The Circle

Adrian took in a breath, she sighed softly, You will connect with them…I’ll make sure of it…I’m just glad I happened to be walking home and I noticed the flash of light, otherwise you would be another tool of the king in his path of destruction. She focused ahead then. She drew her brows together as she thought of everything that happened. She couldn’t imagine what it must feel like to discover having a sibling that was hidden away. To grow up in such a destructive environment, physically and emotionally, and then…to find that a sibling grew up far away from that pain and suffering. She began to wonder what Sylvia’s sister was like, how had her life changed her. Adrian thought of her childhood then as she looked down to the desert below. She grew up much as Sylvia, though the Circle cared for her. She wasn’t abused, but she was forced into the ways of the Circle. She trained every day like a robot. She in a way was a puppet of the circle, until she was of age to leave. She didn’t have any family at all. The closest thing she had to family was Elias, she’d spent countless hours with him. He was the closest thing to an older brother she’d ever had…

Adrian shifted slightly when she heard Sylvia’s voice in her mind again. Of course, Luca is a great place to stop, we can have anything you like. They descended to the ground and landed a bit out of town. Adrian slipped from the back of Ullr and gave him a gentle pet before he took off and burst into snowflakes. She looked to Sylvia, her eyes glowed with magic for a moment before the glow settled back into the emerald color. “Have you ever been to Luca?” She asked, a soft smile on her lips as they headed toward the city. “I was young when I first came here with Julius.” She looked to the tall buildings and the walls that were built up around the city. “He had to purchase a blue powder, I can’t remember exactly what it was, but the only place to buy it was in Luca.” She spoke as they came to the main gate.

“State your business traveler.” A guard spoke, he stepped forward.

“Just passing through, we are in need of a good meal.” Adrian replied, she flashed a smile to the guard.

He looked to her and chuckled. “This is the place to be if you’re wanting a good meal.” He stepped back. “Let them pass.” He nodded up to the gatekeeper.

The gates cranked open and Adrian led Sylvia inside. “There is a delightful café near the center of town, I think you might like it.” She spoke as they weaved through the crowd. They made it to the small café. Chairs sat outside under umbrellas to block the sun. Soft music played from a bard that sat with his guitar, his singing voice was smooth and relaxing. Adrian sat down at a table and lifted up the menu. Soon a waiter stepped forward and bowed. “I’ll have a glass of Riesling please.” Adrian spoke and nodded as she waited for Sylvia to order.

She set the menu down and glanced around. “I do hope that we can win over the dwarves.” She spoke, her voice soft. “Having an ally like them will prove to be a mighty power against the soldiers that your father has. He has the largest army, and thus this is why no one dares to stand against him. Unless we gain enough allies we will be crushed, even with the abilities that we possess. It’s one of the reasons why the Grand Master denied me so many times when I requested that we put an end to his reign. The Circle does not dabble in the affairs of the royals, only when provoked. But the Circle does not start wars. The Grand Master is far too much of a coward for that, with good reason, if the king were to get his hands on myself, you, or a handful of the other mages of the Circle, he could flatten kingdoms.” She took a drink of the wine as it was set before her. “We will succeed.” She nodded, she then gave a gentle smile. “I will be sure to attend your crowning ceremony when this is all over.” She winked and chuckled. “You’ll do a grand job, I’m sure of it.” She took another drink, it was a smooth sweet wine. She had a hard time not downing the entire glass.

“I’ll have the shrimp scampi.” Adrian spoke up and then turned her attention to Sylvia. “I can’t imagine what it’s like to be courted.” She chuckled softly, “I’ve always thought that the way that relationships are created in the royal bloodlines is…” She paused for a moment, thinking of the right word. “What word do I want to use…” She pondered a moment longer. “I’m trying not to be rude.” She grinned, “But I’m not sure of any other way to put it. Horrible. Absolutely horrible. To force you into a relationship. The prince is usually chosen by the king, not the princess.” She rolled her eyes. “It is all about gains and money at that point, not love…” She finished off her glass and nodded to the waitress as she poured another for her.

Adrian relaxed into her chair a bit, she then chuckled. “You’re blushing, you know?” She smirked as she searched Sylvia’s eyes. “My spare time.” She nodded. Adrian took a drink of her wine. “When I saved you I was actually coming back from a…” She paused and grinned. “Club.” She then shook her head. “But, it isn’t a club like you would think. I got involved in it by accident, but I found that it helped me to pay the rent to my landlord. I rather enjoy it too. It’s a fighting club.” She spoke and then took another drink. “It doesn’t have any rules, well, no magic of course. But each fighter is put up against another, you’re stripped down, barefoot. It’s skin on skin.” She nodded. “It’s very good for releasing any negative energy.”

