exit towards the archway in the back of the room, spunk still drizzling from her tight cunt as she winked at a dragon hidden in the shadows Oulissa hadn't noticed. The mysterious dragon winked back, then turned and stared directly at her.

Oulissa couldn't breathe. She recognized those shiny bronze scales and dark violet eyes. That sleek, elegant body with a frill of curved horns even a gryphon could find alluring:

Starmire.

The dragoness smiled, and all at once, Oulissa's fears washed away and were replaced by a calm, oozing warmth. She felt the Mesmerai's eyes pull her in, her vision tunneling until the orgy disappeared from her field of view, and Starmire was the only thing that mattered. The moans and grunts of copulation sounded far away, as if submerged underwater. Starmire flicked her tail invitingly, and Oulissa's heart fluttered. The dragoness gave a subtle tilt of her attractive muzzle. "Come here." she mouthed, and although she was across the room, Oulissa heard her silken voice as it were a whisper meant just for her.

She passed through the drapes of silvermoth silk without a second thought, the world moving in slow motion as she crossed the room and approached the tall, gorgeous female. Starmire looked relaxed and powerful, her dark-rimmed, violet eyes glowing with sly curiosity. Oulissa moved through the orgy of dragons completely unnoticed. They were far too busy to even bother looking up, so enraptured they were with finding release. She passed into the shadows of the room, and Starmire smiled warmly, reaching out and stroking the soft feathers on her cheek. Oulissa quivered with anticipation, her nether-regions flushing with arousal at the promise of untold pleasures. Starmire tilted her beak upwards and gazed into her eyes.

"I knew you'd be back." was all Starmire said, her voice soft and melodic. She tilted her muzzle and kissed Oulissa on the mouth, her slender tongue sliding in and flitting softly against her own. A burst of pleasure almost sexual in nature pulsed inside Oulissa's mind, burning down her spine into her pussy where it exploded in a fiery wave of ecstasy that shook her body to its very core. Her eyes fluttered and turned white. Faintly, she heard every dragon in the room suddenly climax with her, their voices roaring out as a sloppy, wet, gushing sound filled the air, as seed sprayed from cocks, spilled from orifices, and splashed across the floor, in a sound she'd never forget for the rest of her life. The last thing she saw was Starmire's violet eyes glowing brighter than the stars.

Her world faded to black.

Vrin

Commander Kolghan Vrin was an old dragon, but one that was hard as ice and perhaps even colder. His muddy brown scales were scratched and worn, stretched over a firm, yet aging body pock-marked with empty holes where some had fallen out, no doubt scattered in some ancient field of battle in lands far, far away. He had long since abandoned any notion of maintaining his appearance. He was ugly, and that was putting it mildly. His black eyes were empty and cold, a deep scar cleaving down side of his face that had turned the left iris a pale, milky white. His horns had snapped clean off - he was too old to grow a new set, and his tail had been broken in so many places that it was crooked and swollen. Perhaps in his youth he had been less unpleasant to look upon, but he was no longer young, and he no longer cared about such trivial things. He had weathered the bloody battles of Haren'Ma, when the Usurper King had ravaged his homeland, slaughtered his family, and spilled the blood of countless innocent lives. He had fought and killed dragons twice his size in the crimson skies above the Dread Swamp, sunk his fangs into the flesh of fellow drake, and tore out their throats until the sky had rained with their foul, traitorous blood. He was the Emperor's Talon, the highest honor among his kind. But what did he have to show for it? A couple dozen drakes scattered across the land? Common-born and easily forgotten? A dreary palace built upon the ashes of Haren'Ma that he never even visited? There had been a time when being named the Emperor's Talon had meant something to him, when his bravery and loyalty had earned him everything he had ever dreamed of and more. But that time had long since passed. Now he was nothing but an elderly, ailing dragon tasked with running a deteriorating ship, and training the poor excuses for soldiers bound to the King just as he was, destined to be forever mocked behind his back, and beaten in sparring duels by the King's own, power-hungry, jumped-up, dragon-shit-of-a-son Draxyl.

Vrin scowled. The tiny gryphon stowaway had made things even worse. Everyone would question his leadership now after she'd managed to sneak aboard. Rumors would spread that perhaps he wasn't fit to command anymore if a gryphon spy could slink aboard the king's own flagship under his watch. He grit his fangs. That feathered hen was nothing but trouble. If all this had happened to someone else he might have laughed, but he had little time for humor, and even less for disobedience. So when he noticed that the guard post outside the King's chamber was devoid of any guard - after he had explicitly commanded them to double their shifts - he was mad. Very mad.

He tread down the winding hallway, tall and stiff of posture, moving with a righteous authority. A tiny, wide-eyed drakeling servant hurried to get out of his way, obviously intimidated by his frightening appearance. He felt her saucer-like eyes in the back of his head as he passed, not even bothering to glance at the young creature. 'Let them look.' he thought. He was proud of his ugliness, and wore it like a badge of honor.

He came upon a massive staircase and started going down, descending into the belly of the ship. It quickly became cold and damp the lower he went. This was his true home. Not in Haren'Ma in some equally frigid castle, but in the belly of the Dawnfire along with the rest of his battle-hardened kind. The walls peeled the deeper he got, the wooden steps soggy with moisture from being underneath water level for so long now. He could feel it all around him: The crushing weight of the ocean pressing in from all sides and threatening to implode the ship. Small leaks dripped from the ceiling and pooled on the ground at his feet. Hadn't he ordered these fixed? The ship was oddly desolate and quiet for some reason. Down here he could usually hear the voices of soldiers at rest, relaxing in the common rooms, or their grunts of pain as they fought and trained relentlessly. But tonight ... there was nothing. No sounds, no noises ... just a dark, echoing silence.

A tingle of fear coursed up his back. It was such an odd sensation that he stopped in his tracks and frowned. He had reached the bottom of the staircase and met an unsettling view: The hallway that led to the barracks was dark and empty, and the lanterns that lined the walls had all been recently extinguished, thin wisps of smoke still trailing from their wicks. His eyes narrowed suspiciously. Something wasn't right.

He crept down the hall, acutely aware of the almost grave-like silence surrounding him. The ship groaned above. It sounded ominous in the dark, like a great beast had swallowed him whole. He reached the end of it, unable to remember the last time he had ever felt so tense. He moved close to the wall and stepped in a pool of something warm and nauseatingly sticky. He looked down. His paws were covered in blood.

There was a scream from deep inside the ship.

Vrin instinctively ducked into the shadows. The scream carried for a second before being brutally silenced. He froze, horrified. He knew that sound well. It was the scream of death. He looked back at the puddle of blood beneath him. It led around the corner as if someone had dragged themselves around it. He dared to look.

His heart sunk into his stomach. There was someone further down the hall. A dragon. Slumped lifelessly against the wall, a lone candlelight flickering eerily above his body. He squinted. It was too dark to tell who it was, but he knew it had not been the one that had screamed. The body was too close, and the shout had been further away. When he was certain there was no immediate danger, he started to approach, scanning the darkness ahead of him with utmost caution.

"Gods have mercy." he groaned. The dragon was one of his soldiers. Amrel: A young, quiet drake. Easy-going and hard to dislike. His ruddy-brown scales were even redder with blood, oozing from a terrible bite-mark to his neck. Someone had ripped the flesh right out and left a massive wound that went straight to the bone. Vrin swallowed with horror. It was fresh. There were other injuries too. His wings were tangled and broken, slashed to shreds, and his chest was marred with deep gashes from someone's claws. His first thought was of the gryphon. That somehow she had escaped captivity and had went on a murderous rampage throughout the ship, but it wasn't possible he knew. The gryphon was a princess. High-born, and terrified of dragons. This was the work of a mad beast. But who could have done such a thing? Amrel was a good soldier, and well-liked by his peers. He placed a claw up to the drake's neck, feeling for a pulse, and praying that somehow the young soldier still clung to life ... There was nothing. Amrel was gone.

Somebody had murdered him in cold-blood. Vrin's gaze hardened with rage. He remembered the screams, whoever had done this was still nearby. He turned and began moving into the darkness ahead ...

The corpse grabbed him.

Vrin spun about. Amrel was staring at him with the wild, unfocused eyes of a dying creature, clutching his tail in a death-grip. The dragon's chest heaved for air. "Commander." he rasped. Amrel's voice was a rattling whisper, as if it required all his strength just to speak. He went to the young soldier, disentangling his his paw and holding it reassuringly.

"Amrel!" He whispered, amazed - and disturbed - the dragon still somehow clung to life. "Who did this to you?"

Amrel's body shook terribly as he attempted to answer, his injury bubbling grotesquely. His mouth opened and closed a few times as he tried to make a sound. Vrin leaned close, trying to hear more, but Amrel's last vocalization turned into a relaxed sigh as death slid over him. The young drake's eyes rolled up and he slumped forward. Amrel died in his grasp.

The chill of fear gradually became one of dread. "No." Vrin whispered. It couldn't be ... it wasn't possible ...

The soldier's dying breath had been someone's name. A name he knew all too well.

For once in his life, Vrin was scared. It wasn't like the fear before a great battle, or the fear of never seeing his mate again. It was a deep, genuine horror. Just the thought was pure insanity, and part of him wanted to shake his head and say that it wasn't true ... a mistake ... an accident ... the delusions of a dying creature ... but he knew what he'd heard. And a dragon never lied.

Draxyl.

He closed the soldier's glassy eyes and said a quick prayer before leaving him there, moving further into the darkness ahead with a grim determination. He would discover the reason for this madness. Murder was grounds for execution, and even the King's tyrannical son was not above such a sacred law. Surely Draxyl must have had a reason - however vile and meaningless - for slaying his own kind. Amrel must have insulted his very honor, but he knew it was not so. Amrel had always been quiet and fiercely loyal to the king, and he would not dare antagonize a dragon with Draxyl's sinister reputation. Draxyl was known to be ferocious and cruel, but he was not a murderer. Vrin had watched him beat other competitors to a bloody pulp before if they did not yield, watched him mount them and leave them reeking of his seed, but he always left them alive. This was far more than a simple argument gone too far. Something evil was brewing, and he feared he'd been blind to it for far too long.

The scream hadn't been far away. He moved as carefully as his aching bones would allow. His talons were blunt with age, but he had one more fight left in them. The doors to the barracks lay directly ahead. Big, wooden and plain, but closed forbiddingly. He knew the scream had come from within. He was sure of it. There were signs of a struggle he noted: A table had been knocked over outside, smashed to pieces, and flecks of blood were spattered all over the wall to his left. Worst of all were the ragged claw marks on the ground, as if somebody had been dragged inside unwillingly. He hesitated. It wasn't too late to turn back and warn the others, return to the safety upper-decks and report to his Emperor. But he was a soldier. And a soldier knew no fear. In this hour of darkness, he would not fail.

He placed a claw on the door pushed it open.

Oulissa

She awoke, somewhat amazed to discover she was still alive. Her head pounded. A swooping sensation passed over her and she knew must still be on the Dawnfire. How long had it been? She was lying on a soft velvet pad in the middle of a small, sparsely furnished room. A wooden table beside her was filled with vials and ointments. They might have been poisons for all she knew, for she had very little knowledge on dragon medicines, but she decided that if she wasn't dead yet, than surely she must be someplace safe. She tried to get up, but someone placed a claw on her shoulder and pushed her gently, but firmly back down.

"Don't try to move yet little gryphon." a soothing voice to her left said.

"You've been through so much already." an identical voice to her right finished. Oulissa turned over and met the curious gazes of the two silver-scale twins. Starmire's friends. Like all Mesmerai, they were tall and very beautiful, their smooth scales shining brightly amid the flickering candlelight. Their wings lay folded along their backs, long, elegant, and nearly see-through with how white they were. Her ruffled brown feathers looked tangled and unkempt. She felt positively ugly in comparison.

"What happened?" she whispered. "Where am I?"

The right twin smiled, her silvery eyes sparkling mischievously. "Starmire happened."

"You're still in our lair." the left informed more helpfully. "Under medical supervision."

"Was I hurt?"

The twins looked at each other. "A little." they said in unison. "Draxyl bit you fairly hard on the neck. We treated it as best we could, but there will be a scar we're afraid."

Oulissa frowned and felt a slimy substance smeared all over her shoulder and neck. It felt cool and tender. Scars were either a sign of strength or the result of a harsh mating. She would never be able to return to her clan now. Her father would recognize the marks of a dragon and surely banish her. "Was there anything else?" she asked darkly.

They nodded together. Taking turns to answer her question. "You are bruised all over."

"Some of your feathers are missing."

"-your body is sore."

"-your talons are worn."

"-you are scraped."

"-cut."

"-unkempt."

"-hungry."

"-tired."

"-thirsty."

Oulissa felt her head throb painfully. It was strange how alike these two creatures were. It was as if they were linked together. It was too much. "Alright!" she said. "I understand. I'm a mess."

"Indeed." the one on the left replied. "But you're our mess."

"And we'd love to make you better."

"And how would you propose to do that?"

The twins looked at each other and flashed their fangs in a sharp, crafty grin. "We have our ways." They chimed. "Numinax has taught us much about healing. Spiritual, physical, emotional ... sexual. There are many techniques he's shown us."

"I'm sure he has." Oulissa said through a clenched beak. She regretted it immediately. Numinax was out risking his life for her, and here she was acting jealous like a old brood hen.

The twins merely laughed with their silvery voices. "Do I detect a hint of jealousy?" the right one quipped.

"I do." the left replied. "You're very cute when you're mad little gryphon."

"I'm not mad!" she said indignantly.

The twins smiled. "If you say so. Do you have any more questions before we get started?"

"Yes of course!"

The right one sighed. "Questions questions questions. Starmire said this one was full of them."

The left nipped at her twin playfully. "Patience beautiful. We'll have our fun soon enough." She turned and gazed at Oulissa with her sparkling eyes. "Ask away gryphon."

Oulissa found the left one a bit nicer and decided to ask her the questions. "What happened in that room back there? How long has it been? Did I participate in that ... that mating?" She was terrified of the answer. For all she knew, perhaps she had bred with every single one of them. The thought was horrifying.

The talkative twin smiled. "Oh I wish. It hasn't been long at all. When I saw you walk in, I was sure you were going to join us, but Starmire wanted you first. You walked right up to her. I could see in your eyes how badly you wanted each other. She scares you. Excites you. Makes you feel alive doesn't she?"

Oulissa nodded, her yellow eyes wide and unblinking.

"Starmire is the most powerful creature in the realm. If she's taken an interest in you, then consider yourself extremely fortunate. Many would offer their lives to simply spend a night with her."

"I'm jealous just thinking about it." The right quipped again. "It must be wonderful being so young and nubile. You have no idea of what she is capable of little gryphon."

"I have some idea." she grumbled.

"The barest taste. When she kissed you, you felt her power. Your minds joined for a fraction of a second."

"Is that so?" At least that explained her pounding headache.

"Yes. And you withstood it better than most. We were there when it happened, the whole room felt it. we watched you quiver and your eyes roll up, your slit clench as ecstasy the likes you've never felt before flooded through your fragile body. She read you like a book little gryphon, and I'm surprised the pleasure didn't break your mind."

Oulissa felt cold all of a sudden. It was difficult to tell if the twins were serious or not. "Where is she now?" she asked.

They shrugged. "Good question. She left as soon as you fainted. Something in your head must have shocked her little one. Imagine that."

Oulissa decided to play dumb. "Well, she can read me all she wants. I have nothing to hide from the likes of her."

The right's eyes flashed suspiciously. She noticed that deep within their silvery depths were tiny crimson flecks that her counterpart lacked. It scared her.

"Really?" the dragoness purred. "We think you do. We've been informed that your smarter than you look. Perhaps there is something you're not telling us."

Oulissa stared into the Mesmerai's fiery gaze. She couldn't look away. There was a faint tugging sensation in the back of her head but she forced herself to ignore it, resisting with all her might. "You're ... you're wrong." she managed. The Mesmerai smiled.

"You're lying."

The left flicked her tail with mild intrigue. "I'm impressed." she said. "Few can resist a Mesmerai's influence." Her fangs flashed in a cunning smirk. "But none can resist two. We are very adept at divulging information from tiny creatures such as you. Alone you might stand a chance." she craned forward to whisper in her tufted ear. "But together, we can make you spill your darkest secrets. Every. Single. One of them."

Oulissa shivered with horror. Whoever these Mesmerai were, they were extremely dangerous. Numinax had said Starmire would keep her safe, but she did not trust these two at all. She remained silent, afraid of what they would do next.

The crimson-eyed dragoness trailed a talon down her flank, her sharp claws parting her feathers almost threateningly. Her voice was calm. "If you were anyone else we'd rip them straight from your head. Flay your mind bare until there was nothing left, leave you weak and whimpering, like a blind newborn."

"-But since you're Starmire's pet." the left carried on. "And we like you, we'll take a subtler approach: We'll pleasure you. For hours perhaps. Until your eyes roll up and the whole ship hears your moans. Until you've climaxed so many times your feathers are soaked and you cannot stand. Until you beg for us to stop, and tell us whatever it is we want to know. Understand?"

The right leaned close before she could answer, her eyes glowing faintly. "We've never played with a gryphon before, so you can imagine our excitement. Those feathers look delightfully soft. Is it true about what they say about your kind? How sensitive they are? I cannot wait to find out when my tongue slips inside that tight little slit of yours."

Oulissa moaned. Oh no.

The left rounded her body, moving with natural grace and inspecting her lithe form approvingly. "Small and hot-blooded, just what we like. I guarantee you'll love it gryphon. I wonder if you'll squirt? She stopped and tickled Oulissa's foot-pad with her snout, making the young gryphon twitch with surprise. "Mmm, I'll bet you do. Such a small, feathery little thing. I bet you're nice and wet already." The seductive dragoness placed a claw on Oulissa's leg and started to pry it open. She hardly even resisted.

"Please ..." she whimpered.

The right one tilted her beak so she stared into her crimson speckled eyes. There was a terrible beauty to them. "Don't try to fight it little gryphon." she purred. "It will be so much more fun this way."

The left could sense her willingness and easily rolled Oulissa the rest of the way onto her back. She sunk into the soft mattress, staring nervously at the two dragons over-top of her densely furred breast. She felt incredibly vulnerable, but the Mesmerai calmly spread her legs wide and gazed upon her dark feminine slit with a sly grin. Oulissa dare not resist. There was nothing she could do as they licked their muzzles at the sight of her glistening cleft tucked between her thighs, her tan feathers already soaked with juices.

The dragoness purred. "You're in heat, aren't you?"

Oulissa blushed, feeling terribly humiliated.

The right joined her sister by her side, and she had to admire how perfectly identical they were. "Don't worry." they said together. "Heat makes it so much better. Just relax, lay back, and let us do the rest. We promise you'll never feel so much pleasure in your life."

"Why ... why are you doing this?" Oulissa asked weakly, her yellow beak trembling.

"Why?" the twins looked at each other and shared a knowing grin. "Because we can." She watched their serpentine necks dip towards her pubic mound, their nostrils twitching as they inhaled her undoubtedly foreign scent and giggled. Their claws gripped her hamstrings, they're muzzles coming dangerously close to her feminine lips. She felt their breath against it, their cool eyes studying her every reaction. They smirked seeing her so unsure of herself.

"Isn't she cute?" They said together.

Oulissa trembled. The dragonesses' tongues slipped out. Long and pink, and glistening with saliva. She gave a tiny gasp and tensed, but the twins held still, claws roving through her lush fur, and tickling the pads of her feet. She watched their heads lower, their silvery eyes shining with delight as they both tenderly kissed her sopping cunt, their muzzles pressing into her soft lips as she threw back her head and let loose a faint, warbling moan.

The left one smiled, her snout glistening wet. "I think she likes it." she giggled.

"Oh definitely." The other agreed. They dived back down a moment later, their fat, muscular tails entwining around each other as they began hungrily eating her out. Oulissa cried with pleasure, curling her toes and clutching the emerald green bedsheets as the gorgeous females licked and kissed her sensitive lips with unfathomable skill. They had done this hundreds of times before she knew, perhaps thousands. It was obvious with every hungry flick of their tongues. She smelled their arousal, soft and feminine, drifting through the air as they devoured her cunt, their muzzles pressing into her fur and twisting back-and-forth. They hadn't even gone inside her yet, but already the pleasure was nearly unbearable. They were perfectly synchronized, their hot tongues lapping and kissing at her most sensitive spots in a manner that could only be achieved through their strange, almost spiritual connection. Whoever these Mesmerai were, they were both extremely talented.

The red-eyed one pulled back with a tiny gasp, licking her slick muzzle with a pleased look. "You taste delicious little gryphon. I wonder if you'll think the same of me?" Oulissa met her stare with a heavy lidded gaze, her tongue peeking out as she panted hotly. The words sunk in, and for a moment, time stopped still as her mind processed what she had just heard. Her eyes widened.

"You ... you can't p-possibly mean ..."

The dragoness smiled devilishly.

Oulissa moaned and fell back again as their tongues slid across her tiny, pulsing clitoris and wiped the thought from her head. Pleasure sparked in her nethers and she gave a desperate whine. The crimson-eyed dragoness withdrew and let her twin take over, kissing the inside of her thighs and working her way up. Oulissa felt the tender pecks travel up her legs towards her abdomen, the right's narrow snout nuzzling her feathers as she gave a muffled laugh and blew softly against her womb. Oulissa squirmed just like they said, shivering at the overwhelming surge of pleasurable sensations coursing through her. The warm kisses traveled higher and higher, the right twin slinking onto the bed with her and lying gently across her breast. Oulissa's paws instinctively found the dragon's slender, supple waist, feeling the Mesmerai's smooth scales slide up against her feathers as the dragoness stared into her eyes. She held her breath, caught in the creature's piercing gaze like a fly trapped in a web. They glowed brightly, the crimson flecks dancing like fire in their inner-depths. The twin growled and trailed a talon up her mane, twirling her fur and giving her a hungry look of utmost desire. Oulissa whimpered as she felt the other twin spread her nether-lips and push deep inside her body, her dripping tongue burrowing within her supple folds and forcing her to arch her back and hiss softly with pleasure. The twin atop took the chance to clasp her feathers and kiss her deeply, her snout soft and wet against her beak.

Stars burst in Oulissa's mind, her eyes fluttering as she struggled to remain conscious. The red-eyed Mesmerai moaned with lust, and Oulissa felt her mind slip away almost eagerly under their hypnotizing touch, her heat-ravaged body melting into a haze of pure ecstasy.

They kissed forever, but eventually the twin broke the embrace, strands of saliva clinging to her muzzle. She licked her snout clean. "Don't worry, the other end tastes even better" she said with a sultry grin. Before Oulissa even knew what was happening, the right twin stood up and twisted about, straddling her body and lifting her thick tail high into the air, exposing her luscious hindquarters in full-view. Oulissa whimpered at the sight of the Mesmerai's dripping cunt inches from her face, the pale scales surrounding the dragon's entrance were puffy and flushed with arousal, glistening with delicious juices that begged for her immediate attention. She didn't have to wait long. The Mesmerai settled down, lowering her wide hips and gently wrapping her tail around Oulissa's neck. She inhaled the female's rich, spicy scent. Dragons smelled much different than gryphons she realized, but it was far from unpleasant. She found herself craning up, shivering with anticipation at the prospect of delving into the female's sopping vent. Her beak met soft, warm flesh, and she moaned with bliss as her dainty tongue peeked out and sunk inside the female's welcoming depths. The taste was heavenly, and a sweetness filled her mouth the likes she had never experienced before. Juices dripped down her beak, while she ran her tongue across the female's wet, silken interiors. The Mesmerai chuckled above, no doubt enjoying the peculiar sensation of a gryphon's rough tongue exploring inside her. Oulissa felt the tail tighten around her neck and pull her in, forcing her to lick the highborn's cunt until she closed her eyes and knew nothing else.

The other dragoness stopped eating her out with a gasp. "That was quick." she chimed in.

The red-eyed Mesmerai looked back at Oulissa with an almost pitying smile. "She's certainly an eager little thing. How do I taste gryphon? I'm sure you'd never get such treatment from one of your own kind."

They we're right. Gryphons rarely mated for pleasure. Males took females forcefully when they went into rut, and breeding was often harsh and violent. Rearing youth was a task the female took on alone, with the male oft leaving for others once his seed was planted. Dragons it seemed, had a completely different perspective on such matters. Within a few short minutes, Oulissa felt her body tingle and go unbearably tense as the hot tongue exploring her tunnel suddenly filled her with its girth. She felt the other Mesmerai lap hungrily at her inner-walls, abd she tensed and quivered around the female's slippery organ, her eyes rolling up as a burning heat began racing through her.

The Mesmerai atop sensed her impending climax and pushed her hips downwards, grinding her pussy against Oulissa's face as the young gryphoness whimpered and crooned submissively with need. Her claws found the dragon's supple waist and latched on so she could lick the females slit without interruption. She was rewarded with a satisfied purr from the female above, the dragoness obviously pleased she had surrendered to her basest desires. A brief flare of euphoria burst in Oulissa's mind like the one she had felt with Starmire, and within seconds, her whole body erupted in a massive wave of pleasure. She shook violently, grinding her hips into the snout of the Mesmerai busy lapping at her cunt. The dragoness was having none of it. She withdrew her tongue and placed a paw on Oulissa's abdomen to prevent the her from bucking too hard.

Oulissa's senses were rapidly overwhelmed. She felt the twin atop her shudder and moan as she plunged her tongue deep inside the dragon's hot cunt, the one attending her doing the same as they both climaxed together as one. Oulissa felt the tight slit surrounding her tongue clench and vibrate rhythmically around it, delicious juices pouring down the sides of her beak as the dragoness moaned and threw her head back in a passionate cry of ecstasy. The sound was like music to Oulissa's ears, and she found herself hungrily lapping at the creature's twitching wetness as more and more fluids dripped into her maw. She swallowed it all eagerly. Within seconds, the building pressure inside her unleashed itself all at once, and she felt her body and mind suddenly unwind in an excruciatingly pleasurable fashion. Her eyes fluttered as the dragoness eating her out proceeded to lick and tickle her throbbing clitoris until she was twitching and thrashing wildly in the bed sheets, her vent pulsing as fluids gushed out and squirted all over the dragon's sly, grinning muzzle. The pleasure was so extreme she thought for a second she might faint, for each wave of heat that washed over was far greater than the last, but each tender flick of the dragon's tongue only sent her deeper and deeper into her throes of ecstasy.

Her mind drained blissfully of all thought, until all she felt were the dragons' cool scales against her feathers, and their deft tongues licking and kissing every inch of her body. Before long, she was practically begging them to enter her mind, and sensing her desperation, they did so eagerly.

After that it was beyond anything she'd ever experienced before. The pleasure spiked to blinding levels as the twins connected with her on the deepest, most intimate of levels. She heard herself let loose a long ear-splitting keen, her vision tunneling as her mouth suddenly flooded with the dragon's juices as the female kept cumming on-top of her. The other female relented with her own furious licks and settled for gently nuzzling Oulissa's petals. That clever smile still visible on the edges of her muzzle as the poor gryphoness squirmed and cried helplessly under her touch. Together, with her willpower completely erased, the twins slipped inside her consciousness as easily as their tongues slipped inside her willing body, until all she wanted was to satisfy their every need.

It was a long time before they stopped, and when they finally did she was a shivering, orgasm-wracked mess. She opened her eyes slowly, her feathers ruffled and unkempt, and her breath coming in shallow pants. She felt weak and exhausted, her beak slick from being drenched in the female's sweet nectar for so long. The exotic dragoness unraveled her tail from around her neck and raised herself off Oulissa's face, twisting about and meeting her gaze.

"You were amazing." she purred, bending down and licking the juices off Oulissa's neck. Her snout stopped right beside her ear: "But we're not done with you just yet little gryphon. We want to hear you scream and moan our names all night."

Oulissa whimpered as the two of them fell upon her. Vaguely, she recalled they hadn't even introduced themselves yet.

She screamed for a very long time.

Vrin

** ** Commander Vrin stepped into the barracks, only to have something smashed into side of his face. Stars exploded in his vision and he crumpled to the deck. The second blow fell upon the back of his skull, and his ears rung from the resounding clang. He tasted metal on the roof of his mouth. From here, he could see what had probably knocked him out: Half-a-dozen armored dragons had him surrounded, their talons encased in heavy metal plating polished to a dark, reflective sheen. He knew the weapons well: War-claws, iron-forged and sharpened to the point where they could rend flesh with the gentlest swipe. Someone - although he couldn't say who - had struck him while equipped with a pair. He was lucky the blow hadn't fractured his skull. He heard their voices, distorted behind the black helmets they wore, their faces obscured by darkness. He didn't recognize any of them, but he knew without a doubt that they were surely his fellow soldiers. A burning anger rose within him. He should have felt scared, but all he felt was the cold sting of betrayal. Traitors. He caught brief murmurs of their furtive conversation:

"It's ... it's the Commander!"

"Why did you strike him!"

"He wasn't wearing any armor. Draxyl said to kill anyone not wearing claws!

"Shut it! Look, he's still awake. Probably listnin' to everything you just said. You didn't even hit him hard enough!"

"I didn't see you try and do anything about it!"

"Let's see you try and do something about this!" There was a shout as one of them tackled the other. A scuffle broke out. Vrin used the distraction to get to his feet, but someone hit him in the flank so hard he lost his breath and buckled. He felt cold steely claws grab the back of his neck and pin him down. Hot, rank breath blew across his face. "Not so fast Commander." it hissed. "You're not going anywhere."

"Enough!" A voice roared across the room. Even gasping for air Vrin felt prickles roll up his neck. He recognized Draxyl's commanding bark immediately: A guttural snarl that demanded respect. The two soldiers ceased fighting instantly, their heads bowed in shame as the massive dragon entered the room. All Vrin could hear was the heavy clank of his war-claws as he approached, the largest ever forged, pitch black and wrapped in heavy chains. It was said he never cleaned them, and if you looked close enough, you could spot the tiny bits of flesh and gristle from past victims that still clung to them. He was hoisted up by his shoulders and shoved hard in Draxyl's direction, collapsing with a groan at the massive dragon's armored feet. He realized the rumors we're true, although the blood on them looked sickeningly fresher than usual.

"What is the meaning of this?" Draxyl roared. "Who is responsible?"

"I - I am Master." A tiny voice replied. Vrin didn't recognize it.

"What?"

"It was ... it was I!" The room fell deathly quiet. Nobody dared make a sound.

"Come here." Draxyl purred at last.

"M-me?"

"Yes. You." There was a sound of shuffling footsteps as the dragon responsible for knocking him out approached. "What is your name?" Draxyl asked. Vrin could already picture the twisted smile etched across his face.

"V-Verax My Lord. Vrin clenched his jaw. Now he recognized it. Verax was one of his troops. Lazy, undisciplined and utterly lacking of respect. If he had been expecting a mutiny, Verax would have been high on his list of potential ringleaders. He spat in disgust. A bloody tooth came out.

"Why are you frightened Verax?" Draxyl asked. His voice was silky smooth. It sounded unnatural and somehow even more terrifying than his usual tone. "You have nothing to fear."

"I don't? Verax asked stupidly.

"Of course not. You did very well. Here, let me show you how pleased you've made me."

Vrin already knew what was about to happen, but Verax didn't. Draxyl moved blindingly fast. There was a sudden cry of pain, a vicious snap, and a long, terrible silence that followed. Verax's broken body was cast to the floor beside him, his black eyes glassy and unfocused, and his neck twisted in a highly unnatural manner.

"Let that be a lesson to all of you who dare oppose me." Draxyl hissed. "You. Fetch the Talon something to drink. I will not have my old friend treated like this. Rise Commander, you will not be harmed."

Vrin groaned and got to his feet. His head pounded terribly, but when they offered him a bowl of water, he spat out another tooth and snorted with disdain. He wouldn't touch anything their filthy paws set in front of him. Slowly, he raised his head and met Draxyl's cold, blood red stare. The Emperor's eldest son was a massive beast. Easily the largest dragon on the ship, with jet black scales and massive curved horns that covered a gigantic muscular body toned from years of training. Vrin found Draxyl too brutal to be handsome. His snout was wide and blunt, his maw filled with hundreds of sharp fangs that glistened with saliva. Even his wings were darker than the midnight sky itself. Compared to his lithe and elegant sibling Numinax, there was little resemblance between the two. It was said that Draxyl's birth had taken place during the Long Night, when the Morning Star had been swallowed whole by the Moon, and a great shadow had fallen across the land. There were rumors he'd been conceived in the forsaken union between Mesmerai and king, a dark deal forged in secret by the rulers of all dragonkind. If the stories were true, the result had been terrifying creation: A being of ferocious strength and cruelty, with zero tolerance for weakness. Staring into Draxyl's eyes was like staring into an endless labyrinth filled with dark secrets and unspeakable power, but there was also bright gleam of intelligence in there as well. Of that there was little doubt.

"Draxyl ... Vrin whispered hoarsely. "By the gods ... what have you done?"

The black dragon smiled in the dark. "Something I should have done years ago."

"Amrel ... Verax ... how many others? he asked. They are all dead Draxyl! You murdered them! Do you not see your madness? Do you not see what you have done?"

Draxyl's crimson eyes almost seemed to ignite. The words trickled off his tongue like silk, quiet as a hiss but clear enough so that everybody heard.

"I have become a king."

Vrin felt a shiver of dread roll up his spine. He understood everything now ... the killings, the betrayal, the deception. "Your father ... you mean to slay him don't you?"

Draxyl's grin widened. "Oh yes. But a gryphon will do it for me. One you allowed to sneak aboard the ship if I recall."

Vrin stared at him in shock. "You wouldn't dare ... You can't possibly think anyone will believe such lies!"

"And who will believe you?" Draxyl sneered. "You are old and weak Vrin. Once they find my father's lifeless corpse, someone will be found responsible. The king's son?" he laughed icily. "They will turn to me. The guilt shall fall upon your shoulders Commander, for you are my father's Talon, sworn to protect him with your life. What will they think once you've failed to prevent a gryphoness from assassinating him? They will cry for your death as much as hers."

Vrin felt his blood boil with rage. Anger seared through him with such intensity he thought for a second he might explode. Draxyl was a vile demon. To think he had mistaken that prideful arrogance before as honor and strength ... It was all a lie. Hidden behind those black slit pupils was not the soul of a dragon ... It was that of a monster.

"You will not succeed." he seethed. "I won't let you."

Draxyl merely laughed, the traitorous soldiers joining in until Vrin trembled with hatred and humiliation. To think he had raised these dragons from birth ... from nothing ... watched them grow strong and disciplined under his firm guidance ... To have them turn on him like this ... He wanted to kill them all. They deserved nothing else.

Draxyl began circling him hungrily, his posture slouched and predatory. "Commander." he purred in a voice dripping with deceit. "You we're always so loyal and proud - traits I dearly respect - but even you must understand there is little you can do to stop me." His massive black head slithered up beside his own, his voice whispering in his ear. "-So join us, and you shall be forgiven for my father's death, and be given more power than you could ever possibly fathom. I could use a dragon with your reputation by my side." Draxyl rounded his body and looked at him with a cruel glint in his eyes. "But in order to prove your loyalty-" he lifted a muscular hind leg and exposed his crotch to Vrin, the tip of his cock already peeking out and reeking of arousal. "-You will pleasure me in front of your former troops. It shouldn't be too hard for you. You already have more experience licking my cock than half the dragons here." The soldiers muttered with excitement at this. He could see their grins through their helmets, all of them eager to watch their former commander submit himself to another male.

Vrin wouldn't give them the satisfaction in a thousand years. He was too prideful for that. "I will never join you." he hissed.

Draxyl's eyes flashed dangerously. "A pity." He raised his voice for everyone to hear. "It seems our beloved commander has sided with the enemy." He looked back at Vrin with a knowing smile. "Fuck him senseless. Breed him until he is begging us for mercy."

"No!" Vrin roared. He lunged at Draxyl but they were already upon him. Someone struck him so hard he grunted with pain and fell down. He tried to get up but they grabbed his horns and limbs and pinned him to the deck. A moment later, his tail was yanked high into the air and his ass displayed for all to see. He heard their rumbles of approval at the sight of his tight, dark hole ripe for the taking, their bodies pushing and shoving around him as they established a pecking order to see who'd get to mount him first. He snapped at them until somebody clamped his mouth shut and slammed his head against the ground. As he struggled with all his might, he could see their members spilling from their slits and hardening within seconds, big, rigid, angry things, dripping with slimy fluids and throbbing wildly in the air. He smelled their stinking musk. A potent, dizzying smell that went straight to his head. Through the flurry of movement, he caught glimpses of Draxyl's blood red eyes staring at him hungrily. He realized there was nothing he could do, and let loose a roar of anguish.

Someone grabbed his ass. He felt their claws prick his scales and spread his rump, followed by a wet, slimy, warmth push deep inside his tailhole. He groaned softly with humiliation when he realized it was a hot tongue that had slipped past his anal ring, one of the many horny drakes taking it upon himself to lick his sensitive hole with obvious relish. The other soldiers chuckled around him, delighted to see their former commander in such a degrading position. Never once in his life had he been eaten out by another male. He found the thought repellent and disgusting, but his assailant hardly seemed to care. The narrow tongue penetrated him with frightening ease, sliding deep inside his anus and traveling in quick circular motions that tickled his nerves and made him squirm with indignation and more than a little pleasure. By the time the dragon pulled back with a wet slurp, his quivering hole was relaxed, drenched in saliva, and practically begging for a fat cock to plunge inside and start pounding away.

He didn't have to wait long. The one who'd ate him out licked his snout and mounted him first. He felt sharp talons circle his waist and a heavy weight fall upon his upraised ass. It had been ages since he'd been claimed by another male. Soldiers weren't allowed to breed during long expeditions, so they often turned on each other to relieve sexual tension. Nearly every time there was a disagreement on who got to mount who, so a fight usually decided for them. To the victor went the spoils, and the dominant dragon would fuck the other one for as long as he pleased. As far as Vrin was concerned, most soldiers enjoyed being on-top, but he knew more than a few who secretly enjoyed losing simply to have a cock stuffed inside them. Draxyl was notorious for breeding others senseless, and Vrin had been forced to pleasure him many times as punishment for losing against him in combat. He hated it. Technically he outranked Draxyl in both age and rank, but he had never once beaten the king's son in a fair fight. To have all these horny drakes mount him like this was disrespectful and without honor. Unlike Draxyl, they had not earned the right. Only one ever truly had:

The Emperor himself.

Vrin still remembered that night long ago deep within the King's Palace. He'd been younger at the time, and just sworn in as the Emperor's Talon. The war had ended and the entire kingdom was celebrating their great victory. He'd been drunk on autumnwine and rich food when the king had approached him, his gray eyes flashing mischievously, and a tiny smirk visible on the edges of his snout. He had whispered something in his ear. Vrin did not remember what, or even if he had agreed, but his cock spilling from its slit had been answer enough. The golden dragon had led him into his majestic chambers and mounted him there. No words we're spoken, but Vrin had lifted his tail and begged for his Emperor to claim him. They fucked for days on end until his belly swollen with the king's fertile seed, and his internal balls had emptied so many times they we're tender and sore. The bed sheets below them torn to shreds from their rigorous mating, and when the king had roared out and filled him for what felt like the thousandth time, Vrin collapsed and drifted into a deep, comfortable sleep with the Emperor still buried inside him. When he awoke, he found himself alone, almost as if it had all been a dream.

They never spoke of that night again, and Vrin had served the Emperor faithfully ever since. Sometimes, when speaking with his Master, the memories came flooding back, but the king's cunning gray eyes betrayed nothing. Vrin never understood why they'd done it. Had it been a simple lustful urge ... or something else entirely? Either way, it had left him wanting more. Not a day went by where he hadn't longed for a similar encounter.

A cock pushed bluntly against his quivering hole and wiped the thought from his head. The drake behind him gave a few probing thrusts before shoving forward and burying his fat cock deep beneath his tail in one smooth thrust. Vrin groaned as he felt the rigid length plunge deep inside him, his well-lubricated anal walls providing hardly any resistance as they stretched wide to accommodate the soldier's thick, pulsing shaft. The drake started humping hard and fast from the start, his underside pounding against Vrin's rump until the sound of scales smacking together, and the heady scent of male sex filled the room. The young dragon lasted barely a minute before tensing and giving a feral groan, his cock unleashing thick spurts of hot seed deep inside Vrin's abused tailhole. He felt it twitch and pulse bestially inside him, cum surging out the pointed tip and drenching his guts in a warm, oozing heat. The drake kept thrusting throughout his climax, his jaws clamping around Vrin's neck as he spilled his load in his former commander's hot hole. Vrin groaned as he felt his belly distend from the sheer amount of thick cum being pumped inside him. The soldiers hadn't fucked in months, and now was their chance. He felt his own cock throb at the promise of a harsh breeding, and he cursed himself silently at his shameful need.

"I think the commander likes it," the one behind him panted with glee before wrenching his ribbed cock from Vrin's arse. The warm, excess cum had barely started pouring from his ruined hole when another soldier mounted him instantly. The second drake gave a few rapid jabs against his rear before burying his tapered length inside Vrin's messy, cum-filled rear in a single, brutal thrust. He felt the lewd squelch of seed as it plunged in right to the hilt, the stiff ridges running along its surface forcing him to moan softly with pleasure. The drake chuckled and took him hard and quick, his cock spreading Vrin wide open as he bred him at a blinding pace. Vrin felt each jarring thrust against his rump. His breath coming in shallow pants as an undeniable pressure soon began to build inside his own budding erection. He felt his length spill out of its protective vent with a gush of fluids and grow long and hard against the floor, the impressive barbs lining the top pressing hard into his belly scales. Thick spurts of pre-cum drizzled out the tip and pooled beneath him, and the soldiers rubbed and squeezed his cock remorselessly until he was thrusting desperately into their grasps. Half-a-dozen feral-looking members we're suddenly shoved in his face once they realized he was submitting to their advances. One of the soldiers - a huge, ugly brown one, grabbed him by the horns and told him to open up. He spat and turned away, only to find himself staring directly at another male's rigid cock. The drake it belonged to was pleasuring himself furiously. He didn't react quick enough, and the dragon thrust forward and groaned as his cock pulsed and the tip swelled a considerable degree before thick ropes of cum gushed all over Vrin's face. He flinched as he was soaked in the male's steaming cum, his snout tingling unpleasantly at the overpowering, masculine stench. The claws around his horns forced him to look back at the monstrous cock before him.

