Chapter 2: A Whole New World

Darkness.

Nothingness.

I try to move my body, but it won’t respond. I feel like I’m not connected to my own body. I felt strong arms wrapping around me, and a sweet scent fluttered through my heart. I hear Dahlia calling out weakly to me, but I can’t hear her thoughts.

How long has it been since someone has held me this close like that, being gentle? I didn’t want to be touched, but at the same time, I felt safe. I hear Dahlia yelling in my head. My head rested against a warm chest; all I could hear was a heartbeat. It sounds nice.

“Doctor, we heard a scream and found her passed out on the beach. We think she tried to shift.” said the voice.

“Fuck, place her here, and step aside.” said the doctor. I passed out after hearing words of power. He was trying to heal me. I wondered how much time had passed when I opened my eyes again. I soon realized I was back at the hospital. “No, I can’t be back here.”

“Go and tell the doctors she’s awake, Jacob.” said a young man. The man named Jacob left, and the other guy smiled and approached me. I tried to speak to him, but the pain made me cry. “Hey, don’t try to move or speak! You are very injured, and you need to lie still.” He warmly said as he sat on the bed by me. Even though the boy’s eyes were white as snow, I felt the calming aura he gave off. His smile was warm and welcoming. There was something familiar about him that I couldn’t put my finger on.

“What did you do to me?” I said weakly, barely getting my words out. Every word I said drained my energy.

“Hey, we didn’t do anything to you.” The boy gently grasped my head, and I felt something weird shooting up my arm. “You tried to shift, but the strain was too much for your body. You almost died,” he said. “You don’t have to be afraid; you are safe here, so please lie still.”

“Please step aside.” said the man who looked like a doctor. “Good morning, dear. How are you holding up?” I tried to speak, but nothing could come out. The doctor moved his hand over my body, and I could feel myself start to panic. “Relax, child; I’m not going to hurt you. My magic is going to help with the pain.

“læknir,” He said as his hands glowed a dim yellow. I began to feel the pain slowly fade away. Out of the counter of my eyes, I noticed the white eyes looking down at me. He seemed so worried about me. I soon felt myself slipping into darkness.

(Vincent)

“Doctor, what happened?” I said.

“I placed her under a sleeping spell while the meds worked their magic. She’ll be fine, your majesty. Her body is still weak. However, it is a good sign that she woke up. Now we have to wait,”

“Vincent, your sister is here, and she is pissed,” Jacob said, walking into the room.

“Does she know what happened?” I asked, worried that she knew that the girl had escaped.

“Judging by how angry she was, I’m guessing she figured it out.” Jacob shook his head. “Good luck, brother. It’s been an honor and privilege to have been your best friend.”

I chuckled, smiled at him, and walked out. “Crap. Welp, no point in delaying the inevitable. Oh, and Jacob, please stay with her.” I went outside to find my sister, who made the air around her hot. I was sweating bullets. “Vincent Callahan, do you want to tell me what the FUCK happened yesterday!”

“The girl woke up,” I said, not looking at my sister.

“But that’s not all, wasn’t it?” She said, folding her arms and scowling at me. “NO, I HEARD THAT THE BITCH WALKED OUT OF THE HOSPITAL ALL BY HERSELF. “WHERE THE FUCK WERE YOU?!” Alexandria yelled.

Once again, she called my mate a bitch, and I wanted to tear her apart; if she weren’t my sister, I would kill her when she called her bitch. “I was only going to get a bite to eat. I was only gone for five minutes, Alex.”

“I made myself very clear, Vincent! She was not to be left alone under no circumstance! I GAVE YOU ONE FUCKING JOB!”

“I screwed up, Alex, alright. I know that. Look, I don’t need your bullshit right now.” I started to walk away.

“And where are you going?” Alexandria yelled.

“Back to monitoring her,” I growled.

“No, you’re not! I’m getting someone else to watch her cause; apparently, my brother is incompetent to do one fucking job. I will get someone who will follow my orders without question.”

