Dragon Born Series: Book 1: Mia

Chapter 3: The Friends we make

(Mia's POV)

I lay on the old uncomfortable mattress, my thoughts consuming me. After being released from the infirmary, Al gave me the morning off but told me to be ready for tonight's show. He's so uncaring and cold and plain old evil but for some reason, he hasn't gotten rid of me nor killed me off, why? Not sure how Dr. Scar had managed to keep me from being punished, either. I could feel that something was different about me but no one ever gave me straight answers. Don't get it twisted I was very grateful that I made it out unscathed this time.

I don't know when my actual birth was but it seemed that when the seasons changed from spring to summer, my body always went through a change. Marina and Ciel think my birth took place around this time. After what just happened, I think I have to agree with them. It's a beautiful time so I'm more than happy to have this as mine. Ciel actually stopped by to see me and brought me flowers from Dragon's Garden. They were rare purple roses with the scent of honey and lemon. Although my room had no windows and its walls were plain brown, the flowers lit up the room and took away the dullness. 

Alincdor hadn't let Rayna or Marina come visit me at the infirmary. I missed them. They were just a few years ahead of me but they were like sisters to me. They were both magical creatures. Neither of them knew what kind but Marina had these eyes that spoke her emotions. Sometimes without even saying one word, I knew what she was thinking or feeling. We were super close and that made me feel like I could endure this s**t show just a little bit. Rayna was the oldest of us 3 and she didn't have any magical features we could see but they kept a dog collar on her that was enchanted and we didn't know why. 

We were close but Rayna always seemed distant to Marina and me, who knows why. I wished they were here with me now. I could use my friends. They always made me feel comfortable and like I belonged. I knew I wasn't from the Earth Kingdom like they were but I knew nothing else and that frustrated me often. 

Thinking back to when I opened my eyes in the infirmary, I remember the haunted awe in "Hell-i-ma's" eyes. She seemed so frazzled by me that she had turned on her heels and took off running from my room. She had not said one word and when I asked the doctor about it he just changed the subject. He also didn't explain why there were black candles surrounding me. UGH!!!

Helyma's fear of me seemed wrong. I knew we were scared of her and her daughters. Mora and Malise were cruel and bullied us all every chance they got. Helyma was from the underworld city of Hell. She was a powerful dark witch and we didn't understand why she was married to Alincdor, an evil human. They were definitely made for each other but there was no love there at all. 

"Mia, Mia!", came a voice into my thoughts. It was sweet and familiar. 

Without opening my eyes I asked, " Who's there?"

"Mia, it's us!", came the voice again but this time I was shaken up a bit.

I slowly opened my eyes and tried to focus on the face that was inches from mine.

"Oh!!!! Marina!!!!", I exclaimed as I threw my arms around her neck and she helped me sit up. 

"I'm so happy to see you. Do you know what happened to me?"

"Not really. We were doing our tricks and when I let you go, you collapsed. Ciel thankfully was near and caught you before you fell. Al had him take you away and we weren't able to follow or go visit. They won't tell us anything either."

"We, us?"

"Yes. Rayna is here too and she was doing the show with us too. Don't you remember?", Marina moved slightly to my right and my eyes looked behind her. As my eyes adjusted I saw the red-headed, emerald green-eyed girl starring back at me.

"Oh, Rayna!!!! Come here girl and hug me too!"

She threw herself at both of us and we rolled on the mattress laughing. It was amazing to have these two in my life. As we all sat back up and settled down Rayna turned to me and asked, "So, are you okay now, Mia?"

"For now, I think I am. I do have a lot of questions though."

"You know you can ask us anything we're here for you."

"Thanks. You two really are like my sisters.", I smiled at both of them as lunch was brought in by one of the kitchen helpers. She placed our food on the floor beside us and left the room quietly. I was always sad to see them so downcast but I was a prisoner as much as they were but I was at least able to see the outside when I walked over to the tent.

