Captured By The Dragons

By Lilly Wilder

What they want more than anything is a mate… now their hunt is on to find one.

Nobody really ever loved me.
A socially awkward girl that nobody really thought much of.

That all changed when I was rescued by a tribe of dragon shifters that lived up in the mountains.
I suppose it was my fault for being kidnapped in the first place, wandering alone at night, destined to be sold into slavery or worse.

Now I'm being courted, wooed, and loved by three of the most gorgeous, powerful dragons I've ever seen.

But they want something from me that I'm not sure I'm willing to give them.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lilly Wilder
• Release date: Jul 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215941638

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

ALICE FORREST

The night seemed darker, under the cover of heavy clouds. It was threatening to rain, and smelled like an oncoming storm as I pulled my hood up tighter around my face and ducked my head, hurrying through the narrow path that led from the tavern to my house.

Everyone else had remained, sharing drinks and the leftover food that the kitchens had cooked, laughing to themselves over inside jokes I wasn't invited to. It had been that way since I started working there, since I moved from a smaller town on the edge of the mountain range.

I wasn't good at making friends. Never had been. I had been a big fish in a small pond back home, much smarter than everyone around me, and honestly it was still true here. And I was good at reading people, but in a way that tended to make them uncomfortable.

People didn't like being around someone that could see right through the social constructs and meaningless platitudes and get to the heart of what they were – or weren't – saying. And yeah, I probably could do more about keeping my mouth shut and playing nice, but it didn't seem worth the effort for something as plebian as a social group who would rather drink their intelligence away than anything else.

The trees swayed above my head as the wind began to pick up, and I pulled my thick clothes tighter around my body, hurrying along. It was a near half-hour walk back to my home on the edge of the forest, which grew in thick clusters at the foot of the mountain.

The forest was almost whisper quiet, aside from the creaking branches and rustling leaves. Storms tended to hit this part of the world hard, and everything was hunkered down to wait it out. If I didn't hurry, I would certainly be caught in it, and end up with mud caked up to my thighs and soaked through.

It was cold, and grew colder as the path opened to the little clearing that marked halfway home. I don't know, to this day, what made me pause and look up. But I did.

The clouds were a little thinner, blown out by the wind so that I could see higher up the mountain. This village was in the heart of dragon country, and there was a known roost high up in the mountains. On a clear day, if you were lucky, you could see the great beasts flying to and from their caves, carrying their hunts or going out to forage for gems. The mountain was well-known for being rich in minerals, and to my understanding, there was an agreement amongst the people who lived nearby and the dragons that lived on top of it.

The people were allowed to use the forest and the mountain for wood, and gems, and allowed to hunt within the immediate area. The dragons could fly far and had slow metabolisms, so they were never wanting for food.

Occasionally, a brave hunter would go up and bring an offering of gold, so that they could hunt a little heavier when the summer harvest had been on the lean side. The dragons were kind, up there, and posed no threat to us.

I had never seen one up close, but I liked to sit on the roof of my house and watch them on a clear day. They were mostly red and gold. Golds were the largest breed, and had four legs and gigantic wings that could block out the sun when they flew low to the ground. The reds had two legs, using the large, savage-looking hooks on the arches of their wings to climb and fight and hunt as they needed.

They were beautiful. One day, I told myself, I would go up the mountain and try to speak to one. They were capable of speaking, but also able to change shape into something vaguely human, more able to communicate in human words. At least, that was what everyone who lived here claimed. More than anything, I wanted to know what it was like to be in the presence of such a powerful, ancient species. I was sure that they were wise, and intelligent, and would be much nicer to be around than humankind.

I was so caught up with staring at the mountain that I didn't hear the heavy, rushing footsteps, until it was too late. A hand wrapped around my mouth, silencing my scream, and another meaty arm went around my neck, choking me as a foot kicked the back of my knee, sending me to the ground.

Got her, my assailant grunted. A man, of course. Another set of legs came into view as my vision began to go dark at the edges. Send word to Jonah. She'll make a nice house slave for the Northerners.

We shouldn't be here, the other man said nervously. The Wyrms will see.

Let them, the first man scoffed. I struggled and kicked out, trying to get another lungful of air, but his grip merely tightened. He pinched my nose so I couldn't breathe at all. What are they gonna do, come down here and start a war for one girl?

We're in their territory, Zeke, the second man snapped.

The more you flap your lips the longer we'll be here, Zeke replied. Just go tell Jonah I've got another. I'll meet him by the road in an hour once I've secured her with the wagon.

The second man sighed, and turned, disappearing into the darkness again. Zeke hauled me up with a grunt, and adjusted his grip long enough that my mouth was free, for a brief moment.

I gasped, and then I screamed. I wasn't sure anyone could hear me over the rumble of thunder, but I didn't know what else to do.