“You can’t do that, Alexandria. The Queen, our MOTHER, was apparent that I am supposed to stay with her.” I smiled as she huffed at my words; she knew I was right. “You can’t overrule our mother, Alex; it seems time and time again I have to remind you of that.”

“Fine. I’ll give you one more chance. But if you screw up again, I will reassign you. Are we clear!?” Alexandria growled.

“Yeah, we’re clear.” I glared at her threateningly.

“Has she said anything?” Alexandria asked.

“No, she only woke up for a while, then the doctor placed her under a sleeping spell to help her heal,” I said.

“Very well. I’m going to trust you won’t leave the girl unattended this time.” My sister then vanished when she snapped her fingers. I returned to my mate’s room, where Jacob turned to face me. “So, how’d it go?” Jacob smiled awkwardly.

“Don’t ask.” I yawned, and Jacob gave me a look. “I’m fine, Jacob.”

“Dude, you have been here for almost two days straight; you need a break. She will be fine.” Jacob patted my shoulder. “I gave you my word that no harm will come to her. Now go and get some rest. You and Astarot must be tired.”

“Jacob, I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” I said.

“Dude, it’s not your fault that this happened to her. Stop blaming yourself. Now go; if anything happens, I will call you.” Jacob said.

I took Jake’s arm and did our best friend’s handshake. “You better call me if anything changes,” I said.

(Alyssa)

I woke up with a man and a woman talking. I felt like shit. “Well, I didn’t notice you were awake until Jacob left. My name is Isabella, but my friends call me Izzy. How are you feeling?” The girl’s name, Izzy, asked. “Would you like me to get the doctor?”

I nodded stiffly, and she left and brought in the doctor a few moments later. “Well, good morning, dear. How are you feeling?” He said.

“Hurts. Everything hurts.” I said.

“Just relax,” He places his hand over my body. “Förvänta.” His hand glowed a warm, dim yellow again, and I immediately felt the pain subside.

“Thank you,” I said.

“Call me if you need anything.” He smiled and left to talk to Izzy. “I think she is strong and conscious enough to answer some questions for the prince. Just don’t push her.”

“Alright, Dr. Solus, I’ll call Vincent and tell him.” He closed the door as the doctor left and picked up her phone to call her friend. “My friend will be here soon, so I will get you some food. Izzy left me in the room alone. My head was spinning. Why is everyone so friendly to me? Do they know who I am?”

Izzy came back with a sandwich. I tried to pull myself up, but using my arm made me wince and gasp in pain. “Shit,”

“Hey, don’t strain yourself; let me help you,” Izzy said while helping me sit correctly in the hospital bed.

“Thanks,” I said.

“No, worries. Now eat; you need to regain your strength,” Izzy said while handing me a tray of food with a glass of water.

“This is way too much?” I gasped at the sight.

“I said don’t worry about it, just eat,” Izzy said.

I was initially skeptical, but my stomach told me to eat it, so I had no choice as my body was begging me to eat it. The meat was divine. The bread was warm and crunchy, the veggies fresh and crisp. The glass of water went down fast as it was not wrong or had anything that tasted strange or poisonous. I didn’t know the last time I had food that tasted this good.

“And you said you were a “little hungry” huh?” Izzy laughed. “No matter. I can get some more if you want?”

“I’m fine, thanks.” I smiled. When was the last time someone treated me as an equal? Well, it was long enough for me to have trouble remembering when. “My name is Alyssa. Sorry I didn’t tell you my name when you told me yours.” I lowered my head in shame.

“It’s all water under the bridge now,” Izzy said.

I smiled. Talking to Isabella felt right and natural, and I relaxed. She couldn’t possibly be working for them! She’s way too kind. Nevertheless, was it safe to talk to her and share my name? “I want to ask you something, Isabella. Where am I?”

“You mean, you don’t know? Well, in that case, you’re in Varrfarrinn.” Izzy smiled.

“Varrfarrinn?!” I tilted my head in confusion. What the hell is Varrfarrinn? “But where?” But before I could finish with my question, someone entered the room, and from habit and fright, I closed my mouth.