"Could you two tell me why there was iron embedded into the wall of my room in the infirmary?", I asked looking back at our food and reaching for a sandwich.

"I thought iron couldn't be in the hospital?", asked Rayna looking at me and Marina.

" The infirmary is supposed to be iron-free, so those creatures affected by it don't get hurt. However, I have heard that sometimes it's used to hold down beasts from running rampant.", said Marina while taking a bite from her sandwich. 

I nodded in understanding and reached for a piece of cake. It was stale but it still was a treat since we rarely got treats now that we were older. 

Luckily Malise and her younger sister, Mora, were out shopping today, so we ate the rest of our lunch in quiet peace. Afterward, the girls offered to help me with my chores before we had to get ready for tonight's show. As we worked, Marina asked, " Do you remember anything of what happened?"

"I just remember flying through the air, holding tightly to you as usual, and then landing on the platform. After that everything went dark and then I woke up in the infirmary."

"Did you feel anything?", she looked so worried about me. Her eyes were forest green and her brows were pinched. 

"Was it your menses again, like when you 10?", asked Rayna thinking back to the first time she saw me in the Iron Torture.

"No, I haven't had an incident like that since then and I'm not due for one for at least a few months.", we went back to our work. 

(Marina's POV)

Alincdor had been in a good mood this morning and allowed Rayna and me to go visit Mia. When we finished lunch, we decided to help Mia with her chores. Rayna and I rarely got along without Mia, but she was older than me and I respected her. These rare times when we could be in the main house were nice cause I could be close to Mia. My heart always felt better when she was around. 

I was so worried about her when I saw her small body just give way. I was very relieved that Ciel was there. He usually came out to watch our show. I think he had a thing for Rayna but he never admitted to me when I would ask about it. 

I caught my reflection in the hall mirror as I mopped the floor. My eyes were a forest green, which was normal since I was so worried about Mia. I don't know why my eyes change color nor what kind of magical creature has eyes like mine. All I know is that whenever my emotions were really strong they would change color. Mia was actually the first one to point it out to me. We were young like 8 or 9. We were made to clean up after the show and I had hurt my hand on the iron bar that surrounded the center stage. Normally they were a purplish-blue but when the iron had touched my skin it burned so bad that I let out a scream. Mia had rushed to my side and then saw that my eyes had turned a midnight black. 

My thoughts ran back to Mia's face seconds before she fell. Her face had scrunched in pain and her eyes had turned bright purple. Not in the same way as mine change. More like her beast had surfaced and was trying to escape.  I wanted to tell Mia what I saw but I am too afraid of what would happen to her. Al isn't known for being particularly nice to females that have beasts he can't control. A cold shiver ran down my spine and I shook those awful thoughts from my mind. I would never let anything happen to Mia.

"Marina! Earth Kingdom to Marina!" yelled Mia, bringing me back to the present. 

"Huh?", I looked away from the mirror and noticed Mia was very close to me and her hand was on my shoulder. My cheeks turned red and it took all my control not to allow my eyes to turn yellow.  I took a deep breath to settle my inner core. 

"You okay, Marina? You've been starring into the mirror for a minute now."

I nodded my head and I said," Yes, I'm okay. Sorry to worry you, Mia. I guess my mind was elsewhere. Did you need something?"

She chuckled softly, which made my inner core tighten. She shook her head and threw her hand up dismissing me. 

"I was asking you if tonight's show was gonna be a repeat of last night's, or if there were new tricks to learn."

"Oh, of course. Yes, Al said to repeat the same show. Of course minus you fainting."

"Do you think Al and Helyma will allow us to practice before the opening of the show tonight?"

"I can mind-call him and ask.", I concentrated on Al, and the magic that allowed us to communicate activated.

Mia excitedly nodded her head and threw herself at me. Wrapping her strong dark arms around my neck. She was younger than me but was at least 2 or 3 inches taller than me. I nestled into her chest and inhaled her sweet scent. I could stay here forever if she let me.

