The Dragon Innkeep

You’re listening to The Dragon Innkeep, a Fabled Audio original. This story is intended for mature listeners. 1- The Hike It was pretty in the way all nature was. Gorgeous trees (if you didn't count the branches that kept trying to slap me on the trails), and shrubs surrounded by wildflowers that looked so lovely I wanted to touch them- I didn't, because who knew what was poisonous in a national forest. "Watch your step, we're going to climb up." Caiden, my usually sweet boyfriend, ambled up the rocky path at top speed, not even offering his hand. "Slow down," I said, trying and failing to make my voice sound light. "I'm not a seasoned hiker like you, remember?" "So you've said all morning." Caiden sighed, waiting just enough for me to catch up before he stomped up the path and away again. I couldn't understand it. This was meant to be a special trip. It was our one-year anniversary. And of all the proposed things to do, he'd insisted on a hike in a national forest. I may have grown up in the cities of Colorado, but I was not a hiking kind of gal. I countered by proposing a trip to Hawaii. Caiden said that was cliché and sulked the entire evening. In the end, I gave in. Gods, why were men so complicated? I caught my breath and plowed ahead. I would get through this damn trip, and afterwards, the next holiday would be where I wanted to go. "We can camp here," Caiden said. I eyed the dense forest warily. "You're sure there's nowhere closer to one of the designated camper spots? Aren't there like camping facilities?" I had really wanted to make it to a working bathroom. I turned to dig in my pack for the map he'd given me before we left. Maybe we were close enough that we could still make it. "I can't find my map." "You don't need it," Caiden laughed. "Chill out, I've camped my entire life. This is as good a spot as any." "Alright." I dropped my pack and practically collapsed on the half-rotten log, taking a swig from my canteen. Ugh. It was empty, we'd need to refill and filter water again. Caiden would be annoyed that I'd gone through my canteen the second time today. My legs burned, and I knew my pale complexion was slick with sweat. No doubt redder than a strawberry, too. We weren't even going to talk about my tattered mess of red curls that barely cooperated into the braid I'd shoved them into this morning. "Trust me. We'll eat some dinner and enjoy the night. You'll feel better by tomorrow, Lex." He winked. "Let nature do its thing. Enjoy it." And there it was, the sweet side that had been missing all month. I loved the way he shortened my name, Alexia. If I could manage to tone down the crabbiness, maybe this hike would be good for us after all. Hell, with how tense he'd been at his job, trying a little nature couldn't hurt. Caiden set to work building a fire and dug into our food pack, handing me some jerky and trail mix. I nibbled on mine and eyed the pack. "I thought we brought more." Caiden zipped the bag closed and sat beside me, wrapping his arm around my waist. "You worry so much," he teased, bumping my knee with his. "Such a city girl." "Hey, I never said I was anything else, mister. And oh my gods, how can you even want to touch me right now when I'm covered in sweat?" "A little sweat never hurt anyone." He winked and kissed my forehead. "Want me to set our tent up and roll out the sleeping bags?" "You sure you don't want some help?" I asked, secretly hoping he didn't. He smiled, his green eyes bright. "Nah, I got this. You just relax."