“Alyssa, this is the friend I told you about, Vincent. Meet Alyssa.” Izzy said, introducing us.

“Hello, m- Alyssa,” Vincent said. This is him, the guy with snow-white eyes. I see no hate in his eyes, only admiration and acceptance.

“I want to ask a few questions,” Vincent said.

I looked at Izzy, and she nodded. “Why did you run?” Vincent asked me.

“Well, I was scared of you guys,” I said, looking at the floor. “I was being held captive.”

Vincent kneeled by me. “By whom?”

Memories of the past months came flooding back into my mind. I started to feel tears coming out of my eyes. I can feel Vincent seeing the pain in my eyes, wondering what I’ve been through, what I endured, and why I am so terrified. “Who hurt you, Alyssa? Please, I can help you.”

“I don’t remember,” I said.

“That’s enough for now.” Dr. Solus said. “She needs rest.”

“I was done talking anyway. Thank you, Alyssa. Now, do you have any questions for us?” Vincent asked with a warm smile.

“Well, Isabella said that I’m in Varrfarrinn?” I said, hoping that he would confirm her words to be true. “What is that exactly?”

“You don’t know?” Vincent asked. Why is everyone so surprised that I know nothing about this place? Should I know something?

“You’re in the Kingdom of Varrfarrinn. Island of Wealth and Power and one of the seven kingdoms.” Izzy said.

“Kingdoms?” I said, confused.

“Dragon king,” Vincent crossed his arms.

I stiffened when he said dragons. “DRAGONS!” I backed into a corner, shivering in fear. “Please don’t hurt me. Please,”

“No one will hurt you, Alyssa,” I screamed as she got closer.

“STAY AWAY,” I shouted; my eyes glowed as the hospital shook.

“Everyone, get out now. She’s about to shift,” Vincent yelled out. “NOW!” I saw as Vincent commanded everyone, including the doctor, to leave. “Hey, I’m not going to hurt you. You should know that. You feel it don’t you?” Vincent said.

“I don’t know what to feel. Why should I believe a word you are saying?!” I yelled.

“Look, you shouldn’t even be standing right now. Please, you are badly injured. You must rest.” Vincent said, looking worried. I showed him my golden eyes, mixed with pain and rage. I wanted to shift and kill him, but Dahlia told me not to. I had to get out of here and dast before he found me.

“Alyssa, I know you are scared. I promise you that you are safe here. No harm will come to you here; you have my word,” Vincent smiled.

“But I’m a dragon. I’m a freak!” I said with tears beginning to fall from my eyes.

“You’re not a freak, Alyssa. I am also a dragon.” Vincent said as his eyes flashed a bright white, showing his inner dragon. I was shocked at this revelation. His blue eyes turned white. His face started to change; white scales began to form on his face, and I could see his teeth sharpen. Could his words be valid?

“You-You’re, You’re a dragon?” I gasped. Vincent closed his eyes and looked down at the floor, and when he looked up, his face was back to normal. Did I imagine his face changing?

“See, you’re not a freak. You are like me. A dragon.” Vincent smiled. “Please, calm down.”

I looked even more terrified for a moment, but the fact that there were others like me was a huge shock. A man told me I was a dying breed, the last dragon to exist. I took a deep breath and reverted my eyes to their original color. I held my side; my face formed pearls of sweat. I needed so much information to take at once, and I felt dizzy. “Please, will you sit down?” Vincent asked with a bit of begging.

“I will not do anything. Tell me what is going on!” I yelled. “Who the hell are you?”

“Vincent Callahan, as you already know. King and Queen, if you want to be technical about it. My mother and father are the leaders of Varrfarrinn. I’m the prince of this kingdom.” Vincent brushed his hair with his fingers.

“You’re a dragon; how many more are there?” I asked calmly.

“There are thousands of us all around the world. You are not alone.” Vincent said as I began to cry. “Are you okay?”

“I was told that I was the only one.” I cried, “You said that Varrfarrinn is one of the seven kingdoms? What are they?”

“Seven kingdoms spread across the world, each one responsible for protecting Earth’s continents.” Vincent smiled as he showed me an image of the world map with each continent.