Ray stood off a few feet from us and just looked at us silently. I could tell from the way her brows were pinched, that she had something to say but she held it in. We went back to work without incident and Al had responded to me that we could practice. He really was in a good mood. Hopefully, it lasted. 

We got our show outfits and got ready in Mia's room. It was a small windowless place but it was way better than getting ready in the tent. There we only some curtains to hide us from the eyes of those passing by. I always got the feeling that someone was watching us. To be more specific, I feel that someone is watching me. There's an older demon that bothers the females and on more than one occasion, he has made a pass at me. He'll make up excuses to touch my shoulder or hair. His name is Dameon and he's god knows how old. I wish he would just leave me alone. 

"Hey, Marina, could you pass me the jeweled feathers?" Ray said drawing me out of my mind. 

"Sure thing, Rayna.", I said handing her the ruby red jeweled feathered headdress. It matched her hair perfectly and made her emerald green eyes shine bright. The show outfit we wore, barely covered all the right places. Ray's outfit was the worst. Her large breasts were barely covered and her curves left little to the imagination. Al thinks if we show more skin, more men will come to the show, giving him more coins. 

My costume was blue and reminded me of the distant sea. It called to me often and always made me feel at peace. Although I couldn't swim, I wished to be in the water often. This outfit though sucks a**.

"Hey, Ray, do you like your costume?", I asked while helping Mia into her purple costume. 

"F**k NO!" Ray said as we laughed. 

Rayna gave me a strange look after that but we continued getting ready and headed off to the tent.

(Rayna's POV)

I watched Marina help Mia with her show costume and couldn't help but feel slightly jealous of their relationship. I was 2 years their senior and tended to keep to myself most of the time. We were all friends but they had a special bond that made me feel left out. 

Lately, Mia was opening up to me more. It was nice but Marina always seemed cold to me. I don't know why. I thought we all got along pretty well. Ciel was always reassuring me to just give them time. They loved me and cared for me and one day I could bond with both of them equally. I liked Ciel. He was a little older than me and really nice to look at. I felt drawn to him but as a human with this enchanted dog collar on, I wasn't sure he'd ever look at me more than a friend.

"Hey, Ray, do you like your costume?", Marina asked from across the room, pulling me back to the current time. 

"F**K NO!", I said making us all laugh.

"Al is a f**king bastard for making us wear these. I wish we could make our own outfits but he doesn't give us much choice.", I said back as a knock sounded on Mia's bedroom door.

Since I was the closest to the door I went to open it. I opened the door and was greeted by the most gorgeous face I have ever had the honor of laying my eyes upon. I took in the sweet scent of wood and cigars. It filled my inner core with joy and longing. I shook my head and refocused my thoughts. 

"Oh! Ciel, Hi.", I said shock evident in my voice. I can't believe how good-looking this warlock was and here he stood before me.

"Hi, beautiful Rayna.", He greeted, which made my lower core wet and my cheeks turned many shades of red. He always called me beautiful but today it felt different. 

"Hi, Ciel, we'll be ready to go here in just a moment.", Mia said from inside the room behind me. I swallowed hard and stepped back to finish getting ready. I did my best to hide my face from the others and really hoped the warlock couldn't tell how his presence flustered me. 

Mia gave me a knowing smile and asked, "Ray, you ready to go ?"

I nodded and we left for the tent. Ciel led the way and chatted with the girls as I followed a few steps behind them. What was going on with me? I know I liked him more than just a friend but Al would never let us be together. I need to get my mind on something else or I wouldn't be able to do the show.

We got to the tent and took our places on the high ropes. The ropes were about 10 feet off the ground and went the length of the tent. At each end was a platform, in the center was a bar that Marina would hang from and help us fly across the tent to one of the platforms.

We were doing well when suddenly Mia lost her concentration and almost fell off the platform. I suggested we take a break and we all climbed down. Mia froze in her steps and I almost crashed into her.