"Lick," the dragon repeated. He refused, and was rewarded with another fresh bath of semen, his face and muzzle now covered in a stifling layer of dripping sperm. He lost count of how many times he suffered this particular treatment before roaring out with rage and despair. It didn't matter. As soon as he opened his mouth, the brown dragon thrust forward and filled his wet maw full of roasting cock. The only sound he made was a pathetic _'urk'_as it slid deep down his throat, his tracheal muscles contracting powerfully around the male's invading shaft and milking it for all it's worth. His eyes watered and he looked up submissively at the dominant male. The massive dragon gave a few sporadic thrusts, before roaring out with pleasure and holding him still against his stinking, reeking body. Cum surged straight down the beast's shaft and exploded directly into his stomach. Thick, sticky ropes of fertile breeding-juice squirting inside his belly, until his eyes watered and he thought he might be sick.

The abuse never ended. The dragon pulled his massive cock free from Vrin's maw, and shot the remainder of his huge load all over Vrin's face. He collapsed with a defeated moan, cum drizzling from his jaws, and his belly sloshing with how much rich ejaculate had been pumped inside him. It was unbearably hot. When he looked back up, he realized half of them weren't even satisfied yet. He raised his shaking tail and exposed his hindquarters in surrender, cum dripping lewdly from his clenching hole. So many loads had been forced inside him, that he felt fuller than he'd been in his entire entire life, and he groaned as another drake jumped up and started eagerly plunging inside his sloppy tailhole, another doing the same to his mouth as they fucked him together. Once they were both satisfied, a third drake stepped forward and grabbed him by the chin, forcing him to look up into his astonishingly-green eyes.

"You're going to lick my tailhole Commander." the foul beast chided in a low, threatening voice. "You're going to lick me like I'm a female in heat, and you're going to enjoy it." The milky-white dragon released his grip and let him drop to the floor, easily rolling him onto his back. Cum drizzled from Vrin's over-stuffed hole, his ruined sphincter unable to keep it all inside him, and his semi-errect cock flopping limply against his belly. He felt an unseen dragon - perhaps some over-zealous youngster - eagerly spread his cum-filled anus and stick his tongue deep inside, cleaning him out for the others visual enjoyment. He barely had time to even groan in pleasure. The cruel white dragon straddled his body and lifted his tail up high, exposing his dark ring of puckered flesh, before squatting down right on his face.

Darkness. The stench was mind-numbing. A thick, sour, musky scent that forced its way inside his nostrils, and made his eyes flutter at its sheer intensity. He nearly gagged, grunting as he grabbed the creature's haunches, and desperately tried to shove the larger dragon off him. It was no use, and he felt the others grab his limbs and pin him to the ground, the sound of their mocking laughter echoing all around him. He couldn't see, he couldn't breathe. No. He_refused_ to breathe. He twisted and writhed madly beneath the dominant male, trying to reach fresh air, but the white dragon simply grabbed the back of his head and held him still.

"Lick my tailhole Commander." the dragon hissed with pleasure. "It's not so bad, I know this is what you want. Lick me you filthy little bed-slave."

Vrin's vision flickered and swam, his chest heaving desperately for air. He knew if he inhaled the beast's stench, it was all over. A dragon's musk was incredibly potent, and he'd heard stories of prisoners becoming helplessly addicted to the taste of their master's supple tailhole. The thought of him suffering this particular abuse for the rest of his life horrified him, but it seemed he had little choice in the matter.

"Lick!" The dragons chanted around him. "Lick! Lick! Lick!"

Vrin couldn't take another second of it. He knew he'd pass out soon if he didn't open his mouth, and besides, he didn't want to be known as the first Talon who'd been suffocated by another male sitting on his face. With a silent prayer, he opened his maw and inhaled a deep lungful of the dragon's spicy, forbidden musk, his eyes rolling to the back of his head as he breathed in more and more of the beast's tainted scent. The dragon attending to his own anus suddenly plunged his fat tongue deep inside his tailhole, and Vrin's cock throbbed to full arousal as another grabbed his cock and started furiously masturbating him in between licks.

Between the three of them, he climaxed within the span of a few short seconds, his cock erupting violently as scalding waves of fertile seed spurted out his pulsing urethra, and splashed all over his belly-scales. He twitched and whimpered like some sort of submissive weakling, his paws instinctively finding the white dragon's haunches and spreading them apart.

He drove his tongue deep inside the dragon's boiling rectum in one swift thrust, moaning with pleasure as he tasted the creature's soft, steaming bowels, and repeatedly licked the beast's fleshy, dual prostate. The white dragon hissed with pleasure, his sphincter loosening to permit him entrance at first, then collapsing tightly around his squirming tongue and trapping him inside. The observant dragons growled with lust, half of them beginning to mount each other as they lost control, while the rest of them started masturbating in a circle around him. He felt the white dragon grab his cock and start rubbing it against his own erection, bending low and engulfing both tips with his talented maw, and noisily making-out with their slimy shafts. Vrin moaned with pleasure, feeling the beast's anal tunnel collapse and start quivering around his tongue, a wet warmth spilling across his waist as the beast disrespectfully cummed all over him, stopping the moment before he peaked as well. Vrin went unbearably tense, feeling the cum bubble up from his internal testicles, before simmering down as his cock throbbed in agony. He wanted to cum more than anything in the world, he wanted to stay beneath this dragon for the rest of his life, but the moment the thought occurred, the beast lifted himself off Vrin's face and twisted about, his tailhole winking shut and oozing with saliva. The male fixed him with his gleaming eyes, a cruel grin spreading across his jagged snout.

"Who would have known the great Commander Vrin was such a needy little slut?" The dragon chuckled. He bent down and grabbed him by the shoulders, pressing his mouth against Vrin's and sliding his tongue deep down his throat. Vrin moaned, his mind reeling from the overwhelming surge of pleasurable sensations, until the dragon shoved him off and licked his lips. "Hmm, I do taste good." the dragon commented idly, before turning his attention to a fellow soldier's upraised tail and mounting him eagerly.

Each and every one of them had their turn with Vrin until they had all climaxed multiple times and he was reduced to a filthy, reeking mess. Even then it wasn't over. They all parted to the side as Draxyl stepped forward last, his fangs flashing darkly, and his spiny black cock rock-hard, and dripping with arousal.

"My turn." was all he said.

Vrin groaned as Draxyl lifted a hind-leg and mounted him like a common female, the sharp tips of his war-claws piercing his flesh and ripping into his sore haunch. Vrin felt his tail shoved out of the way as Draxyl pushed forward, burying his demonic maleness deep inside his ass in a single, brutal thrust. Vrin cried out with pain. Even though he'd been bred by all of them, his tailhole still smarted as it was stretched wide by Draxyl's massive girth, his spiny cock pounding inside him again-and-again until they were both grunting loudly with pleasure. Draxyl slammed into him harder than all the other males combined, and fucked him for what felt like hours until he was completely broken in both body and mind. He felt Draxyl's head slither up beside him, his hot, rank breath blowing in his ear. He met those cold, blood-red eyes.

"Cum." Draxyl whispered.

He did. The Emperor had said that exact word to him long ago, and hearing it again triggered something deep and feral inside him. He whimpered as his tailhole began quivering madly around Draxyl's cock, a pleasurable shiver racing up his stiff length as his anal walls collapsed and brought his assailant to a roaring, triumphant orgasm. He cummed harder than he'd ever had in his entire life, groaning as seed flooded from his swollen, purple cock and spilled all over the ground below, his length throbbing powerfully with release. Draxyl clamped his jaws around his neck and bit down deep into his flesh. Somehow the pleasure only tripled as blood was drawn, and Draxyl found his release as well.

Thick, heavy ropes of steaming cum began splashing inside his anus, sloshing lewdly with the amount already there as Draxyl filled him in an instant. Vrin moaned as cum spurted from his tailhole and poured down his shaking legs in a sticky, searing deluge, Draxyl grunting, and biting harder into the soft part of his neck as he emptied his balls deep inside Vrin's violated hole. The commander collapsed with exhaustion in a pool of his own sticky fluids. Both of their orgasms seemed to drag on forever, and soon, the other soldiers joined in as well, shooting their excess loads all over Vrin's subdued body until he was dripping and covered in gallons of hot ejaculate.

Vrin felt the fangs buried in his neck suddenly inject something cold and slimy into his bloodstream. His eyes widened in shock and he tried to wrench free, but he met only Draxyl's sadistic glare as the jaws tightened and the flow intensified. He felt the disgusting poison seep into his veins, tainting his body as Draxyl performed the darkest of acts. Vrin's tried to resist, but the pleasure only intensified as the poison reached his heart, his eyes rolling up as his cock pulsed and throbbed in a never-ending climax.

Draxyl eventually relaxed his jaws from around Vrin's neck and let the defeated male slump to the ground twitching and cumming uncontrollably. Blood trickled from the marks in his neck, but a black viscous fluid did as well. Some of the soldiers backed away and looked fearfully at one another. Even they knew what happened, but no one dared speak up. Draxyl ignored their looks. His cock slid from Vrin's asshole, already soft and limp as a torrent of cum poured out and splashed all over the ground. The commander groaned as the pleasure turned into excruciating pain, falling to the deck with a groan. Draxyl stared at him and smiled, his fangs covered in black, oozing venom. "Die now Commander." he whispered mockingly. "It will all be over soon."

An armor-clad drake suddenly entered the room. He glanced at Vrin but immediately looked away in disgust.

"Master!" he exclaimed. "The gryphon is not in your chambers!"

Draxyl seemed unfazed. "Numinax is undoubtedly hiding her. Search the ship. Start with the Mesmerai's Tower. He knows them well and would surely seek their help."

"Yes sir. And what if they do not give her up?"

"Then kill them." He purred. "Rape them if you must. I do not care what you do, so long as the gryphon is brought to me unharmed."

The soldier's dark eyes seemed to brighten at the prospect of violence. "Yes my lord. I will move at once."

"Take your best troops." Draxyl added. "The females will not give her up lightly, and will likely fight you with tooth and claw. The rest of you follow me. We move on the King's royal chambers at once."

"And the Commander?" Someone asked quietly.

Draxyl didn't even bother to turn around. "Leave him." he barked. "Let him rot here with the others who chose to disobey me."

The decision went unchallenged. Draxyl left the room, his soldiers following him out and leaving Vrin alone with the other corpses. The door slammed shut and plunged him into a murky gloom. He tried to get up but his bones had no strength. He felt the venom leech through his veins and paralyze him from the neck down. At this rate, he'd be dead within minutes, but that didn't concern him. The realization that he'd failed his emperor, and the realm, in every way imaginable was a fate far worse than death.

He opened his mouth to scream but no sound came out.

Oulissa

** **"Please," she whimpered. The twins had been pleasuring her for ages, and now they were wrapped about each other, gazing down at her tiny, panting body with their cool stares. "I'll tell you everything you want. Just please stop."

"Why should we?" The red-speckled-eyed one said with a grin. "You are a liar. And liars deserve to be punished ... or in your case ... pleasured."

The other twin approached and nuzzled Oulissa's abdomen. The young gryphoness clenched her legs together, but all it took was a tiny lick and she was spreading them once more. The dragoness smirked at how eager she was. "Consider yourself lucky child. Better too much pleasure than too little. Have you ever seen what happens to a male when they are prevented from achieving climax?" The twins looked at each other and smiled knowingly. "We have. We've witnessed Starmire keep a male from spilling his seed for months, until his cock was harder than stone and he was begging us to kill him."

"And d-did you?" Oulissa squeaked.

The Mesmerai winked. "Of course not. Where would be the fun in that? We teased him until he went mad with lust, and we were forced to chain him up like a wild beast. We visited him from time-to-time when we we're both in heat. We both share our cycles as you can probably imagine, and once he caught our fertile scent and a glimpse of our wet, supple folds swollen with arousal and begging for him to claim - he couldn't take it. He fought against his shackles until they left bloody marks and he was practically feral. I lifted my tail and moaned for him to take me, but he was unable. You should have seen him, drooling and snarling like a wild animal, it was truly something to behold, and had it not been for his crimes, I would have almost felt pity for him."

Oulissa was horrified. "What ended up happening to him?"

The twins' smiles widened. "Oh, eventually there was another whose crimes were even greater than his, so we unshackled them both and left them in the same room together. From the screams, they fucked for days on end."

Oulissa whimpered.

"You should have been there when we finally unlocked their cell and went inside. There was cum everywhere, and the feral drake was still thrusting into the other one's ruined tailhole. Both of them had lost their minds by that point. The crazed one seemed to think he was breeding his life-mate, and the one below seemed to have readily accepted the roll. It was almost sweet to watch. He was whispering about how much he loved her and all the little drakes they'd have even as he filled another male's ass full of warm seed. We closed the door and left them to it. Why ruin such a beautiful thing?"

Oulissa whimpered again.

"We could bring you to them if you want. Last I heard they we're still fucking to this day, and I'm sure they'd gladly make room for one more. Perhaps the feeling of your hot little cunt around their cocks would remind them of what an actual female feels like and make them sane again." The twin looked at her counterpart with minor interest. "Hmm ... now there's an idea."

Oulissa whimpered a third time.

The Mesmerai smiled. "No? Well, I supposed we'll just have to keep going then. I'm sure you'll break at some point."

The red-eyed Mesmerai suddenly froze and looked at the archway that led into their room. "Someone is coming." She said.

The other twin froze. "I sensed it as well." She turned and looked at Oulissa. "I wonder who they are looking for?"

Oh no. she thought.

Somebody screamed in the other room.

"Get up." The Mesmerai ordered her. She looked at them desperately and realized her worst fears had been confirmed: They were sided with Draxyl.

"Liars!" She shouted. "Numinax trusted you!" She rolled off the bed and bolted for the exit but the red-eyed dragoness reacted instantly. She felt claws wrap about her tail and yank her back, she struggled and fought, but the Mesmerai effortlessly spun her around and pressed her narrow muzzle against her beak in a sudden passionate kiss. The gryphon's eyes fluttered as an overwhelming sensation of calm oozed through her. The twin broke off, and the feeling disappeared instantly.

"Get behind me if you don't want to die." The female hissed. Oulissa felt a stab of dread and did as she was told. Tucking herself behind the Mesmerai's imposing stature just as a flank of heavily armed dragons burst into the room.

"What is the meaning of this?" The other twin demanded. "You are trespassing on forbidden grounds! State your intentions!"

"Where is the gryphon!" Their leader roared. "I know she is here!" There were three of them, but he was the largest by far. An ugly drake, with brown scales and a menacing set of war-claws that clanked heavily on the ground. She could see his dark, beady eyes scanning the room. He caught sight of her hiding behind them and his gaze hardened. "You." he hissed. He took a step forward but the red-eyed Mesmerai moved in front of him and smacked him so hard that he fell back with a grunt. He rubbed his jaw and glared at her with cold fury. "You dare!"

Oulissa was just as confused. A second ago she had thought the Mesmerai would surely give her up, but now they were helping her? She took a step back as the soldiers began to close in, the twins circled around her protectively, ready for a fight.

Just then another soldier ran into the room. Oulissa realized it was Taraguin, the small green trooper she had seen earlier during the orgy. He seemed terrified at the scene before him.

"Abernax! He said in a clipped voice. What have you done? These are Mesmerai-

The leader: Abernax, punched him in the face without even looking behind him. Taraguin's eyes rolled up and he crumpled to the floor unconscious. "I don't have time for this." he snarled. He turned his attention back to the three of them. "Give me the gryphon or I'm going to get violent."

The Mesmerai glared at him. "You will not touch her." they said together.

Abernax gave an ugly smile and looked back at his friends. "Touch her?" he laughed. "I think we'll do more than that. He nodded. "Kill the Mesmerai then rape the gryphon. On second thought, rape them all. They won't be leaving this room alive at any rate." The other soldiers chuckled at this and stared at them hungrily. Both of them we're already rock hard, their large cocks spilling from their slits and stiffening at the promise of a good fuck. Oulissa hissed and backed up behind the two protective Mesmerai as the soldiers closed in. She noticed that they were all heavily armed and ready for battle. Her last thoughts were of Numinax and how she'd never see him again.

The soldiers lunged at her.

Vrin

** ** Through the darkness, he crawled towards the door. Every time he dragged himself forward, an agonizing stab of pain would lance up his chest, ripping through his heart and forcing him to cough raggedly. He spat, but the fluid that came out was black and tainted. His lungs we're filling with poison he realized. The barracks would be his grave, and then the ocean floor once they disposed of his body.

He cursed Draxyl. All this blood for nothing. He gasped for air as the venom seared up his neck. Each time he managed to crawl forward, it's numbing properties would creep up just a little further, and now it took all his willpower to force his limbs to obey simple commands. Up. Extend claws. Drag. Up. Extend claws. Drag. He gave another ragged cough. Eventually, he couldn't even grip the floor and collapsed with exhaustion, his chest heaving for air. He looked up and realized he had barely even moved.

A faint red glow coming from beneath the door distracted him for a moment, a light, shining brightly through the gap at its wooden base. A shadow passed across his body and he realized there was another dragon on the other side. He cursed silently. One of the soldiers had returned to finish him off. He was completely defenseless. _ 'Cowards.'_ he thought, preying on the weak. None of them had the courage to give him a warrior's death. They'd put him down like an animal.

The door creaked open and light spilled into the room, he looked up at the dragon in the doorway. A tiny glowing orb drifted inside, illuminating everything in a faint dull glow as it hovered right above him. He'd seen its kind before, it was a sagelight, some oddity only a Mesmerai could conjure up. Confusion washed over him and he looked back at the mysterious figure. It wasn't a soldier.

"Starmire." he whispered in amazement. The dragoness smiled back at him.

She approached, the reddish glow from her sagelight illuminating her beautiful, high-born features and shining off her smooth bronze scales. She was an elegant creature, with long curving horns and deep, violet eyes that seemed to shine in the gloom. "Commander Vrin." she whispered in that sensual, ethereal voice of her's. It was clear to see she wasn't surprised to find him dying on the ground. Nothing ever really surprised a Mesmerai of her caliber. She was the most powerful dragon alive after all.

"Please." he rasped. "The Emperor ... Draxyl." He tried to say more but a fit of coughs overtook him. "I ... beg you ... please ... help." He knew his pleas would fall on deaf ears. Mesmerai we're strange creatures, and most would be content to simply watch him die, their strange vows preventing them from interfering in the natural order of things. Sometimes he wondered if she was even dragon at all, but rather an ancient demon, trapped inside the body of one.

Starmire knelt down and placed a paw on his neck. He went stiff at her warm touch, almost as if he could feel her very life essence flowing through him. She turned his head and saw the holes where Draxyl's fangs had pierced his flesh, the thin rivulets of venom still seeping out from the infected wound, and the spiderweb of black veins spreading beneath. His breath came in shallow gasps, he could feel his pulse weakening as the Mesmerai met his gaze.

"You're dying." she said with a sad smile.

He tried to speak, but only managed to gurgle as a black viscous fluid bubbled from his mouth and trickled down his snout. Starmire wiped it away and held him close, her eyes glowing with a strange, flickering light. He shuddered, trying desperately to draw a rattling breath, but each one was harder than the last. She guided him onto his back and stroked him as if he were a young child. Somehow, the simple caress made all his fears dissipate, and strange calm wash over him. He hadn't felt another female's touch in years. Perhaps she would ease him into the afterlife he wondered. Perhaps dying wouldn't be so bad under her care.

"Close your eyes." She whispered.

He did, and the light behind her eyes suddenly burned bright like the sun. He felt her body move delicately over his, and her mouth press against his muzzle in a deep, loving kiss. It felt warm and wet, and every instinct Vrin possessed screamed for him to open his eyes and look into her's, but he knew what he would see in their depths would change him forever. She moaned softly and rubbed against him, her paws roving down his scales and pulling him in close. He couldn't restrain himself and groaned with need, his cock rising to attention and pressing hard into her midriff. She wrapped a paw around it and squeezed gently, making Vrin whimper and thrust desperately into her grasp, her mouth sucking hungrily. He felt his lungs constrict and choked in surprise, but Starmire did not let go. He thrashed on the ground as she began excruciatingly drawing the poison from his lungs, sucking it through his mouth and finally into her own where she swallowed every last drop. He tasted the slimy, acrid substance on his tongue, but the unpleasant feeling was rapidly eclipsed by her masterful paw massaging his aching cock. His eyes fluttered and he unleashed his seed all over both of them, warm ropes of cum spurting across his stomach and chest. It felt so good he wanted to cry.

She released him all at once, pulling back with an audible gasp as the light extinguished from her gaze. Vrin's eyes snapped open and he inhaled his first breath of fresh air in what felt like years. It was too much. He coughed and spluttered, trying foolishly to draw a breath but only succeeding in retching miserably. He turned to his side and vomited. It burned his throat as he spat out the remainder of draxyl's tainted venom, but sweet oxygen filled his lungs at last. Starmire raised herself off him and smiled, the glow from her eyes dimming somewhat. When he had finished coughing and retching, he raised his head and looked up at her in awe, stunned at what she had just done.

"Th-thank you." he rasped. His voice was a hoarse whisper, but he spoke anyways. "I ... I owe you my life." Starmire smiled her tiny curious smile, her white fangs flashing in the bright crimson glow of her sagelight. She looked at his half-erect cock and raised an eyeridge with mild interest, her paws dripping and covered in his sticky emissions.

"It seems your age has not compromised your virility Commander. You've made quite a mess of us both."

He blushed deep with embarrassment, eager to change the subject. "Draxyl ... the others ... They have betrayed the king and slain all who resisted! I tried to stop them ..." he glanced at Verax's twisted body. "You've seen what he has done, I must end this madness before it is too late!" He got up and moved towards the door but Starmire stood directly in his path. He halted in his tracks. Despite the fact he was much bigger than the exotic Mesmerai, he felt positively diminutive under her piercing glare.

"You will fail if you go alone." she warned. "If you confront Draxyl now, he will cut you down without mercy."

"I cannot allow this desecration to go unpunished!" he replied fiercely. "I am the Emperor's Talon, I will protect my lord with flesh and blood!"

"Yet it need not be in vain Commander. Come with me to the Mesmerai's Tower, and together, we shall rally those who remain loyal to the Emperor, and do battle with our common foe. I require your aid as much as you need mine."

Vrin bowed low. "You saved my life honored Mesmerai, and I will do as you command, but we have precious little time."

Starmire's eyes sparkled slyly. "Even as we speak our enemies move against us, if you wish to save your king, you must follow me at once ... I know you still love him deeply."

Vrin stared into her eyes with shock and confusion. Their deep, unending depths unnerved him and he was forced to look away. "How did you know?" he whispered in quiet admission. Starmire tilted her head and purred into his ear.

"Because I know everything."

Vrin could scarcely argue with that. He furrowed his brow in deep thought. "Draxyl is heavily armed and outnumbers us greatly, we will never defeat him direct combat."

Starmire looked at him with a deadly glint in her eyes. "I do not intend on dying tonight Commander, but I cannot say the same for our enemies."

Vrin smiled. He was starting to like Starmire more and more with each passing second. "Would you be so kind as to follow me my lady? I would be honored to escort you to your tower and aid you in this unpleasant task."

She brushed past him, trailing her tail seductively down his muscular flank. She truly was a beautiful creature he wondered in awe, her gait sure and confident. She turned back and winked mischievously at him. "I am eager to see what a noble dragon like yourself is capable of in the heat of battle ... and perhaps in the heat of my bedchambers after this is all over." Starmire casually flicked her tail and walked away, leaving him standing in the doorway with his jaw agape, and his cock brazenly erect. Battle and celebratory mating he thought with a shake of his head. He hadn't felt so young in years.

Oulissa

** ** The twins moved blindingly fast. The large brutish soldier, Abernax, payed dearly for rushing ahead before the others. She watched their open paws connect simultaneously with his jaw in a violent crack that sent him reeling away, their silvery frills flared out as they hissed and circled her protectively. The other soldiers hesitated and looked nervously at one another.

Abernax cursed and spat out blood. "you broke my jaw!" He said in shock. He looked up and snarled a red smile. "I'll enjoy killing you!" He lunged again, as did his did the others.

The twins reared and spread their massive wings. "Get back!" they shouted in warning, Oulissa wasn't sure if they meant her or their attackers, but she did anyways, jumping clear just as Abernax landed flat on his face right where she had just been, his jaws snapping together. The twins sprang into action, talons out, slashing and biting as he was forced to growl and turn his attention back to the females. He tried to strike them from behind, but they both spun right before his blow connected and slammed him with their heavy tails. Oulissa felt the power behind their double attack. A deep, echoing thump that caught Abernax by surprise and dropped him immediately. A blow like that would have shattered every bone in her body she knew. As it was, he merely groaned and struggled to rise, disoriented, but far from incapacitated. The twins punished him greatly for such a clumsy attack. They flicked their claws out, nicking him in the face and making him scream and drop to the floor writhing in pain. Oulissa ducked beneath a large wooden table and watched in a mixture of horror, excitement, and fascination as the dragons battled fiercely. She wanted to help, but all she'd do was get in the way.

Another soldier attacked one of the twins from behind, he jumped on her back and tried to bite her neck, but she managed to grab his helmet and throw him off. There was a tremendous bang as he hit the wall on the other side of the room and slid to the ground, only to bounce back up and launch himself back at her with a scream of rage. He collided into the Mesmerai with a dull crunch, both of them crashing to the floor with him on top. She heard the twin grunt with pain under his weight as she struggled to defend herself. She bit at his paws and face, but he managed to swat away most of her attacks, grabbing her neck and pinning her to the ground with a ferocious roar of dominance. He raised a paw for the death blow, the light shining off the deadly metal blades of his war-talons.

Oulissa reacted on pure impulse. She darted from her hiding spot and launched herself on top the soldier's big, spiny tail, clamping her claws around it and sinking her sharp beak into its soft, fleshy underside. She bit so hard she tasted blood, drawing a satisfying screech of pain from the soldier as he twisted about to shake her off. She held on for a few seconds until he smacked her with an outstretched wing and sent her tumbling harmlessly across the wooden deck. She hissed and unfurled her wings, tripling in size for a second and making herself appear larger than she actually was.

The distraction worked. The twin managed to raise a hind leg and kick him right in the groin. Hard. The male collapsed with a whimper of pain.

"Fool." The twin snapped, her red-eyes dancing with fury. "Get off me." She pushed the male away before throwing herself at the last soldier in a blur of claw and fang. Oulissa saw Abernax lift himself slowly off the floor and wipe the blood from his snout. Two identical slashes now cleaved down both sides of his face. He observed the situation with dismay: One soldier rolling around on the ground in pain, while the other being mauled by the twins. He moved to the fallen soldier and pulled him up. "Quit lying around and fight!" he roared, shoving the injured drake towards the females. He paused and looked around the room. He caught sight of her hiding beneath the medical table and sneered.

Uh-oh. Oulissa thought.

The hulking dragon moved towards her, she glanced at the twins but they we're too busy fighting to help. He reached under the table but she scuttled back and nipped his paw. He cursed and yanked his claws back, grabbing the table with a thunderous roar and throwing it across the room at one of the twins. She ducked just in time and it smashed into the unlucky solider behind her, exploding apart in a shower of wood and glass. Oulissa found herself staring up at the massive soldier, quivering from head to toe in sheer terror.

"Run!" They shouted.

She did, feinting left, then dodging right as she tried to maneuver around the dragon. He grabbed her almost leisurely, as if she we're nothing more than a misbehaving child running from her mother. She felt his cold steely claws wrap inexorably around her neck and squeeze, her eyes widening in terror as she fought desperately against his crushing grip. It was no use. He lifted her off the ground and held her close to his head. She could smell his foul breath against her cheek. "Gotcha." He hissed with pleasure. He looked back at the twins, holding her up triumphantly and putting a claw to her belly. She tensed feeling the sharp point press into the soft area of her stomach. He could gut her in an instant.

"Enough!" he roared. Oulissa flinched as his booming voice made her ears smart painfully. The Mesmerai stopped and looked up, the soldiers beneath them bloodied and bruised, but still alive. She saw the fear in the twins' eyes at the sight of her completely defenseless and at the mercy of Abernax. He grinned.

"Let them go." he said, nodding at his soldiers. The females stared at him coldly, their breath coming in shallow pants. "Now!" Abernax threatened, his claw traced across her stomach. "Or I'll cut your little friend here in half!" Oulissa felt her vision begin to tunnel. She squirmed pathetically in his grip. She reckoned she must have looked awfully helpless, because the twins surrendered quickly upon seeing her in distress.

They raised themselves off the battered soldiers. "We yield." they said. Abernax smiled and lowered her to the floor. She sucked in much-needed air, looking at the twins in desperation. What she saw in their gazes terrified her. Even they seemed to be unsure as the what would happen next.

"Grab them!" Abernax snapped. The two soldiers pinned the females to the deck, claws at their necks instantly. She realized with dismay they hadn't been nearly as injured as she thought. Their heavy plate armor had protected them well during the fight, and if anything, had only slowed them down. She saw the burning rage in their eyes, but also their members, heavy and tapered, smearing fluids across the females' inner thighs. The Mesmerai snorted with disgust and looked back at Abernax, silent with anger and humiliation.

"Why are you doing this?" they demanded. Who sent you?"

Abernax looked Oulissa in the eye, a wide smile spreading across his slashed face. "King's orders." he hissed. "But first, let's have a little fun. That fight got me all worked up, and I haven't fucked in ages." He glared at her. "I've been looking forward to squirting hatchlings into someone's womb for twenty moons now. I think you'll do just fine."

Oulissa wilted. She tried to pull away but he held her still, his powerful body pressed hard against her's.

"You're not going anywhere." he breathed in her ear. He looked back up at the Mesmerai. "Try and fight back and I'll carve her face up worse than you did mine." He traced the outline of her beak. "You're a filthy, ugly little beast." he purred. "Perhaps it will improve your looks."

She struggled harder. "He's with Draxyl!" She shouted. "He's betrayed the emperor and will kill us all!" Abernax smacked her across the face. Hard.

"Shut up." he snarled. We should have slit your throat the moment you stepped aboard assassin. I'm sure I'll get the chance after Draxyl has his way with you."

"You're pathetic." One of the twins bristled. "The gryphon is innocent, if you kill her, you are breaking every sacred vow we dragons have sworn to uphold. Honor, loyalty, respect, devotion. Do those words mean nothing to you? Has Draxyl corrupted you so fully that you are blind to it?"

Abernax smiled, his eyes flashing with a mad light. "Draxyl has shown me the truth! Too long have we languished in ignorance while other feeble races bickered and fought for power like a pack of starving beasts." he clenched Oulissa's fur for emphasis, making her wince in pain. "This little one would have never broken our laws had we executed her the moment she stepped aboard. We should have made an example of her as a warning to the rest of her kind: Strung her up on the bow around the Old Emperor and let her blood quench the ocean's thirst! The Emperor showed weakness when he spared her life, and weakness - like a disease - must be eradicated before it spreads."

The twins shook their heads roughly. "You truly are lost then. Do you believe for a second Draxyl will share his power once he usurps his father? You are nothing to him. A pawn. A slave. He will use you as he has undoubtedly used others, and kill you the moment you are no longer useful to him."

His claws gripped Oulissa tight, digging into her flesh. "Lies!" he spat. "Draxyl has promised me Lordship and command over any ship I please once this is finished. I will not be swayed by your poisoned words and slander demon! Now enough talk, or I will rip out your tongue and feed it to the fish!" He turned to his compatriots. "Have your way with them." he said with a grin. "breed them until their fertile wombs are swollen with your seed. He whispered into Oulissa's ear. "You're going to watch little beast. I want you to see your friends' screams and struggles gradually turn to moans of pleasure, as they are reduced to nothing but hot, panting, need. I want to see the look in your eyes as I spill their blood at the peak of climax: The ultimate pleasure, and the moment you realize there is nothing you can do to stop me."

Oulissa looked at the twins in horror. She met their gazes, terrified, unsure, and worst of all: helpless. The two soldiers mounted them roughly, forcing them to the floor and pushing their wide hips into the air. She saw their tails shoved out of the way and their flushed, swollen lips put on display, the males' cocks rock-hard and dripping with slimy fluids. The Mesmerai snapped and fought, but the soldiers merely laughed and rubbed their cocks against their pouting sexes, smearing their breeding juices everywhere. "Oulissa." the red-eyed Mesmerai whispered to her in a voice of such soothing calmness that she froze and looked up. Somehow, despite the situation, she felt safe under her intense fiery gaze. "Look at me." she said. "That's it. Keep looking. Everything is going to be fine. I promise. Everything is going to be -."

The male thrust forward and buried himself inside her. Oulissa saw the pain and anguish crease the twin's face, and eventually, the pleasure glaze over in her eyes, but the fire never left it.

She didn't look away. Not even once.

Draxyl

They prowled down the hallway towards his father's royal chambers, two of his strongest, quickest, most ruthless troops flanking him on each side. To his left was the master-tactician Graxun Kal-kun, a quiet, dark green drake with jagged scales and sharp, calculating eyes. To his right was the infamous Orgamon Blackwing. A huge, vicious black dragon like himself, the Slayer of the Dread Swamp. A title rightly earned after he had fought and killed nearly a dozen of the Emperor's royal guard during the month-long retaking of Haren'Ma nearly a century ago. Orgamon had been among the traitors captured by Commander Vrin when the Emperor had ripped out the Usurper King's heart in single-combat, and single-handedly ended the war, but his bravery and ferocity in battle had not gone unnoticed. He had been granted pardon by the Emperor so long as he promised to bow before him as he once had. Orgamon did, but Draxyl knew the anger and humiliation he'd endured that day still burned deep inside his heart, twisting and writhing within, and blackening his soul. He'd been the easiest to corrupt Draxyl thought with a smile. Whispers of future power ... promises of past glory ... the feeling of his length buried deep inside his body and unleashing its warmth over-and-over again had gradually broken him to his will. Now, the large, crimson-eyed dragon would obey his every command, and die for him if need be.

Graxun Kal-kun was different. He didn't fully trust the sly, green, master-tactician, but after witnessing him slash another drake's throat in the barracks under his command, he trusted him enough for now. Graxun would be one of the first to die by his claws once he'd slain his father. His new empire would have little use for those who secretly doubted him.

The others would suffer a similar fate he knew. Most of those he'd intimidated into following him had done so simply to avoid his wrath. He could smell their fear. It was a pungent, foul stench, but he'd long grown accustomed to it, and perhaps even taken a liking to it over time. The rest had been blinded by their almost cult-like devotion to him, and their lusts for power and prestige. They all craved it. Some more than others, but they all did in the end. It was like a disease. King's soldiers had little else to fuel their desires besides the faint hope of dying honorably in battle, or living to see their mates one last time. He'd promised them wealth and riches beyond their wildest dreams, and now, they had something to fight for ... something to believe in. It was power they craved, and he'd given it to them. Not much, but a glimpse of things to come, and a taste to whet their appetites for more. Those who'd chosen to die now rot in the prisons below deck, and he'd make sure they'd suffer greatly for their insolence. He still hadn't decided on how to deal with them yet. Would he slit their throats one by one? Watch as their life-blood spilled across the decks, and their eyes go glassy and dark? Or perhaps flood the cells they we're locked inside at the simple pull of a lever, listening as their screams of terror gradually went silent? It was a difficult decision, and one he looked forward to making with a certain inappropriate relish once his father lay dead at his feet. He smiled a dark, twisted smile.

The huge oaken doors to king's chambers lay directly ahead, big, wooden and sturdy, with the emperor's royal seal emblazoned down the middle: A giant golden sun made of rubies and diamonds, glittering magnificently upon the horizon. As expected, there were no guards posted outside. He'd made sure they'd been dealt with beforehand. He signaled the others to come to a halt. The sound of their talons scraping across the floor stopped.

"We are here." he growled. "Once the doors are opened, you will move inside with haste. My father will not be expecting us, and his personal guards will pose little threat. Slay them quickly before they can react. I want this task taking no more than a few seconds, do you understand?"

Orgamon rustled his wings with anticipation, his thick, cruel features hidden behind the heavy full-helm he wore. He flexed his mighty war-talons and tightened the bindings. "Of course Master." he answered with a hungry smile. "I await your command." Graxun Kal-kun merely nodded and looked back down at the ground, his gaunt, tired features even gaunter than usual. He looked sickly, but his jaw was clenched in readiness. Draxyl moved towards the door and looked back at them one last time, his red eyes burning into their very souls. They all knew the consequences if they failed. Their names would be forever tarnished in shame, torn from the pages of history and their wingless bodies left to rot in the sun. He felt no fear. This was a momentous night.

He unlocked the door and pushed. The chains fastened around his obsidian claws tinkled menacingly in the hall. The golden sun carved into the door split down the middle as it opened wide to accept him. Although he had seen the inside of the Emperor's throne room hundreds - if not thousands of times before - the interior still impressed him with its grand magnificence. It was a true testament to the might of the Dragon Empire. Moonlight shone through the domed ceiling some thirty feet in the air, panes of stained glass of every color imaginable casting the room in a warm, silvery glow. Hanging in the center of the dome hung the Monument of Light: A massive crystalline orb constructed aeons ago during the Great Joining; a night when all the dragon-clans of old united in a massive orgy that lasted nearly a century. It was said the event birthed a thousand great rulers, each one stronger, wiser, and braver than the last. The flicker of innumerable candles lit the end of a hundred curving glass arms. One to represent each and every last one of them who'd lived and died in service to the Empire, their souls bound forever in flame. Even to this day, the beauty and magnificence of the ancient relic perplexed even the most knowledgeable of Mesmerai. The secrets of its exquisite craftsmanship having long since been lost to the ages. It was rumored that looking into its hypnotizing depths granted visions of things to come ... but Draxyl had never witnessed anything in twisting, breathing, almost living construct of metal and glass.

Oddly enough, tonight, he felt himself strangely drawn to it. It hung in mid-air, a glowing orb of light against the dark backdrop of night. Raindrops began pattering gently against the glass dome behind it, black storm clouds passing in the sky overhead. The rain poured down harder. Drowning out the tiny gurgles of death the two hapless guards made as Graxun and the Slayer ran them through within moments of stepping inside the room. Draxyl didn't even blink at the warm, almost erotic feeling of their blood pooled at his feet. His gaze was completely focused on the Monument of Light above him. He had never looked deeper into it than he had before now - and for a moment - time stopped still as the gently spinning rings and circular arms aligned in perfect harmony. He saw into the center of the machine. Past the flickering exterior of candles, past the tiny gears and glowing crystals and into its very core. What he saw there made him tremble.

It was an obsidian candle, burning bright. The heart.

It extinguished in the blink of an eye.

He breathed. It was a sign he knew ... a vision ... the emperor's dying flame. He returned his attention to the center of the room. Sitting atop the magnificent golden throne, in the middle of a vast sea of treasure and gold, was his father. An ancient dragon whose scales shined brighter than the sun, and whose long, folded wings glittered with a thousand encrusted jewels. His father studied him with that cold, piercing stare he had grown to hate. That confident, almost careless demeanor he wanted to rip, and tear apart.

"Draxyl." he whispered icily.

Draxyl smiled a dark, hungry smile. "Hello Father."

Oulissa

The twins were bred in-front of her. She had long given up on any hope of rescue, and the harsh mating she was being forced to witness was more savage and carnal then she'd ever thought possible. The twins' cries of pleasure and pain as the males entered them broke her heart, and she hated herself for not being able to help them. Hated that she was weak, and small, and useless. If only she was bigger ... then she'd have been able to kill Abernax and instead of hiding beneath the table like a coward. The two soldiers were draped heavily across the females' bodies, their armor and muscle pinning them down as they furiously rutted the defeated Mesmerai. She heard their savage grunts of pleasure, their jaws locked around the females' necks as saliva drizzled down the twins' smooth shimmering scales. She remembered Abernax gloating that they hadn't fucked in months, and from the looks in the soldiers' eyes, she believed him. They were wild and unfocused, their backs hunched as they worked their hips madly against the females' thick haunches. She listened to the lewd slopping noises as their heat-soaked tunnels spread wide to accept the males' thick shafts, the splash of sticky fluids as it squelched from their bodies, and dripped down their shaking legs. Oulissa felt her stomach churn unpleasantly at the sight. Dragons were messy breeders, and it was evident they intended on pumping the Mesmerai full of their thick, virile seed. She struggled against Abernax's crushing grip. He merely chuckled and pressed his own massive erection against the inside of her thighs. She felt its smooth, pulsing length brush against her feathers and soak her fur. She whined desperately.

"Like what you see little beast? We're going to fill your friends here so full of cum they'll be moaning and laying our eggs for months on end. Then we'll do the same to you. I've always wanted a gryphon bed-slave to myself. I bet that juicy little cunt of yours is even tighter than Draxyl's arse. All your life you've wanted a big male drake to mount you and give you a proper breeding. Let me be the first." he whispered cruelly. "I'm going to ruin gryphons for you."

Oulissa clenched her beak and felt hot tears of anger spill down her cheeks. She trembled in his grip, sobbing as he licked her neck possessively, dragging his thick purple tongue all across her face.

"Oh yes, I will enjoy mounting you. The others will have their turns as well." He nodded at the soldier breeding the red-eyed Mesmerai. "Garrank there likes them young and innocent. His brother Jorvak is no better. I hope for your sake you enjoy the taste of tailhole gryphon, because they both have a penchant for smothering their prey when breaking them in. Have you ever seen what the musk of a dragon does to those who've never experienced it before?" He laughed darkly. "One lick and it's all over. It will shatter your mind, and you'll never want to stop. Until your eyes roll back in your head and your mind drains of all thought, until you become nothing more but a shell of your former self: A fertile little breeding hen who will eagerly lift her tail for even the most desperate of males. But who wouldn't want to be beneath the tail of a strong dragon for the rest of their life?" he chuckled. "I'll admit, even I'd enjoy it, but you? You won't even live long enough to see that day. Draxyl will fuck you to death if I don't first."