“Protect from what exactly?” I said.

“We protect humanity and the magical community from all magical threats, including those from humans. Dragons haven’t had to defend humanity since the war with the Elves,” Vincent said as I looked at him, confused. What war? “Look, I can’t imagine how much your head is spinning right now. But please sit down; you need to rest.” I sat down with much reluctance. He was right, but I had so many questions to ask him. It took all my strength not to cry in pain when I sat down. “How’s your side?” Vincent asked.

“Feels like shit, but I’ll manage,” I winced.

“I’m going to go outside for a while. I’ll leave you alone to process your thoughts, alright.” Vincent said as I nodded in understanding, and he left. This was so much to take in. I’m not the only dragon in the world. How much do I know about myself, about the world? How many lies have I been taught to believe?

“Hello, Alyssa. I’m Dr. Solus, if you have forgotten. I want to check to see if you didn’t rip open your stitches when you ran over to the wall.” Solus said. “Would you please lie down so I can check?”

I lay down as he requested, and his hands glowed with his healing magic again. “You gave quite a scare, my dear.”

“I’m sorry.” I frowned. “Are you a dragon?”

“Don’t worry about it, and no, I’m not a dragon. I’m a wizard, and I’m sure everything will be explained later. I have access to magic that can be used for many purposes, but I utilized my magic for the healing arts.” Dr. Solus explained. “I used my powers to numb the pain and speed up your healing, and by the looks of your stitches, they are still intact; you’re fortunate. Please do me a favor and take it easy for the next few days. I don’t want to sew you up again.” Solus chuckled a little.”

“How long do I have to stay here?” I asked him.

“I want to keep you here for a few days for observation, and there is something else you should know. When you arrived on this island, you almost died. Your dragon used all of her power to get you here and to put it mildly; you might not be able to shift again.” Solus said.

“WHAT?!” I shouted.

(Vincent)

(Four Days Later)

“Mother, you asked for me?” I said as I entered her study.

“Yes, so how’s the girl?” My mother said.

“Alyssa has been pretty silent for the past few days. She took the news about her dragons pretty hard, as it’s a part of who she is. The doctor also mentioned that her dragon goes in and out of hibernation. Why is her dragon doing this? He has no idea.” I explained the situation.

“I never heard of a dragon going into hibernation before. I don’t think anyone has.” My mother said, “What about her captors? Has she said anything about them?”

“No, nothing. I don’t want to push her about that right now. She’s been through enough during the past few days. Alyssa needs time to recover; she needs to feel safe to trust us, and she seems to connect well with Isabella.” I said.

“That’s good to hear.” My mom gave me a look as my face grew pale with worry. “I know that look, Vincent. You are hiding something from me.”

“Uh, no, nothing at all.” I looked away from her.

“Vincent?” My mom took a step closer.

“Well, you know how you met Dad and-” But after I was going to tell Mom that Alyssa is my mate, one of the royal guards knocked on the door.

“My queen, there are some people here to see you.”

“I’ll be with them in a moment.” My mother responded and then looked at me again. “We’ll talk later. Now go; you’ll be late for training.”

I kissed my mom on the cheek, exited her room, and began going to the training fields. “Vincent,” Alexandria called out, and I turned to face her. “How’s the girl?”

“Since when did you care?” I spat with venom.

Ignoring my rudeness, she kept a straight face. “You think it’s true? That she didn’t know the existence of other dragons?” She asked me.

“You weren’t there, Alex; she was terrified. I looked into her eyes, and all I was was fear, confusion, and anxiety.” Alex nodded at my words, and what shocked me the most was that she wasn’t fighting me on this. “I’ll ask her about what happened later, but she needs space and time to recover for now.”

Alexandria nodded in understanding. “Okay.” Did she agree with me? Moon Goddess, please tell me I’m not imagining this.

“Are you feeling okay?” I asked her.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Aren’t you late for training?” Alexandria said.

“Yeah, I was just about-” But then she left, saying, “See you later.” What is going on with her?