Adrian then sighed softly. “But, other than that…” She thought, “I haven’t had too much time outside of the Circle to really get into much trouble.” She smirked, “Depending on who you talk to. I’m a bartender, Julius seems to think that’s a laughable subject. Though, I rather enjoy it. He seems to think it is a waste of my talents.” She shook her head. “I grew up with the circle forced down my throat and the one thing that I’ve always wanted…I wasn’t allowed to pursue…” She shook her head and fell silent a moment. “I like to tinker.” She spoke and ran her fingertip along the rim of her glass. “I made my goggles.” She grinned, “And the ones you have.” She was proud of this. Adrian chuckled and leaned back. “Outside of being a badass mage, I suppose I’m just a normal person.” She sighed, though a smile still curved up her lips.

Adrian looked over Sylvia then, “What about you? I know you were….” She paused a moment. “Confined, I really want to say imprisoned…” She raised her brow, her smile was playful. “In the castle. But, what do you like to do? I could go to another ball, I can’t imagine how many balls you’ve had to attend, it must get boring after awhile.” She looked to the food as it was set before them. Adrian took a bite and smiled, she loved the shrimp here. “Oh, that’s the spot.” She smiled, “We will be having the crème Brule, it’s the best here, I promise.” She took another bite as she awaited Sylvia’s response.

Adrian looked to the fish and grinned as she was offered it. “I can’t say that I have, I have a hard time getting anything but the shrimp.” She took the bite and smiled brightly. She then watched as Sylvia stole a bite from her plate. “Ah don’t mention it.” She smirked playfully, “We’re even a bite for a bite.” She winked and then took another bite of her food.

Adrian chuckled and nodded, “I trained with Elias at the tower, since I was a child. I’ve always loved unarmed combat. You really have to dance, to learn it.” She searched Sylvia’s eyes then as she spoke of the Prince of Wayland. “Hm I couldn’t see you with him.” She winked, “He seems too…” She thought a moment, “Royal, I suppose. You’re a royal, but honesty any royal I’ve run into is rather stuck up. High on a pedestal of riches.” She scoffed slightly. “I like that about you, you may be the princess, but you’re easy to speak to.” She then listened to the story of the ball where Sylvia played in front of everyone. She chuckled and grinned as she continued to eat. “I would pay to see it.” She smirked. “I can only imagine the look on the king’s face, that poor sob doesn’t seem to know the word fun.”

Adrian looked to her empty plate, a sad expression on her face. The shrimp was always gone too quickly. She smiled and nodded as she heard Sylvia order the Crème Brule. “You won’t regret it.” She smiled. “I don’t mind sharing.” She had rosy cheeks as she finished off her wine glass. “Though, consider yourself lucky, I don’t usually share the Crème Brule from here.” She winked and chuckled slightly.

Soon enough the food was placed on the table. Adrian took up her spoon. She grinned and then laughed as she lifted her hand to her cheek, she could feel the warmth. “Oh?” She looked away slightly as she took another bite. “Good company could be to blame, I suppose…” She spoke and looked to the princess, she bit her lip slightly. The wine had loosened her tongue a bit, allowing her the bravery to say such a forward thing to the likes of the princess. She took another bite of the Crème Brule then as they finished it off. She took in a breath. “My apologies…” She spoke as she placed money on the table. “I…” She paused and fell silent. “Maybe a bit too much wine?” She stood then, she let out a giggle, though it was a bit awkward. She was nervous.

Adrian turned then, “We should get moving then, hm?” She asked as she waited for Sylvia. She began to walk then. She felt so relaxed…the lunch made her forget about the terrors outside of the café. What they must face, what will come and the hopeful resolution. Though the odds were against them currently. Winning over the dwarves would be a huge step forward, an army with machines like theirs. “That was a lovely lunch.” She spoke and glanced to the princess, her cheeks blushed red again and she looked away, her pulse quickened in her chest. This feeling was something she’d never quite experienced. “Do you need anything from the city? The best wears and weapons around…” Adrian spoke quickly, trying to cover up her nervousness by ending the silence.