One of the twins threw her head back, and cried out, as the soldier buried inside her suddenly pinned her to the deck, and began rutting her with quick, brutal thrusts. His swollen, ventral cock-spines rubbed against her sensitive inner-flesh, forcing her body to ovulate for him. The Mesmerai gasped, her tongue lolling out as she succumbed to the massive, body-wracking orgasm that followed, her body twitching and jerking as she lost herself to her own primal urges, and pushed eagerly back into his thrusts, her cunt sopping wet and dipping with fluids. The brutish male snarled, his tapered cock-tip battering against the supple barrier of her cervix, before forcing it wide open to accept him. He let loose a deafening roar of pleasure as he achieved climax, his cock squirming its way into the warm, yielding confines of her uterus, where he unleashed himself in thick, steaming ropes cum that spurted directly into her fertile womb. He filled her body with an oozing warmth, fertilizing every egg she carried.

They trembled together for a few moments before his seed overflowed from her stuffed vent and splashed out across the floor. Oulissa watched in mute horror. The Mesmerai pushed back into him, driving his throbbing maleness deep inside her as she was impregnated by the horny drake. The male groaned, slamming into the Mesmerai again and again until he collapsed and brought them both to the deck with a dull thud, his cock still squirting deep inside her quivering depths. He bit hard into the soft part of the neck and lifted her leg up high. Pounding her ravaged cunt with renewed intensity. She moaned at his rapid pace. Abernax grinned.

"See? They love it." he whispered into her ear. "Look at her face ... she wants to be bred. She needs it. Oulissa felt his heavy cock slide up against her feathery slit, thick, oozing drops of pre-cum drizzling from the pointed tip and shooting all over her backside. Abernax growled. "You need it too. Let me relieve your heat little beast. Don't worry. I'll fertilize all those eggs you carry." Oulissa felt his claws wrap around her midriff and push against small of her back. Abernax was so big he could wrap his paw half-way around her waist if he wanted to. He forced her to the ground, his massive chest pinning her down as her hindquarters were shoved into the air.

"Lift those pretty tailfeathers for me gryphon. I want to lay sole claim to your body. I want you to beg before my cock rips away any shred of dignity you once had." The red-eyed Mesmerai looked up and grimaced, the male above her fucking her hard and fast.

"No!" she cried, in a voice taught with emotion. "Take me! Take me instead! I beg you, leave the gryphon!" Abernax leered.

"It will give me greater pleasure, to cause you greater pain, demon." He stroked Oulissa's nape with his claws. The Mesmerai was about to retort when she arched back and cried out. The drake thrusting into her quivering pussy suddenly plunged deep inside, his thick, exotically flared cock burrowing into her wet cunt and mashing against the entrance to her cervix. Oulissa closed her eyes and turned away. She couldn't bring herself to witness the soldier's release, but Abernax grabbed her beak and forced her to look.

"You will watch beast. I want you to see the look on her face as she is impregnated by a true dragon. I want you to see the look of pain and anguish fill her eyes as she realizes she will have died for nothing, protecting a creature who is lower than filth." The soldier reared back and unleashed a savage groan, emptying himself inside her needy womb. The look on the twin's face was one of shock and awe, her pupils dilating as gallons of thick, virile dragon-cum spurted into her body, and sated her raging heat. Like the other male, he kept thrusting throughout his climax, his tongue lolling out as he bred the unwilling female as if she were the last fuck of his life. Thick ropes of semen trickled from around the tight seal of their bodies with every thrust, dripping down her spread legs like a lewd waterfall of mixed bodily fluids. Abernax's slashed face twisted into the mockery of a grin. He looked her right in the eye. "Ah ... there it is." he whispered. "Now it's your turn."

There was a sudden, loud bang as the door on the other side of the room burst open. Oulissa looked up and found herself staring at the face of an incredibly ugly dragon whom she recognized well. It was the Emperor's Talon: Commander Vrin. She felt her hopes plummet even further. She knew after secretly witnessing him pleasure Draxyl that he was not one of her allies. His face was gaunt and hollow, as if he had just survived a brush with death, his snout bloodied and bruised. Deep within the depths of his one good black eye she could sense a burning rage that poured forth like lava. He met her gaze, then glared at the soldiers breeding the two Mesmerai. His eyes narrowed to slits. They we're so occupied seeking their pleasure that they didn't even bother looking up.

It all happened within a few seconds. Commander Vrin moved across the room like a shadow, his large muscular body sleek and powerful. His claws wrapped around the first soldier's neck and pulled him off the female with a mighty tug. Oulissa watched as his cock spilled from her slit and cum poured out all over the ground, the soldier's length still stiff and covered in slimy juices. He twisted around in anger, but all he got was a massive headbutt from Vrin that knocked him unconscious. There was a horrible ripping sound, a fantastic spray of arterial blood, and a loud clatter as the dead soldier crumpled to the deck, his throat ripped wide open. Oulissa screamed. The other terrified soldier tried to dismount the red-eyed Mesmerai, but he wasn't quick enough. Vrin struck him hard and clamped his jaws around his neck. There was a screech of mercy, followed by a bone-rending crunch. Garrank collapsed. His neck broken.

The one holding her -Abernax- finally seemed to come to his senses and backed up into a corner of the room, dragging her with him. Everyone began circling around the lone soldier. The twins were crouched predators, their eyes burning daggers. They hissed and brushed against each other, moving as one. Oulissa struggled harder.

"You're supposed to be dead!" Abernax stammered. "I saw it with my own eyes!"

"I'm not." Vrin replied with an icy calm. "But you will be."

There was a bright glow from behind him that made Oulissa and Abernax both look up. Starmire entered the room, her eyes alight in a terrible energy. It suddenly became icy cold inside the large chamber, the brass candles on the walls extinguishing into thin wisps of gray smoke. Oulissa felt a numbing dread creep over her, slithering though her feathers and deep into her heart. Something was very wrong. Vrin shouted to her in warning, but he sounded as if he were hundred yards away. The blood from the dying soldiers pooled around her tiny white paws, but she hardly felt it. Starmire's eyes enraptured her. They beckoned her. She heard something else. It was shrill and loud, and vaguely, she realized it was Abernax screaming. Weakness swept over her, and then the blinding light consumed them both.

She saw things. Terrible things, in the two pinpoints of light that were Starmire's eyes. She saw herself, tail raised high and surrounded by hundreds of black shadows, begging for each one to mount her. They did, whispering terrible secrets into her head, and leaving her leaking their black, tainted seed. She was bred by all of them until she simply lost her mind, bearing and giving birth to hundreds of obsidian eggs that never hatched. She saw her homeland, Tallspire, the tall, lush evergreens engulfed in flame, and thousands of gryphons flying in every direction, shrieking, crying, and burning alive. She saw her father, his gleaming armor stained with blood, wings ripped off mid-air by a flank of dragons as he plummeted helplessly to the ground. She saw her mother, a slave to the emperor, taking his length and moaning like a needy hen. And worst of all, she saw Numinax, his lifeless eyes glassy and dark, sprawled on the floor with his chest ripped apart. Draxyl stood above, his jagged facial spines pulled back in a roar of victory, Numinax's heart still beating in his claws for all to see. He feasted on it. Oulissa tried to scream, but she couldn't even breathe.

Somebody crashed into her and forced her to the ground. She opened her eyes and felt the firm, unyielding body of another dragon atop her. The visions mercifully stopped.

"Don't look." A voice growled into her ear. It belonged to Commander Vrin. She felt his warm, rough scales pressed against her feathers, the thin, leathery membrane of one of his massive wings curled around her, shielding her from the terrible light on the other side of the room. She wrinkled her brow and nearly retched under his embrace. He stank terribly, like sweat, blood, and dried semen. Every breath she took beneath him was hot and rank, the faint thump of his powerful heart beating right against the side of her head. It was strangely comforting. She trembled in horror at what she had just witnessed in Starmire's eyes, but the old dragon held her tight until she stopped. She listened to Abernax's muffled screams turn to pitiful whimpers, before gradually ending altogether. The light dimmed, and a long empty silence followed.

Vrin stood up, releasing her from his grasp. "Don't move." he rasped.

She waited a few seconds, catching her breath and collecting her thoughts. The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was Abernax: His body curled into a ball on the floor, and his face contorted in a soundless scream. Oulissa wilted. He was dead. She should have felt relieved - happy even ... but it was worse. Abernax looked empty. His body small and weak, as if drained of all life. She wouldn't forget the look on his face for a long time: It was one of pure horror.

She groaned and slowly got to her feet. Her paws were red with blood and she shook them dry in disgust. Both of the twins rushed over and embraced her warmly. She flinched, but quickly relaxed into their embrace, their nuzzles burrowing into her thick mane of tawny feathers.

Are you well Oulissa?" one of them asked in a calm, gentle voice. The other twin pulled back. It was the red-eyed one.

"You were very brave back there. That soldier would have killed me had you not bit his tail."

Oulissa was numb with shock, but managed to ruffle her feathers. "It was the least I could do." she whispered. "For a moment I was sure you two had sided with Draxyl, but I was wrong. Both of you saved my life."

The twins smiled. Vrin and Starmire approached. Oulissa couldn't bear to look in her direction. Those sparkling violet eyes terrified her now. She had would never forget what she'd witnessed in their endless depths.

"Honoured Mesmerai." Vrin began gallantly, his face and claws covered in gore. "Did those dragons injure you in any way? When we learned they had betrayed the king we came at once."

"Hardly." The red-eyed twin replied, casting an icy look at the dead soldiers. "Our pride more than anything. You made for a spectacular entrance Commander. We thank you."

Vrin bowed low. "I would not be here if it had not been for Lady Starmire. She rekindled my flame after Draxyl nearly snuffed it out. He gave me the Kiss."

The twins looked aghast.

"The Kiss?" Oulissa asked. "What's that?"

"A terrible thing young one." One of them answered darkly. "Sharp fangs in the back of a dragon's maw capable of injecting a deadly venom into the bloodstream of another. Dragon Emperors of old all had the ability to perform the Kiss, but it was seen as too vile and cruel to perform on even our greatest foes. Generations of selective breeding have all but eliminated the trait from our populace, but every thousand moons it resurfaces in select individuals."

Oulissa groaned. "And of course Draxyl is one of them."

Vrin growled. "He would have left me to die in the barracks along with the others if Lady Starmire hadn't drew the poison from my body. I'm sure there will be more victims if we do not act swiftly. Draxyl has broken every sacred law, betrayed the Empire, and plans on killing his father! I came here to humbly seek your assistance in this matter, for I fear I am left little choice. All my soldiers are either dead, missing, or traitors."

The red-eyed twin nodded at Oulissa. "The gryphoness mentioned something along those lines before you arrived. Starmire, is it true what she says ... that Draxyl has betrayed his father?"

"Yes." Starmire purred, her tail flicking behind her. "You heard correctly."

"What are we to do then?" The red-eyed twin bristled. We were attacked! It has been one-hundred years since the Order was last forced to defend itself. We should fight back as we did then!"

"I'm not fighting for the Emperor." Starmire said flatly. She turned her liquid violet gaze on Oulissa, and the young gryphon's beak clacked together in fear. "I'm doing it for you."

"M-me?" Oulissa warbled.

"Yes." Starmire said, cocking her head inquisitively. "There is a strange destiny surrounding you young one. I feel compelled to watch it unfold."

Oulissa swallowed dryly. She would never forget what Starmire was capable of, but she was grateful nonetheless to have the powerful Mesmerai as her ally.

"What about that one?" she piped up. The dragons all looked at her. Oulissa pointed at the small green soldier - Taraguin - rolling and groaning on the deck. He seemed to be coming to. "He wasn't with the others." she said. "Maybe he knows something we don't."

"Yes." Vrin grumbled. "Perhaps he does." He grabbed the young drake by the shoulders and hoisted him up. Taraguin opened one jet-black eye and blinked. His eyelids were thin films, his pupils small, dark, confused slits.

"Commander!" he said. "You're covered in blood!"

Vrin slammed him against the wall.

"Better start talking Taraguin, or you'll end up like your friends here."

Taraguin finally seemed to notice the dead soldiers. He did a little squirm, his jaw dropping in disbelief. "By the gods." He breathed. "Abernax, Garrank, Jorvak ... you killed them all!"

"Excellent observation." Vrin snarled, baring his sharp fangs. "And you're next if you don't answer my questions: How long have you been planning this mutiny? How many more of you are there?"

Taraguin looked terrified, his frills collapsing. "I don't know anything!" he shouted. "I swear on me life!"

Vrin scowled. "Your life means little to me."

"He knows something." The twins interjected. "Look at the way his eyes dance."

Vrin turned back to him. Even Oulissa's gizzard froze at the smoldering glare he gave the young soldier. He brought his fangs close to the dragon's throat. "Don't make me leave you with the Mesmerai." he purred. "I'm sure you've heard the stories. They love dragons with lots of secrets so they can pry them out one-by-one until you can't even remember with whom you last bred."

"That would probably be for the best." Taraguin admitted. Even Starmire chuckled.

Vrin roared with anger, spittle flecking across Taraguin's narrow muzzle. He slammed his paw into the wall next to the smaller dragon's head and caused the mahogany panels to splinter and crack. Taraguin seemed to immediately regret the wisecrack and looked back at Vrin with renewed terror.

"You think I jest!?" Vrin seethed, his features twisted with rage. He looked like he was about to crush Taraguin's skull when he stopped and took a slow, rumbling breath. He opened his piercing eyes. "It makes no difference. Whatever the Mesmerai have in store for you pales in comparison to what I will do." He brought his blunt snout next to Taraguin's head and whispered something in his ear. Taraguin's jaw dropped in horror and the color left his scales. Vrin pulled back with the most twisted smile she'd ever seen etched across his face. "Your choice." he said. "although a dark place in me hopes you will choose poorly."

Targuin trembled and shook his head with all his might.

Starmire flashed her white fangs approvingly. "Well said Commander. We might make a Mesmerai out of you yet."

Vrin's tail thumped at the praise. His gaze immediately hardened. "Now tell me what you know!"

Taraguin almost seemed to shrink. "Whispers is all." he croaked. "No one wants to say anything 'cause it's all death talk. One word and you'll get your wings ripped off just for thinkin' about it."

"What sort of whispers?" Vrin hissed.

Taraguin looked like he might faint. "Rumors is all. Some of us don't like the emperor you see, think he's concentrating on all the wrong things ... not flexing his wings enough ... this and that."

"And no one ever bothered to inform me of this?" Vrin growled. His voice dripping with anger.

Taraguin gulped. "That's just it! You see, it wasn't the rank-and-flank soldiers like me! He looked around as if someone might hear what he was about to say next. "It was the higher-ups." he whispered. "You know ... the Slayer, Graxun-" he swallowed, gesturing at Abernax's corpse. "-Him, Draxyl ... even you."

Vrin's eyes narrowed to slits. "You dare suggest that I would betray my king?"

Taraguin's eyes widened in fear. "N-no! Of course not Commander. What I mean to say is you couldn't trust anyone! What if I reported it to someone responsible for spreading these lies? I'd get my throat slit in my sleep! They'd have me killed!"

"That would have been merciful compared to what I am going to do to you."

"I'm not one of them!" Taraguin pleaded. "I swear; I am still loyal to the king!"

Vrin scowled. "I cannot take that risk." He lifted Taraguin into the air, his talons encircling around the green drake's neck. "Your death will be quick and painless Taraguin. Take consolation in that."

"N-no!" Taraguin gasped. "Please ... you are making a mistake!"

Oulissa looked from the struggling green drake to Vrin. "You can't possibly kill him!" she trilled, surprised at her courage to speak up. "Maybe he is telling the truth!"

Commander Vrin snorted with disdain. "And what would you have me do gryphon? Release him? What if he seeks out the other traitors and has us slaughtered while our backs are turned? That blood will be on your paws female. Not mine."

She looked at the young drake. "Your name is Taraguin right?"

He glanced at her in surprise, his eyes wide with fear. He was a small, handsome male as far as dragons went, his flat, leaf-green scales smooth and oily. "Y-yes!" He stammered. "How did you know?"

"You were the one who found me." she recalled. "I clawed you above the eye."

"T-that's right! I thought you were an assassin!"

She nodded quickly. "I know, and I am not." She met Vrin's hard stare. "He was in the other room this entire time Commander. He even tried to help us!"

Vrin glowered. "You cannot be sure of that."

"So what? You are going to kill him then? You're no better than Draxyl!"

Vrin's neck frills flared out with indignity at the insult, they were a distinct crimson. "Do not ... dare ... compare that monster to me." he hissed. "You have no right to say that!"

Starmire stepped between the two of them. "The gryphon speaks wisely Commander, perhaps you should heed her advice. It will be hard to find allies if we start killing everyone we meet."

Vrin's cold stare burned into both of them. He looked like he was about to protest, but relented. "Very well." he hissed. He let Taraguin drop to the floor gasping for breath. Vrin grabbed one of his horns and twisted it, forcing the young green drake to look him in the eye. "The only reason I'm letting you live is because of them." he said, jerking his head at the Mesmerai behind him. "If it were anyone else, I'd have snapped your neck without a second thought."

"T-thank you ... Commander." Taraguin wheezed. He looked up at Oulissa and gave a curt nod. "A-and you as well gryphon."

"You thank her?" Vrin spat incredulously. "After everything she has done? She is responsible all of this!" He looked in her direction, his eyes blazing with cold fury. "Innocent as you may be female, by trespassing aboard this ship, you have set in motion a series of events that may very well destroy the Empire, and mean the death of us all. You are the cause of this mutiny, the reason behind this pointless slaughter!"

Now it was her turn for her crest to flare up in anger. "Draxyl would have killed you sooner or later even if I had not been discovered!" she shot back. "At least now we still have a chance to stop him!"

Vrin gave a barking laugh. It was a hoarse, ugly sound. "With what? You? A few Mesmerai? These are hardened dragon warriors we face gryphon! with weapons and numbers far greater than our own. We will never survive a direct assault on the King's royal chambers. We will die trying."

"There must be something we can do!" she said. "The longer we wait here; the more time we waste! Even as we speak Draxyl moves on the emperor. If we do not act swiftly it will be too late!"

"There are a dozen nobles in the other room." Starmire informed. "They are confused and scared, but with proper guidance, they may prove to be a formidable ally should we seek their help."

"With respect," Vrin began, as if he had already heard this idea. "Even if we do convince them to join us, A few royal-bloods will not change the tide of a battle. We need soldiers, well-equipped and loyal to the King. Soldiers ready to fight and die for the Empire."

"Do not doubt their devotion Commander. Many of them have some martial prowess, and even more are members of the King's private council. They will defend their Emperor just as eagerly as you would."

Vrin looked at the ground in deep thought. He sighed in resignation. "Fine. Let's say we can convince them. What would we do next, what use will they be to us?"

"There is a sky portal in the other room that leads directly outside the Dawnfire." Starmire explained. "We could send this one here through it to scout the skies around the Tower." She turned her violet gaze on Taraguin, and the young drake's quills flared out with surprise. He pointed at himself.

"M-me?" he stammered.

Starmire nodded. "Yes. You. You will scout the area and learn the position and number of our enemies. When the rest of us come through the portal, we will use that information to our advantage. We only need a small group to make it to King's chambers. Once inside we will extract the Emperor and fly to safety. The others will serve as a distraction. Fight, flee, it does not matter. We only need to divide their numbers and give ourselves time to escape."

"I don't like it." Vrin growled. "But I don't see any other option."

"And what if we are too late?" Oulissa warbled. "What if Draxyl has already-" she gulped nervously "-killed him?" She spoke of the Emperor, but whom she really meant was Numinax. She could care less about his cruel, manipulative father.

Starmire looked at her. Oulissa trembled under her gaze. She knew the powerful Mesmerai could see her true thoughts ... sense her love for Numinax. "Then we slay Draxyl." she hissed softly. "Sever the head of this mutiny while it is still young. Our enemies are united in fear. Without a leader they will pose little threat."

"Don't count on it." Vrin growled. "Mutiny is grounds for execution. Some of them will fight to their dying breath, I'll bet my scales on it."

Starmire gave a cunning smile. "We will negotiate if we have to."

"I prefer to negotiate with my claws, but the less I have to kill the better." Vrin growled. He turned his attention on the nervous-looking soldier. "It appears we found a use for you Taraguin. You heard what the Mesmerai said. I want a full battle-report when we come through that portal, do you understand?"

Taraguin gulped and nodded quickly. "Y-yes Sir. Full report Sir!"

"Good." Vrin said gruffly. "Take Garrank's war-claws and armor. They won't fit, but at least you will look like one of the bloody traitors. "I am putting my trust in you, don't make me regret that decision. Use the clouds as cover, we will be along shortly."

Taraguin bowed low and stripped the dead soldier of his weapons and armor. He glanced quickly at Oulissa, and she made eye-contact with him for a brief moment before he slipped outside. It was difficult to tell what the young male was thinking about. He looked just as scared as her. She hoped they could rely on him, he seemed trustworthy enough.

"The rest of you, follow me." Vrin declared. He unhooked the war-talons from around Abernax's limp forelimbs and strapped the massive, bladed gauntlets to his own. "Let's see if we can get these royal-bloods to join us."

The Mesmerai's common room was a chilling sight to behold. The grand foyer was barren and devoid of flame, the coals having long since gone cold with neglect. Abernax had brought more soldiers with him from the looks of it, but Starmire and the Commander had killed them all with ease. The one that had been guarding the veiled entrance lay dead on the carpeted floor. He had the same look on his face as Abernax did when Starmire had killed him, she recalled with a shiver; his eyes rolled back in his head, and his snout wide with fear. He must not have made a sound. His companion lay in the middle of the room in a pool of his own blood, throat slit before he even knew what had happened.

The nobles were all over the place, some inspecting the bodies of the dead soldiers, others assisting the injured, and even more huddled fearfully in the corners of the room with looks of shock and confusion plastered across their tattooed faces. A female wept, and the rest talked in fast, hushed voices with each other, trying to make sense of what was going on. They didn't look like dragons, she realized with a start. They didn't look strong, or arrogant, or proud like she had come to expect. They looked like her. They looked scared.

Everyone glanced up when they entered the room. The twins began checking the bodies.

"They killed Sister Aryann." They declared solemnly, standing over the pearl-scaled Mesmerai Oulissa had seen tending to Taraguin earlier. Starmire's composure was impassive as usual.

"She died trying to stop them. We will not forget her sacrifice."

A male with deep-burgundy scales rushed over. He gawked at her for a second like he'd never seen a gryphon before, then shook his head and directed his attention back towards the Commander.

"Talon! What is happening?" he asked in a voice tight with fear. "These soldiers, you just ... they just ...!"

"They have betrayed the Empire." Vrin snarled. "I put an end to their miserable lives."

"Betrayed the Empire? But then ... then that means ..."

"- That the Emperor is in danger and we are running out of time. Everyone! Listen up!" Vrin roared. The quiet murmurs of conversation came to an immediate halt. The burgundy noble fell back into the crowd. The silence was almost deafening. Long, and lingering. Vrin let it drag on so as to make his message clear to all.

"I know some of you are scared." he began. "And I know most of you are certainly all confused. These dragons-" he said, pointing at the lifeless soldiers. "-Have betrayed their king, and would have killed you all had we not intervened."

There were cries of confusion and fear. Some of them finally seemed to notice a gryphon was in their midst. She could hear them whispering about her: hissing.

"-What is she doing here?"

"- She's an assassin!"

"- What do you mean, an assassin?"

"- I bet the gryphon has something to do with all this!"

Oulissa ignored the comments, trying to appear courageous and unflinching beneath their scrutiny. To her surprise it worked. A couple of them looked down at their paws, ashamed at being over-heard. The rest stared right back at her. She couldn't tell if they hated her mere presence, or just didn't trust her. Probably a bit of both.

"Draxyl, the King's own son-" Vrin continued darkly. "-Has mutinied against his father's rule, and plans on murdering him."

There was a hushed silence that fell over everyone. Vrin let the words sink in. "Even at this very moment, He is on his way to the King's royal chambers, where he will ambush the Emperor and slay him while he is unprepared. He is not acting alone. With him are scores of warriors he has either seduced, frightened, or otherwise convinced into helping him carry out this unspeakable act. Our enemies circle the ship, and lurk in the shadows, making sure that none of us escape should we discover the truth behind their twisted plan."

"W-why would Draxyl do such a thing?" a blue male whimpered.

"He's been planning to do it for a long time now." Oulissa answered quietly. Everyone looked at her again, and she blushed a little bit at her sudden outburst. "I know because he ... he told me."

"Why would he tell you anything, you're just a gryphon spy!" A silvery female accused.

"We shouldn't trust her!" Another added for good measure.

Oulissa bristled with indignation. These dragons had no idea what she went through to get that information! She was about to open her beak and retort when Starmire gave her a cautious look. She snapped her beak shut and bit her tongue. She tasted blood, but the pain felt good. Reassuring, almost.

"Lady Oulissa is certainly no spy." Starmire said. "She is but a young noble, not unlike some of you, who wishes for nothing more than to be free of this nightmare she had found herself unwillingly apart of. Should he succeed, Draxyl will accuse her of assassinating the Emperor in a vain attempt at diverting suspicion away from himself. Oulissa deserves our sympathy and respect, nothing less."

The crowd looked stunned. The ones who'd spoken up against her did not do so again. Apparently, the words from a High Mesmerai carried some weight around here. She looked up gratefully at Starmire and the bronze-scaled dragoness gave her a clever, reassuring wink. She felt a fuzzy warm feeling in her gizzard.

"What are we to do then!" A voice in the crowd wailed. "We can't stay here! It isn't safe!"

"Your right." Vrin growled. "It isn't." He explained to them Starmire's plan to rescue the Emperor. "Those of you who are willing and able may volunteer and aid us in this task. I won't lie to you. It will be dangerous, and I cannot guarantee your safety. There is no shame if you choose to stay behind. Those who wish to join me, do so now. Step forward if you are willing to give your life for the Empire."

The crowd looked at one another and shuffled nervously. No one moved.

Vrin waited in silence for a few awkward moments. "Very well then." He hissed, when nobody spoke up. "I'll do it myself." He unfurled his wings and prepared to launch himself through the large, circular sky portal in the middle of the ceiling. Oulissa felt her gizzard freeze up. No one was going to help him! All this time she'd been under the impression at least a few dragons would be willing - or crazy enough - to join them, but she should have known they'd be too worried about saving their own scales! She had to do something! Anything!

"Wait!" Oulissa shouted. Vrin froze and looked back at her.

"What?" he snarled.

She stepped forward and swallowed nervously. "I-I'll help!" She was acutely aware of everyone staring at her. Starmire gave her a cunning smile in the shadows.

Vrin leered, exposing his sharp, ugly fangs. "You'll only get in the way gryphon." he hissed, turning and unfurling his wings a second time.

She ran up and stood directly in his path. Vrin was much bigger and more terrifying up close she realized with a twinge of fear, his face an ugly mess of scar tissue and missing scales. She regretted the decision almost instantly. He looked like a fierce warrior, his one, good eye black as coal, the other a pale, ghostly white. "I'm fast!" she persisted. "If the soldiers are wearing full plate they won't be able to catch me! I can serve as a distraction!"

Vrin snorted. "You're delusional if you think you can outrace a Hellkite. They will tear you to shreds in an instant."

Starmire sauntered forward, her scales shimmering in the light of the room. "I will watch over the gryphon." she purred, turning her violet gaze on Oulissa. "Stay close to me, and I promise no harm shall come to you little one."

Oulissa bowed low. "Thank you." She looked back at Vrin. "I'll stay out of your way, I promise."

The twins, who had been whispering quietly among themselves for a few minutes now, both looked up. "We're coming too!" they chimed simultaneously.

Vrin thumped his heavy tail. "Very well then." He glanced down at Oulissa. "You have guts at least gryphon. I'll give you that." He cast a disparaging look at the group of nobles. "More so than I can say for the lot of you."

There was a commotion in the back. One of the bigger dragons strode forward, a crimson male, even larger than Vrin, with deep, chestnut eyes that twinkled brightly in the candlelight. He looked older than the rest of the group judging by the faint wrinkles that creased the sides of them, but he was a handsome beast, beset with broad shoulders and a muscular physique. His ivory horns we're massive and smooth, sparkling with gold rings that looped around each one of them, and even more pierced all throughout his sharp, pointy ears. He coughed to clear his throat. "I will join you as well Commander." he said in a smooth, baritone voice. "As is my duty to the Empire."

Vrin nodded. "A wise decision Elder Kaldon. We need strong dragons like yourself. Are there any more who wish to follow in his brave footsteps?"

Another drake stepped forward. A young blue male from the looks of it, hardly older than herself. She recognized him as the one who'd been paired with the crimson elder during the orgy - the one who'd been getting his tailhole licked and cleaned by him. "I will!" he said.

Elder Kaldon's frills flared out with surprise. "Jalor, no!"

The small blue male looked at his elder with a fiery intensity. "If you choose to fight, so do I! I won't stand by and watch as the Empire crumbles away beneath us! It is my duty as much as yours!"

The red dragon leaned close and touched his forehead to the young male's cheek, claws reaching up and holding him close. "I don't want to lose you." he whispered. "Please Jalor .... stay behind ... for me."

"You know what's at stake young one." Vrin growled. "The warriors outside the ship will show you no mercy. This is not a decision to be made lightly."

Jalor pulled away from the big red dragon and nodded at Vrin. "I understand the situation Talon, and I'm ready. I will give my life for the Empire if need be. Besides ... I won't leave you Elder." he admitted quietly to the large, crimson drake. "My fate is tied to yours master, in both life, flame, and death."

Even Oulissa had to admit she was a little touched by the display of affection. She'd always thought dragons were incapable of forming such complex, emotional relationships, since their society was so focused on hedonistic pleasures, but seeing it first-hand made her realize that perhaps it was her own race that was incapable of such things. Gryphons bred solely to procreate. There was no love, or attachment, of desire in it. Just a savage urge to mate and impregnate as many females as one possibly could. It was a cold, harsh, realization, and she stared down at the ground bitterly just thinking about it. She'd do anything to have Numinax hold her like that ... whispering in her ear that he'd keep her safe ... She felt a pang of longing and a painful twinge in her gizzard. She wanted to be with him. She wanted to be his mate more than anything in the entire world, but knew it was a futile, childish wish. He was a dragon, and she wasn't. It was a simple as that.

The elder dragon stroked the young male's scaly cheek. "You are braver and stronger than I could have ever hoped for Jalor." he whispered lovingly. "You have grown up so fast."

Jalor nuzzled the larger drake. "I won't let you down Elder. I promise."

Some of the other dragons thumped their tails on the ground and growled their approval - and just like that - there was suddenly no shortage of volunteers. One by one, the nobles, both male and female, came forward and proclaimed their loyalty to the Empire, vowing to rescue their liege-lord at the risk of injury, pain, and death. Oulissa watched in amazement as politicians, lords, enchanters, Mesmerai, builders, artists, sculptors, and dragons from all walks of life stepped forward and joined their cause. Her spirits soared seeing all these young, strong, capable individuals wiling to assist them, over a dozen in total, swelling their once meager ranks considerably. She knew it wasn't much. She knew that their enemies still likely outnumbered them ten-to-one, but at least it was something. Just seeing the blazing conviction in their eyes and their sleek, powerful, bodies was comfort enough.

Vrin looked at each dragon that stepped forward, giving a lordly nod of respect to every one of them as they swore to lay their lives down for the Empire. By the end of it, only a small group remained huddled in the corner of the room, mostly the injured and those staying behind to help them. She caught a glimpse of Stamire as the nobles organized themselves hurriedly around her, staring at her with that piercing, liquid gaze that made her gizzard turn to ice. She looked at her paws, still unsure as to what the powerful Mesmerai had in store for her.

Vrin jumped up on one of the cushions at the side of the room and gazed over at the small group gathered before him, his muscles rippling powerfully beneath his scales. "Tonight!" he roared. "We shall fly to the King's royal chambers, rescue the Emperor, and kill any traitor who stands in our path!" There we're growls of solidarity from the surrounding nobles, the thunderous sound of their tails thumping powerfully against the carpeted floor. Oulissa felt herself jostled side-to-side as the they flexed their wings in their eagerness to take flight, their energy and intensity an almost palpable force. She could hardly see around their tall, imposing figures, their foreign, smokey scents filling her head and making her feel dizzy. She rustled her feathers and readied herself to take flight at a moment's notice.

"Take their war-claws!" Vrin commanded. "Turn their own blades against them! The dead have no use for such good steel, but we do! Our strength, honor, and conviction will be a blinding light that shall cut through the darkness, and carve a bloody swathe through our foes! We shall take to the skies! Fight out way to the Citadel, and end this mutiny once and for all!"

The resounding roars were almost deafening. Oulissa winced and pressed her ears against flat against her head. Some of the larger dragons - including the handsome Elder Kaldon - relieved the dead soldiers of their weapons and armor. Commander Vrin spread his old wings and gave a powerful downward thrust. The force of his stroke sent a gust of wind that ruffled Oulissa's soft feathers and forced her to squint. Vrin launched himself into the air, flying through the massive portal and into the darkness within. More dragons followed behind him, unfurling their leathery wings and soaring after him through the portal. Oulissa waited until she was the last one left so she didn't get trampled in all the confusion. When they had all disappeared, she looked up into the tunnel that led outside the ship. At the very end she could see the night sky and the thousands of stars shining down brightly in the twilight above. A cool, ocean breeze ruffled and feathers and she felt a sudden rush of excitement, spreading her wings and leaping into the air in a burst of tawny feathers. She flapped hard and soared through the portal. Up and up, higher and higher, into the night, and towards freedom at last.

Numinax

** ** The ship was still and quiet. He'd long grown accustomed to the clamor of dragon servants scurrying down the halls attending to their masters, or the aggressive bark of soldiers issuing commands to one another as they kept the vessel afloat, but tonight, there was nothing besides the faint creak and groan of waves crashing against the wooden hull outside, and the tinkle of chandeliers swaying gently back and forth. Candles flickered in their shiny, brass lanterns along the walls, casting ominous shadows down the hall that made him more nervous than he'd like to admit. Oulissa had been right. Something bad was happening aboard the titanic sailship. Something terrible.

He didn't want to believe her at first. Who would? Draxyl, plotting to kill his own father ... their father! ... and overthrow the Empire! It was madness! The delusions of a poor gryphoness who'd just been brutally raped by him ... but he trusted Oulissa. More than that. He loved her. Numinax knew she was an honest, pure little creature, and she would never lie about such things. He remembered the look in her golden eyes when she had told him all this, the fear, horror, and uncertainty shining in their depths, as she explained what Draxyl was planning to do. He wanted to hold her ... kiss her ... and tell her everything was going to be alright - and he had - but in truth, he was just as terrified as her.

Draxyl was a monster. He'd always known his brother was a cruel, manipulative, power-hungry beast. Intelligent even, he had to admit - in his own cunning way, but not insane! Draxyl was a soldier, and soldiers were bred to be one thing, and one thing only: Loyal to the Empire.

Draxyl it seemed, was anything but. His brother was a vicious traitor! Hell-bent on destroying their father's legacy and everything he held dear! Draxyl wanted nothing more than to watch the Empire burn, and once all traces of his father rule had been extinguished, he'd surely turn on the other races to satiate his never-ending blood-lust!

Numinax knew deep down it was true. He always known, he'd just never had the strength or courage to admit it. He stood little chance against his tyrannical brother. Draxyl was a legendary warrior, and he was just a healer! He'd never killed anyone before! He'd never cared much for war-claws, or fought in any great battles during the Rebellion. He'd never torn out another dragon's heart in single-combat, and he'd certainly never feasted on it to take his enemies strength! The only experience he had in combat was from the mandatory sparring duels his father had forced him to partake in when he was younger. He'd soundly beaten some of the other nobles in single-combat, but never once had he bested Draxyl.

He closed his eyes and shuddered. He still remembered the feeling of being mounted by his demonic brother as he lay beaten and bloody upon the wooden deck. The pain, the humiliation, and worst of all: The savage pleasure he felt as his brother thrust into him; the feeling of his hot seed rushing inside his waiting tailhole, and filling him with that terrible warmth he had grown to detest. Their father had watched every time with his icy stare, praising Draxyl for his strength and dominance over his younger sibling. Numinax hated him for that. Hated his brother more than anything, and once he had come of age, he'd sworn never to take up arms against another living creature ever again. He'd become a healer, dedicating his life to saving and mending lives, not taking them.

Besides, there we're certain other benefits to becoming the master-healer aboard the Dawnfire. During his tutelage, he'd trained for years under the sacred Mesmerai in their Sky Temple back in Arden'Tor, studying the ancient scriptures that dated back thousands of years to the times before the Great Joining, when the dragon clans of old had fought and battled each other endlessly in a brutal vie for dominance. He'd learned of the legendary battles of Kyro-Kan, when the skies had turned red and rained fire for months on end upon the beautiful mountain ranges of Kyro - as punishment - the Mesmeai told him, for the horrors dragons has wrought upon one another in their centuries of bloody conflict. He'd learned of the great hero Kan, who, in a moment of clarity - sacrificed himself in the fires of The Maw to prevent the complete and total annihilation of his race, plunging through the flames as the battle roared around him. And finally, he'd learned of the fabled Mesmerai who'd brought him back, Isoryn: the Eternal-Flame, who gave her own life so that he may rise from the ashes, ascending into myth and legend in the process herself.

She'd mended his body with fire. Poured her flame into his very soul, where he rose from the spitting, hellish nightmare that was The Maw, and flew high above the battle, wreathed in a glowing, flaming light. The battle stopped, and the all the combatants threw down their war-claws and wept with tears of, sadness, joy, and adulation. It was said that as his wings spread, so did the black clouds above. His light touched the ravaged land for the first time in untold centuries ... and then ... he disappeared, in a burst of flame so intense, it still radiated in the sky today. The molten rain ceased, and for the first time in ages, there was a long, ever-lasting peace that followed. The Great Joining, as they'd come to call it.

Healing was the art of Isoryn, just as deception was the art of her brother, Syloran. Persuasion was the art of Kyanduur, battle - of Korvaxus, and seduction, of Starmire. It was said that in each dragon's heart pumped the blood of at least one of the Great Masters. He'd personally studied under one of them for most of his youth. The weakest one, perhaps, but the only one that still remained alive on this plane of existence today. Isoryn had died in the flames of The Maw during the Dark Times. Syloran, out of grief the following morning. Korvaxus, a hero like Kan, fought in a thousand more great battles, but each one was less honorable than the last, and fearing the lust for war he knew existed inside his heart might corrupt him, he exiled himself shortly after the Rebellion and never returned. Kyanduur was the last one to die, and did so only a century ago, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him back. The only known Master left alive today was Starmire, and although she wasn't as strong, or wise, or as noble as the others, she possessed a cunning wit that made her the most mysterious, and possibly the most dangerous of the five Great Ones.

A Mesmerai since hatching, Starmire possessed powers of the mind and body that made her both a formidable opponent on the field of battle, or, in the high-council chambers of Arden'Tor. Her study of the arcane arts had elongated her life to unnatural lengths, and there were rumors she'd discovered dark secrets in the heart of the Sky Temple, secrets located deep within the forbidden inner-sanctum, where the tombs of the first emperors lay ... where not even the living dare tread. Dark secrets that had changed her ...

He shook his head. They were just stories. Superstitious whispers. He trusted Starmire, even mated with her on a few occasions too. She was a Mesmerai, sworn to defend the realm against the forces of evil. She swore no allegiance to anyone, and he knew he could trust in her sacred order to protect a small gryphon fugitive. Mesmerai we're the best healers in the realm, and they would take good care of Oulissa as long as everything went smoothly from here on out.

Which he knew it probably wouldn't, he thought with a nervous gulp.

He rounded a corner and immediately froze in his tracks. An icy chill raced up his spine. A group of soldiers in black armor were at the far end of the hall, talking quietly with each other, their bodies hunched and powerful. They we're wearing heavy full-helms that masked their faces. He dare not move. They still hadn't noticed him yet. He glanced behind him to make sure the coast was clear and started to back up.

The wooden floor creaked sharply beneath his weight.

Numinax groaned. Just his luck he happened to step on a creaky plank. The soldiers looked up and spotted him. There was an awkward silence.

"What are you looking at?" One of them sneered after a few moments. There were three in total, a captain, judging by the handsome chrome finish to his armor, and two subordinates. The captain smacked the eager young warrior across the back of his head for speaking up. There was a loud, metallic clang.

"Ow! What was that for!"

"Silence!" he snapped. "That's Prince Numinax you are speaking to! Where are your manners?" He looked up at Numinax. "Forgive me my lord, but there has been an emergency. We must get you to safety at once." He started approach.

"That's close enough." Numinax commanded. The Captain stopped in his tracks and frowned. Numinax nodded at the soldier's war-talons. "Why are you armed Captain? There is no need for blades."

The large, murky, blue drake looked at his claws and flexed them experimentally. They clinked together. "A precaution, is all my lord." he purred. "Our flank is on high-alert. The gryphoness has escaped custody and is running amok on the ship. We fear she may trying to slay your father."

"Slay my father? She's an unarmed gryphon princess! Who gave you this order?"

The Captain looked back at his guards. He gave them an almost imperceptible nod and they began lurking forward, trying to surround him, Numinax took a step back.

"I said that's close enough!" he shouted again, his voice echoing down the long hall. The troops were only a dozen feet away. The soldiers froze and looked at each other. "I asked you a question, Captain." Numinax repeated. "Who gave you this order? The Emperor ... or someone else?"

The leader glared at him, his eyes dark and cruel. "It was the Emperor." He hissed quietly.

Numinax knew at once it was a lie. He didn't have to spend his entire life around Mesmerai to know when a dragon was trying to deceive him. He felt a sudden rush of anger. "The Emperor? Which one?" he spat. "My father? Or that stupid, violent, brutish brother of mine?"

He regretted the outburst immediately. He shouldn't have said anything at all, but he'd let his temper fly, and now, they'd probably kill him for revealing the truth. The soldiers stared at him coldly. He could see their muscles tense, ready for a fight. He sized them up quickly, eyes raking over their weapons and armor. He was bigger than all three of them he noted - royal blood was pure, but strength meant nothing when he was faced with their superior numbers and martial training. He reckoned there was a slim chance he could disable one before the others overpowered him. A quick, vicious strike to the front of their captain's neck that would leave him gasping and retching for air. A killing blow, if his aim was true, but would it be enough to scare the others off? Distract them? Probably not. They'd rip him apart in seconds.