Shut up, Zeke hissed. I shook my head and screamed again for help, but received no answer, from the forest or the creatures within it, nor from the storm or the dragons that I knew resided above. Zeke's hand clamped over my mouth again and he hauled me back into the trees like I weighed nothing at all, and a few minutes later, my vision went black.

I was only vaguely aware of being lifted, and thrown into the back of what I assumed was a cart, before I lost consciousness completely.

*

I woke up with my brain pounding inside my skull, body awkwardly curled up as though I was an old shirt that had been stuffed into a wardrobe. My neck ached and my spine protested the hard surface I was pressed against.

I soon realized that I wasn't alone.

I pushed myself upright and hissed when the back of my head cracked on another hard surface above me. I rubbed the back of it, glaring up into the darkness as the first ache in my head was swiftly joined by the second. Beside me, there was a source of heat in the form of another warm body. It was so dark I couldn't make out details.

Hello? I whispered. Then, louder; Hello?

Quiet, a voice replied. It sounded young, too high for me to immediately determine if it was a boy or a girl. You have to be quiet.

I pressed my lips together and drew in a breath. Around me, the scent of dirty, musty bodies and damp wood filled my lungs, and the sounds of creaking carts along the main road, and the bluster of horses was audible. I turned and pressed my hand to the wall of the cart, the wagon, and felt along it, seeking any weakness. The space I was in was long enough for me to stretch my legs, but I couldn't put my arms above my head and I couldn't sit up. It was like my companion and I had been laid inside a large, flat coffin.

I tried not to panic at the thought.

The cart moved over a particularly large bump in the road and I winced, my head aching as it knocked against the surface above me again. I hissed, rubbing my forehead, and turned back to seek out the source of the voice.

Did you get taken from the mountain? I asked.

No, the voice replied. It belonged to the person next to me. It was another girl, someone I could guess was barely more than a child. My stomach turned, from what I'd heard Zeke say, we were likely destined to be sold into slavery. It was a long road around the mountain range the dragons called home, and to the North resided the wolf shifters, and beyond them, the nomadic humans who were said to be barbaric and cruel. They would do awful things to a young girl.

They would do awful things to me, as well, but I tried not to think about that.

I'm from Lakeside, the girl said. I nodded to myself, recalling the little fishing village several miles outside my own. They supplied most of the region's freshwater catches, and were renowned for their ability to make excellent boats and weave strong nets. You?

Near the Pass, I replied. I could hear the other girl nod, the vague sound of her cheek rustling her clothing.

They're going to sell us, the girl said, her voice thick with tears. She trembled in front of me, her knees hitting my leg as she tried to curl up, though there wasn't room to do it. I couldn't even move back; my back was pressed to the wall of the wagon. We’re going to become slaves.

I swallowed. I wanted to tell her that that wasn't the case, that we were going to be alright. But that wasn't the truth, and the truth wasn't something you said in situations like this. What's your name? I asked her.

Ravi, she whispered.

I'm Alice, I said. Stick with me and I'll protect you as best I can.

Ravi let out a tiny, terrified whimper, as the cart rumbled to a halt, swaying on its wheels. I frowned, and went tense as I heard the creak of heavy steps above our heads. Then, suddenly, the ceiling opened. It was still dark outside, but I still blinked rapidly at the sudden change of light, letting me see. A large man's shadow came into view and he sneered at us.

Get up, he commanded, grabbing Ravi by her hood and hauling her upright. I surged after her and was caught by another man, as they held us and hauled us from the wagon, stumbling onto unsteady feet. It had started to rain and the ground was wet, and slippery beneath my shoes.

Bathroom break, ladies, the first man snapped, shoving us towards the trees. I recognized his voice, and the way his big hands felt on my shoulders and back – it was Zeke. He had a mean look to him, enough that even if I had met him in the tavern, I would be reluctant to talk to him. His head was shaved smooth and he had a thick beard and mustache, covering the lower half of his face with reddish hair. His eyes were dark and narrowed in irritation as Ravi and I stumbled our way towards the trees.

I looked up, seeing that we were still in the shadow of the mountain. There was no sign of life around the summit, no telltale flicker of golden or red scales, or the rumbling of beasts. The horses seemed nervous, but that was normal this close to the dragon roost.

I thought about screaming, and decided against it when Zeke held a blade out. He didn't try to attack us with it, but the threat was obvious enough. He wouldn't hesitate to cut out our tongues or take a few fingers. Slaves didn't need to talk to be useable.

My stomach turned in revulsion and I wrapped an arm around Ravi. I could see, now, that she was almost a foot shorter than me, and had tanned skin and very dark hair in keeping with the normal Lakeside people. She looked up at me with wide eyes, which looked almost black in the darkness.

I gave her what I hoped was an encouraging smile as we were herded into the trees by Zeke. There were other men around, almost a dozen, checking the wagon and laughing at each other as they shared bitter-smelling ale from skins between them.