I woke, cold and thirsty. Dammit. The fire must have gone out. I shook my head, clearing the strange dream that had been haunting me all week. Out here in the woods, my dreams were far too vivid for my liking. Stress was a bitch. Still, it amazed me that my mind could conjure strange images of dancing in mushroom rings with a green monster. What could I say? Imagination was never a problem with my brain…especially at night. "Caiden?" I yawned. We had spent the night snuggling near the flame. He'd surprised me, lifting a bottle of wine from his pack and pouring us heavy glasses to celebrate our one year. Who knew the guy had it in him? Still, I regretted drinking so much last night, and we would both be aching by morning. I shivered. "Caiden, hey, we need to wake up and move to the tent," I said. I reached over to shake him, and my hand found nothing but ground and leaves. I sat up, rubbing my eyes. "Caiden?" No response. What the hell, where was he? "Caiden, this isn't funny!" I rubbed my arms and shivered again. The temperature had plummeted. I needed my hoodie and the warmth of my sleeping bag. And maybe, just maybe, I'd be lucky enough to not be too sore by morning. "Caiden," I said again. No response. Fine, he could call me city girl all he wanted. I was grabbing my phone and using the flashlight. I swear, if he went to the tent without me, leaving me to freeze, I was dumping his ass, one year or not. I reached behind me where I'd kept my pack, and my hand hit nothing but ground again. "What the hell?" I turned around. It was gone. I shook my head. This was ridiculous. "Caiden, if you're nearby, can you please answer me?" It was nearly impossible to see without a flashlight, and the thick canopy of trees where we'd made camp wasn't helping. I stood on shaky legs and walked several feet ahead where he'd pitched the tent. My heart pounded inside my chest. The tent was gone. It should have been right there, and he'd strung up our remaining supplies on a line between the two trees with our jackets. These two trees, I was positive. No. I shook my head again. This was not happening. But the more I blinked, the more reality set in. It was all gone. Not just the tent, but the packs, and the line, our remaining supplies... Everything. No food, no water canteens...no tent. My breath hitched, I pressed a hand on my chest, willing my breathing to slow. I started to shake. "Caiden!" I screamed. "Caiden, where are you?" He couldn't have left me. He wouldn't have. Would he? I shook my head. Gods, why was it pounding like this? I rubbed my temples. Thunder rumbled overhead. "Oh, shit." I barely had a second to think before heavy drops of rain splattered my face. I ran. That bastard. My eyes welled with tears, and I hated myself for it. Stupid. How could I have not suspected, but then again, I'd known something was off. Hell, I'd wanted things to go back to the way they were before…of course that was prior to learning Caiden was a rat bastard who would rather leave me for dead than break up! The rain poured harder, soaking me through. So. Damn. Cold. I pulled myself up, right as lightning lit the night sky, and there, between a small opening of trees, was a cave. Fuck, Caiden. I was going to get to shelter, and when tomorrow came, I'd find some help, get out of this damn national forest, and make him pay. I climbed up the fucking hill, through the ridiculous trees, tripping twice. My God damn fingers were so cold and numb. There was no fucking way I was going out like this. Rage urged me forward. Another flash of lightning lit up the cave. The opening was small. I dropped to my knees and crawled through, and tried not to think about any bears. "Please lead to a cavern where I can sit and stay out of the rain. Just one bit of luck, just one," I whispered, panting as I crawled deeper. My arm brushed against something soft. I blinked. Lightning struck again. I stared stupidly in front of me, not trusting my eyes. The cave had led out to a clearing. The grass was perfectly mowed and soft. How could this be? There in front of me stood a large colonial home, nestled deep within the surrounding forest, a perfectly maintained lawn. I wasn't even sure it was real. I ran as fast as my wet ass would take me, stumbling up the steps and reaching the door. I panted, catching my breath and willing my chattering teeth to still. I grabbed the brass knocker and rapped it, once and again, with more force. Before I could knock a third time, the door flew open. A tall man with black hair and violet eyes stared at me. And then all went dark.