He settled for the next best option, the only one left, really. He was never much of a fighter, but he'd always had a talent for politics. Whenever his father was away for any extended period of time, he often attended the high-council meetings in his stead to discuss matters of importance to the Empire: Newly discovered trade-routes, negotiations with other races, judicial matters, mindless council arguments that needed to be settled, and every other sort of boring thing imaginable that required a deft tongue, and a quick mind to resolve. He was good at it. His father always said he'd make a great ruler one day. A shame really, since Draxyl had little interest in such matters. Thankfully, being well-versed in politics also meant he had a certain knack for acting, and now he hoped all those high-council meetings hadn't been for naught. He looked off into the distance above the soldiers' heads' and flared out his frills in mock-surprise, letting a look of confusion slide across his slender, handsome face.

"F-father?" He stammered, as if the Emperor had suddenly rounded the corner and appeared behind them. It worked. The soldiers froze and spun around, and as soon as their eyes left him, Numinax turned and ran as fast as he could in the opposite direction, spinning around and unfurling his aquamarine wings as he leaped into the air, and soared down the hall.

"What the - hey!" Their leader screamed once he realized he'd fooled them. Numinax didn't even bother looking back. His heart pounded in his chest as he raced down the winding halls of the Dawnfire, trying desperately to escape their clutches. He heard the thunderous clap of their wings as they took off in pursuit, the heavy clank of their armored paws pounding against the wooden deck as they chased him through the ship. Their heavy plate would slow them down he knew, they'd quickly grow fatigued with all the steel adorning their limbs and bodies, and their helms were cumbersome, stifling things. Well ... he hoped they were at least.

He burst through a set of wooden doors that led into the Great Hall, a grand, majestic room that ran the entire length of the Dawnfire. He looked to his left, and then his right, unsure which direction he should take. Left would eventually lead towards his father's royal chambers, but that would be the first place they would look for him. He took a right and raced down the long, curving corridor, tearing past the large, beautiful glass windows that stretched from floor to ceiling, giving him a clear view outside: The night sky was black and cold-looking, the silvery Moon shining dully through the storm clouds assembling above. Rain pattered gently on the thick glass panes, dripping down them in thick, twisting streams that slid off the side of the ship, and into the churning waters below. He looked behind him just in time to see the three soldiers skid around the corner where he'd just been, crashing into each other as they tried to keep up.

"Over there!" He heard their Captain shout. "We can't let him escape!"

Numinax gulped with fear and ran as fast as he could. He slid around another corner and entered a small service tunnel. He found himself at the entrance to the servant's quarters. It was a small plain looking corridor, with modest lighting and not much else. There we're a couple doors to his right and he picked the first one, crashing into it and entering a tiny well-lit room. It smelled like cooked meat and delicious spices inside, and the burning oven in the corner indicated it was a place where food was prepared. A tiny female servant behind a wooden counter looked up at him and yelped in surprise, her brown eyes wide with uncertainty at the sight of a noble suddenly bursting into her kitchen, gasping and out of breath. Numinax hurriedly closed the door behind him and locked it with the deadbolt. He looked at her desperately for help, she was a plain little creature, with muddy brown scales and small, twitching ears. Low-born. She seemed terrified.

"Mi - mi'lord?" she squeaked nervously.

"Quickly child." he panted. "I am being chased, is there any place to hide?"

Her quills flattened. "I - I beg your pardon mi'lord?"

Numinax heard the soldiers thump down the hall outside, twisting his ears to hear more. Their Captain was barking out orders:

"Keep going down the hall, I'll check these rooms and re-group with you! Go, move!"

He looked back at the female. She'd heard them too. "Please!" he whispered. "I cannot allow them to find me!"

The female trembled. "Th - there is a ... a storage closet right over there." She pointed at a small sliding door tucked in the corner of the room. It looked cramped, but it would have to do. He raced over to it and tried to pull it open. It wouldn't budge. His heart sank into his stomach.

"It's locked!"

"It needs a key!" she whimpered. She ducked under her counter and started rifling through some cupboards, throwing cloth baskets and cooking pots over her shoulder. She re-appeared with a small brass key clutched triumphantly in her snout. "I found it!"

"Give it here!" he hissed. "Hurry!" She tossed it to him and he caught it in his paws, slamming it into the keyhole and twisting it so hard he thought it might snap. It clicked. He yanked the door open and crammed himself inside the empty closet. It was a tight squeeze, but thankfully he was able to fit. He coughed and spluttered as he got caught in an ancient spiderweb, brushing it off his face in disgust as he twisted about.

There was a loud bang at the door. The little female jumped and looked like she might wet herself, her eyes wide as saucers.

"Who is in there?" The Captain's muffled voice shouted. "In the name of the Emperor, I command you to let me in!"

Numinax stared at her dead in the eyes and raised a claw to his muzzle. "Shhhh." he whispered silently. He shut the closet door, feeling terrible for abandoning her after she had just helped him. Light filtered through the crack. He pressed himself close and looked through it, gazing into the tiny kitchen. This is what Oulissa must have felt like he wondered idly, trapped inside a cargo crate only to be discovered by enemy soldiers. How terrifying it must have been.

There we're a few more loud bangs.

"Open this door or I will break it down!" The Captain roared.

"C-coming!" the servant shouted after a moment. Numinax felt his chest tighten. Oh no, he thought. He watched the dragoness scurry over to the entrance and unfasten the lock. The door swung open violently, knocking the tiny female over as the Captain strode into the room. He cast her a hateful glance than scowled, obviously displeased at finding nobody else inside.

"Why was it locked?" He snapped.

"I'm ... I ... I ... d-d-don't."

The Captain struck her. It was a vicious blow, his paw connecting with the side of her face with such force, that it sent her flying into the wall on the opposite side of the room. He was massive compared to her, twice her size, his ugly black war-talons the length of her snout and then some. She trembled and crawled into a corner, unable to do anything but cower in fear as the predatory Captain loomed over her. He grabbed her around the neck and lifted her up as if she weighed nothing more than a sack of fine, gryphon feathers.

"I'll ask you again." he purred. "Why. Was it locked?"

"P-please." she wheezed, a purplish bruise already welling up under one eye. She squirmed helplessly in his crushing grip, the poor thing completely unable to fight back. Numinax felt a burn of anger. She didn't deserve this. None of this was her fault.

"Useless slave." the Captain spat. "I know you are hiding something. Tell me, and I won't rip your guts out and wear them around my neck like some fancy noble."

The little servant burst into tears. She was terrified for her life, and he knew it was only a matter of time before she broke. He had to do something! Numinax steeled his nerves and opened the closet door an inch, meeting the terrified servant's flickering gaze for a brief second, and making the same gesture he had made earlier. "Shhhh." he mouthed, making sure in all the gods' graces the door's rusty hinges didn't creak or groan. The Captain still hadn't noticed. He crept out into the kitchen, not even daring to breathe lest he alert the cruel beast to his presence. He treaded lightly over to the counter and ducked behind it, picking up a hefty metal pot the servant had discarded only moments ago in her search for the closet key. He peeked over the counter.

"I could kill you, you know." The Captain hissed. "Right here, in this room. Nobody would hear you scream." The little dragoness clawed at his armor, her face turning blue from lack of oxygen. His grip tightened. "You can make it stop." he whispered cruelly. "You can make your death quick and painless. Just tell me where he is. Tell me where the Prince went."

Numinax slunk around counter. The Captain was only a couple feet away from him, the tip of his spiny tail poking around the edge of the table, practically within reach. His breath came in shallow pants, a thin sheen of moisture glistening on his brow as he gripped the steel pot as hard as he could. 'This is it.' he thought. He rounded the corner and raised himself up to his full height, standing right behind the Captain. He made not a sound.

"Tell me where the Prince is hiding." The captain hissed. "Tell me!" he roared, spittle flecking across the servant's face. She flinched at his foul breath and slowly raised a shaking paw, pointing meekly over his shiny steel pauldron right where Numinax was standing.

"I'm right here." Numinax said quietly.

The captain froze and looked over his shoulder. He cursed. There was an awkward silence, then, everything happened all at once.

The Captain released the female and tried to spin, but he wasn't nearly quick enough. Numinax swung the pot with all his might and caught him right in the side of the head. He struck him so hard that his paws smarted with pain, but his aim was true. There was an almost humorous clang as steel met steel. The Captain's whole body went rigid as a board, his dark eyes rolling up as he swayed on his feet for a second before crumpling to the deck, a massive dent in his helmet where the heavy pot had found its mark.

Numinax panted heavily, adrenaline coursing through his limbs and body. He made sure the soldier was motionless before letting his makeshift weapon clatter back to the ground. He shook some feeling back into his paws and grimaced. "How crude." he muttered to himself. He looked at the female. She was huddled in the corner, curled into a tiny ball, covering her eyes and trembling furiously.

"Is it ... is it s-safe to look now mi'lord?" she whimpered.

"Yes. You can look now little one." he answered softly. "He won't hurt you anymore."

The female opened her big, brown eyes and stared at the soldier. "Is he ... is he dead?" she sobbed.

Numinax bent down and checked the soldier's pulse. Faint, but strong. A loud snore escaped his ugly snout, drool pooling on the deck beneath his dented helmet. "No." he replied. "Just unconscious. I hit him with one of your pots. It worked adequately enough."

The servant stood up shakily. She rubbed at her bruise. "He was ... he was going to kill me wasn't he?"

He nodded grimly.

The servant wiped her tears away and shivered. "W-why would he do such a thing mi'lord? If you don't mind my asking. I'm just a cook! I never meant him no harm!"

"There has been a mutiny." he explained. "The soldiers have rebelled against the Empire, and are trying to seize control of the ship. Now come here child, let me see that wound he gave you. I am a healer. Don't be shy now."

The little female wandered over. Numinax tilted her chin up and let his talons graze across her cheek. She flinched a little bit at his touch but didn't protest any more than that. "What's your name little one?"

"W-wylek, mi'lord."

"You we're very brave Wylek. I shall make certain you are well compensated for your loyalty to the Empire once this crisis has passed. Ladyship, gold, whatever your choosing, you shall have it. You saved my life, and I will never forget that."

Wylek's beamed happily. "T-thank you mi'lord!"

"Don't thank me." he smiled. "I am in your debt. Now open your eyes wide for me and blink three times." She did, and her pupils bloomed. "Hmm, good, everything seems to be in working order. No broken bones at least, although you'll need something for that bruise. Ice, perhaps."

"I'll be fine mi'lord. It looks worse than it is."

He patted her cheek and smirked, finding trace resemblances of Oulissa in the plucky little dragoness. He frowned sadly at the thought. He missed that gryphon. "Your tougher than you look Wylek. Now help me move this body." he said, nodding at the unconscious soldier. We can't have the other guards finding him."

"We should throw him overboard!" Wylek hissed. "Mutineer! Let the sea-beasts eat him!"

Numinax chuckled. "I like your enthusiasm, but I can't take any chances. Here, open the closet door for me, I certainly didn't enjoy my time in there, and I doubt neither will he."

Wylek scurried over and opened it. Numinax clamped his jaws around the soldier's collar-plate and dragged the heavy dragon across the room, stuffing his limp body inside the cramped space with some degree of difficulty. When they finally managed to get him in, Wylek slammed the door shut, (on his tail, of course.) The drake grunted loudly in pain. Numinax realized the key was still in its hole. He twisted it and gave it a quick strike. It snapped in half, jamming the lock shut.

"There, that should hold him." he said, wiping the sweat of his brow. "We should probably leave before he wakes up. He'll make quite the racket trying to get out."

Wylek stared at him with her big, watery eyes. "Where can we go mi'lord? What if there are more of the likes of him still roaming the ship?"

Numinax frowned. "There are, I'm afraid. We must part ways little one. That injury of yours will attract too much attention. You must hide, in the dungeons perhaps. They are dark and empty, and no one will search for you down there. Do you know where they are?"

She nodded quickly, her expression betraying one of unease. "In the-the dungeons mi'lord?"

"Yes, I know a shortcut that is never used. It has been under maintenance for quite some time. A little cramped - mind you - but it's better than wandering the halls of the ship, or hiding in a closet like our friend here." He went to the kitchen entrance and peeked outside into the empty hall. "Follow me Wylek. We must leave at once. Now is our only chance."

They left in a hurry, exiting the warm kitchen, and making their way cautiously back towards the Grand Hall. The ship was empty and quiet. Numinax knew all this backtracking was a waste of time. He could have easily abandoned Wylek and left her to fend for herself. Sought out his father and warned him of Draxyl's treachery, but after what she had done for him, guiding her to safety was the least he could do. He owed her that much. Wylek followed behind him in his shadow, her body stiff and tense with fear. She was exceptionally quiet however, and they made it to their destination without attracting any unwanted attention. It was a rarity - a servant - who knew when to remain silent. He'd make sure she was well-compensated once this was all over. A noble always kept his promises. He swallowed nervously. He just hoped he'd be alive by morning to see it through.

He ushered Wylek through a tall archway at the side of the hall, brushing aside the purple satin curtain covering the entrance, and guiding her into the small, cozy-looking foyer within: A common room. The type passengers usually resided in while staying aboard the Dawnfire. The dregs of a fire flickered dully in the metal furnace in the center of the chamber. A dozen, soft-looking cushions surrounding it on a crimson rug. It was empty and quiet inside, as it usually was when the Dawnfire was at sea. His father typically only took on guests during the lavish pleasure cruises he threw every few years: Rich nobles from the Capital City of Arden'Tor; Mesmerai from their golden Sky Temples deep within the mountains; Renowned warriors from all across the land; Even other species if he so desired. There were times when the Dawnfire would be at sea for months, sailing across the endless oceans as parties, grand feasts, and of course, his father's legendary orgies raged on day-and-night beneath the safety and comfort of its strong, wooden decks. Numinax always loved the pleasure cruises. Some of his best memories came from them, and it would be a shame if he died having never experienced one with Oulissa. Would she even enjoy them? He wondered? Perhaps not. Oulissa wasn't like most dragons. Quiet and reserved, but playful in her own way. He respected that.

"Help me move these cushions." he said to Wylek. Together, they pushed them off the crimson rug. He grabbed the corner of it and flipped it up. Beneath the thick fabric was a small, plain trapdoor. It was so well disguised, he could hardly tell it was there, but upon closer inspection, one could spot the vague outline cut into the deck. Whisper-thin, expertly crafted.

"Oh, it's a door!" Wylek chirped in surprise. "I could hardly tell!"

"That's the point. There are dozens more like it all throughout the ship. They lead into a vast network of tunnels that span the entire length of the Dawnfire."

"What if I get lost inside?" she whimpered.

"You won't. Just go straight down and you will end up in the dungeons. Watch your step, because once inside, there is hardly any light, and don't take any turns or you'll end up wandering in circles for hours. Most of the tunnels are in disrepair. Nobody besides my family even knows they exist."

Wylek nodded in understanding. He could see her trying to process all this information at once. "Don't worry mi'lord. I won't tell anyone about them."

He squeezed her shoulder and smiled. "Excellent. Go straight to the dungeons. Don't look back. I will cover the door with the rug once you are through, so don't try and come out this way. Once this is all over, I will fetch you down there. Three knocks and you'll know it is me. Understand?"

She nodded, her eyes wide and unblinking. He got his claws under one of the sides of the trapdoor and lifted with all his might. It opened without making a creak, a thick cloud of dust billowing out in its wake. Wylek sneezed. They both peered inside the pitch-black hole, and the crude wooden steps leading deeper into the belly of the ship.

"It's very dark down there." she whispered.

Numinax couldn't agree more. He looked around the room for anything that might help her once she was inside. He spotted a small brass lantern sitting atop a small table and grabbed it, twisting the nob at the base. There was a soft hiss, and a bright flame flickered to life inside the glass shell. "Here, take this." he said, handing it to her. She took the lantern in her trembling paws. "It isn't much, but it will get you to dungeons safely. Just remember to put it out once you are hidden."

She nodded meekly.

"Go now." he urged. "I must continue on alone. If I do not return by morning, you must flee the ship. Do not wait for me. Do you understand?"

She nodded again, her face pale and gaunt. "I will do as you command mi'lord."

He smiled. Wylek clambered into the tiny hole until only thing visible were her big brown eyes poking out of the murky gloom. She stared up at him innocently.

"I ... I hope to see you again mi'lord." she whispered.

He winked. "You will little one. I promise you that." He waited for her to start her descent before closing the latch gently behind her. When it had finally shut, He stared at the ground bitterly and clenched his jaw, digging his talons into the rug.

He wished he could believe his lies. He really did. He turned around and left the room.

Oulissa

** ** Oulissa burst through the Sky Portal and into the night. The cold, ocean breeze struck her all at once, crisp, and frigid, but entirely welcome when compared to the stuffy heat of the Dawnfire. It felt like ages had passed since she'd last been able to stretch her wings, and she delighted in the sensation of the wind whistling through them, ruffling her feathers as she streaked high above the massive sailship. She closed her eyes and let the rain patter down gently on her cheek ruffs, letting it caress her soft fur as she circled around the Sky Portal. It felt amazing! She opened her eyes and gave a hoot of pleasure, startling some of the nobles who were grouped around it. 'Free!' she thought with a rush of exhilaration. _ 'I'm finally free!'_ Well, not entirely, she knew ... But at least it felt like it! That alone was comforting enough!

She soared past the dragons huddled close on the lip of the tunnel. They glared at her scathingly, sullen and cold-looking in stormy weather. 'They don't have thick fur like gryphons.' she thought with a smirk. They were freezing out here.

"Land at once!" Vrin barked. "You're going to get us all killed flying around like that!"

Oulissa trimmed her wings landed on the edge of the portal, snuggling up between Starmire and the two silver-scale twins. Their bodies were very warm, she noted. She ruffled her feathers apologetically. "Sorry!"

"It was a mistake bringing her along with us!" One of the nobles shouted over the wind. He glared at her hatefully. "She just wants to escape!"

"No I don't!" Oulissa shot back. "I want to stop Draxyl just as much as you do!"

"Enough!" Vrin roared. "Arguing is a waste of time!" He stared at her hotly. "Gryphon, if you do something like that again, I'll kill you myself." Oulissa wilted and nodded quickly, her crest bobbing up and down. "We all swore to defend the Emperor!" Vrin shouted. "We all know what's at stake if we fail! There's no turning back!"

A black-clad soldier swooped in from the rain and landed awkwardly on the ledge beside Vrin, nearly slipping off as he tried to maintain his balance. For a moment, Oulissa thought he was the enemy ... until she remembered it was only Taraguin wearing Garrank's weapons and armor. He looked odd in the heavy set of steel plate, like it wasn't fastened correctly, and his war-claws were far too big for his paws. He stood at rigid attention, his dark eyes shining beneath the polished full-helm he wore.

"Taraguin reporting, Sir!"

"Speak."

"I spotted them, sir! Lots of em'! Off the stern of the ship, at the top of the Citadel!"

"How many?"

"It was hard to tell sir ... thirty-score, perhaps more. They're everywhere! Surrounding the Royal Chambers, outside the Great Glass, in the air, I had to flee before one of their patrols spotted me!"

"And did they?" Vrin asked icily.

Taraguin shifted. "N-no sir. Not to my knowledge sir."

Vrin grabbed Taraguin and yanked him close, baring his fangs threateningly. "Did. They. Spot. You?" he hissed.

There was a terrible silence. "P-perhaps!" Taraguin conceded, closing his eyes and flinching away. "They didn't follow me though! They must have thought I was taking a piss or ... or something!"

Vrin cursed and shook his head disparagingly. "Taking a piss ... I knew I couldn't rely on you. No matter. We have what we need. They are guarding the Royal Chambers. Draxyl is likely already inside." He looked back up. "We fly at once!" he shouted. "Follow me! Into the clouds!"

Vrin launched himself off the ledge, everyone doing the same, until the sound of two-dozen beating wings filled the air. Oulissa followed along right behind them, deciding to stick close to Starmire and the two silver-scale twins as they all flew high into the night.

She glanced down at the Dawnfire below. Even hundreds of feet up in the air, it was still an incredibly massive construct: Over a mile long, its triple, pearl-white sails were dropped in the turbulent weather, its powerful, dual-waterwheels churning as it propelled itself swiftly through the crashing ocean waves. A large belch of black fire burst through the towering smokestack in the center of the ship, only to be swept away by the turbulent wind. Surrounding the vessel was nothing but an endless sea of black, frigid water. The boat twinkled brightly upon it. It looked alive and welcoming compared to the brutal environment they found themselves in. _'Out here, there is only cold, and death.'_she thought grimly.

The rain started pouring down harder. There was a flash of brilliant white light in the ominous clouds above, followed by a low rumble that made her gizzard quake with fear. Some of the nobles looked at each other and growled nervously. She couldn't blame them. Lightning. The Bright Bane, as many called it. Flying in this sort of weather was as dangerous as it was mad, but she had a feeling Vrin wouldn't let a spot of bad weather slow them down.

"Storm's picking up!" he shouted up ahead. "We have to move quickly before it gets worse! Form up! Standard battle formation, six on my left, the rest of you on my right! We are going to cut through these clouds and get the drop on them! Hit them hard and fast while they are still unprepared! Go for their wings!" He shouted as another fork of lightning lit up the sky. "Their armor is weakest near the neck and belly! When I give the signal, I want all of you to retreat back into the clouds, while the Mesmerai and I break the Great Glass and confront Draxyl! Do you understand?"

The dragons roared.

They breached through first layer, and the temperature plummeted instantly. A wet, icy chill crept through Oulissa's bones as they flew through the damp, frigid cloud, piercing her heart and freezing her to the very core. Thick droplets of moisture stuck to her fur, soaking it before turning to frost on the tips of her flight feathers. She rustled them in disgust.

"Best be keeping up." Starmire whispered. She turned and glanced up at the sleek Mesmerai soaring alongside her. The oncoming mist hissed and turned to steam as it touched the female's scalding bronze scales. She looked like she was not of this world, her violet eyes alight in a mysterious, other-wordly glow. "Wouldn't want to get lost now, would we?" She winked, and flew on up ahead.

"Where is she going?" Oulissa asked the twins once Starmire was out of sight.

"To speak with the Commander." came their short reply.

Oulissa frowned and concentrated on keeping up. It was hard enough just because she was smaller than them, but flying through the storm clouds made things even worse. She could hardly see more than a few feet ahead of her, and her hearing was all messed up; all weird and muffled sounding. It was like flying half-blind. The only thing guiding her became the twin's dancing tails just a few meters ahead. Everything else might have well have been thick, gray smoke.

It was odd flying with a group of dragons, she wondered idly. Their species were practically at war with each other, but here she was, allied with them in her time of need.

Was she though? Could she really trust them?

What would happen if they somehow managed to survive this fight? Would they kill her afterwards and keep quiet about it? Throw her in the dungeons for an eternity for trespassing aboard their ship? Keep her as a political prisoner? 'No' she reasoned. 'Numinax wouldn't allow that. He loves me.'

'What if he is already dead?' A tiny voice asked in the back of her head. 'He won't be able to save you then.'

'No.' she argued. 'If I'm still alive, then surely Numinax is too.'

_ 'Draxyl was ahead of you both.' _ The little voice persisted, louder this time._ 'Maybe he was too late to rescue his father. Maybe Draxyl killed him the moment he stepped inside the Throne Room.'_

She felt hot tears roll down her cheek. She squeezed her eyes shut. 'No!' she cried. 'He can't be dead! He can't be!'

_ 'Look!'_ the voice chimed gleefully. 'Look! Look! Look!' S_he followed its wickedly sharp, black, crooked talon. It pointed down through the clouds at the Dawnfire. A fork of lightning lit up the air, and for a second, she saw through it: She saw the countless soldiers circling the Citadel ... waiting for them ... she saw the light glinting off their steel claws and jagged armor. _'They're already inside!' _ The voice cheered. _'The Emperor is dead! Numinax is dead! You'll be dead too! Dead! Dead! Dead! Dead!'

"No!" she screamed. Her eyes snapped open.

She nearly crashed into Vrin.

He was hovering in midair right next to Starmire, staring at her furiously. She twisted her body to the right and banked sharply to avoid him, clipping his shoulder on the way by.

"Watch where you're going!" He spat.

The nobles were grouped around him, she returned and hovered next to the twins, head down as she tried to remain invisible. She felt like an idiot. 'Get a grip.' she told herself, wiping away her tears.

Vrin thankfully ignored her. He unclipped his war-claws and let them drop away into the ocean below. Oulissa stared at him in disbelief. What on earth was he was thinking?"

Elder Kaldon flew forward. "What are you doing!" he shouted. "We need those weapons!" Vrin stared at him for a brief moment before grabbing Kaldon's chest-piece and hauling him in close. He tore the dragon's helmet off. Kaldon yelled in surprise and tried to pull away, but Vrin got a hold of his ivory horns and held on tight. He started pulling off the golden jewelry looped around them. Most of it slid off like it was supposed to, but the rest shattered and broke apart, falling away into the waters below. Next came Kaldon's heavy gold chain, and when he tried to push Vrin off, the Commander deflected his clumsy strike and disarmed him in one swift motion, detaching his stolen warclaws and letting them fall along with his helmet. Another noble - Kaldon's young disciple - dove to catch the discarded weapons and armor.

"No!" Vrin roared. He pushed Kaldon out of the way and raced after him, grabbing his tail and holding him back. The blue male spun around and hissed.

"Let me go!"

"The metal!" he shouted. "Leave it!"

Elder Kaldon flew over and got in Vrin's face. "Have you lost your mind!?" he screamed. "How am I supposed to fight without any weapons!"

Vrin sneered. "They would have gotten you killed!" he hissed. "All of us! The lightning is attracted to metal! Gold, steel, iron, all of it! Do you hear me? The lightning is attracted to it! Take it off! Everybody take off your armor and claws! It's a miracle we aren't dead already!"

Oulissa felt a horrible tightness in her gizzard. Perhaps he was right, she realized. She recalled a time back in her youth when a whole flank of the gryphon soldiers went missing during a terrible thunderstorm back in Tallspire. Was it their armor that was to blame? Or simply bad luck?

She heard something on the edges of her hearing. A faint hiss almost. She ignored it, passing it off as the wind meandering its way through the clouds. A crackle of thunder rippled forebodingly through the air.

"The Commander speaks wisely." Starmire said, her voice clear and sonorous for all to hear. "I know this to be true. Lightning yearns to be with the ground, and the metals you wear are the closest thing to it."

"Heed her advice, if you will not heed mine! This storm will kill us all if you do as she says!"

Most of the nobles started nervously removing their armor and trinkets upon hearing this. Even Taraguin needed no further convincing, unstrapping his ungainly steel claws and throwing them into the wind. Kaldon remained silent the longest, but he too joined them once he realized he was alone in his protests. He ripped off the remainder of his armor and dropped it into the ocean below.

"Waste of good steel." he muttered. "How are we supposed to rescue the Emperor if we have nothing to defend ourselves with!"

"We'll manage." Vrin answered. "Without armor can outmaneuver them! Strike them in groups, drive them into the water you have to! The storm will do the rest!"

"They outnumber us ten-to-one Commander! We won't stand a chance!"

"Do not question me!" Vrin roared, his eyes blazing with conviction. "We have three Mesmerai accompanying us, in case you've forgotten Elder Kaldon. I will not let a group of traitors stand in our way! Weapons or not, we'll fight them tooth and claw!

Oulissa's ears twitched. The whistling sound was getting louder. She looked at the red-eyed Mesmerai with a start. "Do you hear that?" she asked.

The twin gave her a curious look. "No, what is it?"

She tilted her head and cocked her ears, trying to hear more. It was coming from up above them she realized. She looked up, but saw nothing. The noise was completely unnatural, like a high-pitched, ear-piercing whine. It wasn't the wind. A shiver of fear raced up her neck. Why couldn't anyone else hear it?

"Our lives are not disposable!" somebody shouted. "I don't want to die out here!"

"You will not die!" Vrin roared. "As long as we work together, we shall all make it through this night unharmed! We must remain focused! We cannot let fear grip our hearts!"

"Does anyone else hear that sound?" Oulissa asked nervously. Everyone ignored her, like she wasn't even there. The whistling grew louder.

"Prepare yourselves!" Vrin yelled. "We haven't much time! We'll drop when I give the signal, keep your wings trimmed until we are right on top of th-"

"-Commander!" Oulissa interrupted, flying over to him.

He glared at her. "Silence female. Can't you see I am speaking?"

"I hear something!" she continued. "A whistling sound! Can't you hear it?"

Vrin stared at her like she was insane.

She ruffled her feathers, her eyes wide and terrified. "I'm not mad!" She turned to the group of nobles. "Can't any of you hear it?" she asked. "Listen closely and you will! It's not the wind!"

Everyone was deathly quiet all of a sudden. Listening. The whistle turned into a shriek.

"Hey! I hear it too!" Taraguin piped up. "A sort of soft ... hissing noise!"

Something very odd happened next: Vrin's expression flickered from one of confusion, to one of understanding, then finally - to one of utter horror. Everyone heard it now.

They all looked up.

All she saw were their razor-sharp claws whistling straight towards them, the dragons they belonged to grinning madly behind their ugly, black helms.

"Ambush!" Vrin yelled.

The screaming started.

Numinax

Numinax walked quietly down the brightly lit Hallway of Ages. He'd taken a small detour instead of going straight to the Royal Chamber, for he had no desire to run into any more patrols that might still be roaming the halls of the ship.

Above him, strung across the high domed ceiling, were tapestries chronicling the vast, rich history of the Empire. The first dozen were made from hard, rough-spun wool. Crude, sewn, charred, frayed, things, over ten thousand years old, and all that remained after a fire had consumed their original home in Haren'Ma nearly a century ago. He'd always admired them for some reason. They were beautiful, in their own primitive way. Full of bold colors and simple designs that had long since faded away to nothing. The tapestries detailed the events leading up to the Great Joining: The Dark Times, when dragon-clans of old had waged war during the Eve: A long period of cold and darkness that plagued the land for centuries. The colors and images had long since bled out, but he could still make sense of some of the images: The dark backdrop of night. stars speckled upon the horizon. Two dragons wearing what looked like bronze armor, fighting side-by-side, a forest on a cold winter evening. And finally, the mountain ranges of Kyro, stretching as far as the eye could see, a dull, red sun blazing in the skies high above them. Then, it ended, and a new series of tapestries begun, and on and on it went, right until the very end of the hall.

The next tapestry was in much better condition, and was truly a sight to behold. It depicted the Great Joining itself: The legendary ceremony where a thousand dragon-clans made peace with one another, and mated in the grassy plains of Valakut for months on end, forgoing their ancient rivalries and creating an everlasting dynasty that existed even to this day, in his very bloodline. The detail and beauty of the tapestry could not be denied. He'd once tried to count the number of dragons participating within the great mating ceremony, but he'd been forced to give up after two-thousand. Each one was entirely unique, their shimmering scales and tiny bodies made from the finest threads of silver-moth silk, interwoven so many times it was disturbingly realistic. In the middle of the great orgy was the Monument of Light. It hovered mysteriously in the air, a mesmerizing ball that shone upon all the dragons below. Even to this day no one understood how, or why it had been created. The great artisans of old had all died long ago, taking their secrets with them to the catacombs beneath the mountains of Kyro-Kan.

The rest of the tapestries - while still beautiful - were nowhere near comparable to the one created during the Joining. Somewhere along the way, dragons had lost the ability - or desire - to create such masterful works of art. The Dawnfire was an exception, yet it had taken decades upon decades to build, and not to mention every single great mind in the Empire combined. He wondered if there would ever be a time when dragons would re-discover all the knowledge they had lost. His father was obsessed with their history. Restoring dragons to their former glory was his sole focus, but at what cost? There were rumors of dissent brewing in Tallspire. The gryphon clans were restless, and any further encroachment on their land would only plunge both kingdoms into a long, bloody war, the likes in which nobody had ever seen before. It would make the Rebellion look like a petty skirmish!

Did his father realize that? Perhaps. Draxyl certainly didn't. He knew that if his brother won the night, it would be at a terrible price. Dragons would never again rise to the greatness they had known a millennium ago. They'd be devastated. Scrabbling in the dirt like a bunch of worms.

He reached the end of the hallway and peeked around the corner. The entrance to the throne room lay directly ahead, a hundred feet down at the end of the Great Hall.

He groaned. There was a dragon guarding the door, and the creature was not wearing the silver armor of his father's personal guard. He was wearing all black. A traitor.

A shiver raced up his spine. He swallowed dryly. Was he too late? 'Of course you're too late, idiot.' he thought bitterly. 'You spent half your time escorting a servant to safety, when your father was in danger. What did you think Draxyl would do? Take a shit off the bow and wait for you? He's probably already inside."

_ _ He gauged his options carefully. _ 'They aren't good.'_ he thought grimly. He had to get past the guard. The secret tunnels came to mind. He knew one of them led right into his father's personal chambers, but the nearest entrance was back in that quiet little foyer beneath the rug. Too far, he reasoned, compared to where he was now. Besides, it was easy to get lost down there. The only reason he'd sent Wylek in was because he knew the dungeons were at the bottom of the ship. Anything else was impossible to locate in those cramped, dark tunnels.

He clenched his jaw. He must confront the drake. There was no other choice. He was a prince! Surely some soldiers still held some degree of respect for him! Numinax took a step around the corner and started walking towards the door, steeling his nerves with resolve. He'd demand entrance. If he was refused, he would act accordingly. He felt a tight feeling in his gut. He had no desire to fight, but he would if he was forced to.

The soldier looked up and spotted him. He continued and gave him a cautious nod. When he was no more than a dozen yards away, the soldier walked into the middle of the hall and held out a bladed claw forbiddingly.

"Come no further mi'lord." he whispered in a hollow, icy voice. Numinax took it as a good sign he hadn't been attacked yet. He came to a halt. Half-hidden in the looming shadow of a bronze statue.

"Let me in." he demanded quietly. "I have no quarrel with you, warrior."

"I ... I can't." the male said hoarsely. "I have ... I have orders."

"I know what my brother plans to do." Numinax insisted. He stepped into the light, his blue eyes flashing with a fierce intensity. "It's not too late to stop him. All you have to do is let me in."

The soldier looked up, his eyes sunken and hollow. "It is." he admitted. His voice nothing more than a defeated whisper.

Numinax heart rose tightly. "He's already inside, isn't he?"

The soldier nodded meekly, unable to look him in the eye. Numinax felt a heavy weight fall upon his shoulders. His ears drooped and he looked down at the ground. 'Too late.' _ He thought woefully, the words echoing in his head. _'Too late.' He felt sick to his stomach. Draxyl had killed the emperor ... their father ... It was too much to comprehend all at once.

He looked up at the guard in disgust. "And you did ... nothing ... to stop him_._" he hissed.

The soldier looked devastated. "You don't understand." he breathed. "What he is ... what Draxyl ... is capable of ... I had no choice!"

Numinax glared at him hatefully. "You always have a choice." he hissed. "My father believed in you! He trusted you!" He strode up to the soldier, his talons digging into the crimson rug at his feet. He wanted to strike him, to hurt him, to kill him for everything he'd wrought! But the smaller dragon merely shrunk back against the massive oaken door and stared shamefully at his paws. He'd accepted his fate.

Numinax readied himself to lash out ... but he hesitated at the last second. He grabbed the soldiers full-helm and pulled it off. The gaunt, tired face of a dragon he knew well stared back at him.

"Even you, Graxun?" He asked solemnly.

The Master-Tactician's pale green eyes flickered upon hearing his name. He looked like he'd aged a thousand years since he'd last seen him in the ship's council chambers. His once handsome features were gaunt and hollow, his jagged, dark-green scales a pale and listless white. Even his eyes were different. What had once been the sharp, piercing gaze of a seasoned tactician, was now the dull, empty stare of someone dead inside. Dark circles surrounded them, as if he had not slept in days. He looked like a shell of his former self; broken, and exhausted.

"What has Draxyl done to you?"

"He forced us to turn on each other." Graxun croaked. "Said he'd kill us if we refused."

"Where are the others then? Surely some of you fought back."

Graxun looked down. "Dead." he sobbed. "They're all dead. We slaughtered half of them while they were asleep. They rest didn't even stand a chance. Draxyl locked them in the dungeons. Probably flooded their cells while they were still inside."

Numinax stared the disgraced Master-Tactician in horror. He composed himself. "You can still do the right thing." he said after a moment of silence. "Let me in, and we can put an end to this madness before it consumes us all. We can stop Draxyl, together."

Graxun slowly shook his head. "I ... I can't." he whispered. He looked up, and Numinax could see the terror shining in his pale, ghostly eyes. Draxyl had truly crushed him. "Run away." he croaked. "It's not too late for you mi'lord. The Summer Islands to the East perhaps ... you could fly there; they'd take you in as an exile ..."

"I am not going to run." he Numinax said bluntly. "If you will not help me, I will confront my brother alone."

Graxun stared at him. "I ... I beg you ... please"

"Open it." Numinax commanded. "There is nothing more to discuss here."

Graxun hesitated, then slowly nodded in understanding. He placed his claw on the handle and turned it with a loud _thunk. _Numinax clenched his jaw. He should have felt scared, or nervous, or weak; but in truth, he felt nothing. Everything in his life had led up to this. From the moment he was born, he was destined to fight Draxyl, and now, the time had come. It was like a cruel joke of sorts. He was a healer, and yet he would be forced to fight for his very life ... For the life of everyone aboard the Dawnfire and the realms beyond. It was unfathomable, to slay one's kin, but he had no other choice. If there was one thing he was sure of, Draxyl would never listen to reason, and would kill him with no remorse.

Graxun looked at him one last time. "Once you are inside, you are on your own." he whispered. "I'm sorry, but I can't help you. May the gods give you strength."

Numinax stared at the golden sun emblazoned into the center of the door. He remained silent. He no longer hated Graxun. He felt sorry for him. Draxyl would destroy them all if he failed. The door swung open, and he stepped inside the Throne Room at last.

Oulissa

** **"Ambush!" Vrin roared out again. The rain poured down in an endless stinging deluge. "Brace yourselves!" The first soldier struck him at full speed, their bodies colliding with a thunderous_crunch. _ Oulissa felt the impact ripple through her bones, her eyes wide with fear as she hovered in mid-air, unsure where to go, or what to do. She barely had any time to react. The shrieks and roars of battle filled the air as half the nobles flew to meet their attackers head-on, while the rest of them panicked and fled in every direction.

"Die!" The dragon attacking Vrin screamed in a guttural voice. He drove the Commander downwards, rearing back to slash his throat. Vrin reacted instantly. He caught the soldier's downward strike and gritted his fangs as the metal cut into his exposed paw. He grimaced and roared out with pain. They struggled fiercely for a few horrible seconds, snapping and hissing in each other's faces. Vrin dug his hind claws into the male's stomach, finding the soft belly-scales beneath. There was a violent rip, and the soldier screamed in agony, disemboweled in mid-flight, his entrails spilling out and swaying grotesquely in the wind. Oulissa retched at the sight. Vrin pushed the soldier off with a vicious snarl, slashing the male's exposed throat and letting him plunge away into the ocean below. He looked around and caught sight of her, his eyes smoldering with rage, and his maw soaked with blood.

"Fly!" he screamed at her "Fight!" He spotted Taraguin a few yards away. "You!" he screamed, his spines flexing outwards, spittle flying from his mouth. "I'll kill you for this!" He surged forward, but another soldier crashed into him. Vrin grunted with pain, and they both tumbled deeper into the clouds out of sight.

Oulissa glanced at Taraguin. He looked scared, but met her accusatory glare. She darted away from him immediately.

"He trusted you!" she shouted at him over the sounds of battle. "You betrayed us!"

"N-no! It's ... it's not what you think!" Taraguin stammered. Oulissa didn't let him finish. She turned tail and fled, weaving through the air as the dragons battled around her. For once in her life, she was immensely grateful for being small. Everyone ignored her as she darted swiftly through the sky, the shrieks, and deafening sounds of blades scraping together quickly becoming all she knew: A hellish nightmare of blood, fear, and death. She watched in horror as a noble in front of her was ripped apart by two massive soldiers, her silvery wings twisted and torn to shreds as she plummeted screeching and writhing into the waters below. Elder Kaldon was busy fighting two more, his sheer size and strength enough to hold both warriors at bay. One of them lingered too close - a baiting lunge - and he wrapped his massive paws around the soldier's neck and snapped it like a twig. He threw the lifeless dragon away with a thunderous, booming laugh - cut short - as the other one caught him by surprise and grabbed his throat. Blood was drawn, and Kaldon's eyes went wide with fear as he tried desperately to wrench the smaller dragon off. His blue companion suddenly came out of nowhere and slammed into his assailant for him. Oulissa didn't wait to see what happened next. She swerved around a badly wounded noble limping through the air, his pursuers following close behind. The Mesmerai were nowhere to be seen in all the confusion, but she could hear soldiers yelling out, indicating they were fighting nearby:

"Starmire's here! Stay together! Do not attack her alone!"

A fork of light lit up the sky above. Oulissa felt the air sucked from her lungs, and for a moment, time stood still as the rain stopped, and everyone froze as a bolt of lightning arched its way through the heavens. It was a terrible, beautiful sight to behold, and her feathers rose up all on their own as a primal energy rippled through her. Everyone felt it, and everyone was frozen in awe.

There was a searing flash, followed by a tremendous explosion that that nearly stopped her heart mid-flight. She felt the concussive blast, squeezing her eyes shut in horror as her ears sang with pain. She careened through the air, half-deaf and half-blind, the rain slamming against her fur, and pouring off her beak,

'This is where it ends.' she thought. 'This is where I die.' _ There was no way in a million years she'd ever make it through this storm alive. If a soldier didn't catch her first - weak and helpless as she was - than surely another blast of lightning would. _'At least that would be swift.' she reasoned.

