Preview of my upcoming work!

A dragon. A village terrorised. A maiden willing to sacrifice herself to save her home.

Y/N expects a death of flames and fury.

But what if the dragon falls in love with the girl and decides to keep her as his own?

Intrigued? The first chapter of Touched by Fire will be coming out soon!

Aaaand now back to Into the Deep:

~~~~~~~

Kyren.

Who is that? What is that?

"Ohrak," Lysanthir addresses the guard, "there is no need for such formalities here."

Ohrak acquiesces, although he can't resist bowing once more as he retreats back to Ryfon's side.

Speaking of Ryfon, a jagged scar now splits his eye in half, and several new disfigurements run down his torso. Lysanthir's attack has left its marks.

Ryfon rolls his eyes, shifting uncomfortably in the shackles bolted around his wrists and tail. He averts his gaze from Y/N, clearly trying to avoid any contact with the girl.

She guesses he's learnt his lesson for now, though she wonders how long it'll last.

Katerina, on the other hand, stares directly at Y/N, brown eyes slanted in a scowl. She wears a blush pink outfit complete with powder white gloves and hat. Fitting for exile in the northern territories.

"Let us begin the rite," Lysanthir proclaims.

A different guard advances, carrying a large golden key. Lysanthir gingerly takes it and approaches the door.

Meanwhile, Y/N turns to Katerina.

"I'm sorry this happened," she whispers, "And I want you to know that I didn't do anything to encourage—"

"I don't need your excuses," Katerina spits, "I thought we could be friends. But you were only using me to get closer to him."

"They're not excuses. Ryfon attacked me," Y/N continues, trying to keep calm, "I never wanted him."

For a moment, uncertainty flashes across the murdukann's features. She seems confused by Y/N's apparent sincerity.

But then the jealousy returns, and Katerina swims back over to Ryfon's side.

A loud click rings across the cavern as Lysanthir unlocks the grand double doors. Two guards move to either side and heave the gate open.

Crushing darkness greets them from the other side. Y/N can't make anything out in the gloom. It is as if the tunnel beyond devours any lingering light and warmth. Extinguishes all life.

The guards tense, gripping their spears tighter. Even Ryfon seems wary of what lies ahead. Cowering behind Ohrak, his remaining eye spins wildly.

Lysanthir only smiles, tilting his head back and basking in the frigid current emanating from the doorway.

As calm as Lysanthir is, Y/N can't help but feel icy dread creeping up her spine.

"Hello, old friend," Lysanthir says, speaking directly to the darkness.

Something rumbles in the void, shaking the very ground beneath them.

"Ryfon shall serve a penalty of one hundred years in the northern territories, and his mate is to join him," Lysanthir states.

The guards surround Ryfon and Katerina, using their spears to start pushing the pair through the gate.

"Brother," Ryfon looks uncertainly at Lysanthir, "the creature will let us through?"

Lysanthir smirks, pointed teeth glinting. The look on his face is one of unadulterated smugness.

"I will give you a head start. Then, I set the kraken loose on you."

The guards advance further, forcing the couple over the threshold and into the darkness.

Ryfon bellows, shaking with what Y/N assumes to be both fear and rage. With one last glance towards the guards, their spears still pointed at him, he grabs Katerina by the hand and flees into the tunnel.

Y/N looks at Lysanthir in horror.

The sounds of Ryfon's shackles echoing ominously against the stone fade into the distance.

Y/N is about to say something when the guards suddenly retreat, hurriedly moving away from the doors.

That's when she sees it.

A gigantic tentacle emerges from the dark water, snaking up the tunnel wall.

Lysanthir simply grins, watching the kraken stretch as it readies itself for the hunt.

No one dares move as shadowed tentacles unfurl, their suction cups pulsating keenly.

Then the creature launches itself into the void.

With a snap of Lysanthir's fingers, the guards rush to slam the doors shut and lock them again.

They bow before swimming away down a side passage, eager to get far away from that gate.

Y/N whirls to face Lysanthir.

"That creature...the kraken, please, you can't let it hurt them," she exclaims.

Lysanthir lets out a throaty laugh.

"Ryfon needed to be put in his place. The kraken will scare them, nothing more."

"But you said you'd set it loose on—"

"I have ways of communicating with it beyond words. The kraken understands its task."

Though Y/N still feels disturbed, relief washes over her. At least Ryfon and Katerina will safely make it to the northern territories.

Now, another question remains.

"Lysanthir, the guard Ohrak called you something. Kyren, I think? What does that mean?"

"It means nothing."

Y/N arches a brow, beyond unconvinced.

"I am not withholding this from you out of spite. It is to protect you," Lysanthir's arms wrap around her waist, "There are those who would harm you to get to me, and until the ceremony, you are vulnerable."

Y/N shudders. The more she discovers about Lysanthir and his world, the more questions she has. She feels completely and entirely out of her depth.

Who is Lysanthir? Why does this put her in danger?

She hates how everything seems to rest on this ceremony. The ceremony will be her salvation. It will protect her. But it will also curse her to life as a murdukann.

A low cracking sound emanates from somewhere below them.

Y/N yelps, jumping slightly.

"Come now," Lysanthir murmurs, pulling her back towards the passageway they had come from, "It isn't wise to remain here."

~~~~~~~

Y/N had been more than happy to leave that place and travel back to the Athtar she is familiar with.

When they reach the door to Lysanthir's chambers, he stops her.

"Y/N," his tone is solemn, "I wanted to give you time. I truly did."

She has a bad feeling about where this is going.

"But the rite has reminded me of the dangers that exist, the reality of our situation."

Lysanthir pauses, holding her tightly.

"The ceremony cannot wait. I will make arrangements immediately."