Adrian looked to Sylvia as she spoke. Then suddenly Sylvia grabbed her hand and towed her inside of a shop. She glanced around and listened as Sylvia made her order. She took the vial. “5 gold coins.” She spoke her brows raised. “This stuff better be gold.” She chuckled before she listened to Sylvia’s story. She downed the drink and grinned, she too chuckled. She felt incredible. “You know, the more you tell me of your past, the more interesting you become.” She winked as they weaved through the city.

“Iron Forge isn’t too far.” Adrian spoke as they walked through the busy streets. Soon enough they came to the edge of town where they left through the gates. Adrian looked to Sylvia then. “I’ll open the conversation, we won’t mention that you’re the princess just yet. I don’t want them to do anything rash.” Adrian led Sylvia up the path toward the huge mountain. A bit of smoke could be seen in the distance from the dwarven city. They were always working always mining. Iron Forge sold most of the iron to Luca for the blacksmiths and armorers. Adrian whistled then, her eyes glowed white as she looked up into the skies. Ullr flew down moments later and circled around the two before he lifted them onto his back. Adrian lowered her goggles and then they were off. She held onto Ullr as he flew through the skies toward the huge mountains that the dwarves lived in. As they flew the green grass beneath them began to thin, a chill filled the air. Snow began to pack upon the ground below. Adrian shivered slightly as they ascended the mountain. Soon enough Ullr swooped down and landed at the edge of a long bridge that reached across to the side of a mountain. On the other side a stone gate was built with huge iron bars. It was the only visible portion of the city. The gate to Iron Forge.

Adrian slipped from Ullr’s back and then chuckled as he playfully pressed his snout against her. “Don’t worry.” She spoke and searched his eyes. “We will be fine.” She spoke and nodded. The dragon nudged the princess and circled around them a moment before he burst into snowflakes. “He always worries.” She smiled. She then glanced across the bridge. “Okay, this is it.” She took in a breath.

Adrian walked forward on the huge stone bridge. She could see the dwarf guards standing near the gate, watching their every move. She’d landed with Ullr so close on purpose. She wanted them to know she was from the circle, in hopes they would be less aggressive. Soon they reached the gate. Adrian looked up to the top of the gate where the guards stood, two of the guards had bows drawn with arrows aimed to kill. A third stood in the middle, he leaned forward slightly, inspecting them. “Who are you?” He asked, his voice cold.

Adrian took in a breath, “I am Adrian Riggs of the Circle of Magi. I have come with a peace offering, and a request if your king favors it.” She looked up to him, she could feel the tip of the arrows aimed at them. Her pulse bounded in her chest.

The guard watched her a moment. “The Circle?” He laughed. “What does the circle need from us?” He scoffed.

“We want to put an end to the tyrant king.” Adrian spoke.

Suddenly the dwarf leaped from where he stood. He landed in front of her with heavy feet. It was incredible how strong the dwarves were, what their bodies could withstand. His dagger was drawn. “You know nothing of what he is capable of. How many lives he took.” His voice was angry.

“But I do.” Adrian spoke, her voice soft. She didn’t flinch. “Talium was my home.”

The dwarf loosened slightly. “You’re the mage that Sylvanas found before she was taken by the king.” He spoke. He then nodded his head. “You may come in, but first.” He nodded his head. Four other guards came from the sides of the gates. They rushed the two. Adrian didn’t fight against them as they tied her wrists together. “Until our king allows it, you will remain bound. We…”

“I understand.” Adrian spoke, her voice smooth.

“What is it that you have come to offer?” He asked.

“The Black SoulStone.” Adrian watched his reaction.

“You…got it back from the Grand Master?” He raised a brow. “Murdoc took that stone years ago…” The dwarf tilted his head slightly. “Very well, we shall see what our king would like.”

Adrian nodded. “Of course.” She spoke and watched as the gates were raised. They were led through a series of passages deep into the mountain, it truly was a maze to get to the city. They descended deep within the mountain and eventually they came to a huge cavern that opened up. It was a huge city. Dwarves moved about, they had shops and restaurants. It was just like any other city on the surface. But the architecture was different here. It seemed more precise. The dwarves were very careful in the layout of their city. They were led to a rather large building where they walked inside. The floors were lined in marble.

“My king.” The guard spoke. “We have guests.”

A dwarf stood, he wore full armor, a lion on the chest piece gold lined the armor, he wore a red cape and a golden crown. He had a long beard that had braids within it. “Guests?” He asked as he looked down to them from his throne.