Finally, Oulissa found the courage open her eyes, afraid of what she would see when she did. She was dizzy and confused, her hearing all distorted, and her vision a spinning mess. She realized she'd been holding her breath this entire time and exhaled in a rush air, finding herself suddenly all alone in the sky, the shrieks and roars of battle distant echoes that lingered eerily through the clouds. Each wing-stroke felt like ten, her feathers limp and sodden with rain. It was coming down hard now, like the very sky had turned into the ocean itself. She looked around for any more soldiers that might be lurking nearby. There were none. How far had she flown? Was she even close to the battle anymore?

The tiny gryphon trimmed her wings and flew downwards, bursting out of the dark clouds and into the night once more. It was easier to breathe now. The Dawnfire was a league to the north, a tiny pinpoint of glowing light on the horizon, sailing away with each passing second. A stab of fear jolted through her heart. How did it get so far away? She'd never survive out here all alone! Oulissa started flying after it, straying close to the clouds in case she needed to hide in them once more. Above the Dawnfire she could see tiny balls of flame plummeting into the water below, four of them, leaving black trails of acrid smoke in their wake. They looked like falling starts. A horrible feeling slithered through her. They weren't stars. They were dragons she realized, burning and falling away into oblivion. Tears welled up in her eyes and she clenched her beak in anger and despair. Those were her allies! They'd chosen to stay and fight, while she'd flown off like a coward! They didn't deserve this! Vrin, Starmire, the twins ... she'd abandoned them. She abandoned all of them!

Fear coursed through her. What now? Were any of them still alive at this point? The Dawnfire was getting closer, but she could still see numerous warriors patrolling the ship's Command Tower. Not as many as before, but enough to defend it from an attack. There was no sense trying to approach it, they'd hunt her down in a second. She only had one option left: Try and regroup with the survivors.

She angled her wings up and rose into the clouds. Another flash of lightning crackled across the sky, striking the main mast of the ship in a thunderous explosion of light and sound. She was ready this time, letting the shock-wave ripple through her matted fur and buffet her mid-flight. Somehow, the bolt of pure energy did not destroy the ship. It dispersed evenly along the three masts and flickered away, dissipating itself harmlessly into the wind. It seemed nothing could destroy the vessel. Not the waves, or the wind, or the wrath of nature itself. Dragons were truly the masters of everything they built. Nothing compared to the sheer might of the Dawnfire.

Oulissa watched a group of soldiers launch themselves from The top of the Citadel and take flight. Reinforcements. That could only mean one thing! The Mesmerai and nobles were still putting up a fight! She flapped harder. If she got there in time perhaps she could warn them! They hadn't given up yet!

There was a faint whistling noise. At first she thought it was only the wind, until an icy chill crept through her heart. She knew that sound well, only her ears had been keen enough to detect it earlier. The unpleasant feeling quickly turned into a horrible, spine-chilling terror.

Oulissa barely had any time to react. She rolled to the side just as a black-clad warrior went sailing past her, his war-claws outstretched and drenched in blood. A terrible pain suddenly lanced through her side, and she cried out, tumbling to her left and using her wing to cover up the deep laceration that had suddenly appeared down her flank. Warmth matted her feathers, and it came away sticky and red with blood. Her blood. 'Oh no.' she thought, frozen in shock and confusion. 'I'm hurt.'

_ _ She pivoted in mid-air, her eyes wide with fear and uncertainty. He'd disappeared. She could hear him laughing all around her, a deep, thunderous sound that only terrified her more. She couldn't tell where it was coming from. The clouds distorted his voice and made it seem as if it were coming from everywhere at once.

"Your quick!" he shouted in a voice thick and heavy with phlegm. "But not quick enough! I've always wondered what gryphons taste like! Time to find out!"

He came rushing at her from the left this time, the mist swirling away as he tore through it, an awful grin smeared across his pale, greenish face. Oulissa simply stopped flapping her wings and plummeted like a stone, his claws whistling past and grazing her crest. She righted herself a second later and spread them wide open, wincing with pain as she fell towards the ocean below. She was more terrified than she'd ever been in her entire life, more terrified than even the thought of being mounted by Draxyl. This dragon wanted to kill her.

"Running won't save you gryphon!" he cackled madly right on her tail. "I will feast on your beating heart!"

Oulissa sobbed, tears obscuring her vision before freezing on the ruffs of her cheek. The ocean rapidly approached, black, and menacing, and endless. She waited until the very last second before trimming her wings and skimming along its surface, sea-spray splashing against her chest and flight-feathers. It was unbearably cold. A massive wave approached and she turned sideways to face it, hoping to lose him on the other side.

"You can't fly forever!" he roared out right behind her. "You're getting tired!"

He was right, she knew. She felt weak and exhausted, and the burst of energy she'd felt when he'd initially cut her was quickly wearing off. Blood dripped from her wound, and she glanced over her shoulder. The warrior was no more than a dozen yards away, flapping leisurely as he kept pace. He was waiting for her to tire herself out before moving in for the kill.

At this point, she almost wanted to give up. It would be so easy she realized, to simply close her eyes, fold her wings, and plunge headfirst into the water below ... but the thought of seeing Numinax again gave her strength ... Something to believe in ... She opened her eyes and gritted her beak, flying as fast as her aching wings would allow. If this brute wanted to catch her, she'd fight him to the bitter end.

The massive wave crested. She knew it would topple any second now, but she kept flying, her left wingtip skimming the icy surface. The Dawnfire disappeared out of sight behind massive wall of water, it's frigid depths threatening to consume them both. She'd once seen waves crest along the sandy shores of Tallspire before. Even flown inside the pocket of air of one, gliding as it curled above ... threatening to collapse ... until she burst out of it into the clear blue sky, whooping and hollering like an idiot. It had never been as big as this one, not even close, but it couldn't be that much different ... right?

She glanced over her shoulder. The soldier was still in pursuit. His black eyes narrowed once he realized what she planned to do.

"You want me?" she challenged. "Come and get me!" She banked left and rolled hard up the face of the wave. Up and up, higher and higher, towards the frothing crest. Time almost seemed to pass in slow motion as she soared towards it, the rain pattering against her face and neck in thick, heavy drops. She squinted as a burst of lightning rippled across the sky above, arching its way through heavens in a sight she'd never witness again in a thousand years. Just as the wave was about to consume her, she rolled to the right and flipped upside down, curving around the crest as it spilled over-top of itself, and crashed down all around her.

The sound was almost excruciating: A never-ending, deafening roar that made her want to scream out loud. Oulissa soared towards the only exit a hundred yards north, the black sky just barely visible beyond it - freedom.

She took it back. This was the most terrified she'd ever been_. _ She trembled from head to tail, her wings aching with the stress of having to glide for so long in the narrow funnel of water. It shrunk with each passing second, threatening to buckle her wings and crush her in an instant. Water was everywhere around her. Above her, below her, to the sides. She could hardly think or breathe with how loud it was, and her heart hammered inside her chest until she thought it might explode. Oulissa didn't even bother looking back. She prayed the beast had already drowned himself, but there was no way to tell. The slightest deviation in her flight path could prove disastrous.

The exit was getting closer, but not fast enough. Fifty yards. She trimmed her wings in horror as water began spilling down her feathers and onto her back, losing even more speed in the process. Forty yards. Now she felt it against the top of her head and ducked low, her breast skimming the rushing surface as she gave tiny flaps to keep from going under. Thirty. Icy froth sprayed into her eyes. It was blinding. She could hardly see. Twenty. Her wings screamed in agony. She screamed herself, but choked as water gushed inside her mouth and made her retch. It tasted awful, like salt. Ten. The exit wavered and buckled. It would close any second now, trapping her within. The cold felt like a thousand daggers stabbing her all at once. A thousand icy needles piercing her skin. She was drenched, but she closed her eyes and gave one final thrust, blasting out through the tiny hole and into the night sky with a screech of triumph.

Her eyes snapped open, and she sucked a huge breath of fresh air. She coughed and spluttered and gasped. Above, there was nothing but dark, angry clouds, the silver moon shining dully behind them. She'd made it! She burst out laughing. She didn't care. She laughed like a maniac, her voice coarse, and harsh, and ugly. It felt amazing to be alive! The cold was almost non-existent now, but her beak clattered non-stop. She trembled like a blind newborn, her wings and muscles aching with a fierce intensity she'd never felt before. She was exhausted, but alive! She couldn't give up now. She had to get back into the clouds!

Something grabbed her from behind.

Reality came splintering back in a stinging rush. Her tailfeathers were suddenly wrenched painfully hard, yanking her down. She already knew who it was, but she looked back anyways, unwilling to believe it ...

He was right behind her, staring at her with his black, soulless eyes, and clutching her tailfeathers in a death grip. His ugly, scarred face had a vicious snarl plastered across it. It curled into a demonic grin. He was soaking wet.

"I said I will feast on your beating heart!" He roared. "And I will!"

Oulissa nearly fainted with terror. How had he survived? She was sure the wave had swallowed him whole! It didn't matter. He was going to kill her if she didn't free herself. She flapped as hard as she could, kicking out with her hind-claws and trying to break his grip. It was no use. Her talons scraped uselessly across his metal gauntlets, sparks flying everywhere each time she lashed out.

His grip tightened. "I said I'd feast on your flesh gryphon! I will cut out your heart and eat it before your very eyes! It will be the last thing you ever see!"

"Let me go!" She screamed back in his face. She kicked and slashed him through the visor of his helmet making him grunt with pain. She broke free and frantically raced towards the clouds, hoping to lose him inside them.

"You filthy rat!" She heard him curse behind her. His wings flapped silently as he took off in pursuit. She only made it a couple yards before his talons clamped around her tail again. She was so tired. There was no way she'd have the strength to escape him a second time. She tried anyways, flying up and pulling with all her might. It was pointless. She might as well have been trying to lift the Dawnfire itself. He held on tight, his massive weight dragging her down with each wingstroke.

"I'll make you pay for that!" he hissed. She fought against him with everything she had, but each time she managed to gain some height, he would yank her down and ruin any progress she made. It was hopeless. He was going to kill her.

"Help!" She screamed into the wind. "Someone help me!" He laughed cruelly.

"There is no one coming!" he hissed. "All your friends are dead! Don't worry, you'll be joining them soon enough! I'll make sure of that."

Oulissa struggled harder. Thunder rumbled through the clouds above, and she saw them flicker ominously. The rain poured down hard. She knew he was right. Everyone was dead, and she was all that was left. A coward. She'd exhausted herself, and everything they'd fought for, everything they'd accomplished ... it had all been for nothing. The thought itself was worse than anything imaginable. They'd failed. Completely, and utterly. She closed her eyes. There was nothing left to do but surrender to eternity. Oulissa knew it would not come swiftly. He'd make her suffer for leading him on this pointless chase.

A strange ripple of energy tingled through her gizzard. It was such a peculiar sensation that she opened her eyes in surprise. It seemed to be coming from everywhere all at once. She glanced down and saw the dragon staring at her in confusion. He'd felt it too. The clouds glowed brightly, bursts of light coursing through them. A low, baritone hum suddenly trembled through the air, causing all her feather's to stand on end. The hum grew louder, throbbing inside her head and causing her instincts kick in. She began to panic. Something was coming. Something bad.

Oulissa looked down at the soldier. He seemed just as confused as her. Something was wrong with him though. With his armor. It was glowing. She'd never seen anything like it. A blue aura permeated each and every smooth metal plate, surrounding his body in a strange, ethereal haze. He looked down at his limbs and inspected this new discovery with minor interest.

"What the?" she heard him say. The hum grew louder.

Oulissa knew at once she was in extreme danger. She vaguely recalled what Starmire had said: "Lightning yearns to be with the ground, and the metals you wear are the closest thing to it." A horrible, sickening feeling suddenly crept down her spine. She began struggling with all her might, pulling hard against his vice-like grip.

The soldier didn't seem to realize the danger they were in. He looked up at her stupidly, then scowled, unconcerned with his glowing armor. He yanked on her tail, but she flapped even harder, trying desperately to wrench herself free from his grasp.

"Quit struggling!" he shouted above the howling wind.

The hum grew louder, and Oulissa threw herself into it. She could feel it building inside her gizzard, a terrible energy that made her entire body thrum unpleasantly. If she didn't get away from him in the next couple of seconds, she'd be obliterated. The vibrations grew more intense, the clouds flickering angrily above as an obscene amount of destructive force built inside them just waiting to be unleashed. She closed her eyes and screamed into the wind, screamed at him to let her go, until her voice was raw and she tasted blood. It stopped raining. Even the air tasted strange now. Foul. Unnatural. The oxygen was sucked from her lungs and the clouds growled darkly. Finally, the soldier seemed to realize something was amiss. He looked up, and his jaw dropping in awe. His armor was glowing brighter than ever.

"Gods above." he mumbled. His grip faltered. Oulissa knew she wouldn't get another chance and pulled with all her might, screeching in pain as she ripped half her tailfeathers out, right down to the quills. She tumbled forward, spinning over-top of herself as the soldier lunged to grab her. She saw his eyes. Black, and cold, and wide with fear. There was a bright flash reflected in their shiny depths, a massive explosion, and then, a horrible, searing heat that washed over her body. A heat more intense than anything in the entire world. Hotter than the sun itself. She wanted to scream, but even the air itself was scalding. She inhaled fire.

The soldier's claws never reached her. He simply turned to ash. His eyes bursting into tiny flames as more spilled from his twisted, gaping maw. His armor was no longer steel, but liquid metal, molten, and hot, disintegrating both flesh and bone alike. He vanished in an instant, blowing away like dust in the wind.

Then, suddenly she weightless. Falling. Burning. Her world faded to black.

Numinax

The Emperor's Royal Chamber was vast, majestic room, filled with ancient relics and priceless family heirlooms worth more than half the kingdom itself. Statues of past heroes forged in solid gold, mosaics shimmering with blood-red rubies and diamonds, jaw-dropping works of art, and not to mention chest, upon jewel-encrusted chest overflowing with gold, we're all but some of the riches that decorated the massive room, floor to ceiling.

The Monument of Light was the first thing most visitors noticed when they stepped through the grand foyer, their gazes drawn upwards to the Great Glass Dome where it hung, overlooking the entire room. During the day when the sun was out, beams of light reflected off its thousand gently spinning glass arms, and cast a silvery light upon on polished mahogany walls below. In the evening however - as it was tonight - the strange candles flickered brighter than usual, each one symbolizing the lifespan of a king, the legacy of the Empire itself. There were over a thousand candles, with even more hidden deep inside the heart of machine. They required no maintenance, forged in obsidian, they never extinguished. A true testament to the might of the Eternal Empire.

Numinax's eyes lingered on it for only the briefest of moments. Graxun held the door open for him and he stepped inside. Two dragons were lying on the ground at his feet. They were wearing the handsome silver armor of his father's personal guard, but stained with blood. They were dead, ran through. He swallowed nervously, terrified that perhaps he'd see his father in a similar fashion.

Something moved in his peripheral vision. The corpses had been nothing more than a ruse, distracting him from the warrior hidden behind the archway to right. Before he even had time to react, he felt cold, steely claws grab his neck and slam him up against the wall. His eyes narrowed and he grappled with the dragon's densely muscled forelimb. It didn't budge. A massive, red-eyed drake snarled in his face, his fangs dripping with saliva.

"Unhand me, beast." he hissed.

"Let him go Orgamon!" Graxun shouted, appearing behind the monstrous warrior and grabbing him by his steel pauldron. "That's Prince Numinax!"

Orgoman shrugged him off, his eyes a pallid, burning crimson. He brought his blunt snout in close and sniffed Numinax's face. He smelled like death and rot, but Numinax refused to flinch away. Orgoman was a vicious, ugly brute. A traitor once, and a traitor now it seemed.

"My father spared your life during the Rebellion." he growled. "And this is how you repay him? By stabbing him in the back?"

"Shut your mouth." Orgamon growled in his deep, gravelly voice. "You have no power here, boy."

"Unhand him Orgamon! He's still the Emperor's son!"

Orgamon's head snapped to the side and he stared at Graxun. "And which Emperor do you serve Kal-Kun?" he sneered. "Draxyl, or his worthless father?"

Graxun swallowed nervously. He looked down at his paws. "Draxyl." he mumbled quietly. "I serve Draxyl. Forgive me Orgamon. I misspoke."

Orgamon smiled cruelly. "Good. Your loyalty - unlike mine - is still in question." He looked back at Numinax, cocking his head to the side. "Now, why have you come?" His claws tightened around his neck. "You'll find no solace here, boy. Only death."

"Where is he?" Numinax snarled. "Where is Draxyl?"

"I am here." Came a smooth voice from across the room. Numinax felt a chill race up his spine. He knew that seductive purr well. Draxyl.

"Let him go Orgamon. My brother means us no harm."

"As you wish Master." he growled. He leaned forward. "Don't try anything. Or I'll rip those pretty blue eyes from your skull." He released him, and Numinax dropped to the floor, swallowing and rubbing the spot where the warrior's blades had pressed into his throat. He got to his feet slowly, looking up towards the center of the room.

Draxyl was lounging in the massive golden throne atop the stone altar it rested upon, scratching lazily at his chin. His ebony scales contrasted sharply with the its smooth, reflective surface. He looked calm and relaxed in his father's spot. Natural. His powerful, muscular body draped languidly across it, and his tail flicking casually about. He stared at Numinax with cold blood-red eyes, the faint twist of smile visible at the at the edges of his snout.

For a moment, everything about Draxyl reminded him of their father: That practiced, penetrating stare, calm demeanor, and attractive dominance that came so naturally to him. But there was a viciousness in there as well. A powerful darkness that resided deep within his soul, corrupting him from within. Draxyl was a dangerous beast. Unpredictable. Exciting. The females loved him, and the males were envious of his unquestionable power.

He was wearing black war-claws made from cold, hard-wrought steel, heavy chains encircling the gauntlets for added weight. He pushed himself from the throne and rose up to his full height, towering above everyone else in the room. He was a handsome beast. Terribly so. Spiny, black, and massive. Easily the largest dragon in the world. His demonic black horns were curved and numerous, complementing his equally jagged wings. Numinax stared at him in a mixture of awe, fear, and worst of all, perverse attraction. Draxyl had grown since the last time he'd seen him, but it always seemed like Draxyl was growing. His limbs were powerful and smooth, but he moved with a deadly grace, his long serpentine neck drifting left and right, never in same place, and his bright red eyes always watching. His smile grew wider, revealing thousands of sharp white fangs.

"Leave us." he commanded, waving a paw dismissively at the two soldiers flanking Numinax. Orgamon looked disappointed, but didn't protest. He bowed obediently and left the room in silence. Graxun followed closely behind.

"Not you Graxun." Draxyl purred. "You stay here."

"S-stay ... my lord?"

Draxyl looked at him and smiled. "Yes. Stay. Do not make me repeat myself again."

Graxun trembled from head to tail. He did not speak up a second time.

"Close the door." Draxyl whispered in that sickeningly sweet voice of his. Graxun obeyed, pushing the mighty oaken doors together. It seemed to take forever, but finally, they slammed shut, the resounding thud echoing ominously throughout the room. A long silence followed, and then Draxyl turned and he fixed his gaze on Numinax, that cruel, confident smile etched permanently onto his snout.

"Hello brother. I've been waiting for you."

Numinax stared at him in silence. He never spoke with his brother anymore, not unless it was absolutely necessary. They were so distant, that any sort of relationship they'd once had in their early youth, had long since disappeared. They'd chosen separate paths: Peace, and warfare. Life, and death. Love, and hatred. They had nothing in common. They never really had.

"Where is he?" Numinax asked quietly. "What have you done with Father?"

Draxyl chuckled. "Go and see for yourself." he pointed carelessly at one of the dark corners of the room. Numinax followed his gesture with a horrible feeling twisting in his gut. His father lay at the end of it, crumpled in a heap under the shadow of a statue. Numinax's heart plummeted.

"Father!" he croaked. He ran over, heedless of Draxyl's piercing stare, or Graxun's submissive one, heedless of everything around him. He was entirely focused on the sight of his injured father, a once mighty, ancient, golden dragon, lying motionless on the cold wooden deck, forgotten, and alone.

He drew close. He'd seen his fair share of battlefield injuries in his day, but never anything like this: His father had been horribly mutilated. His long, smooth, glittering wings were tangled and broken, the dark, leathery membranes slashed to shreds, and the diamonds embedded within ripped out and scattered across the floor. They were damaged to such an extent, that Numinax knew he'd likely never fly again. His golden scales were stained with crimson blood, and his powerful body ravaged by deep lacerations of such viciousness, that the skin peeled outwards and exposed the soft, red flesh beneath, gaping wounds that went straight to the bone and sinew. Draxyl had brutally tortured him at first, and then once he was completely helpless. Destroyed him.

Hot tears rolled down his cheeks. Teas of anger, and despair, and profound sorrow. Numinax could hardly bring himself to touch the creature that had once been his father. Seeing him lying on the floor, bloodied, and broken, stirred feelings inside him he'd long thought repressed. His father had never been kind to him. Cold, and hard, and distant would be better suiting words, but he'd always been there regardless, pushing him to reach his full potential. Draxyl had always been his favorite. The eldest. More powerful. His heir. 'But look what he's done to you.' he wanted to say. 'Did you ever once recognize the darkness that twisted inside his heart? The darkness that I ignored?"

_ _ He placed a claw on his father's shoulder, and touched his forehead to his bruised, swollen cheek. His father was still warm to the touch. Fat tears splashed down his paws and mingled with his blood. "I'm so sorry Father." he whispered. "I wasn't strong enough to protect you. I never was."

All was silent for a moment, and then the emperor gave a tiny groan.

Numinax recoiled in back surprise. The noise had been so faint he'd almost missed it. "Father!" he exclaimed. Somehow, he still clung to life! He gingerly rolled the Emperor onto his back, terrified that one wrong move and he'd simply fall apart in his paws. He nearly retched. His Father's face was a swollen, unrecognizable mess: A slack-jawed, slashed, swollen mass of flesh, yet he could still make out his cold, grey staring at him blankly. "Father?" Numinax croaked in confusion. He noticed a spider-web of black veins spreading beneath the scales on his neck. Deep, dual puncture wounds that oozed a black, foul corruption. He swallowed in horror. "Gods above. What has he done to you?"

"He'll be dead soon." His brother purred, coming up behind him. "I've made sure of that."

Numinax spun about, standing between him and their father protectively. He stared at Draxyl hotly, wings flared out in anger. "You're a monster!" he hissed. What have you done to him?"

Draxyl grinned. Exposing his long, blade-like fangs. They dripped a black, greasy substance, and he cleaned them with a flick of his serpentine tongue. "I simply gave him a kiss." he chuckled, his eyes burning hotter than coal. "A deep, loving kiss." His smile widened. "Come here, and I'll give you one as well."

Numinax backed away with hatred and disgust. "Stay away from me, demon." he hissed.

Draxyl laughed, a deep, baritone sound. "Demon. I like the sound of that. A rather suiting title after everything I've done, don't you think?"

"You've done nothing!" he shot back. "You've dishonored the Empire with the blood of innocent life! Our father's life!"

Draxyl's smirk turned into a snarl. "No one here is innocent." he hissed. "You, me, and especially him." he said, cast a disparaging look at the crumpled drake. "Even the gryphoness and the rest of her filthy kind. We are all beasts and savages, existing as one, and only the strongest are fit to rule." He started pacing back-and-forth, powerful, and brooding. "You never understood that Numinax. You we're always too weak to see the truth."

Numinax shook his head. "You're wrong." he whispered. "You're wrong about everything, and you're wrong about her."

Draxyl sneered. "Ah yes. The gryphon. I should have known you'd grow fond of her. What did you tell her, I wonder? That you'd keep her safe? That you'd protect her? Is that what you promised as you ate her out? Her body twisting and writhing in pleasure, screaming out your name for all to hear? That you'd keep her safe from me?" He laughed cruelly, his red eyes blazing. "No one is safe from me Numinax." he purred. "No one."

"Do not speak of her." Numinax breathed, his voice trembling with rage and humiliation. "What you did to her was wrong! She deserved so much better!"

"She deserved nothing." Draxyl spat. "You're lucky I didn't slit her throat after raping, the weak, sniveling little thing. She should consider herself fortunate to be bred by a dragon of my reputation. I did her a favor."

"Silence." he hissed. "I'm warning you."

"Or what? Draxyl chuckled. "You'll kill me?" He unfastened his war claws and let them drop to the ground with a loud clank. "I'd like to see you try. Come then brother, have your resolution. I've been waiting for this moment all my life."

Numinax knew this is what Draxyl wanted. To get inside his head and provoke him. To make him lash out. He couldn't let that happen. He'd get himself killed like that.

"I'm not going to fight you." he whispered. "Not yet."

Draxyl bared his fangs. "Of course not. You are weak Numinax, but not stupid. You wouldn't stand a chance against me. I've been a warrior all my life. Training, fighting, killing, bleeding. These things come naturally to me. I'd destroy you."

"You're a murderer!" Numinax retorted. "I don't take lives. I mend them! You ... you just kill for the sake of pleasure!"

"And that's why you will never rule." Draxyl spat. "Death weens out the weak and unworthy among our kind. Death is natural. It is inevitable. You ... you only prolong it, weakening our race as a whole."

"Life is a gift! And all you do is strip it away. You're the monster here. Not me."

Draxyl smiled. "We could argue endlessly about which one of us is the lesser creature, but I grow tired of listening to your pitiful whining voice Numinax. Now tell me - before I lose my temper - why have you come? What did you seek to accomplish here?"

"I came to stop you. To warn Father of your vile machinations." he glanced behind at him at the wounded Emperor. "I was too late, it seems."

"Indeed. I gave him the Kiss. You know that does, don't you? Of course you do."

"I know there are ways to negate its effects. I've studied them. If we take him to Starmire, she will withdraw the poison from his body! We can save him Draxyl. It's not too late."

"And then what?" he retorted. "Have me branded as a monster and put on trial? Have my wings ripped off? Do you take me for a fool Numinax? That I would so willingly accept my fate after everything I have done?" he shook his head. "No, it's too late for that. Our father would have me flayed for what I did to him."

Numinax had to admit he was right. Kinslaying was the greatest of all evils, and their father would sentence him to death once he was able. The High Council would demand it.

"He spared Orgamon's life during the Rebellion." He persisted, hoping vainly to convince him otherwise. "You we're there when it happened. Perhaps he'd do the same for you."

"Then you do not know our father." Draxyl hissed. "He respects power, and dominance, and nothing less. When I cast him down from his throne, bloodied and ruined, and sunk my fangs deep into his flesh, do you know what he did Numinax? Would you like to know what last thing he did was?"

A chill raced up Numinax's spine. He swallowed dryly. He didn't want to hear the answer, but somehow, he already knew what it was.

"He smiled." Draxyl whispered, grinning darkly. "He smiled at me."

There was a long, terrible silence. A crack of thunder rumbled in the air outside, distant, and faint. Numinax wanted to call him a liar, to say that it wasn't true ... but he couldn't. Draxyl's response was too disturbingly honest.

"Even you cannot deny it." he purred. "All his life, he wanted nothing more than for one of us to rise up and seize our destiny. He knew from the moment I walked inside this room that his time had come. He was waiting for me, and I tore him apart without remorse. I swore to him as I ravaged his body that I'd destroy everything he held dear. I swore that I'd erase his name from the pages of history, and turn his precious legacy into nothing but ashes. And then, when he could no longer resist, I raped him in front of everyone. I mounted him like a female in heat. I raped him like I did your little gryphon lover."

"Shut up!" Numinax snarled. "Don't say another word!"

Draxyl's horrifying grin widened. "She enjoyed it just as much as he did." he chuckled. "Perhaps more. She begged for me to claim her, and I was not gentle. I mounted her and fucked her senseless. I bred her until her womb so swollen with my seed, that when I pulled out, it oozed from her stretched cunt, and ruined my nice carpet. You should have seen the look on her face. She loved every second of it. A big, strong drake finally giving her what she always wanted. A clutch. A shame really. It seems like you won't get your turn with her after all-"

Numinax didn't let him finish. Anger of such intensity coursed through him, that all he saw was red. His temples pounded. He wanted to kill Draxyl. He wanted to hurt him for what he'd done. This creature was not his older brother. Whoever he was now, it was not the Draxyl he remembered from his childhood. He opened his wings and launched himself at his sibling with a scream of hatred, his claws outstretched and spines pulled back with rage. His brother just stood there, smiling infuriatingly. His stance shifted ever-so-slightly however, his muscles tensed. Draxyl caught Numinax's claws inches away from his face, cocking an eye-ridge in amusement. Numinax wrenched himself free and lashed out anew, but his brother countered his strike almost leisurely. He stumbled off-balance, fazed at how fast the large dragon moved. He didn't even have time to recover. Draxyl delivered a vicious backhand to his jaw that sent him hard to the floor, his ears ringing painfully.

"Just like your father." he spat. "Weak, and undisciplined."

Numinax groaned and got to his feet. He wiped his snout, and his paw came away streaked with blood. He stared at Draxyl sullenly. The larger drake prowled around him.

"I can feel your hatred." he purred. "That's good. Hate makes you strong. If it means anything, I don't hate you Numinax. I pity you. You were never my equal. You never posed a threat."

Numinax remained silent, shifting his gaze to the floor and bidding his time.

"I was going to spare you, you know. I didn't plan on killing you tonight. It will be difficult enough convincing the masses a lone gryphon assassin was capable of murdering our father. The very notion is ridiculous. A gryphon female? Impossible. Murdering you would make it even more suspicious. Questions would arise. An inquisition would take place, and I would be found guilty. Even with the might of the warrior caste on my side, it may not be enough without your compliance Numinax. I would even let you keep the gryphoness as a reward if you so desired, if only for a little while. They'd scream for her death eventually."

"And you'd think I'd just watch her die for nothing?" he growled. "Let you rip her away from me like that?"

Draxyl smiled. "I'm sure you'd grow tired of her at some point. I'd imagine after the guards are finished with her, she'll be quite used. Broken, I daresay. After that, it will be nothing short of merciful slitting her throat."

"I will never help you." Numinax trembled. "Not after everything you've done. Not after what I know you are capable of."

Draxyl smiled and spread his wings invitingly. "A pity. I was hoping that you'd see it my way, but I suppose I was wrong about you Numinax. You really are a fool for thinking you could challenge me. Goodbye brother." Draxyl's muscles tensed, and then he pounced, a black shadow with smoldering red eyes, grinning insanely.

Numinax managed to rise up just in time as his brother struck him. It was like being slammed into by a massive boulder. The air was forced from his lungs as Draxyl drove him back, his hind-claws digging into the rug and tearing it to shreds. Black talons encircled his wrists, digging painfully into his flesh as he fought back. Draxyl snarled and hissed right in his face, forcing him away for a second. Pain suddenly lanced through his shoulder, and then, a wet, sticky warmth. He hardly felt it. The second blow fell upon his temple. Stars exploded in his eyes and he tasted metal on the roof of his mouth, but he forced himself to remain conscious. He raised a wing just in time to block the third strike, but the force behind it was such that he was knocked off balance. Draxyl's claws encircled his throat, and Numinax immediately tucked in his chin to prevent him from ripping it out.

He was thrown to the ground. It was warm and slippery with his blood. Numinax tried to get up but Draxyl was atop him now, a dead weight. Another blow fell to his snout. Numinax couldn't see. He screamed with rage and lashed out, smacking his brother across the face. Draxyl grunted with surprise.

"Well-struck brother! You're putting up a better fight than father!"

The claws around his neck tightened. He was losing air. A flurry of blows rained down from above, but he angled his forelimb and protected his face from the worst of them. Draxyl grabbed his elbow and wrenched it out of the way, pinning him floor. He saw his brother's face smiling down at him, his fangs dripping with saliva and blood. His black wings were outstretched, blotting out most of the room, and encasing them both in his sibling's fetid embrace. Draxyl smelled ripe. An overpowering, masculine stench that forced its way into his nostrils. Something wet and spiny rubbed against his belly, and a quick downward glance confirmed his suspicions. Draxyl was brazenly erect, his monstrous cock grinding against his stomach. Numinax wanted to vomit. His brother was aroused.

He couldn't swallow, he couldn't breathe. Saliva dripped onto his face from Draxyl's open maw. A black, endless tunnel filled with row upon row of sharp fangs. He lashed out, but Draxyl shrugged off the glancing blow. He had to get him off. He had to break free or else he'd die. Numinax pushed with all his might, but his brother wouldn't budge. His vision flickered and swam.

"That's it." Draxyl whispered. "Don't fight it brother. It will all be over soon. Just relax and let me kill you."

He stared at him furiously, his eyes bulging out of his head. He tried to say "Never." but the only sound that came out was an odd little gurgle. Draxyl smiled and brought his head in close, opening his demonic maw. Numinax got a paw up underneath his brother's chin and pushed with all his might, but he was rapidly losing strength. His muscles felt incredibly sluggish. Draxyl drew closer, his long, serpentine tongue whipping back and forth and slathering his cheek with hot spittle. He groaned, his vision tunneling. Draxyl's teeth were now inches away from his skull. He felt a stab of dread. He couldn't let him bite down. It was all over if he did. Draxyl's jaw distended grotesquely and clamped around his orbital bone. One second passed. Two. All he could smell was his rancid breath washing over him. It smelled like rotting flesh. He bit down, and Numinax screamed in agony.

It was a pain worse than anything imaginable. A pain beyond comprehension. White spots exploded in front of his eyes and his ears rang with pain. Everything hurt. He felt the Draxy's fangs puncture his scales and press against outermost layer of his skull. Scraping. He thrashed wildly on the ground. Twisting. Wishing that it would simply end, wishing the torture would stop, but he knew his prayers would fall on deaf ears. Draxyl wanted to make him suffer. He'd make sure he'd never see Oulissa again.

Just when he thought his head would explode, there was a shout from across the room. Suddenly, the pain stopped and Draxyl was thrown from his body. Numinax's eyes snapped open and he gasped with a mixture of relief and confusion, sucking in much-needed air. It was too much. He retched uncontrollably, his head throbbing, and his throat feeling as if it were on fire. He could hear screams coming from beside him. Screams and snarls of rage. He looked up blearily to see what was going on.

Two dragons were fighting next to him. His brother ... and to his complete bewilderment ... Graxun Kal-Kun. He frowned. Graxun? Why in the world was Graxun fighting his brother?

It didn't matter. Draxyl was injured. There was a brutal gash in the middle of his chest that had knocked some of his scales loose. Graxun was the one shouting. He was yelling and screaming like a wild beast, swinging his war-claws in massive overheard swipes that Draxyl seemed to be just barely avoiding. Even his brother looked astonished for once, but his expression quickly turned to one of pure hatred. Graxun was backing him up into a corner.

'He saved me!' Numinax thought in amazement. Poor, timid, broken Graxun had come to his aid! He couldn't believe it! He tried to get up, but his head pounded terribly. He groaned and clutched where Draxyl had bit him. There was blood everywhere, and he could hardly see through it. 'Head wound.' he thought. 'Lots of blood.' Head wounds always bled a lot. He wiped his face. He knew he had to get up, but his thoughts were all muddled and slow, like he had to process them twice before they registered in his mind. 'That's because you're going into shock.' he told himself. _'If you don't get up, you are going to die.' _ He gritted his teeth and pulled himself from the floor, his hearing coming back in a stinging rush.

"Get up!" Graxun screamed. "Get up Numinax!" It took him a full thirty seconds to realize the Master-Tactician been yelling at him this entire time. Not Draxyl.

"Graxun!" he croaked.

The smaller dragon glanced back at him, his eyes wild with fear. "Run Numinax! Now is your only chance!" he swiped at Draxyl, but he was too slow. Draxyl ducked beneath his outstretched limb and dove into his chest, tackling him to the ground.

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" Draxyl hissed. Numinax nearly soiled himself. He'd never seen his brother so furious before. His eyes were like burning daggers, his spines flexed out, and his muscles rippling with a terrible fury. Graxun struggled valiantly, but it was no use. Draxyl was twice his size and had him pinned down.

"You'll burn for what you've done, demon!" he cried. "The gods will have their vengeance!"

"Perhaps! But not before I've feasted on your heart!" He grabbed Graxun's chest-plate and ripped it off in one vicious swipe, exposing the Master-Tacticians pale green underside. Numinax was frozen in horror. He wanted to run, he wanted to flee, he wanted to help, but he couldn't even move.

The Master-Tactician looked at him. He knew he was about to die. "Run!" he screamed. Those were his last words. Draxyl's claws plunged straight into his chest. There was a horrible ripping sound, a scream of agony, and then Draxyl wrenched his claws free, Graxun's heart clutched triumphantly in his grip.

It was still beating. Numinax screamed.

Draxyl held it above him into the light, letting the warm blood drip down onto his face. He bathed in it. Graxun stared at him in horror, the color in his scales quickly fading away into a pale, lifeless gray. He tore into his heart before his very eyes, ripping and chewing and swallowing grotesquely. Graxun eyes rolled up, and he shuddered and finally went still. Draxyl crushed the remainder into a paste and threw it haphazardly over his shoulder. "Unworthy." he spat. He turned and looked at Numinax, a smile spreading across his blood-red snout. His fangs were covered in gore, but his eyes were redder still. "Running away Numinax?" he chided. "I knew you were nothing but a coward."

Numinax finished attaching his brother's discarded warclaws to his limbs, fitting the blades over his talons and fastening them in place. He turned to face Draxyl.

"Not anymore." he growled. "You'll pay for that."

Draxyl eyes narrowed. "Finally, a challenge." he purred. There was a brief moment of silence, then they flew at each other, for what was surely the last time.

Oulissa

** ** She was falling. That's what it felt like at least as she plunged deeper and deeper into oblivion. All was dark and silent. Weightless. 'Perhaps this is what dying feels like.' she wondered. If it was, it wasn't nearly as bad as she thought. Peaceful, actually.

It hurt though. She felt it across her skin. A deep, throbbing pain. She could feel it pulsing to the beat of her heart, a hot, itching sensation, like her skin was on fire. 'That can't be right.' she thought. _'Dead things don't have heartbeats, nor can they feel pain.' _ Her eyes fluttered at this unpleasant realization. Oulissa squeezed them shut. She didn't want to open them. It felt nice being dead. She wanted to fall forever.

There was a sudden, sharp pain on her rump, like her feathers weren't even there anymore. It hurt bad. She groaned and opened her eyes, but it was hard to see. Everything was a blurry, blue-gray mess, her ears ringing loudly. She felt angry all of a sudden. Was it too much to ask for some peace and quiet? Oulissa shook her head, but that hurt too. Did everything hurt? She heard a voice, but it was distant and small. She flicked her ears down. She didn't want to hear anything. She just wanted to fall, and fall, and fall until the end of time ...

There was another sharp pain on her rump. This time harder, like a bite, or a sting. She groaned as her senses returned. Oulissa smelled burning flesh, and the voice kept getting louder.

"Wake up!" She heard it yell. "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!" It sounded muffled, like the wind was rushing though her ears. She tried to ignore it, but the pain returned, this time it was excruciating.

Her eyes snapped open and she swiveled her head around, flaring out her crest and hissing angrily. There was a dragon with his fangs sunk into her rump, or what was left of it. Her skin was all pink and seared looking, her feathers missing. He looked terrified. She kicked out with her hind-claws and pushed him off.

"Get away from me!" she screeched.

"Hey!" the small green dragon shouted. "It's me! Taraguin!"

Taraguin? Her eyes narrowed. "Your one of them!"

"No I'm not! Look where you're going! You're going to crash!"

Oulissa glanced down. She was extremely disoriented. The Dawnfire was below, huge and close, but it was sailing among the stars. She felt a numbing terror wash over her. 'Flying? How can a ship be flying? That's impossible.' She felt sick all of a sudden and started to retch. Nothing came out. There was nothing left inside her stomach. She glanced to her right and saw Taraguin soaring alongside her. _ 'We're falling up'_ she realized. 'I've truly lost my mind.'

"Flap your damn wings!" he yelled. "You're going to hit the water!"

_'Water?' _ Water was supposed to be down. Not up. It took her a few horrible seconds to realize she was looking at the stars reflecting upon ocean's surface. Not the actual sky itself. That made more sense.

'I'm going to hit the water!' she realized suddenly.

She was falling at top speed, seconds away from impact. She flared her wings out and prayed they wouldn't buckle. They nearly snapped clean off as the wind caught under them, and she winced as she skimmed along the surface of the ocean, Taraguin following close behind.

"We have to get back to the Citadel!" he shouted. "We don't have much time!"

She turned to face him. "Why are you helping me! You betrayed Vrin!"

"I didn't betray Vrin!" he yelled over the howling wind. "They must have spotted us earlier! For all we know they probably spotted you when you were flying around the sky portal! Now slow down!"

She gulped. He had a point. She'd been soaring around like an idiot before Vrin told her to land. Maybe she was responsible for all of this. It was a horrible thought. She turned to face him, hovering in mid-air.

"Where is everyone?" she croaked. "What happened?"

"We're being routed! They ambushed us in the clouds! Don't you remember?"

Oulissa's memory flooding back. The claws, the teeth, the screams. She trembled. She looked down at her chest and noticed all her feathers were gone. Pink and vulnerable, like a hatchling. She suddenly felt very exposed.

"What happened to me?" she cried.

Taraguin shrugged. "I don't know, but you're hurt bad." he said, pointing at the deep gash in her side. She looked down and felt dizzy all of a sudden. She was losing a lot of blood. "You we're like that when I found you! You must have been struck by lightning or something!"

"Struck by lightning?"

"Yeah! You were on fire and everything! What in the world happened?"

"Starmire was right ... the metals ... it all happened so fast ... I must have been caught in the explosion." she mumbled to herself more than anything.

Taraguin stared at her like she was crazy.

She realized she would have died if he hadn't rescued her. "You saved me." she croaked, her lungs still burning from the awful heat. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it. It was the least I could do."

"Where is Starmire?" she asked.

His frills drooped. "I don't know! We were taking heavy losses last I saw; we might be all that's left!"

"All ... All that's left? You mean ... you mean they're all dead?"

Taraguin shook his head. He looked just as terrified as her. "I don't know!" he repeated. "If we're lucky, maybe few of them made it through ... if not, we can't let their deaths be in vain! We've got to get to the Citadel! We've got to at least try!"

Oulissa hoped it was the former, otherwise, this would make for an awfully short rescue mission. "Al-alright." she stammered. "Lead the way."

