Captured by the Beast [SS#2]

Chapter 8

Nuri

Who knew that I'd get more freedom on some off world planet than I would back on Earth. For the first time in years, I felt free. "By the way, who are you?" I asked while staring at the black dragon sitting across from me as it seemed to just dawn on him that introductions were late.

"Ah, I am Mizail of the Alorea tribe. I'll be helping you with anything you need, little one." He introduced with a smile as I nodded. This dude was always smiling yet it was a pleasant change from what I've been living with most of my life. It felt like I could just relax around him. "What is your name?" He inquired while slowly reaching for my hand again as I saw no harm in it before firmly grasping his. He seemed surprised by my action as I shook his hand. It's not like I hated touching him. The scales on his hands were soft and smooth. I just wasn't used to a friendly touch anymore unless it was from Lily or Cordelia or my two new friends who are now lost in the desert.

Mizail might be right. They could've gotten rescued just like me. I reminded myself before focusing back on him. "I'm Nuri...of Earth I guess? You have an interesting name but it's nice to be your new neighbor." I softly greeted as my mind slowly strayed from our current conversation. Though it had just been us four, what had happened to Cordelia? She couldn't have been on that ship or else I would've heard her. She wouldn't have sat quietly. She'd be causing chaos. Could she still be back in the prison? I asked myself as I was suddenly pulled from my thoughts when Mizail started rubbing his thumb against my hand.

"What a beautiful name you have, Nuri." He smiled as I fought the giddy feeling slowly building up in my stomach. What the hell? "Once the sandstorm season is over, a trader will come from the Apia Tribe to trade with us. He usually brings wares from the other tribes including the materials and stuff they use in their tribes. He also has a large variety of fabrics and materials with him to make clothes, so if you'd like, I could get some for you." That same stupid smile was on his face as I frowned at him. How could somebody smile so much? Did his face not hurt?

"That's nice of you but why? What's your motive?" I questioned, slowly squinting my eyes at him in suspicion as he gently shook his head.

"No motive. Just think of it as a welcome to the tribe. It's not everyday that we get somebody who isn't an Alorean to come here." He answered as I hummed in thought. Everybody had a reason for the things they did. He must've had one as well. "Anyway, I'm going to let you rest for another day. Tomorrow, I will come and get you. I'll let you pick out a hut and give you a tour of the tribe." He slowly released my hand before standing from his seat just as the female dragon from earlier opened the door with a tray in her hand.

"Who are you exactly, Mizail?" He couldn't possibly be doing all of this unless he was some type of higher up in the tribe, right? He just smiled at me again before excusing himself as the other dragon stepped aside for him to leave. Once he was gone, she set up a table for me to eat some type of soup with a herbal concoction on the side.

[~~~]

Most of the day was spent with me eating and chatting with the female red dragon who I've come to know as Lyrasso. If I wasn't eating, I was drinking some weird concoction that the healers brewed up. Lyrasso had let me know that I was currently being treated for my wounds in the healer's hut and that she herself was one of the many healers here. She was so sweet and kind that I enjoyed talking and laughing with her. Soon, I had fallen asleep and dreamed of nothing.

By the time I woke up again, Mizail had replaced Lyrasso. He slowly helped me up into a sitting position while handing me a soft yet damp material to wash my face. "Good morning, Nuri. How was your sleep?" He asked, chipper than ever. So, it was morning? How could he be so lively? I quietly groaned while covering my entire face with the damp material.