“They are from the Circle.” The guard spoke.

The king narrowed his eyes slightly. “And what is it that two mages from the circle would want?”

“King Thalor.” Adrian began. “I have come to you with an offering, as well as a request.”

The king gave a nod. “Well go on then.” He crossed his arms.

“I have brought the Black SoulStone…”

“You have it with you?” The king stepped forward. He stared to her. “Really?” He watched her nod. Adrian moved her bonded hands and dug in her pocket. She pulled the stone out and held it forward. The king took it and grinned. “We’ve been held back for years without this stone.” He looked to her. “It powers some of our best machinery for the mines.” He paused a moment as he turned it over in his hands. “And, what is your favor?” He looked up to her.

“Alliance in a war against the tyrant king.” Adrian spoke. “We need every bit of help we can get.”

The king turned, “Absolutely not.” He walked back up to his throne. “That tyrant attacked us no less than a month ago! He killed many of my men and we had to withdraw into the caverns.” His voice was angry. “You can take your stone, if that is what you thought would buy us.” He tossed it forward at her feet.

Adrian took in a breath, she bit her lip slightly as she looked down to the stone. “The world would be at peace…there will be no more raids…” She spoke softly. “Don’t’ you want that?”

“We kill him and his daughter steps into his shoes. The cycle will continue.” The king said, his voice rough. “That family for generations has been a thorn in the side of this world. I don’t see it changing just because we attack, and if we fail he might bring his entire army down on our city. We will survive, but how many would I lose to these senseless attacks?”

Adrian shifted slightly, he wasn't listening. She glanced to Sylvia a moment. "How many are you willing to lose if you do nothing? The princess is nothing like her father..." She spoke softly and looked back to him.

Adrian took in a breath as Sylvia stepped forward. She watched as they bickered back and forth shooting words at each other. She held her hands out as the guards cut the ties from her wrists. “Why have mages free your men?” She asked, her voice curious.

“The cavern will fall apart if we blast in. We have no other means to get to them unless we drill another tunnel, and that could take weeks with how deep they are into the caverns.” The king spoke.

“Alright.” Adrian bowed her head and they were led away. They walked through the caverns and zig zagged through tunnels. It took some time before they finally came to the collapse. She placed her hand on the rubble. A few pebbles fell. She could hear the men from the other side.

A young dwarf sat on the outside, her face covered in soot, tears streamed down her cheeks. “Have you come to save them?” She asked, “My husband is in there…you have to save them, they’ve been trapped for a week…”

Adrian looked to the woman and nodded. “Of course.” She spoke. “We are going to do our best.” She looked to the rubble then. She shifted her weight and sighed slightly. “I’m not sure what the other side looks like. Where we should begin. How we can do this safely without crushing them…” She seemed to be thinking out loud. Suddenly Adrian disappeared.

She reappeared within the cavern. She coughed, dust filled the air. The flicker of the dwarves lanterns barley lit the space. “Demon!” A dwarf called and came at her with his pick.

Adrian gripped his wrist. “I’m not a demon.” She spoke. “I’m a mage with the Circle of Magi, I’m trying to help you.” She glanced around the room. “Where is the strongest point? Where can we come in to get you out?” She asked.

The dwarf looked to her a moment before he slipped his wrist from her grip. “Um…” He scratched his head. “This way.” He led her down the tunnel a ways. The mountain shifted above them and a few rocks fell down. The tunnel was incredibly unstable. “Here.” There was a few dwarfs that were working on a tunnel. Trying to get to safety.

Adrian nodded, “Alright.” She spoke and disappeared. She reappeared where Sylvia was and took in a quick breath. “They don’t have much time.” She spoke, “The mountain is shifting above them…” She searched Sylvia’s eyes. “I can bring a few out through teleportation, but I would risk losing them in the void, and I’m not sure how many I can bring…it takes a lot of energy to bring you with me, I can only imagine multiple times…” She crossed her arms. “There is a strong point, if we could get to it…but there isn’t a tunnel to it…” She shook her head. “What do you think Sylvia?”