He turned tail and pumped his wings, quickly gaining altitude. "C'mon, let's go!" Oulissa struggled to keep up. Half her flight feathers we're either blackened or scorched, while the rest had roasted clean off. She gritted her beak and focused on the Dawnfire looming up before them. The Citadel was a couple hundred feet in the air, located at the stern of the ship. She couldn't spot any soldiers from where they were at the base of the tower, but she had a feeling they were still lurking about. Taraguin glanced back at her periodically to see how she was doing.

"What if we run into any traitors?" she asked.

"I'm trying not to think about that." he replied. "I guess we'll have to fight em'. Hopefully Starmire was right and the storm did most of the work for us. I don't relish the idea of fightin' a dragon without claws on."

"And what if there is more than one?" she asked worriedly.

"Then I hope we aren't the only ones who made it. That, or they are stupid and slow, preferably both."

Oulissa agreed. There had to be at least a couple nobles who survived. It was hard to picture Starmire being overwhelmed by a few soldiers. She was so powerful ...

"Have you ever killed someone?" she asked quietly.

There was a short pause. "No." Taraguin admitted. "But how hard can it be? Vrin used to say if you bite someone hard enough at the base of their neck, they'll bleed out in a couple of seconds. That's all it takes."

Oulissa swallowed uncomfortably. "I've never killed anyone either, but I'll keep that in mind."

"We're getting close." he whispered. "Hard on my flank gryphon."

She pulled up alongside him as they flew up the face of the tower. The exterior of the Dawnfire was much different than the rustic-looking inside. A mixture of massive oak panels interlaced by a powerful, overarching, metal superstructure. Metalworking was a dragon art. Gryphons could forge blades and smaller vessels from the material, but never on such a grand scale. A servant cleaning the inside of a glass window recoiled back in surprise as they soared by, jaw agape at the sight of a gryphon and a dragon warrior flying so close to the ship.

"Let's climb the rest of the way up." Taraguin whispered. "We don't want to get spotted if there's a bunch of them perched up there." He banked right and flared out his wings, landing gently in the gaping jaws of a huge bronze gargoyle on the side of the ship. She followed close behind and landed below in its outstretched talons, claws scrabbling to maintain their hold on the slippery, moldy surface.

"This is a bad idea." She grumbled, the rain pattering on her head. "We're going to get ourselves killed out here!"

"Feel free to take the lead if you want."

"That's reassuring."

"Hey, I didn't ask to be the one in charge here! Now quit blabbin' and start climbin'!"

She started after him. Her muscles ached with strain, but she did her best to keep up. They hopped from ledge to ledge, using their claws to maintain their grip on the wooden hull as the wind howled through her fur. Much to her dismay, Taraguin's ass was right in her face for most of the way up, his tail swatting her beak on more than a few occasions. She caught a glimpse of his dark tailhole and - even worse - a whiff of his spicy, draconic musk. She recoiled back, scowling. It was strangely pleasant.

He looked down at her and grinned, waggling his rump in her face. "Enjoying the view?" he asked.

She rolled her eyes. "Is this really the time?"

His grin widened. "Maybe once this is all over, you'll get an even closer look." he gave her a friendly wink, and she blushed furiously. The thought was lewdly appealing for some reason.

"I hope your claws are as sharp as your tongue dragon, otherwise I fear we will meet a swift end."

He jumped to another metal outcropping, swatting her in the face with his tail. It was difficult to tell whether he was doing it on purpose or not. "And I hope yours is softer than silvermoth-silk." he chuckled. "I can't wait to find out."

She smirked. "Actually, it's covered in sharp spines. Very sharp."

He glanced at her, his small, dark eyes twinkling mischievously. "A shame. A dragon's tongue is very long and slender you see. You'd be surprised at all the warm, snug little places it can find its way inside. I could show you a few later if you'd like."

"I think I'd rather throw myself from this ledge before letting you do that."

He winced and put a claw to his heart. "Ouch, now that hurt."

She grinned. "Don't feel too bad. I'm sure you'll get another shot at the Mesmerai once we rescue the emperor. Two or three at once even. Plenty of places to stick your tongue inside."

"I'd still like to know what a gryphon feels like." he purred. "I'm very gentle. You'd love it."

Oulissa shook her head in exasperation. Dragons.

They we're getting closer to the top of the Citadel. Taraguin stood on his hind-paws, digging his claws into wooden hull. He hauled himself up towards the ledge and peeked over the top.

"Coast looks clear." he called down to her. "Come on up."

Oulissa tensed her hindquarters and launched herself up in a single bound, landing neatly beside him. He nodded approvingly. In front of them was a massive stained glass dome she recognized from earlier. It sparkled beautifully in the night, rays of multicolored light shining from within. Surrounding it were four massive black pillars that converged into one - a dark spire - reaching towards the heavens. They were at the highest point of the ship she realized, and the view was breathtaking. The Dawnfire below looked more like a floating city than a ship, the sea spanning around it for miles and miles. Her heart pounded inside her chest. They we're truly alone out here.

"I don't see anyone." she whispered.

"Don't be so sure. They could be hidin'. The storm thinned their numbers, but there has to be a few of them who made it. Keep your eyes sharp."

They crept along the metal walkway surrounding the dome for a minute, searching for any signs of life. It was eerily quiet. Thunder rumbled softly in the distance.

Oulissa knocked on the surface of the glass. It was too bright and muddled to see inside. "We need to break this don't we?" she whispered. "That's what Vrin was talking about. The Emperor is inside isn't he?"

Taraguin nodded. "I hope so. I'm still tryin' to figure out how. I wish I had Garrank's war-claws. They had these little metal studs on the gauntlet you could use to smash things with. Pity they're at the bottom of the ocean now."

They scouted around for a few more minutes. Something warm and slimy dripped onto her head, and Oulissa brushed it off quickly. At first she thought it was just a particularly fat raindrop, but a quick whiff said otherwise. She recoiled back at its repulsive stench. It was saliva.

"Taraguin." she squeaked.

He was already looking at her, his eyes wide with fear. He'd noticed it too. They both looked up.

At first there was nothing but shadow. But then, out of the gloom, there was a dragon. His white fangs flashed in the dark. He was hanging upside-down in the hollow interior of the spire, his smooth black armor and scales blending in perfectly. She wilted in horror.

It was Draxyl.

"Move!" Taraguin screamed. He pushed her aside just as the massive beast spread his black wings and dropped down from above. A horrible monster made of metal, tooth, and claw. Oulissa felt her insides freeze up. She knew it was him. He'd been waiting for her. He'd been waiting all this time.

He landed right where she'd just been, his war-claws slamming into the deck, denting the metal walkway from the tremendous impact. He looked up and growled, flexing his massive body. His crimson eyes burned with rage.

"Gryphon." he growled. His features were hidden behind the massive, demonic full-helm he wore. His voice didn't sound right, too coarse, and he wasn't as big as she recalled, but it had to be him. He towered above her.

Taraguin helped her up, flaring out his wings. "Get behind me!" he hissed.

Draxyl wrenched his claws out of the metal. "Helping the stowaway?" he snarled. "I expected more from you, Taraguin."

"And I expected nothing less from you Orgamon!" Taraguin shot back. "I always knew you we're a traitor!"

Oulissa suddenly realized the soldier in front of them was not Draxyl at all. Similar in some ways yes, but smaller, and squatter. Uglier too. He gave a hideous smile.

"Stand aside." he purred. "Give me the gryphon, and I'll try to make your death quick."

Taraguin glanced at her. For a horrible second, she thought he would actually concede to his request, but his eyes quickly narrowed to slits and he turned back. "I don't think so."

The soldier started walking towards them.

"You don't have any weapons, or armor." he purred. "Surely you must realize you have lost. Your friends are dead. Vrin is dead. The emperor is dead. Even his son, Numinax is dead. They are all dead. I've seen their corpses myself."

"No!" Oulissa shouted. "You're a liar!"

"You're next I'm sure." Orgamon sneered. "Draxyl will devour your flesh. He is probably ripping out his brother's heart as we speak."

"Don't listen to him Oulissa. He's lying."

Orgamon gave a barking laugh. "You fought valiantly, I'll admit that much, but it makes no difference. You've lost. Now give me the female."

He was still walking towards them. Oulissa felt a strange twitch in her gizzard and looked back. They we're nearing one of the spire's support pillars. Why hadn't Orgamon attacked them yet? He was better armed and could cut them down in a second if he wanted to. Something wasn't right.

"Taraguin." she whispered. He wasn't paying attention.

"How can you side with Draxyl after everything his father's done for you!" he shouted. "He spared your life during the Rebellion! Or have you forgotten?"

"Of course not." Orgamon snarled. "Every day I am reminded of it. The emperor should have ripped my heart out that day. Given me a warrior's death. I should have died during that battle, not lived! Every night I've dreamed of exacting my revenge for what he did to me. Draxyl made those dreams a reality. I serve only him now."

"The emperor wasn't trying to dishonor you! He was showing you respect! He spared your life because you fought with honor! Not because he was trying to humiliate you!"

"You're a bigger fool than I thought." Orgamon growled. "And you will never understand what he was capable of. The torture, the manipulations. My only wish is that I had been the one to strike the killing blow. I can only imagine how satisfying it must have felt."

They we're still retreating. The pillar was practically within reach now. She couldn't take her eyes off it. She smelled something foul in the air. Something rank.

"Taraguin!" she hissed worriedly.

"Can't you see I'm in the middle of something!"

"Something isn't right, I think he's luring us into a ..."

A massive head suddenly loomed around the far-side of the pillar. A hideous gray dragon. Black eyes alight with a zealous fury. His horrifying maw was filled with nothing but teeth. He stared right at her.

"Fresh meat!"

"-Trap!"

Taraguin spun around just as the ragged soldier launched himself towards him with a screech of rage, his wings spread wide. Oulissa dove to the ground, but Taraguin braced himself just in time, hunching his back and throwing the larger male over his shoulder with tremendous force. The armored drake warbled with surprise and smashed head-first into the glass dome behind them. There was a sharp crunch, and a jagged crack splintered down its surface. The soldier groaned, shaking his head and starting to get up.

There we're more of them she realized. She spun around. Three more soldiers had suddenly appeared from behind their own respective pillars, one at each dark corner of the citadel. They'd been waiting. Tall, and menacing. They started towards them.

She backed up against Taraguin, her tender skin rubbing against his oily scales. "There's more of them!" she breathed.

"I know!"

"What are we going to do?"

He looked at her. "I can distract them. Only for a couple seconds. You can escape."

"What are you talking about? I'm not going to leave you!"

"Don't be an idiot. There's no way we can take all of them at once."

"I'm not running away!"

"You won't get the chance." Orgamon purred, cracking his neck. He glared at them. "Seize the gryphon. Leave the traitor for me."

"Get out of here! Taraguin yelled. "Now!" He threw himself at Orgamon just as the warrior lunged, meeting him head-on in single-combat. Oulissa turned to face the other dragons. Two of them were coming from opposite ends of the walk-way, flanking, while the third was clambering over the great glass dome in the middle, cutting off her only escape route. She heard Taraguin cry out behind her. He wasn't wearing any armor or claws. Orgamon was going to hurt him.

Without even thinking, she pounced to his aid. "Leave him alone!" she screeched. She spread her wings and soared at Orgamon's bristling, chitinous back, claws out, ready to bite and tear. Taraguin was already injured. A deep slash cut down his face and chest - a blade wound - bleeding freely. Orgamon saw her coming and tensed, smacking her away with a lazy flick of his wing. She tumbled to the ground and rolled to her feet, launching herself at him a second time.

This time he was ready. He pivoted blindingly quick.

Oulissa didn't see it coming, and his tail whipped her right in the face. Hard. She crashed to the ground, the wind knocked from her lungs. The pain was excruciating. Sharp, and hot, and blinding. She couldn't see. She tried to get up, but her muscles wouldn't respond.

Cold, steely claws wrap about her nape and lifted off the ground. She went limp, her vision a throbbing, pulsing mess.

"Taraguin!" Oulissa croaked. He was screaming. She struggled against whoever was holding her, but the dragon grabbed her by the crest and wrenched her head back.

"Don't move." he snarled.

Her vision faded in and out. She saw glimpses of things. Taraguin getting flung hard against the side of a pillar, crumpling to the ground ... Now he was on his feet again, striking at Orgamon. The larger dragon blocked his desperate slashes with a cruel laugh, and in a single thrust, drove his blades deep into his shoulder. Taraguin collapsed to the deck coughing up blood. He looked up at Orgamon and snarled, his face slashed and bloodied.

"Well then? Be done with it. I'm not going to beg."

Orgamon grabbed him by the throat and lifted him off the ground, an icy smile etched across his snout. "As you wish." He drew Taraguin close and opened his maw, clamping his jaws around Taraguin's neck.

"No!" she cried.

Orgamon bit down hard, and Taraguin's eyes squeezed shut as he threw his head back and roared with anguish.

"No!" Oulissa screamed again, her tears falling freely now. She didn't care. She struggled furiously against the drake holding her, but it was no use. He wouldn't let her go. Orgamon released Taraguin and let the young dragon stumble back towards the edge of the Citadel, his claws scrabbling meekly at the deep bite-wound at the base of his neck. It wouldn't stop bleeding. Taraguin looked at her, his expression one of shock and confusion. Orgamon spun around and slammed him with his heavy tail, knocking the smaller drake off the roof of the Citadel. Taragin plunged down out-of-sight, into the freezing waters below.

Oulissa couldn't breathe. He fell. Time seemed to pass in slow-motion ... The wind rustling through her feathers ... the soldier's icy claws digging into her neck ... the blood dripping down her flank ... She could hear her heart-beat pounding in her ears. The distinctive _clink_of their warclaws scraping across the deck. She half-expected Taraguin to rise up and soar into the night, but she knew he wouldn't.

Taraguin was gone.

Orgamon had killed him.

Oulissa felt a burning anger rise within her. She looked in his direction. His jaws were covered in gore.

"Bring her too me."

The soldier dragged her forward. They threw her onto the cold, slippery deck at Orgamon's feet. She looked up defiantly at him, the freezing wind whipping through her fur. She wouldn't beg. She knew it would be in vain.

He smiled. "See what happens to those who resist? You've been more trouble than your worth gryphon, and now I'm going to break every bone in your tiny body."

"I have nothing to say to the likes of you, monster."

His red eyes flashed cruelly. "Let's start with your jaw, shall we?" He went to grab her.

There was a silent flap of wings, and a shadow passed over them both. Everybody looked up.

"Dragon!" one of the warrior's yelled out in warning. It was too late. The wings of the massive drake spread wide overhead, blotting out the sky above.

"Let her go!" the beast roared. Oulissa felt her feathers jump at the thunderous command. She recognized that voice! It was the Commander!

He smashed right into Orgamon, knocking the drake's helmet off, and sending the bigger male flying across the deck. Vrin was suddenly beside her, bitten and slashed, but growling ferociously. He flared out his wings and hissed, causing the other soldiers surrounding her to stagger back in shock, amazed by the sudden appearance of their formerly-deceased Commander. Two of them turned tail and fled, horrified, while another stood still. The last one threw himself at Vrin with a screech of fury.

"Die, demon!"

The Commander grabbed him by the throat in mid-air. The soldier's blood-shot eyes bulged out as Vrin's claws swept up, and cleaved through his assailant's exposed wing membrane in one, swift arc. Vrin rolled backwards and kicked the dragon off the roof of the citadel, the soldier screeching and tumbling helplessly into the water below, his wings slashed to shreds. Vrin spun around. "Watch out!" he roared.

Oulissa turned just as the other soldier pounced at her, ducking as his obsidian claws swiped at her head and crumpling to the ground. She scuttled back, pressing herself up against the side of the glass dome in terror. The dragon loomed over her, ready to finish her off.

He was tackled to the ground by a silver blur.

Oulissa couldn't believe it. The red speckled-eyed Mesmerai had come out of nowhere, her eyes flashing dangerously. "Get up Oulissa!" she shouted. "Get up!" The male screeched and smacked the Mesmerai off him, rolling over as both of them struggled to gain the upper-hand.

Oulissa got to her feet. Two more dragons suddenly swooped in from the rain, flaring out their wings and landing on the roof of the citadel. They weren't soldiers, but nobles! Snarling and spitting with fury. She couldn't believe it. Reinforcements! They'd finally made it!

"Come back and fight you cowards!" Orgamon roared at the fleeing soldiers. "Defend the Citadel! Protect it with your lives!" He pulled himself from the ground and rustled his wings, glaring hatefully at Vrin.

"You'll pay for what you've done Orgamon. I should have killed you at Haren'Ma."

Orgamon wiped the blood off his snout. "You had your chance. Now I shall be the one to feast on your heart."

"Hunt down the stragglers." Vrin ordered at the nobles behind him. "This one's mine." They nodded and took flight as he and Orgamon began circling one another.

"You! Break the glass!" One of them shouted on the way by. Oulissa looked around. Everyone was busy fighting again. The two soldiers had swung back around once they realized they had nowhere else to go. They swooped low and engaged the nobles in vicious aerial combat, striking and slashing with their heavy blades. The red elder Kaldon came plummeting from the clouds and slammed into one of them from above, tearing the unfortunate soldier apart in mid-air before he even knew what hit him.

A few feet to her right, The red-eyed Mesmerai was still fighting the male who'd attacked her. She seemed more than capable of handling her own, avoiding his heavy blows as she she landed devastating counter-attacks of her own. There was no sign of her twin, she noted.

Break the glass. She had to break the glass! Oulissa looked around for something heavy, warclaws, a rock, anything! She spotted Orgamon's black full-helm lying in a dirty puddle a couple feet away, and ran towards it, avoiding the Mesmerai as she spun around and threw the soldier against the pillar beside her. Oulissa grabbed the helmet with her beak. Gods it was heavy! She could hardly lift it! She raised it high in the air and stood on her hind-paws, swinging it down and striking the glass dome as hard as she could.

She almost knocked herself out. The helmet bounced off the glass with a loud thunk,_her vision flaring painfully. It didn't even crack! She hefted it up a second time tried once more. _Bang! This time thee helmet bounced out of her grasp. It splashed uselessly into the puddle at her feet. The glass was too strong! She looked around for help, but the Mesmerai was still busy fighting with the soldier. Nobody was going to help her this time.

_ 'Pathetic.'_ she thought bitterly._ _ She couldn't even break a stupid window! She had to keep trying! Oulissa picked up the helmet and dragged it across the deck. It screeched loudly against the metal walkway, but the sounds of battle drowned out the noise. She saw Vrin slam Orgamon to the ground a dozen feet away, his paw connecting with the side of his face in a vicious slap. Orgamon snarled and kicked him off, rolling to his feet and lunging back at the wounded Commander. She kept dragging the helmet, praying no one would spot her. She reached the side of the Citadel and peered over the edge.

It was a long way down. Icy waves smashed against the side of the ship a hundred yards down, breaking apart into a fine, sparkling mist that vanished into the wind. Oulissa set the helmet down and grabbed it with a hind-paw, counting to three, and praying to the gods her plan would work. She closed her eyes and jumped off the side of the ship.

The wind shrieked through her fur as she plummeted like a rock. She spread her wings wide, but it did little to slow her descent. The helmet was too heavy! All her instincts told her to drop it, but she knew that if she did, she was throwing away her only chance of breaking the dome.

Using all the strength, Oulissa pumped her wings. The wind caught under them, buffeting her to the side as she flapped as hard as she could. Slowly, inexorably, she began to rise. The rain slammed hard against her face, cold, and harsh, unyielding, and yet she continued. She couldn't stop. Not now. She carried the helmet up the face of the tower, higher and higher towards the clouds above. Her wings trembled and ached, and she was so tired, but her body called upon some final, inner reserve of strength. She needed to be strong. It was the only way.

She rose high into the night, past the Citadel, and past the warring dragons below, and towards the black clouds above. Oulissa saw Vrin circling Orgamon, limping and bloodied, but still fighting, the fire burning in his steely gray eyes. She saw the twin, now joined by her sibling, pounce on the outnumbered male and rip into his flesh, his screeches of mercy being brutally silenced. She saw a noble struck down in the mid-air. His blood his trailing into the wind as plummeted lifelessly into the waves below. And finally, she witnessed Kaldon clamp his talons around the exhausted soldier who'd struck the killing blow, and tear his wings off in retribution.

Oulissa ignored them all and flew higher still, following the spire until she reached the pointy tip. The moon shone down high above, bathing her in an ethereal light that glinted off the helmet in her claws. She felt a strange sense of calm wash through her. She wasn't scared anymore. She wasn't afraid. All her fear was gone.

She angled herself above the dome, then dropped into a dive.

Oulissa fell, whistling through the air. She trimmed her wings tight and held them against her body, streaking through the rain as she plunged towards the center of the Citadel. Lightning raked through the air in her wake, bright and terrifying, striking the top of the spire in a fiery explosion. She didn't even flinch. Everyone looked up and saw her. Awestruck at the sight of a small gryphon plunging headfirst towards the ship, faster than an arrow, faster than anything imaginable. She could hardly see, yet she knew her aim was true. She felt it ... deep inside her gizzard.

She flared out her wings and screeched, using all her momentum to launch the helmet as hard as she could at the Citadel. One second passed. Two. Three. The helmet flew straight and true, striking the very center of the dome. There was a tremendous resounding crash, and then the beautiful panes of stained glass shattered into a million tiny fragments of light, falling inwards upon themselves in an almost hypnotic, mesmerizing ripple.

Oulissa gasped. She done it. She'd actually done it! There was a gaping hole where the dome had been, a blinding light shining from within. She scrunched up her beak and shot towards it. It grew brighter and hotter as she drew near, until she passed through the shattered dome, flared out her wings, and entered the smoking inferno within. The room was on fire.

She saw him through the burning flames and broken glass. Through the smoke, and fire, and heat. She saw him at last.

Draxyl

The ceiling exploded. He looked up, but a flash of blinding light forced him to flinch away and shield his eyes. Lighting was his only thought. That somehow it had struck the tower, and destroyed the Citadel in a single, devastating blast. It was impossible he reasoned. The spire was designed to prevent such a catastrophe, but obviously it had failed. One second, the Monument was there, the next, it had turned into a fireball brighter than the sun itself. The image of its destruction was seared into his mind's eye. The most sacred, mysterious, treasured artifact in the world, had ceased to exist in the blink of an eye. He hardly even cared.

The room fell apart all around him. Glass, and metal, and fire. It was complete chaos, and he nearly went blind from the falling shards of debris, before hunching his shoulders over Numinax's crumpled body, and spreading his wings wide to shield himself from it. The noise was deafening as the Monument crashed down all around him. A veritable rain of fire and destruction, slamming into the deck at his feet.

Tiny bits of metal and glass shred his wings, but he'd fared worse in battle before. He snarled into the face of death, the flames licking at his ebony scales. The entire was room was ablaze, fire spreading across the carpet and igniting the velvet drapes lining the grand windows in a matter of seconds. Rain poured down through broken dome above, hissing as it struck the burning carpet. It would contain the blaze, he knew, but only for a time.

Once he felt it was safe, he unwrapped his wings from around his body and scanned the room. Black smoke was everywhere, filling the air with its acrid, foul stench, and billowing out the hole in the roof. There was a helmet buried in the deck not two feet from where he stood. It had fallen from above, and had he been in its path, the metal would have surely split his head right in two. He recognized it and frowned. It was Orgamon's. He felt an odd feeling in his gut and looked up.

There was a flurry of wings. A screech, and suddenly, a small creature struck him hard in the face. He let out a grunt of surprise as it drove him to the ground, its claws digging into his chitinous scales, and latching on tight.

He arched back and screamed with fury. The beast went straight for his eyes, it's talons raking across his face and trying to blind him. He reared back and managed to swat the creature away, but before he even had a chance to retaliate - let alone catch a glimpse of the foul beast - it had flanked around him and pounced on his back. He flared out his wings and twisted furiously, but his assailant refused to let go. From the size of it, the dragon had to be tiny. A hatchling, or whelp, or a servant. He cared not. It would die all the same.

He felt the creature scrabble against his back and sink its teeth roughly around the base of his neck. Except it didn't have teeth at all he realized ... It had a beak, jabbing into his hide. A small, narrow, wickedly sharp beak.

A horrible realization struck him, and then, a burning anger the likes he'd never experienced before. He knew who it was. It was obvious, and yet unthinkable at the same time.

It was her.

The gryphon was responsible for all this. The helmet. The dome. The destruction. Her.

She bit into his neck.

Instinctively, Draxyl hunched his shoulder muscles and growled. Her beak sunk in, but not deep enough. He reached back and grabbed her by the scruff of the neck, pulling the squirming bird off his back in one quick, brutal motion. Her skin felt odd and rough, as if devoid of all feathers ... raw. He squeezed as hard as he could. He wanted to hurt her. Badly.

She struggled and twisted violently in his grip, clamping her beak around his paw. A piercing agony suddenly shot through it, and he roared with pain, flinging the nimble little beast as hard he could at the stone altar in the center of the room. She spun through the air, feathers flying everywhere, and slammed into the golden throne. The room was ablaze, but he could still make out her pink, featherless body splayed out across the altar. Small, and weak, and defenseless. She did not move.

Draxyl glanced down at his left paw. The gryphon bitten the first digit clean off, talon and all, and the severed remnant was bleeding all over the smoldering carpet below, spurting out and staining the ruined material. She'd wounded him, and yet he felt no pain. He felt nothing but rage, a snarl curling at the edges of his snout.

She began to stir.

Draxyl's red eyes burned with hatred. He balled his claws into fists and clenched them furiously. He could not contain the blinding fury that boiled forth from deep inside him. A fury that begged itself to be unleashed upon the little wretch.

The ship was lost. Of that he was certain. The glimmering, beautiful treasures of the Throne Room were being consumed by flames, the smooth oaken walls spitting and cracking heat, and the mosaics engraved into the ceiling turning to cinder. His followers were likely all dead. All because of her.

He wanted to kill her for what she'd done. He wanted to rip her throat out and feast upon her beating heart, consecrating his throne with her blood. 'It was a mistake letting her live." He thought with a terrible calmness. _'And now she must die.' _ He tensed his muscles and dug his claws into the rug. Her death would be his ascension.

Oulissa

_ _ She coughed and gasped for breath. Black smoke filled her lungs instead of air, harsh, toxic fumes that burned and itched the inside of her throat. She retched and retched, but all she tasted was blood. It felt good. Blood meant she was alive and fighting, but for how much longer, she could not tell.

Her head swam with pain. It was difficult to concentrate on anything besides the agonizing throbs pulsing inside her skull. She had bitten Draxyl as hard as she could, right where Taraguin had said ... and then Draxyl had thrown her viciously against the altar in the center of the room. Numinax had been underneath him, unconscious - or so she hoped - and Draxyl would have surely killed them both had she not severed his paw. A lucky strike, nothing more. She would not get another.

Her left wing was damaged. Broken. Splayed out and twisted awkwardly along the smooth, hard stone. She couldn't move it, and sharp, agonizing pains coursed through its outstretched length. Something had impaled it. A large jagged piece of obsidian glass from the strange artifact she'd destroyed. The shard had sliced right through the middle of her wing, pinning her against the altar. She was trapped, and it would be the death of her if she didn't pull it free. Burnt alive, or ripped apart by Draxyl. Neither was a particularly pleasant way to die.

The room was on fire. She could feel the immense heat washing over her, the fire licking across her scorched fur and filling her lungs with it's awful heat. It hurt to breathe. She raised her head saw him staring at her from across the room. A looming shadow of pure evil, wreathed in flame, his eyes redder than sin, and his face a slashed, frightening mess. Draxyl flared out his jagged wings and raised his head towards the sky, letting loose a roar of so loud and terrifying, she whimpered and felt her bladder empty itself all over the inside of her legs. His muscles bristled as he readied to pounce, his spines flared out as he launched himself towards her with a scream of rage. The flames parted aside as he leaped through them, his blade-like claws outstretched and ready to tear her to pieces.

Oulissa did the only thing she could. Reacting on pure impulse, she rolled to the side and grasped the obsidian shard embedded in her wing, ripping it out with a shriek of pain. She flipped it around in her grasp. The tip was red-hot, like it had been burning for ages. It looked like some sort of weird, ancient candle. She knew it was old judging by the swirling runes engraved in its surface, perhaps even older than the Empire itself. She didn't care. It was sharp, and that was all that mattered.

She gripped it as hard as she could, the jagged, razor-sharp edge slicing into her soft toe-pads and drawing blood. Draxyl's shadow loomed over her. Death incarnate. She screeched and thrust the make-shift blade towards him just as he landed on top of her, aiming for the deep gash directly above his heart. He gasped as it slipped beneath his damaged scales and passed clean through his flesh, impaling himself in his blind rage. He didn't even seem to notice. She flinched back as his teeth gnashed inches away from her face, his hot breath blowing across her nares and smelling of rotting flesh. Saliva dripped onto her beak as she drove the shard deep as she could inside him, and he groaned as it punctured something soft and vital, her paws burning with warmth as his steaming hot blood began spurting out all over her face and chest. She trembled with terror, meeting his insane, empty blood-red eyes. She could see her horrified expression reflecting back in their dark, soulless depths. A darkness that threatened to consume the entire world if left unopposed.

And then ... he felt it. Draxyl drew a rattling breath and looked down at the blade piercing his chest, he tried to speak, but no sound came out. He glanced at her in confusion. There was a moment in time - a tiny fraction of a second - where he realized what happened ...where he realized what she'd done. Then he groaned and slumped forward on top of her, his eyes turning glassy and unfocused, and his teeth snapping together spasmodically inches from her skull. With a violent shudder, Draxyl drew his last breath, and finally went still.

Oulissa couldn't breathe. She was trapped beneath his heavy, reeking corpse, desperately heaving for air. None came. The room burned around her. Vaguely, she heard the massive oaken door burst open on the other side, and a dozen dragons came rushing in. One of them was shouting commands she couldn't hear above the roaring flames, and all she could see from her position was Numinax splayed out on the wooden floor, his eyes closed almost peacefully. It was impossible to tell if he was even alive at this point. Her vision started to fade as the group of soldiers surrounded him. Most of them had warclaws on. One of the them broke away from the group and started in her direction. This one didn't.

Draxyl's heavy body was suddenly rolled off of her. Oulissa gasped for breath, her vision a blurry mess. A bronze-scaled dragoness was staring down at her, her eyes glowing brightly against the fiery backdrop of smoke and falling embers. She was smiling.

"Y- you." Oulissa wheezed.

Starmire leaned down, and touched a paw to her cheek. "Sleep child." she whispered melodically into her ear. "Sleep."

A powerful fatigue suddenly swept over Oulissa. She tried to fight it, she tried to resist, but her eyelids felt like they were heavier than the Dawnfire itself. "N-no." she whimpered. Starmire's eyes glowed brighter than stars. Darkness claimed her, and then a deep, dreamless slumber.

Epilogue

Oulissa dreamed. Of a massive brown gryphon larger and stronger than any in the known world. He stood majestically atop a high-cliff overlooking a vast, forested kingdom. His kingdom. He had a thick, regal mane of blood-red feathers swept proudly around his collar, his body sleek and powerful. He looked at her with sharp, intelligent golden eyes, and Oulissa felt a love for him she couldn't quite explain. A powerful love from deep inside her gizzard. She reached out to touch him, but the moment her paw met his beak, he turned to ash and disintegrated into the wind. Oulissa cried out in anguish and felt herself whisked away along with him.

She dreamed. Of the Dawnfire flying through the heavens, suspended by massive, spherical sails that stretched across the horizon. The sight of it sailing among the stars made her tremble in awe. It was the most beautiful sight she'd ever witnessed, and yet, she knew it was impossible. There were creatures flying around it, and as she drew close, she realized they were gryphons. Playing and hunting and chasing each other in the wind. She raced to join them, but a swooping sensation washed over, and she was spirited away once more.

She dreamed. Of a massive temple hidden deep within a lush, fetid, jungle on the far side of the world. She felt a sense of unease just looking at the ruined structure, a black sun rising upon the mountainous horizon far off in the distance. Oulissa felt inexplicably drawn towards the summit, passing through the leafy vines and overgrown, mossy exterior, and descending deep into the inner-catacombs of the temple. It was dark here. She wanted to leave this evil place and fly as far away as possible, but she knew she couldn't. She was trapped.

There was an egg. A smooth, black egg resting atop an altar soaked in blood. Oulissa was drawn towards it, unable to breathe, unable to think, unable to flee. It had already hatched, and when she gazed into the interior, she saw something staring back at her. Something black and monstrous with red eyes.

She screamed and woke with a start.

The young gryphon found herself in a room, resting upon a soft red mattress of fine silver-moth silk. The cozy little place was empty as far as she could tell, sparsely furnished with a small wooden table, a comfortable lounge, and a tiny hearth that glowed brightly on the far side. It was a cabin on the Dawnfire. Oulissa closed her eyes and took a deep, comforting breath, trying to settle her racing heart. "It was just a nightmare." she told herself. "There is nothing to be afraid of."

"I was wondering when you would wake up." a voice thrummed right beside her.

Oulissa felt her feathers jump and she twisted about.

Starmire was curled up in a ball on the edge of the large mattress, staring at her with bright, cunning violet eyes. A smile curled at the edges of her sleek muzzle. "Hello there little one. Slept well, I hope?"

"Where am I?" Oulissa croaked. Her lungs burned fiercely and she coughed, but she continued anyways. "What happened?" A horrible feeling suddenly sank inside her gizzard and bolted upright. "Is Numinax okay?"

The bronze dragoness smiled, pushing her back into the bed. "Yes, he's perfectly fine Oulissa. You will see him soon enough. A lot has happened since you've been asleep, but first things first. You've been through quite the adventure, and I'm sure you must be famished." The Mesmerai got up and sauntered over to the small wooden table in the center of the room, picking up a small tray of food and bringing it to her. She placed it on the mattress and nudged it in her direction. "Eat first." She commanded. "Then we can talk."

Oulissa looked at what appeared to be a small portion of cooked fish sitting in front of her. Beside it was a bowl of water. Her mouth watered just at the sight. She was starving, and the meal smelled absolutely delicious.

She pushed it away. "I'm not hungry."

Starmire gave her an admonishing look. "Nonsense. You've been asleep for almost two days now. You must eat if you wish to regain your strength."

"I won't and you can't make me. Not until I've seen Numinax."

Starmire smiled kindly. "It's not poisoned." she said, reading her thoughts. "I prepared it myself."

Oulissa clacked her beak together stubbornly.

The Mesmerai flicked a small wedge of fish into her mouth. She chewed and swallowed it gracefully. "Satisfied?" she pushed the plate back towards her. "Now eat."

Oulissa tentatively sunk her beak into the corner of the fish. It tasted like salmon, tender, pink, and practically melting off the bone. She soon found herself eagerly devouring the meal as fast as she could, Starmire watching her with an amused expression.

"Good?"

Oulissa glanced at her and nodded thankfully, lapping at the cool water. That too, felt wonderful, quenching her thirst and soothing her aching throat. When she had finally had her fill, she politely pushed the food away and glanced at the considerably larger creature, feeling quite diminutive sitting next to her - if somewhat refreshed.

"Thank you." she said timidly. "Will you take me to Numinax now?"

Starmire chuckled. "In a bit. I know you are excited to see him." She settled down next to the tiny gryphon, her eyes two dark, seductive orbs that glowed faintly in the dim candlelight. "He sent me to watch over you little one. And I promised him I would. I've been wanting to speak with you Oulissa. We have so much to discuss."

Oulissa licked her beak clean. "Like what?" she whispered. "It's done isn't it? We won." Saying the words did not make her feel any better. Sure, they'd won, but at what cost? How many had to die in the effort? It didn't feel like they'd won at all.

"You thrust a shard of obsidian glass through Draxyl's heart. Killing him instantly. I'd say that's quite a feat for a small little bird, wouldn't you?"

"I got lucky." she sighed. "Nothing more."

"Perhaps. But not everyone thinks the same. They say they you turned into a bolt of lightning and broke the Great Glass, slaying him in single-combat. They say you are a hero, Oulissa. That you saved them."

"Well," she grumbled. "I don't feel like a hero."

Starmire chuckled. "Draxyl was the greatest warrior of our time, the Emperor's eldest son, and you struck him down in defense of their king ... in defense of the realm itself. I'd say that's a welcome turn of events considering everyone thought you were an assassin not a day before."

"I guess."

Starmire smiled and trailed a talon gently down her flank. The young gryphon flinched, but quickly relaxed at her soothing touch. "You don't talk much, do you?"

Oulissa shivered. She was pink, fur-less, and exposed. Her cuts and scrapes covered in a slimy greenish healing salve that tingled coolly in the cabin air. Her muscles and joints ached, but she felt good all things considered. She looked at Starmire with her wide, liquid yellow eyes. "I just want to see Numinax." she whispered. "One last time."

The bronze dragoness smiled. "You love him, don't you?"

She gave a tiny nod.

Starmire leaned in close. Oulissa couldn't look away from those smoldering violet eyes.

"He wants you too little one." she purred. "He wants you in more ways than one."

Oulissa trembled. "Where is he now?"

"Tending to his father most likely. He's been visiting you every chance he gets."

"You - you mean the Emperor survived?"

"Thanks to you, we managed to rescue him in time." Starmire explained, carefully gauging her reaction. "Draxyl nearly killed him. We fear he may never fly again."

Oulissa was shocked. So they'd actually managed to save the emperor ... It had seemed like a suicide mission not long ago, but they'd actually done it. Still ... unable to fly. She couldn't even begin to fathom what that was like. She didn't know whether to feel relieved or sorry for him. The Emperor had started all of this. Perhaps he deserved it.

"I wasn't trying to save him." she said bitterly. "He means nothing to me."

Starmire's eyes narrowed. "Not to Numinax." she countered. "Try and remember that the Emperor is his father. The whole situation is rather volatile little one, it would be wise if you kept such opinions to yourself."

"And how do I know you are telling the truth!" she shot back. "The last thing I remember is Numinax being surrounded by soldiers! You we're among them!"

"Loyalists." Starmire explained. "A servant discovered them locked away in the dungeons below and freed them during the battle. Draxyl's captives. They fought their way to the Citadel moments before you broke the glass."

She frowned. "And you expect me to simply believe that?"

"Is it really so hard to believe? You slew Draxyl. The Emperor is alive. You are safe. Numinax is safe. A war has been averted Oulissa. You saved us."

'Not everyone.' she thought grimly, thinking of Taraguin. _'I didn't save him.' _

_ _ "I flew away during the battle." she hissed, staring at her paws. "I was a coward. I watched many of you die whilst I did nothing."

Starmire brushed a paw down her flank. "You were scared." she purred. "And rightfully so. I promised I would look after you ... I should have protected you."

"It's not your fault." Oulissa muttered. "All this could have been averted had I simply not boarded this ship. I brought nothing but death and destruction among your kind."

"Don't be so hard on yourself." Starmire said reassuringly. "There was nothing you could have done."

Oulissa looked up at the beautiful dragoness. "Starmire ... why did you help me?"

The Mesmerai gave a sly grin. "Because I am sworn to defend the innocent of course. Or is it because I simply find you a fascinating little creature. Does it really matter?"

"Yes. It matters to me."

Starmire chuckled. "I see something inside you little one. A goodness. Unbridled by power, prestige, or blind lust. You see life from a different perspective, you see it for what it truly is. When Vrin requested volunteers for the battle, you were the first to step forward, despite being the smallest, and having no loyalty to our cause. Why?"

Oulissa hesitated. "I guess because ... it felt like the right thing to do."

Starmire gazed at her mock-seriously. "Surely there is more to it than that Oulissa."

She thought about it for a moment. "Nobody else was going to help. I had to!"

"An admirable decision, some might call it selfless. And when you broke the Great Glass, what were you thinking then?"

Oulissa looked at her paws and blushed. "I don't really know, truth be told. It seems ridiculous now that I think about it."

"You destroyed the entire throne room. How does a little gryphon, untrained in battle, manage to survive being held captive by dragons, kill their prince, and damage their flagship all in one night? An heir that planned to murder his very father and usurp him? And a gryphon who was thought to be his assassin? It sounds like a tale a mother tells her hatchlings before bedtime. A legend to stir their imaginations, or frighten them to bed."

Oulissa shrugged her shoulders. "I have no idea."

"It's because you have a fire burning inside you." Starmire purred, her eyes glowing with a strange light. A fire that burns here-" she touched Oulissa's bare chest, right above her heart. "-Here. "her paw traveled down her flank. "-And here-" Starmire's paw brushed across her womb. Oulissa's flinched back from the Mesmerai's electric touch, gazing up shyly at the exotic dragoness. "It's inside you Oulissa. Many creatures possess it, but only a select few can feel its warmth."

"Can you?" she asked.

"Oh yes. I feel it all the time." Starmire said, trailing a talon seductively down her haunch. Oulissa suddenly felt very warm cuddled up next to the sensuous female.

"I want to feel it too." she whimpered. Starmire's eyes glowed brightly.

"Relax then. And lie back."

Oulissa closed her eyes and took a deep breath, settling comfortably into the soft mattress. She had no idea what was about to happen, but she was fully aware of Starmire's capabilities. The bronze-scaled dragoness stood up and trailed a talon down her waist, moving gently atop her. Oulissa crooned as the Mesmerai's tail entwined around one of her legs and started to pry it apart, her heart hammering inside her chest as the Mesmerai lowered herself down onto her fluffy breast, and gazed at her curiously. The small gryphon could feel every slender curve in the attractive dragoness' body. Her voluptuous hips and smooth scales and grinding against her abdomen. Starmire was intensely warm, and she basked in heat radiating off the Mesmerai's shimmering scales. She smelled delicious. Like earth, exotic spices, and morning dew, all blended together to practically make her swoon with lust. Oulissa gasped as the dragon's paws roved through her singed fur and pulled her in close, her snout meeting the tip of her beak with a soft chuckle.

"Your trembling." she whispered in her ear. "It's okay, let me take care of you." She gazed at her deeply, then planted a wet, loving kiss on the gryphon's beak.

Oulissa's went completely limp, relaxing and allowing Starmire's tongue to eagerly flit inside and start exploring her mouth. All at once she felt the Memerai's warmth, her cool breath blowing softly against the back of her maw as they shared their hot saliva among themselves. Oulissa moaned as Starmire's paws roved through the back of her mane and held her close, her narrow muzzle twisting, nipping, and nuzzling playfully against her neck fluff. The smooth, muscular tail wrapped about her leg started to slither up towards her feathery pubic mound, and she shivered with anticipation at what she knew what was about to happen.

