Free Dragons Live Forever by D'Elen McClain

from my cell appears before me flying on Pegasus. His mighty white wings flap noiselessly as she stares down at me. “ You have the heart of a dragon. To prove yourself, you must fly. Go to the perch and cast yourself from the tower. If you believe, your greatest wish will be realized. ” She fades away as I blink rapidly several times.
    Dreamily, I stand from the bed and walk to the window then outside onto the perch. Peering over the edge, I’m not frightened and a tingling sensation spreads around my shoulders. Without thought, I lift my arms.
    “What the hell are you doing now?” Tahr shouts before grabbing me back from the edge.
    My foggy brain clears and I realize I almost walked into thin air and a deadly fall. My entire body begins shaking as Tahr pulls me away from the window and out of my new room.
    “You’re nothing but trouble,” he says gruffly. “You’re a stubborn woman with no sense. First you walk to the human tower and now you think you can fly. What were you thinking?” He rests me on a couch in his outer room and begins pacing.
    Meagan’s desk is in the corner. He watches me with stern eyes when I stand and walk over to grab a pen and paper. Very slowly I write the words I need to say.
     
    I am sorry for being a burden.
    I must return to my room in the human tower.
    Thank you for all you’ve done.
    I promise not to bother you again.
     
    Tahr is now standing beside me and peering over my shoulder. He rips the paper from my fingers when I try handing it to him and crunches it into a ball. He grasps my shoulders with his large hands and the undeniable energy that exists between us visibly sparks. He looks stunned for a moment but shakes it off quicker than I do. The light is so beautiful and the feel of it incredibly comforting.
    “You are not returning to the other tower.” His teeth are clenched and I don’t think the light is as soothing to him as it is to me. He releases me and steps back. The loss of his energy is disheartening and I force myself not to reach out and touch him. He runs his fingers through his hair and sadly it reminds me that I have none. At least my headpiece is in place and I don’t suffer the indignity of him seeing me without it again.
    He takes a few long breaths and seems to calm. “I have need of a servant and Henry will not be returning to his former job. You will fill his role and do his duties. Betty is too old.” He glares at me. “This is a command. You will not return to the human tower, you will never return there. Your former rooms are off limits. Do you understand me?”
    I guess if he repeats the command enough times it might sink into my small human brain. The thought irritates me. I don’t understand Tahr and wonder if he’s crazy. There is no way I can take care of him. I know nothing of the job Henry performed. It doesn’t matter, though. Looking into Tahr’s determined eyes, I know I have little choice. The memory of Meagan’s sweet voice requesting I watch after her dragon fills my mind. Slowly, with a racing heart… I nod.
    Tahr snorts and a small trail of smoke escapes his nostrils. “Good. Now that this is settled, you will join me for lunch.”
    I almost laugh—first, because the smoke doesn’t intimidate me. Next, because I know for certain that Henry never joined the dragon for a meal. Tahr marches to the dining room where a very nervous Betty is setting the table. This will not work. With my legs still shaking, I walk over and help Betty lay out the silverware. Betty nervously signs that she will return with our meal as Tahr glares at the both of us. I ignore him and finish preparing the table. For two. This is absurd.
    I’m sitting quietly with my head lowered and feeling ridiculous when Betty returns. I’m so uncomfortable, but Tahr doesn’t seem to notice. He actually fills my plate with food before filling his own. What is he doing and what does he hope this will accomplish?
    “You will eat it all. You went too long