Adrian glanced to Sylvia, “That could work.” She nodded. She then looked to Murdoc as he appeared, her eyes stayed on him a moment before she disappeared to the other side. “I need all of you to get back.” She helped a wounded dwarf hobble back toward the back of the cavern. “We are going to get you out of here.” She spoke as she moved with them. The mountain rumbled around them. Adrian grit her teeth, “Come on.” She whispered, “You can do this.” She watched as the rubble was pulled away and the structure was formed. A grin split her lips. She rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Sylvia, steadying her. “That was incredible.” She spoke. She closed her eyes and a white glow covered her hand as she syphoned a bit of her power into Sylvia and healed her the best she could. She held her there for a moment and brushed away the blood from her nose with the sleeve of her jacket. Adrian glanced around to the dwarves as they rushed from the tunnel to return to their homes and families.

“Come on.” Adrian helped Sylvia back through the caverns. It took a bit of time but they came back to the city where they found their way to the king.

“That was rather quick.” King Thalor spoke, he had a smile on his lips.

“So you’ll side with us then?” Adrian asked, her eyes never left his.

“That I cannot give an answer to just yet.” He spoke and leaned back in his throne. “You see, the other two kings will also need to be convinced, for you to have the full force of our army behind you. Otherwise, you have a weapon, but I do not hold a large army like my older brother.”

Adrian took in a breath. “And what shall we do for them?” She asked, a bit of frustration showed on her face.

“That all depends, I have sent word to both the kings, to the east and to the west.” He pulled the stone from his pocket and looked to it. “I’ve only seen the Megladon fired once in my lifetime, I can’t wait to unleash it on the king and end his reign. I have put a good word in for you.” He nodded.

Adrian took in a breath as she stared to him. “Of course, thank you King Thalor.” She spoke as she turned and they walked from the city. They were led to a back entrance that kicked them out near the top of the mountain. The two other dwarven cities could be seen in the distance. “Leave it to the dwarves to turn us into errand girls when a war is looming over our heads and the king could pull another trick from his hat any moment.” She spoke, her voice was agitated.

Adrian sighed softly, “At least we are off to a good start, thanks to you.” She gave a gentle smile. She looked to the sun in the sky as she whistled. “We should be able to make it to the western kingdom by sundown.” Adrian spoke as Ullr landed before them. He leaned down and helped the two onto his back before he took off into the sky. Adrian was quiet as they flew, she wondered what the two kings would ask of them. Though, she knew they would have to pull it off, no matter what it was, to gain the trust of the dwarves and ultimately gain their alliance.

The sun was beginning to set as they landed on a bridge that looked much like the bridge that led to Iron Forge. Adrian furrowed her brows as she heard a caw in the distance. Her eyes looked up to the sky. A black raven flew toward them. She held out her hand as a letter dropped from the bird before it flew off once again.

Adrian & Sylvia,

It is with great fear that I send you this letter. I have received a distress from Julius. His dragon Aerie returned without him and she was wounded. I know that gaining the alliance of the dwarves is important to this war, but the loss of two great mages could be at hand. I must ask that help is sent, you both are very powerful mages and together I feel that you may rescue them from whatever trouble they have gotten into

Signed,
Grand Master Xander

Adrian lowered the letter. Her brows tucked together. She looked up as the dwarves came forward to greet them, their king with them. “We can’t stop now.” She spoke softly. “One of us has to stay and see this through.” She searched Sylvia’s eyes. “I’ll go, I’m sure I can handle whatever trouble those two have gotten into. Julius is a skilled mage, but he is cocky, and Elias isn’t a battle mage.” She bit her lip slightly. “I have to go Sylvia…I will return as soon as I can, just…be safe.” She spoke as she climbed back onto Ullr, with that he thrust his wings and they shot into the skies, causing a flurry of snow to be kicked up from the ground.

Adrian took in a deep breath, “Alright, Ullr…” She closed her eyes and gripped onto him. It felt as though her body was being torn to shreds as she teleported with him. The world around them spun, the colors meshed together like that of something within a blender. Adrian let out a cry as suddenly everything stopped. She gasped for air, blood trickled from her nose. Ullr descended down toward a home that sat in the distance. He hesitated slightly before he landed. Ullr let out a low growl as he looked around, the home was quiet. Adrian slipped from his back. “It could always be a test.” She spoke and pat his shoulder. “The Grand Master has pulled tricks before in the past.”

She looked around the small farm home her brows pulled together. She stepped forward to a place in the dirt where a few droplets of blood remained, dirt was kicked up and pushed about from the scuffle. Maybe Sylvanas’ family didn’t take well to the circle trying to reclaim her daughter? Adrian turned then as she heard something. “Elias?” She questioned, her eyes looked him over as he stumbled forward, he gripped his side.

