The look he gave made it clear he had something in mind. As he grabbed Nora's wrist, he mumbled something under his breath and pulled her toward the door. She had half a mind to slap him, but a larger part was curious as to what he was thinking. Had he gone mad? Or was this some spark of inspiration? The implications of the former scared her, but the results of the latter were all to familiar.

"Are you going to tell me what your thinking?"

He turned to face her, still moving toward the door. "I figured out your magic! Dragons had always needed to guard their emotion. That's what powers their magic. Anger grants fire, hence the ability to breath it. Happiness can heal, both themselves and the surroundings. And sadness can twist the weather around them. All powerful, but all requiring emotion. But you!" He broke into laughter. "You have a different take on it. Imagine what you could do!"

She began to sneer, "I would if you would tell me."

He paused, looking like he was about to break something. Then, just as quickly, he calmed down. "Are you familiar with what an empath does?" Nora shook her head. "An empath can read the feelings of others. Not a terribly offensive power, but it's far easier to convince a spy to turn traitor if you know that they don't like their boss."

She cocked her head, "So I'm one of those? Doesn't seem that useful here."

He shook his head. "No, what you have is far more powerful. You are a manipulator. Think a reverse-empath. You can change and control the emotions of others."

Her eyes lit up. "So, when you were angry with me earlier?"

"You passed your anger off."

A look of guilt fell from her eyes.

"No no, it's not your fault. Emotional magic is hard to control for even the strongest. The only real control is to manage your emotions. That will just take time. For now," He tilted her head to meet his eyes, "just follow my lead. OK?"

A quick nod confirmed her intentions. The two made their way up the steps and into the tower. A clerk sat behind the desk, busily typing away as they approached. He nodded to the sign on the desk, No Solicitors.

Bradly turned to her and asked, "Are you nervous?"

She was about to respond, but a quick wink told her to take it in stride. It took a moment, but by allowing the thoughts of all the people surrounding her, she began to feel. The clerk quickly responded, looking up at Bradly, who now seemed far more intimidating. "Look, I don't know who is in charge here, but if they don't get down here now we're going to have a serious problem." The intensity of his voice was unexpected.

"Uh, sorry sir, but.." The clerk was barely able to compose himself. Nora flinched as she realized just how much effect she was having, now that she focused on it. The clerk sputtered, before getting up and rushing off.

Bradly sighed, "Good, that should get things in gear. Can you do complacent?"

She raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

"That guy upstairs is likely not interested in listening to us. If you can get him into some kind of accepting mood, we may be able to just ask him to leave. Think you can make that happen?"

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

She pondered for a minute. It was an odd request. It was clear what she needed, but how is that suppose to feel? She began combing through memories as the clerk came back with a gentleman in a suit.

"I understand there is some issue here?" He spoke with authority, but seemed ignorant of the beast on the roof.

"Issue? You mean the 10 foot serpent on the roof isn't an issue?" Bradly was playing the pissed officer very well. Or was he actually mad about it? She couldn't tell. What she could do is be curious about it.

"Serpent? Would you care to show me what you mean?" The man followed them outside to see what Bradly was referring to. His curiosity was tinged with fear when he saw the large black dragon perched on the edge of the roof. It was staring right at them. "Oh, that."

"We're here to take care of it. Now are you going to let us do our job, or not?"

Looking between the two, the man must have just noticed Nora's odd form. "Oh. OH! Uh, yes, of course, whatever you need."

The two nodded to each other and made their way to the elevator.

As it rose, Nora sighed. Trying to maintain her emotions like that was hard. Bradly smiled.

"You're doing alright. Just try not to panic when we get up there. Ok?"

She nodded, even as a bit of fear began to creep in. She pushed it down. He needed her strength more than her weakness.

The door opened and another roar filled the sky. Bradly stepped determinedly up to the dragon, as Nora followed, less so.

"Ok, what is your business up here?"

The dragon lowered his head to be eye level with Bradly. They glared at each other, seeming to stare themselves down. The beast pulled back and began to speak, his scaled muzzle leaving the words rough and grating.

"I was sent to find Nora. Seems I am already too late." Bradly's eyes shot up. He was here for her? How did he even know she existed?! He turned to Nora, to make sure she was ok. But the surprise on her face was plain as day. "Before you ask, no, I don't know her. He said so long as I brought her back, I was free to act here as I desired. And there are plenty of fine things to acquire while I am present. So, if you will hand her over."

Bradly's anger flared again as he turned back around. *Seems Nora isn't to fond of this idea either.* He thought to himself. "While I am not her keeper, I will defend her, and you will go no further. Am I clear?"

The dragon chuffed. "So be it. He warned me not to trifle with you, but don't think I am afraid of you. I will return for her. You can be assured of that." With that, he spread his massive leather wings and took off. Gasps and screams from the street filled the air.

Bradly turned to thank Nora, but found her shivering on the ground. It took a moment for him to realism that she was crying. "I'm sorry. I knew I was going to be ok, but I was still afraid. I'm sorry for making you worry." Afraid? He hadn't felt a thing.

Wait. He had. The truth hit him like a tone of bricks. He helped her to her feet.

"Looks like I might have been wrong. Emotions aren't the only thing you broadcast."