Starmire rubbed the prehensile tip of her tail against her dark petals, and Oulissa mewled like a newborn kitten as she broke the sloppy embrace and burrowed her beak into the Mesmerai's shoulder-blade. It felt so good, and she didn't want it to stop.

"The twins were right." Starmire chuckled. "You really are sensitive." She traced a sharp talon down Oulissa's belly, encircling the thick patch of feathers right above her womb. A warm, tingling sensation suddenly blossomed inside it, and she purred deeply with lust, gazing up at Starmire with a heavy-lidded expression.

"Where is the heat I felt earlier?" the dragoness crooned in her ear. "Don't tell me it's gone. Well, that won't do. I shall rekindle it for you." Starmire kissed her again, and Oulissa's tongue met her's. The little gryphon moaned softy and huffed as the larger creature dominated her body completely. Embracing Starmire was highly erotic, and she soon felt herself slipping into a haze of pure pleasure, concentrating on nothing more than curves of the female's body moving against her's, and her long, serpentine tongue sliding wetly against her own.

Starmire pulled back and smacked her lips, a faint string of saliva still tying them together. I could get used to this." she purred, her eyes flashing devilishly. "Had I known gryphons were such eager little things, I'd have captured one for myself ages ago."

Oulissa moaned and craned forward, eager to have the dragoness' skillful tongue inside her again. Starmire growled and buried her snout deep into her mane, playfully nipping at her neck. "You'd like that wouldn't you?" she rumbled. "To be my little pet? I certainly would. A playful little gryphon hen all to myself? I'd pleasure you every day, if you so desired, make you nice and fertile for all the lucky males."

Oulissa keened and rubbed needfully against the beautiful female. She felt a burning wave of warmth surge towards her private regions and blushed with embarrassment. She was perversely attracted to dragons - she had to admit - both male and female.

Starmire chuckled. "I'd even let you burrow that little tongue of yours inside my slit from time-to-time. But I promised Numinax I'd let him have you first. That doesn't mean we still can't have a little fun though, right?"

Oulissa gave a tiny nod.

The Mesmerai's tail brushed against her tender sex and the young gryphoness whimpered with desire. "So young and nubile. I like it. Fertile too. I'm going to put you in a heat so intense, you'll be lifting your tail and begging for him to mount you. Numinax won't be able to resist. Is that what you want Oulissa?" she crooned, whispering in her ear. "To feel him inside you ... breeding you ... fertilizing your clutch with his warm seed? Tell me and I will make it happen. This I promise you."

Oulissa trembled. "Y-yes." she whimpered.

_ _ Starmire pulled back with a wide grin. "I always knew you were a hot-blooded little thing." Her tail wound up the inside of her leg. "Let's get you nice and wet for him, shall we?"

Oulissa moaned in surrender and spread her legs wide open, giving the female complete, and intimate access to her pubic mound. Her dense crotch-feathers we're already damp with arousal, and she swooned as Starmire kissed her again, and gently massaged her throbbing clitoris between her soft toe-pads. Her eyes fluttered and she rolled her hips against the Mesmerai's nubile body, squirming as one digit - then two - pushed past her lower-lips, and slipped inside her hot, glistening flesh. She arched back and cried out as hot bursts of pleasure coursed through her pussy, wrapping her paws around Starmire's waist, and holding on for dear life.

"That's it Oulissa." the dragoness moaned in her ear. "Close your eyes. Relax." She bit down on the young gryphon's neck fluff, and Oulissa tilted her head back and exposed her neck in a sign of trust.

Starmire kissed every inch of her body after that, her slender muzzle snuffling through her feathers, and licking across her sore, tender skin. She was so warm it was almost unbearable, and yet, the pleasure was so intense she didn't care. Oulissa whimpered as Starmire's tongue returned to her beak and pushed deep inside her maw, the hot, writhing flesh sliding down her throat.

It was too much. Oulissa cried out and broke the messy kiss, her pussy pulsating uncontrollably as fluids spurted out and drenched Starmire's teasing paw. The dragon's ministrations were becoming more intense by the second, and the thick tail wrapped about her leg suddenly clenched hard as the tip crept forward and spread her sensitive lips apart. Starmire tickled the entrance to her vagina until Oulissa whimpered and felt her loins relax all at once, juices squelching from her pussy as the dragon's tail sunk right into her tight, pink flesh. Oulissa's eyes shot open as the smooth, muscular organ squirmed inside her cunt, her beak yawning open in a silent shout as Starmire penetrated her with frightening ease.

"Shhhh." the Mesmerai whispered soothingly, stroking her feathery cheek ruffs like like a mother would to calm her child. "It's okay Oulissa. I'm here for you. Close your eyes little one. That's it."

Oulissa squeezed her eyes shut and moaned as Starmire gyrated against her. The dragoness' paw slipped off her clitoris and traced through her luxurious fur, eventually settling right above her belly where she began rubbing it sensuously. A hot, burning sensation suddenly oozed through Oulissa's womb, and young gryphon's eyes fluttered with bliss as she felt her body descend into a powerful, all-consuming heat. She'd never been so wet in her entire life, and Starmire smiled as she worked her strange powers over the tiny creature, thrusting her tail deep inside Oulissa's stretched cunt until the poor bird was gasping and writhing helplessly in pleasure.

Oulissa could hardly breathe. She felt so hot she thought she'd pass out, and yet she found herself eagerly pulling Starmire in close, moaning as her tail slid in and out of her sopping cunt, and rubbed eagerly against her quivering inner-flesh. It brushed and tickled her most sensitive, private areas, delving into her receptive tunnel, and sending bursts of pleasure coursing straight to her belly. The paw on her stomach burned hotter than ever, glowing with a strange light, and igniting a fiery estrus directly inside her womb. Oulissa whimpered as the slick tail worked itself deeper, constricting around her leg as it forced its way gently into her body. Eventually, the squirming mass could go no further, and when she felt the soft tip kiss the entrance to her tiny cervix, she arched her back and let loose an ear-piercing screech of ecstasy.

Her womb was on fire. Her very essence was on fire. Starmire had done something to it, but she didn't care. Her body and mind unwound itself all at once, her pupils blossoming as Starmire clamped her jaws around her beak and embraced her passionately. She moaned as the sensuous female plunged her warm tongue into her mouth, her pussy clenching and vibrating around the dragon's thick tail buried deep inside her soaking cunt. Hot fluids spurted out from the tight seal of their bodies as she climaxed harder than ever, her claws digging into Starmire's flank as she whimpered and trembled helplessly against the attractive dragoness. The Mesmerai's paws roved through her fur as waves of intense pleasure cascaded through her entire body. It never seemed to end, and more than a few times Oulissa thought she might have passed out, only to be awoken by Starmire's fat tail squirming inside her pussy. The tip massaged the entrance to her womb, and there came a point where Oulissa could no longer hold herself up and collapsed into the mattress, twitching and moaning as the dragoness pleasured her endlessly. She was being forced into a brutal heat, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.

Eventually, the body-wracking pulses subsided, and the tail spreading her lips wide open ceased rubbing against her tender flesh. Oulissa slowly opened her eyes and blinked. The world came into an almost unnatural focus. All her senses were highly attuned, and she could smell the potent scent of her feminine arousal drifting through the air. Thick, needy, and ready for claiming. Starmire was gazing down at her with a sly grin on her face, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Well, how do you feel?" she asked.

Oulissa gave a happy moan, her eyes heavy-lidded and glazed with lust. She snuggled comfortably into the warm mattress, staring up at the powerful female and feeling absolutely wonderful. Her womb felt immensely hot, ready to be fertilized by a male's delicious seed.

Starmire chuckled. "You're quite adorable when you're squirming around my tail. We'll have to do that again sometime. I'm going to pull out now, okay?"

Oulissa gave a tiny nod. Starmire retracted her tail, and she twitched and gasped as it rubbed against her clenching inner-walls, and slipped out of her pussy with a lewd _'slup.' _ A small gush of fluids spurted out in its wake, staining the expensive sheets beneath them. Starmire grinned and waved her tail tantalizingly in the air behind her, the tip glistening wet and soaked in the gryphon's juices.

"Would you be so kind and clean it off for me?"

Oulissa swooned as Starmire's tail swept towards her face. She obediently opened her mouth wide and accepted the scaled organ inside her maw, wrapping her paws around the middle and slurping on it with a pleased look. She crooned and moaned as she ran her rough tongue over it's smooth, slippery surface, delighting at the taste of her own musky juices smeared all over its length. Starmire chuckled as she sucked on her tail, no doubt enjoying the sensation quite thoroughly.

"Hmm, you have a talented little tongue Oulissa. I'm sure Numinax would love it if you gave his cock a similar treatment."

Oulissa gurgled as Starmire pulled free from her mouth. She gazed up at the large female expectantly. "You ... you think so?"

Starmire winked. "Would you like to go see him now?"

She perked up. "Yes please!"

"Follow me then little one. He's been waiting for you."

Together, they left the warm cabin and entered one of the Dawnfire's massive hallways. It was relatively quiet, as far as she could tell, and judging by the polished wooden floors and high ceilings, Oulissa figured they were somewhere deep inside the belly of the ship, where passengers stayed during long expeditions. A wise choice. There was likely no safer place besides the Mesmerai's Tower, but she knew Numinax would not send her there as eagerly as he had done before. It was wiser to keep her someplace quiet where she wouldn't attract attention ... or stir up trouble.

Starmire walked a little bit ahead of her, her tail swishing back-and-forth, and she followed close behind, gazing up in wonder at the huge statues lining the walls. They towered above her, depicting great, armored warriors, or legendary rulers forged in solid gold. She noted idly that the ship had stopped moving beneath them. That, or she was becoming accustomed to it gently sailing across the turbulent sea. It was hard to tell.

Starmire answered her unspoken thought. "The Dawnfire is docked a dozen leagues outside our capital city of Arden'Tor. We are performing necessary maintenance on the ship before setting sail towards the mainland."

"Was the ship damaged during the storm?" she asked.

"Draxyl's traitors sabotaged the rudder, and lightning took down our main sail. There is also the small issue of you having destroyed the Imperial Throne Room, and the thousands of priceless artifacts within."

Oulissa frowned. "I didn't mean to break anything."

Starmire gave her a curious look, the faintest trace of a smile playing about the edges of her snout. "Do not fret gryphon. You've been absolved of all your previous accusations. It's the least we can do after you helped us in our time of need."

'Well, that's a start.' Oulissa thought. At least they weren't going to put her on trial for ruining their ship. Hopefully the Emperor would keep his word and allow her to go in peace.

"Where is Numinax?" She asked.

"Last I heard he was with his father. I am taking you to his personal chambers now, hopefully we will find him there."

"Is the ... is his father hurt bad?"

Starmire nodded. "Numinax is the only one qualified to tend to him. It will take years for him to recover. His wings were ruined by his Draxyl's blades."

Oulissa felt a horrible twisting feeling in her gizzard. She looked down at her paws in shame. "I'm sorry." she whispered. "Forgive me for what I said earlier. I know he means a lot to Numinax."

Starmire gave her a clever sideways glance. "Your hatred for him is understandable little one. I do not hold that against you."

"It's just ... he could have ... He could have ransomed me back to my family! He could have punished me differently. What he did to me was wrong, and I can never forgive him."

"His methods are ancient ... I'll admit. Perhaps now he will see the error in his ways. Perhaps not. Only time will tell."

There was a long period of silence as they walked through the winding halls of the ship. Oulissa used the welcome opportunity to contemplate on everything that had happened. Servants scurried from room-to-room, staring at her in a mixture of awe, fear, and respect. Word must have traveled fast, and from the looks they we're giving her, they probably thought she was some sort of powerful, gryphon warrior-lord from across the ocean. 'I'm no warrior.' she thought glumly. 'I'm just a gryphon. Scared and alone.'

_ _ They came upon a large, sweeping staircase and started going up, her paw-steps echoing through the spacious hall around them. She winced with every step. It would take her a long time to heal from the events that had occurred, and perhaps she never truly would. Her future was more uncertain now than it had been two nights ago, and the thought terrified her. The world was a massive, mysterious place, her options ... unlimited. Where would she go? What would she do? 'What will I become?' she asked herself. Maybe she'd find out and come to accept it. Or perhaps she'd be swallowed whole in the endless expanse beyond the dark edges of the world. The Unknown. Maybe that was where she belonged. An outcast among her kind, and a stranger among dragons. Unwanted. Alone.

'It makes no difference.' she told herself with a grim determination. 'I'll do what it takes.' She knew she could never go back to her home in Tallspire. Not anymore. There was the barest chance her father would accept her back among the clan, but she knew it would be at a terrible price. She'd been mounted by a dragon. Claimed. And he'd never forget that. She'd be shamed, perhaps not publicly, but she'd be hated all the same. No. Her destiny lay elsewhere. It always had.

They came to the top of the staircase, standing beneath a massive archway that curved elegantly towards the ceiling above. Further down at the end of the long hall was a huge, sturdy wooden door. It was closed, and two dragons were standing guard outside it. One of them was massive, wearing a handsome set of heavy golden armor that sparkled brilliantly in the candlelight. The other was a little smaller, wearing an equally stunning set made of silver. Soldiers. She tucked herself behind Starmire, peeking fearfully around her slender body. The dragoness glanced down at her and smiled.

"There is nothing to be afraid of little one. These dragons mean you no harm."

Oulissa's voice quavered. "H-how ... how can you be sure?"

She chuckled, pointing at the gold one. "See that one there? That's Commander Vrin."

Starmire was right. It was hard to tell with all the armor he had on, but she recognized that hard, weathered face, and dark, piercing eyes staring at them down the length of the hall. A white bandage was wrapped around the side of his head, obscuring the other one: A fresh battle-scar. His snout seemed to be frozen in a permanent scowl, and right now, he looked no different. He gave a lordly nod, standing proudly at the entrance to the Emperor's personal quarters.

"Come." Starmire beckoned. "He doesn't bite."

Oulissa trailed the tall Mesmerai as they approached the guards. Vrin cleared his throat.

"Grand Mesmerai." he growled, bowing in her direction. He looked at Oulissa and gave her a slight nod. "Lady Oulissa." She nodded back, glancing cautiously at the rigid, young soldier beside him. Starmire seemed wholly unconcerned, so she went with the assumption that he was one of the loyalists she'd been talking about.

"Hello Commander. How are you?"

"Well enough my lady. I see you've brought the gryphon with you."

Starmire looked down at her and placed a comforting paw on her back. "Oulissa roused herself not long ago. She was hoping to speak to Prince Numinax. Is he still here?"

"Afraid not. He left a moment ago. I believe he was headed towards the Mesmerai's Tower."

"I see. Very well then. Thank you for the assistance Commander. How is the Emperor faring?"

Vrin glanced at the door behind him. "He's awake." was all he said, his voice a low and somber. He turned back towards them and looked down at Oulissa. She felt minuscule beneath his smoldering glare. "I've actually been wanting to speak with you little one. Do you have a moment?"

"M-me?" she stammered.

"Yes. I wanted to-" he cleared his throat. "-I wanted to apologize." he began awkwardly. "For the way I treated you earlier. Before the battle."

Oulissa shuffled nervously. "You don't have to apologize Commander. I understand you were under considerable duress."

"No." he said flatly. "I mistreated you. I presumed you were weak and useless simply because you were a female. I'd convinced myself that you were responsible for everything that happened. You were an outsider. An enemy spy, and I didn't trust you. I now realize how wrong my assumptions were. You are none of those things. Despite not being the biggest, or strongest, or fastest, you conducted yourself with more courage than any dragon I've met in my entire life. Even I do not think I'd have been able to stop Draxyl had we found ourselves crossing blades, and for that, you have my thanks. I don't know what we would have done without you."

She did a small bow. "I ... I don't know what to say. T-thank you Commander. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you either." She looked around. "Without any of you for that matter."

Vrin nodded. "There will be no celebration I'm afraid, but I have a gift for you." He looked at the young soldier beside him and nodded. The smaller drake reached somewhere deep inside his armor and pulled out a small, shiny object. He handed it to Vrin, and the Commander offered it to her.

It was a plain, yet beautiful golden clasp. It seemed wide enough to fit around her fore-limb, and it twinkled magnificently in the light. She looked up at Vrin. "Commander, I am honored, but I can't accept this. Your gratitude is reward all on its own."

"Please." he extended his paw. "I insist. It's the least you deserve after everything that's happened."

Oulissa glanced at Starmire, and the tall Mesmerai gave her a reassuring smile. She carefully raised her paw and allowed Vrin to fasten the gold band right above her fore-paw, it was surprisingly light, and fit snugly around her small limb.

"It was Taraguin's." he whispered in her ear. "His only worldly possession." She flinched back in shock, but he held onto her wrist.

"C-Commander ... surely there is someone else ... I ... I can't."

"There is no one else." he explained. "Taraguin was an orphan. Raised by the Empire. He'd have wanted you to have it. Wear it. For him. Do not let his sacrifice be forgotten."

Oulissa trembled. Her emotions bubbling up inside her and threatening to burst forth. They did, and she jumped up and wrapped her paws around Vrin's neck, hugging him tight and sobbing lightly into his shoulder. He tensed as her hot tears spilled down his jagged scales, but he quickly relaxed and wrapped a wing around her body. Oulissa was so happy, and sad, and relieved all at once she didn't know how to express herself, and hugging him was the only thing that came to mind. She didn't care how silly she looked. It didn't matter.

Vrin held her close, patting her reassuringly. "There, there." he rumbled, a little taken aback at her sudden show of affection. "It's okay. Everything is alright."

"Thank you." she whimpered, her voice muffled against his hard scales. "You're very kind Commander. I'll ... I'll never forget this."

They broke apart, and Oulissa took a step back, wiping her tears away and feeling suddenly quite embarrassed. The young solider standing beside Vrin was smiling behind his helmet, but a searing glare from his Commander made it disappear instantly.

He turned his attention back to her. "Wherever your travels take you Oulissa, know that you will always be welcome aboard the _Dawnfire. _ There is nothing I can ever say that will truly express how thankful I am to have you here with us. The Empire owes you a great debt."

She bowed low. "Take no offense Commander, but I think I've had enough sailing for a lifetime."

Vrin stared at her oddly, then chuckled, his features twisting into a sharp, toothy grin. His whole complexion seemed to brighten at her jest, and the bandage wrapped around his head gave him a rugged, handsome look she hadn't noticed before.

"May I ask what happened to your eye Commander?"

"This?" he pointed at his bandage. "Oh, it's nothing. Orgamon tore it out during the battle, but not before I ripped his heart out in return. His corpse rests at the bottom of the ocean now, along with the rest of the traitorous scum.

Oulissa felt a deep sense of satisfaction upon hearing this. "He tore out your eye?" she asked incredulously.

Vrin chuckled. "Don't worry. It was never much use to me. If anything, he did me a favor." He furrowed his brow. "Now, back to the matter at hand. How may I serve you gryphon? It would be my honor to escort you to the Mesmerai's Tower if that is your wish."

She tilted her head in thought. "You said the emperor was awake. May I see him?"

Vrin's smile disappeared instantly, the familiar scowl returning in full-force. "He is resting. The emperor is in no condition to see anyone at the moment."

"I must! We have unfinished business that needs to be discussed."

"That may be so, but I'm under strict orders to not let anyone inside."

"Whose orders?"

"Well ... mine ... but-" he shook his head in annoyance. "-Regardless. Orders are orders. I'm sorry Oulissa. I cannot permit you to see him."

Starmire stepped forward. "Surely you can spare her a few minutes. She won't be long." the Mesmerai fixed him with those seductive, dark-rimmed eyes. "Besides, I thought we had some important matters to discuss as well Commander. I'm sure there is a chamber nearby that will suffice for such private affairs. Wouldn't you agree?"

Vrin's grunted. "Um - well, yes." he mumbled, coughing into his wing. "I suppose there is. Jorkun!" he barked. The young soldier beside him snapped to attention.

"Yes sir!"

"You have the deck. The gryphon may speak to the emperor, but only for a few minutes. Understood?"

"Yes sir!"

"Good." he growled. "And keep an eye on her. Farewell gryphon, try not to break anything while I'm gone. Gods forbid you've done enough of that already."

Oulissa gave a small hoot. "I'll do my best Commander. Farewell." She turned and found herself face-to-face with Starmire. The exotic dragoness reached out and stroked her cheek ruffs lovingly.

"I'll certainly miss you little one. I wish you all the best in wherever your travels take you."

Oulissa nuzzled against her. "Goodbye Starmire. And thank you for ... for everything."

Starmire pulled back and gazed at her intently. "Run along now child. We'll meet again someday. I promise."

Oulissa watched Vrin and Starmire walk down the hall. The Mesmerai glanced back at her one last time, then disappeared around the corner.

Oulissa turned to face Jorkun. He was staring at her with a mixture of awe and curiosity.

"Is it true what they say?" he whispered. "That you're the one who slew Draxyl?"

"It's true." she nodded. "I am."

The armored drake bowed low. "I owe you a great debt if that's case mi'lady. As do many of us. Please, allow me." He fiddled with a loop of keys around his waist and unlocked the door, holding it open for her. The interior of the room was gloomy and dark - a silent sanctuary - lit with hundreds of burning candles that covered the walls and floor. She was ushered beneath the archway.

"You heard the Commander." the soldier whispered in a hushed voice. "A couple minutes, no more. I'll give you some privacy. When you're ready, knock on the door and I'll let you out."

Oulissa nodded in understanding, taking a deep breath, and stepping inside. The door clicked shut behind her.

Her eyes adjusted quickly to the dark. It smelled like heavy spice inside the room, smokey incense drifting through the air and clogging up her nares with its potent aroma. The whole place was immensely hot, a coal furnace glowing faintly in one of the dark corners of the chamber. There was a crimson rug at her feet, the sides of it lined with red candles. They flickered in small glass plates, casting looming shadows across the paneled walls and high ceiling. Some of them had already melted into puddles of hot wax, she noted.

The rug led to a majestic, veiled bed in the center of the chamber. Oulissa saw a dark mass resting upon it. A huge shadow cloaked in darkness. It moved, and she halted in her tracks. She should have felt nervous, but in truth, she felt nothing at all. She wasn't afraid of him.

"Why have you come?" The Emperor asked in a hoarse, grave-like voice. He sounded tired and weak: A shell of his former self. His back was turned to her, his ravaged wings crooked and exposed. She winced at the mutilation he'd endured, but decided it was better this way. Seeing his face would only make her angrier.

"You know why."

"Have you come to gloat?" He whispered. "To mock me for my ignorance? To insult me? Or perhaps you have come to voice your pleasure at killing my eldest son. My heir." there was a short pause. "No, you want to kill me don't you?" He chuckled. "Well, I don't blame you Oulissa. I'd want to kill me too were in your position. Now is your chance." He hissed. "Take it. Kill me."

Oulissa clenched her talons into the rug. "I'm not here to kill you." she whispered. "Although I should after everything you put me through."

The Emperor broke into a wheezing cough, his once great, golden body trembling with each body-wracking fit. "It would be an act of mercy at this point." he managed. "But you're too smart for that. Even if you did make it look like an accident, Numinax would discover the truth eventually. He'd resent you for it. Besides, violence is not your way little one, although you certainly have an affinity for it."

"I didn't kill Draxyl." she with a tinge of anger. "He was insane. "I simply defended myself from him."

"Why then, did you break the glass? Why did you participate in the battle, instead of escaping when you had the chance? What drove you this whole time gryphon. Surely it wasn't self-preservation or sheer force of will." he paused, letting his words sink in. "It was Numinax wasn't it?" He whispered cruelly. "You want him don't you?"

Oulissa trembled with anger and humiliation. "This doesn't concern Numinax." she whispered. "This concerns you and I, and the future of the realm.

"The future of the realm." he mocked. "Do not lie to me Oulissa. I told you before that we dragons never lie, have you forgotten that already?"

"Draxyl was a liar." she spat. "A traitor, and a murderer. And here you tell me dragons never lie? You do so yourself!"

"My son was unlike any creature this world has ever known. He was different. A ruler. He would have conquered it. He would have driven us to heights of greatness I can only dream of."

"He was a ... monster." she hissed. "How can you even say that?"

"A monster yes, but a ruler all the same. Draxyl would have changed the world had you not slain him. He would have re-shaped it his image. Our image. A better image."

"Your image perhaps, but not mine, nor anyone else for that matter. He had to be stopped. He would have destroyed us all."

The Emperor sighed. "What's done is done." he whispered. "And the past cannot be changed. So gryphon, I ask you again: Why have you come?"

She clenched her jaw. "I've come to discuss my terms of release - and more specifically - your agreement to them. I am leaving the Dawnfire." she stated flatly._ _ "Forever."

"Not two days ago you were a prisoner aboard my ship, and now you've come to tell me you are leaving. Surely there is more to it than that little one. Besides, where will you go?"

"It doesn't matter where I will go. Do you agree or not?"

"I do not."

Oulissa's eyes narrowed. "There will be no refusal. I am leaving for good, and you cannot stop me."

"You are correct. I won't stop you. But you are also wrong. You won't be leaving Oulissa." He chuckled. "No. You are staying with us. You are staying with us forever. Why should I fulfill your demands, when you have not fulfilled mine? I commanded you to mate with two of my sons for breaching our laws, and you mated only with Draxyl. That is hardly a fair resolution, wouldn't you agree?"

"And look what happened." she shot back. "You almost died because of it."

The king gave an icy laugh, then broke into another fit of ragged coughs. "You're a feisty little thing I'll admit, hardly the timid female you were when we first met. But no, I shall not honor your request gryphon. Not until you've honored mine. Forgive me, but I am an old dragon, and we do things our own way. The Old Way."

"You cannot force me to do anything."

"No, I cannot." he answered simply. "Draxyl made sure of that." The Emperor flexed his broken wings. "But I will never yield to the likes of you. Not until you've proven to me that you are capable of earning my respect. As of now, you've simply murdered my eldest heir and disobeyed my wishes. Why in the world should I give in to your demands? What honor is there in that?"

Oulissa shook her head with hatred. "What Draxyl did to me ... after everything he's done ... you know nothing of honor."

"I know more than you think." he growled threateningly. "You'd be wise to remember that." He flicked his tail. "Besides, if you leave, where will you go? You are across the ocean from your own territory. An outsider. Our lands are much different than yours little one. Savage, untamed. You will be consumed by them." She heard him sniff the air. "And you're in heat." he purred. "I can smell your fertility. The others can too. What will happen when Numinax is no longer around to protect you? I'm sure there are many of us who are willing to claim a gryphon princess." He shuffled his great body. "Where I in my prime, perhaps I would as well."

"I'll go home then." she snapped. "Back to my clan. My father will see what you've done to me. He'll be furious. He shall seek retribution."

The Emperor chuckled. "Good. Tell him how vile I am. Tell him I await his pitiful wrath. Perhaps through combat we shall see which species is truly fit to rule. Draxyl saw it that way. He would have crushed your race into the dirt had he prevailed."

"And now he is dead." Oulissa said coldly. "I don't want a war, but my father will fight if he is provoked. We must come to an agreement now or else millions will die."

"You may think me cruel and vicious gryphon, but the safety of my subjects has, and always will be, my utmost priority. There will come a time perhaps, not today, or tomorrow, or in a thousand years, when our races will clash together in a great battle for dominance. I do not know who shall prevail, but know that by slaying my eldest son, you have shaken my resolve considerably. A few days ago, I would have thought we were indomitable ... the future, ours for the taking-" he paused, his raw, mangled face coming into the light. Oulissa flinched back in horror at this sight of his slashed, grisly visage, but forced herself to look into his steely, lifeless-gray eyes. "-Now I realize the truth." he snarled. "Even those with nothing ... who are weaker than us, may rise up and seize their destiny. I do not hate you Oulissa. I respect you for showing me this."

Her gaze hardened. "I don't want your respect." she answered coldly. "All I want is peace."

The Emperor winced and rolled onto his back. "Peace" he groaned quietly. "Peace is such a fragile thing. There is nothing keeping you here any longer gryphon. Leave, if you must. I will not hunt you down, nor seek any retribution against your kind. But know that you will not find happiness amongst them. You belong here with us. With dragons, and deep down, you know this to be true."

"I will never be controlled by the likes of you ever again."

The Emperor gave a resigned sigh. "What do I control? A king who cannot fly is no king at all." He was silent for a moment, reflecting upon everything that had happened. "Perhaps this is my punishment." he said in a whisper-thin voice. "My penance for all the cruelties I inflicted upon others during my lifetime. Only the gods may know."

Oulissa turned to leave, leaving the disgraced emperor upon his bed of ruin. The candles lining the carpet billowed lightly in her wake, and she turned to cast him a final glance. She almost felt pity for him. Almost.

"For your sake, I hope someday they tell you."

He chuckled softly. "I never believed in the gods little one. I believe in what I can see, or touch, or feel. Would you like to know what I see in you?"

She remained silent.

"I see a terrified gryphon." He purred. "Nothing more."

She trembled with barely restrained emotion. "You're wrong. But you were right about one thing. Being surrounded by dragons did change me." She knocked on the door and looked ahead. "It made me stronger."

The soldier escorted her quietly to the Mesmerai's Tower once a superior relieved him of duty, and the numerous dragons they passed in the long, winding halls of the Dawnfire stepped aside and bowed their heads low in respect. Injured soldiers, their weary eyes hardened from battle, shy servants, scurrying quietly room-to-room, confused nobles, it made no difference, they all granted her passage. Oulissa tried to acknowledge as many of them as she could, but eventually, she settled for looking down nervously at her paws. She clenched her beak. She didn't deserve this. She wasn't their hero. Their solemn faces betrayed looks of relief and gratitude, and many of them still seemed unable to believe a gryphon female had been their savior. This was a dark time for them, she knew. A time for mourning. Their emperor had nearly died, and numerous more had been needlessly slain trying to protect him.

Thankfully, the guard had the decency to let her climb the staircase to the Mesmerai's Tower alone. The trek was long and arduous, and speaking with the Emperor had not made her feel any better about her current situation. If anything - it left her with a strange, uncomfortable feeling twisting inside her gizzard. She had hoped that seeing him would have brought some sort of closure, but now, she was more worried than ever. 'He was right.' she thought bitterly. 'I'm scared. But I'm not weak.' His fatal flaw had been his arrogance, and it seemed like he'd suffer it for the rest of his life.

Oulissa reached the top of the spiraling grand staircase, panting slightly with exhaustion and rustling her aching wings. The entrance to the Mesmerai's lair lay directly ahead, the black stone monolith tucked neatly inside the wall to her left, permitting anyone entrance. A silver-clad soldier stood at attention when she approached, balling his massive war-claws into a fist and holding it across his chest in salute. She stared at him warily, but stepped into the gloom, walking down the dimly lit hall towards the veil at the other end. Blood-red candles flickered dully every dozen yards or so, a lone servant tending to them in the darkness. Oulissa could hear deep, rumbling, voices echoing down the spacious hall, and taking a deep breath, she swept past the shimmering veil, and entered the grand foyer within.

There were dragons everywhere. Milling about and conversing with each other in their low, hushed voices. Everyone fell silent as they caught sight of her stepping inside the large, sweltering room, turning their piercing gazes upon her. She stared at the group of powerful-looking dragons, trying to spot Numinax out of the crowd. It was no use. She was much too short, and the dragons' imposing bodies towered above her. To her relief, she spotted the silver-scale twins among them, and gave them both an appreciative nod. The red-eyed one smiled and whispered something to her counterpart behind her.

At first, the silence was almost unbearable. She felt frozen in place, immobilized. "I must look ridiculous to them." she thought inwardly. And truth be told - she probably did. A tiny, scrawny-looking gryphon amidst a sea of unscathed nobles. Well, mostly unscathed. A large number of them had silken bandages wrapped around their wounds, like Vrin, or the same greenish healing salve smeared across her own body. The massive Elder Kaldon was near the back, but his blue disciple was nowhere to be seen. He looked lost, and she could tell from the empty look in his eyes that his little friend had not survived the battle. She swallowed dryly. How many lives had been needlessly wasted trying to stop Draxyl? Too many it seemed.

There was movement in the back of the group, and the nobles parted to the side to let someone through. Oulissa cocked her head to see who it was, and her heart nearly skipped a beat when she spotted a regal male moving gracefully through the harem of dragons. She held her breath. It was Numinax! The tall, handsome aquamarine drake stepped to the front of the group, and fixed her with those clear blue eyes of his. A smile broke across his slender muzzle.

"Oulissa!"

All at once she rushed towards him in a blur of tawny feathers. Numinax seemed momentarily taken aback at the sight of a small feathery gryphon leaping towards him, but he managed to rear back and spread his wings just in time. Some of the nobles gasped at her sudden outburst - but a second later - Numinax wrapped his wings across her back, and covered her up in his warm embrace, cradling her gently against his great body. The gasps soon turned into happy growls, and the nobles tapped their tails on the floor in a respectful round of applause.

Oulissa licked and nuzzled Numinax's neck. She was so happy to see him that she didn't want to let him go. She wanted to savor everything about him: His soft, smooth scales rubbing against her skin, his delicious, spicy scent filling her nares, and his comforting breath blowing against her nape. He was everything she remembered and more. He stroked her mane and touched his forehead to hers. For a tiny moment in time, they were the only two creatures in the entire world, and nothing else mattered.

"Oulissa." he whispered soothingly into her ear. "I'm so happy to see you."

She squeezed her eyes shut and tried not to cry. It didn't work. Big, fat, wet, tears rolled down her cheeks and splashed onto the carpet. "Numinax." she whimpered. "D-draxyl ... I thought he ... I thought you were d-dead!"

"No! Of course not!" he soothed, petting her cheek. "I'm perfectly fine, thanks to you." He paused and glanced at the group of curious nobles, turning his attention back to her. "Would you ... would you like to talk somewhere in private?" he asked. Just the two of us?"

Oulissa wiped her tears away and blinked, staring up into his wide, expressive eyes. She sniffled and gave a tiny nod. "Yes please."

Numinax smiled, keeping her firmly tucked beneath his wing. She snuggled against him, feeling incredibly happy to finally be at his side. Numinax made her feel safe ... treasured, and after everything she'd been through, finally being with him almost felt too good to be true. If this was a dream, she never wanted to wake up.

"Can you fly?" he asked.

She nodded.

Numinax spread his massive wings. "Come then, fly with me." He turned to face the crowd. "I will be back shortly. The Mesmerai will delegate council affairs in my absence." he nodded at the twins and they giggled, staring at Oulissa with their knowing gazes. She smiled and blushed. She knew they'd want to hear all the details later, and they'd find out too, one way or another.

Numinax jumped into the air and flew through the sky portal. With a final farewell glance at the twins, Oulissa took off after him. Her wings ached, but it was nothing compared to the feeling of finally being reunited with Numinax. She let loose a hoot of joy and soared into the night.

She flew through the tunnel and broke the circular lip, the cool ocean breeze washing over her featherless body, and soothing her prickling flesh. The storm had long since passed, but she could still smell the sweet, evocative scent of fresh rainfall lingering in the wind. Oulissa closed her eyes and sighed happily. It was still dark out, but the faintest traces of dawn could be seen breaking over the horizon far off in the distance, an orange halo of light spreading across the ocean's calm surface, and casting the Dawnfire in its warm, fiery glow.

Numinax was soaring above her in wide, leisurely circles. Oulissa marveled at how his pale wings seemed to catch the light, each wing-stroke making them shimmer vibrantly against the star-speckled night sky above. Her heart fluttered at the sight. He was a handsome beast, trim and smooth, and seeing him flying above the ship, unharmed and exactly as she remembered, made her happier than a fully-fed hatchling.

Numinax swooped towards her, a playful grin stretched across his muzzle. They hugged in midair, kissing and nuzzling each other affectionately. Although it had only been a few days since she'd last seen him, it felt like years had gone by. His warm scales pressed against her fur, his powerful limbs easily holding her up as they hovered in mid-air.

"Numinax." she mumbled against his chest. "I'm so glad you're okay. I thought I was never going to see you again."

He stroked her nape and kissed her forehead. "I made you a promise." he whispered. "And I kept it."

She gazed up at him with her wide, liquid yellow eyes, her brow furrowing in concern as she noticed a small, fresh scar cutting down his left eye-ridge that besmirched his otherwise flawless complexion. "Your ... your face!" she exclaimed. "Did Draxyl do that to you?"

Numinax pointed at his injury. "This? Yes, why? Is it noticeable?"

She shook her head. "It just surprised me, that's all. I hope it doesn't hurt much."

"I'll live." he chuckled. "Besides, I've heard some females find facial scars attractive. I hope the same holds true for gryphons."

Oulissa smiled. "Well, I'll admit, it certainly gives you a dangerous look. I like it."

"Dangerous." he growled. "Interesting." he nibbled playfully on her neck. "Although I can be gentle too if that's what you prefer."

She shivered with excitement, wrapping her fore-limbs around his neck and hugging him close. "Your father." she whimpered. "He's hurt. I'm ... I'm sorry Numinax."

He held her tightly. "Don't be." You saved his life. He wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you. None of us would be alive if it wasn't for you! I should be the one apologizing, I underestimated Draxyl. I nearly got you killed!"

"It's not your fault! How could you have known?"

"What really happened after I sent you to the Mesmerai's Tower?" he inquired. "I've heard so many stories I don't know what to believe anymore."

Oulissa took a deep breath and told him everything. She told him about the Twins. About Vrin, and Starmire, and how they'd saved her life. She told him all about the ambush, the battle, the wave, the lightning, Taraguin, everything. The words just came pouring out, and when she was finally done, it felt like a massive weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She sagged forward and collapsed into Numinax's arms, quiet for a moment and trying to hold back tears. Thankfully, none came.

Numinax rubbed her back. "I can't believe you actually killed Draxyl." he admitted quietly. "Even with war-claws on I couldn't do it. He would have murdered me." he hissed darkly. "My own brother!"

"After seeing you beneath him ... injured ... He had to be stopped. I couldn't let him hurt you anymore!"

Numinax kissed her neck. "You were very brave." he mumbled. "Much braver than I was. I owe you my life."

"You don't owe me anything." she purred. "I'm just glad you're safe."

He grinned. "Well ... I do owe you a couple things actually. If you are still interested of course."

She blushed and smiled shyly. "That depends. What sort of things did you have in mind?"

Numinax winked. "Well, for starters -" he pumped his wings and did an elegant mid-air loop, "- I'll race ya' to the bow of the Dawnfire!" he streaked past her, a lightning-quick, aquamarine blur. She felt herself buffeted to the side and spun in his direction.

"Hey! No fair!" she shouted after him. There was no point. She watched him laugh, and perform an impressive display of aerial acrobatics, flipping over and soaring towards the front-half of the ship. Oulissa smiled to herself and took off after him.

Numinax was incredibly fast, but she had a feeling he was giving her chance to catch up. When she finally did, he rolled beneath her and flew upside-down, grinning wickedly and tickling her belly with his sharp claws. She gave a surprised squawk and twirled around him, swinging around the Dawnfire's huge foremast and nearly crashing into him as he came from the opposite direction. He levelled alongside her and they laughed like idiots, nudging each other and brushing their wingtips together.

They flew in silence for a couple of seconds, the wind rustling pleasantly through Oulissa's feathers. She looked at Numinax and found him staring back at her curiously. He gave another wink, and her gizzard practically melted. He flew on up ahead, leaving her to wonder where he was taking her.

Eventually, he began to spiral downwards towards the deck of the ship, the massive main sail billowing lightly in the early morning breeze. Numinax pointed out a small canopy of rigging near the narrow bow of the ship and flew towards it, landing gently in the shade it provided. He turned to face her, his eyes widening with surprise as she purposefully veered towards him and crashed into his flank, both of them tumbling across the wooden deck and landing in a heap atop pile of white sail-cloth. Oulissa slapped her paws on his muscular chest and pinned him down. She grinned and licked his cheek half-a-dozen times, making Numinax flinch back and wrinkle his snout up at the barrage of affection.

"I win!"

"You're a lot stronger than you look." he chuckled. "I didn't stand a chance."

She stared at him brightly for a few moments, cocking her head inquisitively. Seizing the initiative, she leaned forward and kissed the regal male dragon on the lips. Numinax let out a surprised grunt and pushed back against her, his long, slippery tongue slithering inside her mouth as he eagerly returned the embrace. Oulissa, whimpered and relaxed, holding him close as his paws roved through her luxurious fur. All her fears dissipated as they mixed their saliva, nipping each other playfully. When she'd finally had enough, Oulissa pushed him back, her dark-rimmed, golden eyes heavy with desire. He wiped a faint string of saliva off her beak and gave a smug grin.

"You've certainly gotten a lot better at that." he commented. "I never would have thought I'd be saying that about a gryphon."

She batted him playfully on the nose and fluffed her feathers. "What can I say, I'm a natural."

Numinax smirked. "And here I was thinking it was because I was a good teacher."

She chuckled. "That too. I certainly wouldn't be good at kissing if it weren't for you O-mighty Numinax."

"Hmm, mighty." he growled. "I like the sound of that. Feel free to call me that as often as you'd like."

Oulissa nuzzled his long, serpentine neck. "What about handsome, or brave, or charming. Do those work too?"

"Those too." he purred with a flash of his white fangs. "Although right now, with you rubbing against my groin like that, I'm feeling more aroused than anything."

She kneaded his scales and curled into a ball on his chest, purring with excitement. "Even with half my feathers missing? Forgive me O-mighty Numinax, but I find that hard to believe. I thought you had better taste in females than naked little hens like me."

His snout curled into a clever smile, his blue eyes twinkling as he leaned in close. "I kind of like naked little hens." he whispered into her ear. "Less in the way for me when I'm lying across your back."

Oulissa shivered at the hungry tone of his voice, rubbing all over his face and neck, and familiarizing with his attractive scent. "Well, then I'm sure you won't mind this." she crooned. The small gryphoness stood up and strutted about, bending forward, arching her back, and pushing her rump right in his face. Oulissa shamelessly lifted what remained of her tailfeathers for him, displaying her full arousal for the young male to witness. She listened to his quiet groan of surrender, his pupils dilating at the sight of her inflamed petals covered in their sticky, seasonal dew, and his nostrils flaring out at the scent of her fertility hidden deep within the warm confines of her tight, pink tunnel. Oulissa was already dripping and ready for him to claim, and she wanted him to know just how much been waiting for this moment.