“A-Adrian…” He choked, blood dripped from his mouth. “You have to help…m-me…”

Adrian rushed forward to him and caught him as he stumbled forward. “Elias, what happened?” She asked, her eyes filled with worry. “Where is everyone? What happened?”

Elias leaned heavily against her. “Th-they took her.” He grit his teeth. “The kings men…they took Marali…there were so many…we couldn’t stop them.”

Adrian held onto him. “Where is Julius?” She asked, her heart was pounding.

“He…” Elias shook his head. “He’s inside..but….”

Adrian shook her head. “No…I can help him…” She spoke as she helped him hobble along.

Adrian no!

Adrian staggered slightly, she glanced around just as she pushed the door to the farm home open. She stepped inside as he held Elias against her. Elias began to chuckle then. “You’re so easily fooled.” He spoke.

Adrian turned her eyes to him just as his body morphed. Parvus. How had he escaped? “Parvus?” She asked. Adrian run! The voice again. It was Elias. Adrian took a step back, the door slammed behind her. Suddenly a rune that was already pre-drawn into the floor began to glow. Adrian staggered. She tried to rush forward but it was as if every ounce of energy had been taken from her body. She took one step and fell to her knees.

“How does it feel to be powerless?” Parvus leaned down next to her and chuckled. “You’d better get used to it, Adrian. The king is going to use every drop of power you have.” He snickered as he turned and lifted a device. He easily fitted it around her, it clasped tightly around her chest. Once it clicked together a red light began to glow. “Perfect.” He grinned. “Let’s test it, shall we?” He snapped his fingers, the glow from the rune disappeared.

Adrian shot up and rushed toward him. “Where are they?!” She snapped as she gripped his throat, her eyes glowed with red static.

Parvus held a remote in his hand, a smirk upon his lips. “The castle, where they belong.” He searched her eyes. “Where you too will soon be.” He then clicked a button on the remote.

The chest piece hummed, it tightened around her body. Adrian stumbled back, pain rushed through her body. She let out a cry and fell to her knees gasping for air as she pulled at the contraption.

“Nifty toy isn’t it?” He asked as he stepped forward. “The kings scientist created it, it’ll draw out your energy, with just the click of a button, leaving you defenseless.” He smirked.

Adrian swung forward, her fist caught him in the side of his head. She rushed him and tackled him to the ground. “I don’t need my magic to kill you.” She gripped his throat as she landed another blow.

Parvus chuckled as he clicked the remote again. A violent shock rushed through Adrian’s body causing her to collapse. “Don’t worry, he thought of that too.” He then stood and kicked her harshly in the head.

**

The world was filled with darkness. When Adrian woke, she wasn’t sure where she was. How long had she been unconscious?

“I just can’t get it.” The voice of the scientist spoke.

“Well you better start figuring it out, I brought her here for the king to use, what use is she if we can’t harness her powers? She’s the only psychic the circle has and I captured her!” Parvus’ voice was angry as he spoke.

Adrian blinked a few times, her body ached. She could feel pain in her shoulders. Was she hanging? She lifted her head slowly. Suddenly Parvus stood in front of her. “Look who’s awake.” He smirked as he gripped her jaw. “We need you to give in, Adrian.” He searched her eyes. “We aren’t going to stop until you do. The king will have his way.” He released her roughly. “Have at her, do whatever you need to do to get her power.” He walked from the room.

Adrian took in shaken breaths. Her vision faded in and out as she looked around the room. “No…st-stop…” She choked. She struggled against the shackles that held her up.

“That’s the first you’ve spoken.” The scientist grinned. “We’re making progress then, hm?” He reached up and injected something into her neck.

Adrian grit her teeth, it felt like her entire body was on fire as the injection worked its way through her body. Her eyes lit with static. Her horns grew in and her ears tipped.

“Hmmm closer.” The scientist grinned as he went back to his station and began mixing once again.

Adrian gasped as her body fought against the medicine. How long had she been here? She looked down, she was stripped down to her undergarments. Cuts and bruises lined her body. She took in a shaken breath. Sylvia… She thought as tears brimmed in her eyes.

**

Ullr landed roughly at the dwarven city, he roared and pushed against the gates. The dwarves ran inside. “My king!!! There’s a dragon! A dragon! It’s attacking our city!!!”