We went into the trees, and I let Ravi go. Do you need to go? I asked her, aware that Zeke was hovering nearby, making sure we didn't try to run.

Ravi shook her head, biting her thin lower lip. No, she whispered, visibly shaking.

I didn't need to, either, but who knew how long we would have to wait until we were allowed another break? Try, I whispered, and she nodded, going over to a tree. I could feel Zeke's eyes on me and shivered at the thought of him watching.

My cloak had been taken, and while Ravi was still in her hood and cape, it wasn't long enough to give us any sense of modesty. I pulled my shirt up so that I could reach for the hem of my trousers, gritting my teeth at the thought of attempting to go in front of my kidnapper.

It was then that I felt another set of eyes on me. Ones not belonging to Ravi or Zeke.

I froze in place.

Behind me, the horses gave a terrified whinny.

Zeke! a man called, his voice high and frantic. Zeke, we're -.

He didn't get to finish his sentence. Though there was no sunlight, the moon shone in silver hues on the ground and the trees and the wagon. And then there was darkness, with the deadly silence that comes right before a huge crack of lightning. For a moment, rain wasn't falling on me at all.

The plume of fire was brilliant and so bright I shielded my eyes, lunging for Ravi and holding her tight to my chest as I ducked behind a tree. Zeke cried out in alarm, temporarily forgetting us, and I grabbed Ravi's hand.

Run! I yelled, and she stumbled after me, gaining her feet and keeping pace admirably, considering how small she was.

I heard a roar, so powerful it shook the ground beneath me, and looked up. The flames illuminated the belly of a huge golden dragon, its wings so large they disappeared from sight within the trees. The dragon's teeth and the insides of its mouth shone with fire as it snarled, and released another jet of flame upon our captors. They were screaming, and I could smell them as they all caught fire and were burned to a crisp.

My heart was hammering in my chest, as I led Ravi through the trees until I came upon a clearing, and froze in place when, in front of me, I saw another dragon. Ravi screamed in fear, and I held her close, wrapping both arms around her.

Don't scream, I whispered. Don't scream. It's okay.

The second dragon was smaller. Reds often were. It's eyes shone a blistering shade of copper, like molten metal, that matched the membranes on its wings and the tip of its hooks, as well as the feather-like ruffles that framed its face, and ran down its back, ending in a plume of feathers at the tip of its tail. It stared at us as though it was just as surprised as we were.

It was the size of a horse, not nearly as large as its golden cousins, and perched on its legs, peering at us like a curious bird. Delicate nostrils flared at the end of its snout, and it rumbled in a way that, to me, sounded more curious than anything else.

I held Ravi tightly, so that she didn't run or scream. She was sobbing with fear. Please don't hurt us, I begged the dragon. It tilted its head. We were captured. We're not your enemy.

When the dragon didn't immediately eat us or set us on fire, I continued; I come from the Pass. And she's from Lakeside. We're your friends.

The dragon blinked, slowly, its eyes shining brightly. Then, they lifted, and the dragon's muzzle wrinkled in a loud snarl. I turned to see Zeke barreling out of the trees, panting and coated with ash. The dragon growled when it saw the blade.

I gasped in surprise when I felt, not the swift bite of savage teeth, nor the sudden bright flash of dragon fire, but an enveloping heat. The dragon prowled forward along the grass and wrapped one of its wings around me and Ravi, shielding us. Protecting us.

Zeke's face went pale when he saw the dragon. He lifted his blade in threat. Stay back! he commanded. I wanted to laugh at the notion that he thought he could tell a dragon to do anything. The dragon, it seemed, shared this thought, as the guttural trill it let out had the rhythm of laughter. Behind Zeke, the trees stretched tall with fire and the screams of his cohorts had fallen silent, as the dragon's golden cousin finished with them.

That's our property you're holding, Wyrm, Zeke snarled. I stared at him, eyes widening with horror when I saw that his eyes had taken on a red sheen, his teeth looked more fanged and savage than a human man's. This man couldn't possibly be one of the wolves! They had never dared come so deep into the dragons' territory before.

The dragon's tail twitched in aggravation, and the long claws, like fingers on the arch of its wing, wrapped around me and Ravi more tightly. It was defending us, I realized. It knew we were one of its own, and wasn't going to let us be taken.

Release them and I'll be on my way, Zeke snarled. The dragon's nostrils flared, and I watched with awe as the lighter scales at the base of its throat began to glow, rising in a line of heat and promising fire. I covered Ravi's eyes so that she didn't have to watch this man be burned alive.

In the end, the red dragon didn't have to, for the gold appeared from behind Zeke and ended him with a final snap of its jaws. Blood drenched the beast's teeth and claws, all four of its legs covered in ash and viscera. It sent a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with cold, because I wasn't cold, held as close in the red dragon's wing as I was.

The beasts rumbled to each other, their muzzles touching like sheepdogs sent to guard the same herd. The golden dragon was much larger, close to the size of a house