Athyra POV

I had a huge smile on my face as I iced the halls of the dark, ghastly manor. The little woman began to frantically plead for me to defrost the walls as I gathered my bag to leave. The blue ice made the muddy purple and pornograhic pictures hung across the manor less nauseating. There was no way I would remove my beautiful creations from this horrid manor, or so I thought. I went to leave, and my greedy grinning host met me at the front door. He seemed unphased by my redecorating of his home and defiance of his authority. His confidence rivaled mine, and I knew having him as an employer may be the worst idea that I have ever had. Stupid dragon challenge. That's when the worst interaction I could have had without killing him happened.

Mr. Talan, the dark elf, is a good for nothing slime ball. That dumb ass had the nerve to pat my ass like he owned me as I left his manor. His grimy hand made me want to explode with disgust and turn his manor into a beautiful ice carvarn. He had the audacity to touch a pure dragon. I wish I could just run my claws through his guts and rip it out for the birds. Then I would pop out his eyes with my blade and shove them down his throat with his balls. As he bleeds and chokes on his stupid man parts, I would toss around him with my dragon tail until he was out cold. It would be the best day ever.

Ice began to form on the carriage bench where my hands gripped tightly into the thin red cushion. The air began to chill as my rage swirled. My scales tore through my skin on my arms when I heard someone calling to me from the front of the carriage. I feel the carriage stop as the whole bench ices over. My vision is out of focus, but I know the door to the carriage is now open. A hot hand melts my frosty grip. I look up to see the carriage driver gripping my hand while engulfed in flames.

“Ms. Eshwyn,” The driver called to me in an urgent voice. “Please, stop. You are going to freeze the carriage.”

The driver’s voice reached me. My rage was not the fault of the driver or this carriage. I swallowed my rage. My scales burrowed deep into my skin, and the bench thawed. The driver retracted his hand, waiting for me to signal that I was alright. I looked at the human male standing before me. He was older than me by a few years but he seemed gentle enough. Why was a human working for a dark elf? I looked at the man’s wrist and noticed an obsidian shackle. I had my answer, and I hated it.

“I am fine, sir. We can continue.” I said quickly to keep him from seeing my brewing rage.

“Very well, Miss.” The driver moved away and closed the door.

I felt sorry for the man. He is stuck in servitude to the sleezmo. When I get my pay, I may ask to set him free as well. He is still young. He has a whole life to live. The carriage began to move once more, continuing on our way to White Rapids. All I have to do is track down this group of adventurers that most likely came from a guild in this town, at least that’s what Talan thinks. Still, I wonder what he truly wants with some adventurers. I know he said that one of them had a magic item that he wishes to obtain, but perhaps I could use this item instead. I would love to see Talan’s face when I succeed in getting this item, knowing he will never have it.

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Earning a title has been harder than I thought, and I am only a week in. I can see why dragons just steal and kill for power and title. It’s easier. There's only minimal risk to themselves as they pillage away from those who worked for their wealth and status. I wish to do the same thing to the sleezmo elf. Had it not been from my brother's dragon challenge I could have my own kingdom by now.

I could just ditch the elf and find someone who is worth my time. Yet, my dragon pride won't let me. I want this dark elf to burn and ice over at the same time. Frost tingles over my fingertips. The carriage began to slow, pulling me back from my thoughts. One sweet inhale later, I let my anger settle. The driver picks up speed once more, and I relax. There will be time to end the sleezmo. Maybe, even free this driver who I suspect is an empath based on how he responded to my anger.

Now is the time to plan.

The green hills and trees rolled past as we made our way to the town. I am almost embarrassed for my frigid outburst, however, I am proud that the driver isn't an ice statue. The manor fades far behind me as I begin to feel the pull of sleep arise in me. I have spent so much energy withholding my full power during my icy outbursts. This driver doesn’t seem to mean any harm. Perhaps a small rest will help me be calm when we arrive in White Rapids.

Few hours pass…

"Miss." A warm voice calls to me. I try to ignore it and focus again on my dreams of slaying the dastardly, dumb dark elf. Images fade in and out of the dream as I hear the voice once more. "Ms. Eshwyn, please awaken. We have arrived."

Huh? Why does this stupid person dare to wake me? My mind begins to function better, and my eyes begin to flutter. This person better pray I don’t ice them over for this. It was such a splendid dream though. My eyes, fully open, take in the carriage that I vaguely remember falling asleep in. The air is warmer than when I fell asleep. I turn to see the driver looking at me with concern.

“Ms. Eshwyn, are you feeling well?” He asks, cautiously approaching me.

I must have scared the shit out of him or something with how slow he is coming toward me. What a pity that this driver is scared after seeing only a portion of my power. I suppose I am something to be feared since I could turn him into an ice block. “I am fine. Did we make it to White Rapids?”

“Yes, Ms. Eshwyn. That’s why I came to wake you.” He said nervously.

I could see a lively town behind him, which excited me for a new place to explore. “Are you returning to the manor?”

He shook his head, extending his hand to me. “I am to accompany you through your journey, Ms. Eshwyn. I have been instructed to provide you with funds for your journey and ensure your accommodations.”

“No, you were sent to watch and report back, which is fine. I would expect nothing less from your master. Since you will be with me for a while, I will need to know your name.”

“I assure you, Ms. Eshwyn, I am here to assist you per Master Talan’s instructions. My name is Eriz.” He pulled forward through the carriage door, revealing a colorful little town. The streets were paved instead of the bumpy dirt road that used to get here.

“Whatever you say, Eriz. Please, go find us an inn for the next three nights. I am going to scope out the town.” The buildings are painted bright colors, and the town is bustling with people waltzing around the streets. No one seems distressed compared to the towns near my brother’s stronghold. This country is unlike the ones I have seen previously. I see a cafe behind Eriz with flowers in the window boxes and dark green walls. Little iron tables and chairs sit outside the door. It was quaint, not my style, but it would make for a decent meeting place. The sign above the door read Garden Tea. “When you finish with the accommodations, meet me here.” I said to Eriz, pointing at the cafe. He gave a nod and mounted the carriage in search of an inn.

Time to investigate the town and peddle some information on my targets.