Page 22 of Draven

A growl escaped my lips without thought, causing Tim to take a hesitant step back.

I cursed myself silently as the mark on my chest began to ache again. Taking deep breaths, I fought to regain control of my temper.

"Okay, thanks for everything," I managed to say through gritted teeth.

"Tell Tobias to come by the shop in a couple of days. His car will be ready by then," Tim said with a nod before heading back to his truck.

I realized Tim probably could have called or texted Tobias. Tobias mentioned that everyone in town knew each other.

Since Tim passed that message to me, I couldn't help but wonder if he assumed Tobias and I were... dating? An item?

The thought made me scrub at my face in frustration.

The ache in my chest intensified. Gasping for air, I staggered backward, clutching at my chest as if trying to hold myself together.

My skin felt like it was on fire, and I could almost see the scales emerging, spreading across my arms.

Images of chaos and destruction flooded my mind, vivid and terrifying. I saw myself transformed, my body twisting and contorting into my second form.

Wings unfurled from my back, tearing through my clothes, as I soared above Red Vine, unleashing devastation with each beat of my powerful wings.

Fear gripped me, and I struggled to control my breathing, to push back the rising panic clawing at the edges of my mind.

Every fiber of my being screamed for release, for transformation, but I fought against it with all my willpower.

Closing my eyes tightly, I thought of Tobias. My sweet wolf. I focused the sound of my own heartbeat, the rhythm grounding me in reality.

Slowly, the sensation of heat began to ebb, the ache in my chest gradually subsiding.

Trembling, I sank to my knees and fumbled for the vibrating phone tucked inside my jacket pocket.

Zane's name flashed across the screen, and I hesitated before answering.

"Draven, you didn't check in with me. How are you feeling?" Zane's voice came through the line, sharp and concerned.

"I'm... I'm good," I lied, my voice betraying a hint of strain.

"You don't sound well," Zane remarked, his tone probing. "Are you on your way to Sky Stead?"

"I... I've decided to stay in Red Vine a little longer," I confessed, slowly rising to my feet as I spoke.

"That's not a good idea," Zane cautioned, a note of urgency creeping into his voice.

"Why not? I like it here, and... I've met someone. Tobias. He calms my dragon," I admitted.

Joining Zane's group had been a daunting prospect initially, but after last night, I realized how much I needed his guidance, especially if I wanted to become someone deserving of Tobias.

Zane was silent for a few moments.

"Draven, I hate to deliver bad news, but Belladonna Payne has been sighted recently in Raven Port," Zane finally said.

Raven Port, the town close to the mountain where I used to live with my dad. And Belladonna Payne—the name alone was enough to send shivers down my spine, invoking memories I was trying desperately to bury.

A cold dread settled in the pit of my stomach, a feeling foreign yet all too familiar.

Few things could strike fear into the heart of a dragon, but the mention of a black witch was one of them.

I could still remember the tendrils of her binding curse, creeping into every facet of my being, rendering me a puppet to her will.