Numinax's large paws instinctively encircled around her muscular quadriceps, his tongue slipping out of his maw with a wet 'slooping' noise, and tasting the air. His warm breath blew across her heat-ravaged sex, and she swooned as his tender digits tenderly spread her puffy lips apart, and traced across her sensitive, feminine mound. Her own paws travelled down his belly towards his genital slit where she knew his impressive length resided. Already her arousal was starting to have an effect on him. The tip of his cock poked free from his vent, a small tapered nub of pulsing flesh jutting free between his soft lips, dribbling a thin sheen of precum that oozed down his slit. Oulissa licked her beak at the sight - highly pleased he found her desirable - and inhaled a whiff of his earthy draconic musk, shuddering as the heady scent swirled inside her head, and made her whimper with a fierce desire for more. She wanted to taste him inside her mouth, and blushed deeply at such an odd realization.

Numinax couldn't resist the way she presented herself - and with an inappropriate growl - buried his snout in her rump feathers, and nuzzled her moist, delicate flower, smearing her natural lubricants all over his muzzle. Oulissa moaned as her pussy flushed with heat, the young male nibbling teasingly at her aching flesh, and stoking the flames of her burning estrus. He chuckled seeing her so eager for his attention - and after a brief moment - gave her exposed cunt a long, extended lick.

Oulissa crooned and pushed back into it, gasping as Numinax dragged his tongue deftly across her slit, and slathered all over the wet, quivering apex of her thighs. She rolled her hips, her tongue lolling out as she silently begged him to continue ... begged for him to eat her out as he'd done when they'd first met. Oulissa's heat had begun to cloud her thoughts - and now - her only concern was having Numinax ease the painful twinges coming from within her belly, and fill her needy womb full of his rich, draconic seed. It was a primal, instinctual lust, and one she knew could only be sated by him, just as Starmire intended.

Her paws found his vent. She splayed out her digits and touched the puffy ventral scales, feeling them pulse and throb as blood rushed to the male's loins. She spread them wide apart and dug her tongue between the tender seal of flesh, her eyes fluttering at the taste his dark, sour musk directly from the source. Numinax grunted with surprise. It was like nothing she'd ever experienced before. Rich, powerful, sweet. It was all that and more, and she never wanted to stop. He nudged her own lips apart in return, and guided his squirming tongue deep inside her supple folds, making her practically mewl like a kitten as she felt herself stretched around his fleshy girth. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as Numinax licked her swollen cunt-lips until she was twitching, jerking, and moaning uncontrollably in his lap, her pussy vibrating around his invading tongue.

For a minute or two, Oulissa was totally incapacitated as horny male went down on her. She pushed her rump higher, her legs threatening to buckle as each gentle flick from his tongue made her squirm like a newborn hatchling. It felt incredible, and all her concerns blissfully washed away as Numinax tended to her raging heat. His slick, flexible organ exploring the depths of her vagina, and eliciting small moans from her beak. She heard him chuckle and withdraw his tongue from her vent, admiring the sight of her spread, dripping snatch and licking his snout clean with delight.

"Hmm, have I told you how delicious you taste gryphon?" he rumbled. "I could do this forever."

"Oh Numinax." she moaned. "I've been waiting for this."

He growled and nipped at her flesh, tickling her pulsing clitoris and nudging her legs further apart. She heard him inhale her peculiar feminine scent and sigh.

"All this time you've been in heat, haven't you?"

She blushed and nodded. "Ever since we first met. I can't stop thinking about you ... about how much ... about how much I wanted you i-inside me."

He chuckled softly. "That's very flattering." he leaned forward and gave her sopping, feathery cunt a wet kiss, pulling her legs wide open to give him complete and total access to her quivering lips. "I've been looking forward to this as well." he growled seductively.

Oulissa arched her back as Numinax's curious muzzle sent electric bursts of pleasure coursing straight through her gizzard, a low warble escaping her throat as his slimy organ probed the entrance to her shivering body. Faint huffs could be heard as Numinax devoured her cunt, his tongue burrowing into her soaking tunnel, and leaving her twitching and crooning in rapture.

There was no way to describe how amazing it felt, and she watched in a haze of bliss as Numinax's cock began to emerge from its protective vent while he ate her out, his lower-lips spreading open as the blood-red, veiny shaft slipped free with a gush of slimy lubricants, and hardened along his belly at a jaw-dropping pace. The small gryphoness moaned. Numinax's breeding-tool was an impressive, mighty-looking thing. Red, smooth and tapered, with large, fleshy ridges running along its entire, exotic length. He was much bigger than any gryphon, she knew. A gryphon's penis was short and barbed, hardly comparable to the majestic pole of glistening flesh before her. Numinax was a truly well-endowed beast.

Without a moment's hesitation, she leaned forward and encircled her paws around the base of his handsome cock, listening as Numinax let loose an airy hiss of approval as she kneaded his hot, throbbing flesh, and coaxed him to full arousal. She shuffled comfortably against him, sinking her beak carefully around the first couple inches of his shaft, and guiding the tapered glans into her maw. The young male groaned as her small tongue began eagerly slurping away, leaning his head back and shuddering as the tiny gryphon on-top of him pleasured him orally. She was quite talented, and however clumsy she was at first, was quickly offset by her complete and total devotion to the task. Numinax's pre-cum spurted inside her mouth each time she descended upon his aching length, the potent taste making her yellow eyes glaze with lust, and her beak twist upwards in a sloppy grin as the silvery juices dribbled down her chin. Numinax tasted delicious: A powerful combination of fiery male arousal and exotic scents, and she gave him her undivided attention, bobbing up and down on his member, and waggling her rump in his face.

Numinax paws found her hamstrings again, his grip tighter this time, more assertive. He practically mashed his snout into her pubic mound, and Oulissa's eyes shot open in surprise as she felt his hot tongue unfurl from his maw and press against her sopping, feathery cunt. A powerful tremor shivered down her birth canal as he licked and kissed her posterior, forcing a moan from her beak as the inner-vibrations caused her abdominal muscles to quiver and relax, and the horny male to slip inside her receptive vagina once again. Oulissa squirmed as his long, flexible tongue sunk into her passageway, his talons spreading her lips apart and rubbing her swollen clitoris.

She pulled off his cock with a wet slurp and glanced back at him, strings of saliva dangling in loops off her lower-beak. His erection stood straight in the air, pulsing faintly as globs of thick, musky lubricants drizzled out the tip and trailed down the base of his shaft. She obediently licked him clean, swishing his fluids around in her mouth and swallowing them with an audible gulp. "N-numinax!" she gasped. "Please don't stop. It ... it feels soo good."

The male glanced at her with a devilish glint in his eyes. His only response was the feeling of his warm tongue sliding wetly against her inner-walls, his digits massaging her tender flesh until she was trembling and moaning his name for all to hear. Oulissa wondered what would happen if someone found them like this. She smiled at the thought, picturing their faces at the sight of their prince furiously licking a gryphon's hind-quarters, and his cock buried deep inside her maw. Knowing dragons, they'd probably join right in.

It didn't matter. Numinax was hers, and hers alone to indulge upon. Oulissa turned her attention back to the male's towering cock, grabbing it between her paws and guiding it into her open maw. This time, she took on more of him, descending low against his waist and swallowing inch-after-inch of his succulent shaft, her throat constricting tightly around its hot, spongy surface. Numinax groaned with pleasure at the sensation of her mouth working over his cock, his hips twitching each time she slurped along his length and licked his swollen, oozing vent. His musk quickly reduced her inhibitions, and she enjoyed the taste of his cock rubbing against the inside of her beak quite thoroughly, his pre-cum squirting inside her maw, and coating her tongue with its delicious, mind-altering pheromones. It was addictive, and she couldn't get enough.

After a couple seconds, Oulissa gave a pitiful whine and nudged her hips towards his face, pleading Numinax to continue eating her out. She didn't have to wait long, and almost instantly, Numinax plunged his tongue deep inside her waiting cunt, and filled her tiny pussy full of hot, writhing flesh. Oulissa's eyes rolled to the back of her head as he tickled every sexual nerve in her body, his paw rubbing her belly, and forcing a powerful ripple through her womb. She pulled off his cock with a noisy slurp, a gush of excess fluids pouring from the corners of her beak as she collapsed on-top of him, moaning like a needy hen. She heard him growl and start tongue-fucking her faster, driving her to heights of pleasure she never knew existed. Her body temperature started to increase until she thought she'd surely burst into flames, electrifying tingles coursing through her uterus as her body innately prepared itself to be claimed by the virile male. Numinax was going to make her cum, and she knew this with every fiber of her being.

Oulissa's vision flickered and swam as Nuinax shoved his tongue inside vagina, the edges darkening until she thought she'd pass out. Weakly, she managed to press the side of his cock against her face and nuzzle his steamy shaft, smearing breeding-juices all over her cheek ruffs as she tried her best to keep up with the male's furious ministrations. It was no use, and soon she was forced to moan and collapse onto his belly, her wings splayed out everywhere and her toes curling up as Numinax's wonderful tongue brought her to a shivering, screeching climax. He plugged her cunt to the very hilt, his maw yawning open around her rump as the muscular organ undulated inside her oozing snatch. Saliva and other mixed bodily fluids dripped onto the dragon's chest while his paws stroked the inside of her thighs, and Oulissa felt her whole body seize up around his fleshy tongue, her eyes shrinking to tiny pinpoints as a warm, searing jolt suddenly fluttered through her breeding canal. One second passed. Two. All the heat in her body seemed to rush towards the apex of her thighs ... hot, barely restrained passion that pooled inside her loins. Oulissa twitched, feeling like she might explode at any second ... and then she did, her eyes rolling up as the burning heat blossomed right in the center of her womb.

Her pussy dilated and started rhythmically clenching around his tongue, deep, powerful abdominal contractions pulsating through her lower-belly, and making her moan in disbelief. She gave a violent shudder, her beak trembling as wave after wave of intense, mind-wracking pleasure started coursing through her body, her fleshy abyss collapsing, and trembling wetly around his tongue. Numinax's claws massaged her burning clitoris as she climaxed, his talented digits quickly reducing her to nothing more than a weak, shivering, moaning pile of feathers, her feminine juices squirting all over his snout as he sucked on her sensitive twat with obvious delight.

Oulissa quickly lost track of time, her talons digging into his scales as he continued to stimulate her twitching body. His long, slender tongue was practically designed for pleasuring females, and it's soft, silky texture had her convulsing around it for ages. Copious amounts of saliva and other mixed bodily fluids oozed from her over-stuffed vent, drizzling down her shaking legs and pooling on his chest. The small gryphon could barely move her limbs, and the only sound she made was a defeated whimper as his slimy tongue finally slid out of her shivering sex, and left a small trail of clear slime following in its wake.

Numinax smacked his lips together and did his best to clean her up, flicking over her drippy rump as she tried to recover from the massive orgasm she'd just endured. The young bird's mind was foggy with desire, her womb glowing with a strange heat that throbbed inside her belly. His tongue lapped at her swollen petals, travelling up her feathery taint, and finally towards her ass where he began gently nudging her tailfeathers aside. His steamy breath blew across her tailhole, his nostrils flaring out as he caught a whiff of her, thick heady scent, then inhaled deeply. She heard his pleasured sigh turn into a dominant growl, a thrill of excitement coursing down her spine as the male started to lose himself to her scent. Oulissa chirped and looked nervously over her shoulder, meeting Numinax's predatory gaze. The dragon's bright eyes flashed devilishly.

"N-Numinax!" she breathed. Oulissa was going to ask what on earth he was doing, but the feeling of his hot, slimy tongue pushing against her sphincter and squeezing its way past the tight ring of flesh was answer enough. She moaned as her hole was spread wide to accept him, her insides quivering and relaxing around his slippery appendage as her penetrated her anus, the horny dragon proving once again that his kind was not the type to shy away from such taboo indulgences.

Oulissa loved it. The feeling of his warm tongue exploring the inner-most workings made her quiver and practically orgasm as second time, her eye-lids drooping as she collapsed onto his waist with a look of pure bliss sliding across her face. Numinax grunted with pleasure, kissing and licking at her clenching tailhole, and tasting her forbidden depths all to himself. His unattended cock - which had begun to soften from being ignored for so long - immediately pulsated to life. A big, rigid, tantalizing mass of flesh that begged for her attention. She licked a bead of ejaculate drizzling down its impressive length, moaning as Numinax drove his tongue inside her bowels to the very hilt, and slurped against her messy rump.

Oulissa managed to swallow his cock a second time, her beak stretching wide around his tapered glans as she guided him into her waiting maw. The dragon's considerable girth slid down her throat, each exotic ridge popping into her mouth while she did her best to reciprocate the attention he was giving her rump. Oulissa's whole body shuddered with pleasure as Numinax noisily made-out with her tailhole, her own tongue flicking against his pulsing urethera, and tasting the potent emissions that spurted directly inside her oral cavity. She felt him twitch and grunt, his hips jerking ever-so-slightly as his cock sunk repeatedly inside her mouth. Soon, all she could smell was his powerful, masculine stench drifting through the air. Sloppy, wet, smacking noises quickly filling their cramped little sanctuary.

Numinax gasped and withdrew his fat tongue from her rump, saliva drooling from her quivering hole. "Gods Oulissa. Y-your throat." he groaned. "I'm ... I'm close." She responded by contracting her tracheal muscles around his cock and bobbing up-and-down, saliva coating his shaft in a sticky layer of heat. Numinax hissed and lay his head back against the pile of white sail-cloth, content to simply let the little gryphon have her way with him. Oulissa's paws rubbed his ventral slit, tracing down towards the dragon's dark tailhole, where she rubbed its sensitive surface, and watched as the darker scales flexed inwards to reveal his soft, pink, immaculate inner-flesh. Numinax toes curled up as she stuffed two digits inside him, his tailhole clamping shut around them, and his pupils narrowing to slits as he let loose a feral groan of pleasure.

Without warning, Numinax's entire body shuddered uncontrollably, his tail going stiff and his snout curling into a snarl as Oulissa felt his massive cock throb powerfully inside her mouth. His urethra pulsated furiously as thick, fertile ropes of steaming cum began squirting inside her maw, and she nearly gagged as the hot, goopy ejaculate splashed against the back of her throat, and spilled out the corners of her beak. Thinking quickly, she grabbed his member and took all of it into her maw, feeling it slide down her throat with a lewd gluk as she milked his length for all its worth. His seed tasted absolutely delicious as it spurted into her belly, her eyes rolling up as each successive wave of the heavy, sperm-rich fluid filled her up with a pleasant, oozing warmth, her belly distending from the sheer amount pooling inside her gut.

Numinax twitched and groaned beneath her, unable to comprehend how a tiny gryphon had managed to swallow his entire cock all at once. She underestimated how pent up he'd been, and the flow of semen quickly became way too much for the poor bird to handle. Oulissa pulled off his throbbing cock with a wet slurp, coughing up his seed as a fresh string of cum caught her right in the face before she had time to flinch back. She ducked, watching in a mixture of fascination and disbelief as the virile dragon erupted before her, his pearly-white seed shooting straight into the air, before arching downwards and splashing messily all over them both.

Numinax climaxed for the better part of a minute, but eventually, the body-wracking pulses began to subside, each spurt less forceful than the last, and every twitch further-and-further apart. By the time he was done, she was practically drenched in his sticky emissions, his cum matting her feathers, and the strong scent of his arousal clogging up her nares. Oulissa withdrew her digit from his hot tailhole and started to dutifully lick him clean, dragging her tongue across his sloppy cock, and delighting at the taste as she swallowed big mouthfuls of his milky semen.

It took Numinax a while to recover from his orgasm, his cock softening, and his paws roaming idly through her fur while both of them enjoyed everything their partner had to offer. Oulissa felt incredibly full, his cum sloshing thickly inside her swollen tummy. When she was satisfied he was somewhat presentable, she twisted about and settled down on his chest, looking at him with a heavy-lidded gaze.

"I knew you dragons put out a lot, but that was incredible." she breathed.

Numinax gave her a toothy grin, his chest rising up-and-down. He grabbed her mane and pulled her in close. "C'mere you." he growled.

Oulissa moaned as his snout met her open beak, his tongue immediately plunging inside her mouth and slathering her own in saliva. She shivered at the faint tang of tailhole on his breath, her own tasting strongly of his cum as they shared their saliva between themselves. The sloppy embrace lasted a few seconds before Numinax pushed her back and wiped his snout clean.

"How did you manage to swallow my cock like that?" he asked in astonishment. "You were like a Mesmerai or something. I've never seen anyone use their throat like that before."

She fluffed up her feathers. "You dragons aren't the only ones with a particular set of talents."

"I'll say. You stuffed a digit inside my tailhole. How did you know that would set me off?"

"You seemed to have a fascination with mine. I figured you'd like it."

Numinax gave a seductive growl. "Hmm you are correct. Sometimes I get a little carried away, I hope I wasn't too aggressive."

She licked his neck. "On the contrary. I enjoyed it quite thoroughly."

He pressed his snout into her mane and inhaled deeply, his paw massaging her burning clitoris and making her tremble and moan against him. "Oulissa," he whispered in her ear. "Is it wrong that I want to breed you?" he purred in her ear. "Very roughly?"

The young gryphon shivered with arousal. "Of course not." She felt his cock prod her exposed cunt, his rigid maleness already stiffening at the promise of slipping inside her warm, welcoming flesh. Oulissa crooned and rubbed against it, earning a satisfied groan from the dominant dragon below. "I want that too." she moaned.

He pulled her in close to his chest. "Are you sure? Once I'm lying across your back, there's no telling what might happen. What if I lose control? I don't want to hurt you."

She shook her head vehemently. "I can take it!" she said. "I want this Numinax ... I really want to mate with you!"

He looked into her eyes, his cool stare calm and piercing. They suddenly kissed again, their faces pressing together and twisting back-and-forth. It lasted only a few moments. Oulissa pulled back and rolled off him, turning around and presenting her hindquarters for him once more. She looked back and lifted her tail invitingly, waggling her rump and watching as Numinax growled at the sight of her swollen, supple lips, and moved to mount her. His paws found her rump, his body sliding overtop her back as he hunched his hips, crouched low, and brought his snout next to the side of her head, his considerable weight pinning her down, and his warm exhalations blowing softly against her cheek.

"If we do this, you'll never feel so much pleasure in your life." he growled. She felt the tip of his cock probe her nether-lips, globs of pre spurting out his urethra and smearing all over her pussy until it was dripping wet and ready for him to claim. She shuffled her back paws and keened desperately for him to take her, bending low against the floor and rubbing herself all over his forelimbs planted beside head. Numinax was absolutely massive, his wings flared out protectively, while hers were tucked nearly against her flanks.

"Don't be gentle." she crooned. "I want you to breed me like a dragoness, okay?"

"You sure? The berries I gave you earlier have definitely worn off; there's a good chance you'll become gravid."

The young gryphoness nodded eagerly. "I know ... Numinax ... I want you to be the father of my kittens." she said with a tiny blush, hoping the personal revelation wouldn't turn him off completely.

It certainly seemed to faze him. "O-Oulissa." he stuttered, looking at her in surprise. "I ... I had no idea-"

"-Either way, if you don't stick yourself inside me in the next five seconds, I'm going to lose my mind. Kits or not."

His snout curled up into a smirk and he licked her neck. "Well, if that's case, prepare yourself gryphon. I'll give you nice, big clutch." he purred in her ear. "The biggest you'll ever know."

Oulissa shivered with anticipation and pressed back against him, forcing a tiny groan from his lips as he jabbed forward and rubbed against her puffy sex. The first couple tries he missed completely, and they both chuckled awkwardly as Numinax adjusted to her different anatomy.

"Quite the tiny little thing, aren't you?"

Oulissa rustled her feathers and grinned. "Oh, quit teasing me get on with it."

Numinax reared back a second time, aligning himself with her rump and thrusting forward anew. Oulissa screwed her eyes shut and hissed as the tip of his cock spread her pussy-lips wide apart, his slimy length finding its mark as the first few inches sunk inside her soft, tender flesh. Gods above he was big! Her eyes snapped open in shock as Numinax snarled with pleasure, the large dragon gently rolling his hips as he worked his cock deep inside her body.

"Mercy - your tight!" he hissed. "Relax Oulissa! W-we'll never get anywhere if you keep clenching down like that!"

"S-s-sorry!" she mumbled incoherently. "B-b-but ... y-your s-so b-big! I-I've never f-felt anything l-like it!"

"Here, this should help." His paw traced down her belly and found her pulsing clitoris, gently massaging it in tiny circles. She moaned weakly as her abdominal muscles suddenly rippled around his shaft. A warm, oozing heat fluttering straight through her loins as Numinax took complete, and total control of her body. She heard him groan with pleasure and sink further inside, the copious amount of lubricants covering his shaft helping ease the process significantly.

"Ahhh ... that's it Oulissa." he whispered soothingly in her ear. "Shhhh ... breathe ... concentrate on my voice. You're doing great."

She clenched her beak together and did as she was told, scrunching up her face, and trying not to cry out with pain. Numinax filled her up completely. All she could feel was her pussy squeezing around his impressive girth, and his cock grinding wonderfully against her warm, inner-flesh. Numinax pulled back after a few seconds and gave her a chance to recover, his cock slipping free and slapping wetly against his abdomen, a trail of slime oozing from her gaping vent. Oulissa was already panting with exertion from having the big male lying across her back, but her pussy felt cold and empty without him buried inside it. She moaned like a lusty hen, craving the sense of heat and fullness his maleness provided.

Numinax chuckled and pushed back in even deeper this time, fluids squelching out around the tight seal of their bodies and dripping down her trembling legs. Oulissa's eyes fluttered as the virile male hilted himself within her depths, her breeding canal stretching wide around his girth, and his ventral lips pressed right up against her own. She exhaled in a rush of air, feeling the faint pulse of his heartbeat deep inside her fertile breeding-tunnel, his cock twitching and spurting pre-cum all over the entrance to her womb. Numinax re-adjusted his stance and guided her to the floor, hunching his back and nibbling on her ear.

"Ready?"

She gave a tiny chip of consent, kneading her back paws in preparation. Numinax growled and jerked his hips forward, sliding his smooth, ridged cock between her swollen lips. Oulissa moaned out loud. It felt incredible having him inside her, and she soon found herself getting lost in the pleasure of having a fully-grown dragon finally mating with her at last, pushing back into his thrusts, and driving his cock deep into her nubile body.

At first she could do little but squirm under his touch, her limbs aching with bliss while Numinax humped against her hindquarters. She could tell he wasn't going all out - he was being careful not to injure her - but she felt satisfied their previous oral play had loosened her up enough that she could take his length without causing her too much discomfort. Numinax licked her neck possessively, grunting each time he rammed his throbbing penis past her supple lips, and plunged inside the young gryphon's eager confines.

Oulissa whimpered as hot juices squirted from her stretched pussy, lewd noises emanating from her rump each time their bodies slapped together. If the scent of two creature's mating had been noticeable before, now it was positively overwhelming. She could smell the thick, masculine scent of his musk drifting through the air, her own sweet, feminine odor mingling with it, and making her practically swoon with lust. Numinax's large cock soothed her aching heat, and the feeling of his girth finally plugging up her needy cunt was totally worth every second of it.

"Oulissa." he groaned beside her. "Y-you're - unf - so tight! I can barely - ah! - fit inside you!"

She shivered between his legs, unable to formulate a coherent response as her tongue lolled from her beak, and her eyes glazed with rapture. The powerful male had her pinned to the deck, breeding her fragile body with deep, loving strokes. She grinded her rump back into them, smearing copious amounts of sexual fluids all over her feathers, and moaning softly with enjoyment. Numinax's cock reached the deepest recesses of her body, his spade-shaped tip kissing and rubbing against her sensitive flesh, and stimulating her in the most pleasurable ways imaginable. Oulissa arched her back and started panting heavily as his pace increased, stretching her paws out along the floor to give him better access to her quivering depths. She heard Numinax grunt as her vaginal walls contracted tightly around his breeding-tool, his breath blowing softly in her ear, and his lips pulled back to expose the white fangs behind them. She trembled at the sight of his sharp eyes calm and focused on the task of filling her belly full of little hatchlings. Numinax would make a wonderful father, and his muscles rippled all throughout his body each time he thrust himself into her. She knew he could leave her weak, and shivering, and leaking his fertile seed if he wanted to ... like Draxyl had ... but he'd never do such a thing. Numinax was different. Lying across her back, Numinax made her feel special ... wanted. And if she had the choice to remain beneath him for the rest of her life, she'd take it. No questions asked.

The little bird craned her neck and rubbed all over him, splaying out her feathers in a clear sign of trust. Numinax seemed a little offset by the strange display of affection - perhaps not entirely used to it - but quickly pressed his muzzle deep into her mane, and whispered sweet nothings into her ear ... whispered how he'd make her his, and give her all the little whelps she could ever possibly hope for. Oulissa whimpered as her pussy started vibrating around his cock, her heat-ravaged body gradually submitting itself up to the dominant male's whims. She felt a deep shudder inside her cunt as her cervix dilated multiple times, eager for a taste of the male's delicious seed that would soon be spurting past it into the fertile sanctuary within.

Numinax nipped her with his teeth. "Feels good - hmmf - doesn't it?" he growled, as if resisting the urge to take her in his jaws and breed her roughly. She moaned for him to do just that, her eyes snapping open and her pussy trembling around his thick, pulsing rod of flesh. Ecstasy coursed through her abdomen in searing bursts as the large dragon took her hard and fast, their pleasure rising until she thought she'd black out.

"I'll fill you up nicely." he whispered in her ear, his hips slamming into her receptive tunnel. "I'll - unf - fill you up with a big clutch Oulissa." Nothing could have made the young gryphon any happier, and she eagerly pushed back into his thrusts, clenching her abdominal muscles hard around his cock and making the horny male grunt with surprise. "Oohh." he mumbled, pausing for a second. "You like it rough don't you?" He slipped his forelimbs beneath her armpits and settled along the natural curve of her spine, his body draped completely over-top hers. Oulissa shivered from head-to-tail at being in such a helpless position - and yet - she'd never felt more safe. Numinax was going to fuck her senseless now, and the thought made her tremble with excitement.

The male pulled back. Without any warning, he rammed his hips forward, pushing her tail aside and sinking his cock deep into her soaking cunt in one swift thrust. She was ready this time, and the feeling of his massive girth sliding in ridge-after-exotic-ridge practically made her orgasm on the spot. She screeched as her pussy squeezed tightly around his shaft, the tip of his cock kissing the entrance to her womb, and sending bursts of pleasure tingling through her tiny uterus. Numinax grabbed the back of her mane between his jaws and began rutting her like a wild beast, feral grunts and growls rolling from his chest as he furiously bred the little gryphon beneath him as hard as he possibly could. Loud, slopping noises squelched from her sore pussy each time their bodies collided, Oulissa's eyes fluttering as waves heat cascaded through her vaginal passageway. Numinax bred her faster than she'd ever thought possible, his talons digging into the hard wooden deck, and his tongue lolling out and drooling all over her skin. She felt his claws grab her throat and pull her into a messy kiss, the slimy appendage sliding down her throat and making her eyes bulge out in surprise. He tasted delicious, a mixture of inappropriate scents and flavors, and she moaned weakly with pleasure as the dragon masterfully dominated her body. Oulissa felt her pussy spasm madly around his length, tugging and clamping around it, and urging the virile male to spill his load deep inside her waiting confines. His pace increased until his hips were a blur of speed, his cock hammering into her juicy cunt, until the pressure that had been building inside her gizzard for minutes now unleashed itself all at once.

Oulissa squeezed her eyes shut and screeched as Numinax forced her body to ovulate prematurely for him. A warm, powerful ripple of heat surged through her birth-canal - the strongest yet - and her pussy dilated numerous times around his cock, feminine juices bursting wetly all over his loins and drenching them both in her sticky emissions. This seemed to push the male over the edge. With a final thrust, Numinax snarled, arched his back, and fully hilted himself within Oulissa's shivering depths. His jaws clamped around her neck in a painful mating bite, forcing her to seize up, and her pussy to constrict tightly around his shaft. She felt him mash against her battered cervix, the narrow tip of his cock breaching the soft, weakened barrier of flesh, and pulsating furiously as he emptied the contents of his internal balls inside her at last.

The young gryphon's eyes rolled up in ecstasy. Hot, fertile waves of, sperm-rich semen spurted directly inside her egg-laden womb, pooling thickly within the confines of her receptive uterus. Numinax twitched and jerked above, his tongue hanging out as he pumped gallons of steaming cum into the small gryphon between his legs, filling her full of his seed in an instant. Oulissa felt each heavy rope lance inside her inner-sanctuary, the rest of it squelching around his throbbing shaft, and squirting from her sloppy, over-stuffed cunt. She moaned as a waterfall of pearly-white spunk spilled down her shaking legs, her tummy distending slightly from the sheer amount of life-essence he deposited deep inside her willing body.

Eventually, Numinax groaned and slumped on top of her, his mating bite relaxing, and his jarring thrusts gradually tapering off. Each pulse from his cock became weaker and weaker, the flow of semen becoming nothing more than a slow, oozing trickle, before ceasing entirely. They lay there like that for quite some time, both of them panting heavily with exhaustion, trying to recover from the powerful mating. 'If that didn't make me pregnant.' Oulissa thought with a tired grin. 'I don't know what will.' she tilted her head to the side and met Numinax's predatory gaze, her golden eyes heavy-lidded with desire.

"Ooh, Numinax." she cooed happily. "That was ... amazing."

_ _ Her infatuated voice seemed to jolt him from his rut, his expression softening with concern when he noticed the red bite marks he'd inflicted upon her collar. He looked horrified.

"Ou-Oulissa, I bit you! I - I didn't ... I had no id - I'm so sorry!"

"It's okay."

"I ... I got carried away! Why didn't you stop me!"

"Because I didn't want you to stop."

He looked confused. "Didn't want me to stop? But look what I did to your neck! I hurt you!"

"Numinax, if I'd wanted you to stop, I would have asked you to stop."

He licked her injury, dragging his tongue tenderly across her feathers. "I've never lost control like that before! I just got so into it ... I don't even remember doing it! Does it ... does it hurt?"

Oulissa rubbed against him. "A little, but everything else felt so good, I didn't really notice."

"I'm sorry Oulissa. I should have been more careful."

"Don't be. I kind of liked it. It made me feel like your prey for a second. Very primal. Exciting. I've never felt like that before."

He furrowed his brow. "Really?"

Oulissa bobbed her head.

Numinax grinned, exposing his sharp fangs. "Well in that case, come here my little prey." he wrapped his paws around her waist and flopped onto his side, dragging her with him to the ground. Oulissa moaned as she was pulled into his embrace, his wings enfolding her up in a cocoon of warmth. She felt his hips shift as he readied to pull out, a trail of cum leaking from between the seal of their bodies. The small gryphon pushed back against him in fear.

"Don't pull out!" she said with a blush of embarrassment. "It ... it feels nice having you inside me. Warm."

Numinax smiled and settled back down. "As you wish."

Oulissa wriggled her rump, making the young dragon growl and nibble on the back of her neck. He draped a wing over her shoulder, his body firm and protective. Oulissa snuggled right up against him, both of them basking in the amazing afterglow of their furious romp. The orange sun rose above the horizon far-off in the distance, warming her feathers as the first rays of dawn spilled out across the ocean's surface. She could feel his fertile seed tingling in her womb, her belly swollen from the amount of rich ejaculate he'd pumped inside her tiny uterus. It felt amazing, and the young gryphon realized she was purring very loudly.

He placed a paw on her belly and rubbed it meaningfully. "Sounds like somebody has a clutch growing inside them." he growled playfully in her ear.

She craned back and rubbed all over his neck, fluffing up her feathers in a sign of contentment. "Oh Numinax." she sighed. "I hope so."

"I wonder what they'll look like when they hatch." he chuckled. "I can't say I've ever seen a feathered dragon before. Or a scaled gryphon for that matter"

"Is it possible, for our kinds t-to reproduce like that?" she asked curiously.

"There are stories." he whispered in her ear. "With some validity to them."

Oulissa contemplated this for a moment. "Well, if they are half as good looking as their father, I won't be disappointed."

He gave an amused huff and clutched her tightly against his chest. "I wonder how many eggs I'll watch you squeeze out. I heard it can be a very -" he licked her neck possessively. "-intimate experience."

She shivered with excitement. "Knowing how much you filled me up, dozens perhaps, if not more."

Numinax growled, his voice a deep, seductive thrum. "Let's try for more, shall we?" he jerked his hips teasingly, working his seed deep inside her body. She moaned, feeling it squelch lewdly around his shaft buried inside her, and dribble down the inside of her thighs.

"Oh Numinax, keep talking like that, and I won't ever be able to stop lifting my tail for you."

He chuckled. "Don't tempt me. Let me know when you're up for another round. That is, unless you aren't too exhausted. We dragons are known for our stamina after all."

Oulissa smiled weakly and licked his paw. She was exhausted. The vigorous breeding had left her weak, shivering, and sore, but it was a good kind of sore. They'd mate again, she knew. Numinax would take her many times over the next few days to ensure his fertile seed had taken. The thought aroused her greatly. She wanted to feel her tummy swell with his clutch. She wanted to watch their eggs hatch and grow into strong little drakes or gryphons or whatever lie in-between. She wanted to nurse them, and feed them, and care for them as only a mother could. She wanted to give something to this world instead of running away from it. Something good, and meaningful, and pure. But most of all, she wanted to be with him, with Numinax. Oulissa snuggled against the strong male and gave a happy sigh, closing her eyes and feeling his heart thump powerfully beside her head.

They stayed like that for a little while. Far off on the horizon, she could spot the mountainous landscape of Arden-Tor: A wild, untamed land, full of dense jungles, sprawling deserts, and dry, arid mesas. Perhaps the Emperor was right, she wondered. Perhaps she did belong with dragons. It was too early to decide, but for now, she was content to simply cuddle with Numinax, his large paws roving through her fur and making her twitch and giggle every so often.

"Oulissa." Numinax mumbled after a few minutes of silence. "There is something we have to discuss. Something very important to me."

Her ears perked up. "Yes?"

"After I tended to my father, we spoke about many things. You, Draxyl, the Empire, our people. We talked for hours, and while I do not agree with his opinion on many subjects, I did agree with him on one."

Oulissa felt a strange twitch inside her gizzard. She remained quiet.

Numinax paused for a second, taking a deep breath before continuing. "My father ... well ... he ... he says it is time for me to choose a life-mate. Someone to rule by my side. You know what that means, don't you Oulissa?"

The small gryphon felt an unpleasant sinking feeling inside her gizzard. She understood exactly what he meant. A life-mate was someone you chose to spend the rest of your life with. A sacred, loving bond between two creatures that could never be broken. Most gryphons did not adhere to such stringent rules, but it was not unheard of. Oulissa knew where this conversation was going. It was bound to happen sooner or later, but she still couldn't keep the bitterness out of her voice.

"Yes. I am aware of what a life-mate is." she said coldly. She felt him stiffen at her frigid tone, his grip on her waist faltering. She knew she was being selfish. It wasn't his fault. There was simply no way their relationship could ever work. For a time ... perhaps, but he was the future Emperor, and she was nothing more than a rogue princess from a foreign nation. A gryphon. Oulissa clenched her beak, tears welling up in her eyes. She forced herself not to cry. She was stronger than that. This was the Emperor's last play, she realized scathingly. His final insult. He knew she loved his son ... loved him more than anything in the entire world, and she should have known he'd do everything in his power to prevent that love from coming to fruition. He'd won. And she was a fool for believing that such a coupling was even possible.

"I'm sure there are many beautiful females for you to choose from." she forced herself to say. "You are his heir after all."

"Indeed. I've already received dozens of offers from many of the nobles aboard this ship." he explained. "Powerful warrior-queens from Arden-Tor, beautiful diplomats, enchanters from lands I've never even visited, it's a little overwhelming to be quite honest."

"And have you chosen yet?" she asked with a clenched beak. She dreaded his answer.

Numinax sighed. "Yes ... but I don't know if she feels the same way about me."

The words were like a slap to the face. Oulissa wilted, her gizzard turning to ice. "What is her name?" she asked. The words just came out of her beak, but she didn't mean them. She didn't care what the stupid dragon's name was. All she wanted to do now was disappear, turn into a tiny speck of dust and blow away in the wind. There was nothing left for her among dragons anymore. There was nothing left for her anywhere for that mat-

"-Her name is Oulissa!"

The young gryphoness nearly choked. "W-what!?"

Numinax stroked her flank, a smile spreading across his slender muzzle. "You!" he stated again. "I chose you!"

"Me?"

"Of course!" His brow creased worriedly all of a sudden. "Why? Would you rather I had not?"

Oulissa could hardly breathe, her heart pounding inside her chest and threatening to burst forth. "N-no! Of course not!" she stammered. "I just ... I just don't know what to say!"

"So you accept? You'll be my life-mate?"

Oulissa suddenly felt like the happiest creature alive. She squirmed in his embrace, unable to conceal her excitement. This couldn't be real, she reasoned. It was too good to be true. "Yes! Of course I accept!"

He breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank the gods, for a second there I thought you were going to say no!"

She licked his paw affectionately. "I'd never say no to you Numinax ... Your nobody else's mate but mine."

He licked her nape. "It's settled then. I guess this means we're life-mates now!"

Oulissa couldn't believe it. One moment, she was ready to cry, the next, she was the luckiest gryphon in the world. She closed her eyes and relaxed, a deep sense of satisfaction tingling throughout her body.

"Does ... does your father know?" she asked curiously.

Numinax groaned. "Oh he knows alright."

"What does he think?"

"Well, he certainly doesn't approve if that's what you were hoping."

"I figured. He doesn't seem very fond of me."

Numinax shook his head and chuckled. "It doesn't matter what he thinks anyways. His opinion - while duly noted - is entirely irrelevant."

"Why do say that"

"Because he is not the emperor anymore." Numinax stated calmly. "I am."

Oulissa froze stiff, twisting around and meeting his steady gaze. "You're ... you're the emperor? What are you talking about?"

The handsome male rubbed her back. "My father told me the moment he awoke that he is no longer fit to rule our species - and that effective immediately - I would be taking his place. I tried to convince him otherwise, but he wouldn't listen. He said that if I am to rule in his stead, I must choose an appropriate life-mate. He provided me with a list of suitable candidates - which I politely refused, and then I told him I'd already selected someone. You!"

Oulissa couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Me? But I'm a gryphon!"

Numinax smiled endearingly. "I know."

She grinned cuddled against him. "And how did ... how did he react?"

"He was furious, but there was nothing he could do about it. He's made his decision, and I've made mine. If he wants me to rule, he will have to accept it will be with you at my side."

"So that means-"

"-You're an empress!" Numinax stated cheerfully. He pulled her in close. "My empress to be exact."

Oulissa's heart fluttered inside her chest, her breath coming in tiny, shallow pants. It was almost too much to comprehend all at once. Her ... an empress among dragons ... She whistled softly in disbelief and melted into his embrace, resting her head upon his outstretched paw. A million different feelings coursed through her gizzard: Fear, uncertainty, nervousness, excitement, joy, but most of all ... a deep, profound love for the dragon beside her she felt in every fiber of her being. Of course she was a little scared, who wouldn't be? But there was nobody else in the entire world she would rather spend her life with, and she knew no matter what, Numinax would always keep her safe.

"Are you sure about this?" she asked worriedly. "What will your people think of me? I mean, I'm an outsider! What if they don't allow it?"

He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "They're in for a big surprise, that's for sure. But I think after hearing about everything you did for us, they won't mind. Besides, the world could use a little more co-cooperation between our both our races, it's about time we started getting along."

Oulissa considered this for a moment. "My father is going to kill me once he finds out." she groaned. "He'll think I ran off with a bunch of dragons!" She wilted, her big yellowish eyes appearing even larger than usual. "Or worse ... you kidnapped and seduced me!"

Numinax chuckled. "Well, you did kind of run off with a bunch of dragons." he said with a sultry purr. "And I did kind of seduce you."

She blushed and smiled despite herself. "I'm serious! I'll have to get word to him right away, if he thinks I'm in trouble, bad things could happen!"

"Don't worry." Numinax whispered lovingly in her ear. "We'll do whatever it takes to make this work. I promise Oulissa."

The young empress took a deep breath and relaxed. She trusted him entirely, and after everything they'd been through, she had little doubt they'd succeed in whatever trials lay ahead. They certainly had a lot to discuss over the coming days. Their races were practically at war with each other. the old Emperor was grievously wounded, his eldest son - dead, slain by her own claws - and yet - there was no other word for it but victory. For once in her life, she felt completely at ease. There would be a time for politics and negotiations she knew. But for now, she was content to simply lie there with Numinax - her love - and as watch the glowing sun rose high above the ocean, casting its light upon them, the world below, the Dawnfire ...

_ _ And a new beginning. A beginning filled with hope.

Author's note: Finally, after nearly two years of writing/editing, it's finally done. Feral Dominance is a story I've had brewing in my head for a long time now, inspired by many novels I read as a child. A lot can be attributed to Kenneth Oppel, a Canadian novelist who is famous for his highly imaginative, adventurous tales filled with sweeping, massive set pieces. The idea to break up chapters into different POV's came from the Game of Thrones series, which I am currently reading. I really liked the process, (although I can see why it takes him so long to finish books, since it requires a lot more effort writing-wise.) I find it allows for more characterization and suspense. All-in-all, I am extremely pleased with how everything turned out. I had no help writing Feral Dominance (aside from some friends reading it - you know who you are) and all the editing was done by myself. I hope you enjoyed the world of Feral Dominance as much as I did creating it, and I hope you all continue to enjoy whatever I write in the future! Please, let me know what you think in the comments below, I would love to discuss characters, critique, and any potential sequels that I may or may not have planned ;)

Thanks so much once again! Love you all so much! I wouldn't be writing if it wasn't for you guys!

-Fizzy