Chapter 39 CHAPTER 39
I moved around the library, looking at different sections but never too deep into an aisle so I don't get lost and have trouble coming out.
I can imagine getting lost in here, no one would be able to find me.
Why didn't I find a way to hide here when I was still considering that option?
It would have saved me a lot of headaches, I wouldn't have been hurt so much and I may have starved for a bit but I could have found a way to sneak into the kitchen and gotten supplies. I watch movies, there would always be a way.
The library was enormous, Momma's was just one aisle here, I could fit fifteen of that quaint library in just the aisles that my eyes could see.
So I walked in a straight line, looking at the types of books each aisle contained.
At first, it seemed whoever arranged it had a mental problem but slowly, the pattern became clear.
It wasn't arranged by book types but by timing.
The more recent ones were at the front and then the ancient texts were more at the back.
The pain in my leg returned and I knew it was time to go.
As I turned, I saw something move in the corner of my left eye but it disappeared along the eighth aisle.
Like I'd said before, I watch movies a lot and this is my first and only sign to get the hell out of here and I did, increasing my pace as though Baldwin was hunting me again.
I got back to the dorm room some minutes later and rushed to have my bath again.
It was quiet, lonely, and for the first time since I got into this whirlwind, I got an actual moment to myself.
Or so I thought.
“I heard women like women on your planet.”
“Ah!” I squeaked, swirling around to see a familiar face.
“Hey, you were supposed to hear me approaching.”
“You scared me still, Kassandra.”
I didn't care that she was in a higher year, it wasn't good to creep up on people like that, dragon kin or not.
“Yea yea, sorry you're skittish. I asked you a question.”
“Well yes, it's totally normal to be with the same sex if you feel attracted to them. Isn't it normal here?”
“I've never seen it happen. And it's been a century since we've had a true soul tie.”
“Really? But people are always on about Soul Ties, was it a myth all this time?”
“It's not a myth, a soul tie is different from a true soul tie. A True Soul Connection defies all logic and is ordained by the Twin Suns. People might frown at you both but still, it's what it's meant to be.”
“And no woman would want to be artificially tied to you.”
“I didn't say I like women,” she retorted defensively but I could see the way she was looking at my body.
I washed off quickly and put on clothes before I spoke to her again.
“There's someone out there wanting the same thing as you and if you're brave enough to seek for her, you'll make a difference in your world. You'll liberate women from the shackles of conformity.”
“You're quite wise for one so young.”
“Are you older than me?”
“Number doesn't matter in Drakkonia, but experiences? That's how we know who deserves trust and respect. The ability to not break under certain circumstances.”
“Well you guys have fun, I'm just trying to actually survive certain circumstances. Good night Kassandra.”
“Good night purple-haired girl,” she smiled, pulling off her clothes as I walked away.
I put the matter behind me, I needed to get some rest.
Tomorrow was another sparring session and I doubt I'll be given the pass again.
I needed to rest and be prepared for the absolute worst.
I woke up earlier than I would have loved to, before everyone else in the room.
It was still a bit dark outside and I was restless for some reason.
I knew I'd never be able to sleep again if I tried to and I gave myself a bit of a moment to collect my thoughts.
I went to the window that was between my side of the room and Erin's, and I opened it slightly, looking outside.
It was peaceful, calm, and a moment I wanted to preserve for a long time.
The thought of remaining here seemed to be more appealing at this time of the day.
If only Kovar would just disappear.
I mean, what was I rushing back to earth for? I didn't have a job, no friends, no life that I could call mine.
And now that I've seen this large, beautiful, and terrifying world, how was I supposed to just go back and pretend it was all in my head?
What if I missed it?
What if Kovar would just disappear?
If he does, I could actually belong here, enjoy this planet that was supposed to be my home.
A loud, gruelling sound pulled me out of my thoughts and I looked up to see a dragon off in the far distance.
My ear was getting way more sensitive than I was comfortable with, at this rate, I'll be hearing every sound in the universe by the end of the week.
Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves from the shock, I focused again on the beautiful creature as he took control of the sky.
The dragon was a fiery red, female, and large. I could hear her heartbeat and it sounded off a bit but then, what do I know about dragons?
I just watched her fly, higher and higher as though she was trying to touch the sleeping suns.
And then I watched in a horrifying moment as someone fell from the back.
A scream ripped out of my throat, rousing my roommates.
“What's the problem?” Erin ran to me.
“Someone is falling from the dragon! Why's she not doing anything?!”
“Oh,” she deflated, turning around and walking away
“Oh? Can we fly too? Is that why you're acting like this is completely normal?”
“Relax, jeez,” Akua grumbled as she turned and faced the wall, “it's just an execution. Happens more often than you're used to.”
“I'm not used to executions!”
“Exactly.”
“Just go back to bed Alira,” Erin added, her voice still sleepy, “that's the best favour the kingdom can do for a traitor.”
A last flight before death, a favour or a cruelty beyond measure?
I couldn't decipher which but I was done with my previous line of thought. I will go back on my meds if it means not having to witness people getting thrown to their deaths rather than a normal prison sentence.
I couldn't sleep after that, so I picked up the books Erin had given me at the beginning and tried to catch up on fighting strategy theory in preparation for the morning class.