2- Strange Hotel "What is that?" "Shh, you'll wake her." "Good, she smells. I want her to leave." "I'll make sure to tell Xander you don't feel like helping." "I didn't say that," the woman's voice spat. I blinked and opened my eyes. "See, now you've done it, Siren!" "Shut your pie hole, gnome, or you can take a nice long swim and decorate my seabed." The first thing I noticed was that I was warm. The second was that I must have been dreaming. I lay in the softest bed I'd ever felt. I blinked again, rubbing my eyes. Nope, still real. On my right stood the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. Her skin was pale blue, and her long, ink-black hair hung past her waist, shining. Her eyes were frightening, though, completely black, no whites at all. I swallowed, and were those…scales? By her ear. They must have been. Small, delicate scales overlapped each other at the base of her face, and along her ear, all a deeper shade of blue. "Am I at a comic-con event?" "What are you babbling about, girl?" A gruff voice asked. On my other side stood a short, stocky man with a beard longer than his feet. He wore coveralls and a red pointy hat. Yep. I was either dreaming again or at a comic-con. Or maybe I was lying half-dead in the forest somewhere, delusional. But hey, I was warm, right? A laugh burst out of me, and I covered my mouth…but it was too late, once it bubbled out, there was no stopping it. The woman sneered. "Great, she's defective." The laughter shifted into a strange cry as the memory of the night came rushing back. Forget comic-con, I nearly died. "Think the boss wants me to throw her back out?" The gruff man asked. "Must I fix everything?" The woman snapped. The man stomped his foot. He looked like he wanted to say more, but the woman held her hand up, and quick as a wink, the gnome pulled out some worn-looking cloth and shoved it into his oddly shaped ears. I was so startled by the action that it drew me out of my manic laughter, and before I could process what had happened, a beautiful melody wrapped around me like a gentle breeze, soothing and calm. My eyes drifted, heavy and oh so tired. I woke to violet eyes staring back at me. It was him. The man on the porch before I blacked out. I couldn't find my voice. There should be a law about proximity when you were that good-looking. My Gods, I had to resist an urge to touch his long braided black hair. What the hell was wrong with me? "My name's Xander," he said, reaching for a chair near a desk, and dragging it to the side of my bed. He sat down, a steaming cup in his hand. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit and green tie, and I was alarmingly warmer the nearer he got. I glanced around, getting a proper look at where I was and sucked in a quick breath. The room was so lovely, it didn't seem real. A crackling fire burned, and in front of it sat two plush chairs, a table between them, holding several books. I took in the wall near the desk where Xander had stood only a moment before. Behind it were several wall-to-floor bookshelves filled to the brim. But that wasn't all, the other end of the room held an elevated porcelain tub, a shelf display hung overhead, offering an array of bathing items. I blinked. Perhaps I had stumbled into an eccentric billionaire's home. Who else could afford such luxury hidden inside a national forest? A different feeling settled over me, and about every documentary I'd watched came flooding back. I squeezed my eyes shut. Gods, please do not be a cult. I peeked at Xander. If I had landed in a cult's hideout, it definitely had something to do with him. I blushed and shook my head to rid myself of bad thoughts, gripping my blanket. "Is your room ok?" I startled, met Xander's eyes, and remembered my manners. "It's fine, thank you for letting me inside your home. I'm sure it's not every day you get a random stranger at your doorstep." He chuckled, the sound was rich and deep. "Can't say that's a daily occurrence, however, I am accustomed to a visitor from time to time." "Well, I think you saved my life by letting me in. So, thank you." He cleared his throat. "You looked a little cold. I started the fire while you slept. Apologies, but we had to remove your garments. They were covered in mud and leaves." His nose wrinkled. I jolted and looked at myself, blushing scarlet. I nearly died when I took in the silk fabric of my nighty, which dipped dangerously low in front… "Oh!" I pulled the blanket up to my chin. I hadn't even noticed I'd practically been flashing him. My cheeks burned. His lips stretched into a knowing smile. "Here, drink this." He passed the cup he'd been holding. "It will help you feel better." I lifted the cup to my lips, taking a small sip, and closed my eyes, letting out a soothing breath. Honey and cinnamon, along with another spice I couldn't quite put my finger on, danced along my tongue. I swallowed and let the tea spread through me like a comforting hug before opening my eyes. "Thank you." My shoulders relaxed. "You're welcome," Xander said. "Now that you're warm and relaxed, we need to finish our conversation. As I began," He gave a quick bow, and another bout of nervous chuckles nearly spilled out of me. "My name is Xander. I'm in charge of this inn where you've arrived. We're a remote place." He paused. "And although you are welcome here, I must admit you've come during an unusual time, miss…?" "Alexia," it came out as a whisper. "Alexia." He repeated and smiled. "Lovely." I shivered, and it had absolutely nothing to do with the temperature. "The tea will help you feel calm and keep an open mind." I spluttered. "Pardon? You didn't drug me, did you?" Xander sat back. "Of course not. What sort of guest right do you think that would be?" He scoffed. "The tea is for your nerves, nothing in it will dull your state of mind, only enhance it. You have my word." I had more questions, but I believed him that the drink would cause me no harm, but then again, I hadn't shown a great streak of judgement recently. I pushed the dark thoughts of Caiden aside. "Now, tell me, Alexia, what brought you here?" I shifted, not sure where to begin. Xander reached over, grabbed my hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Steady now," he said, his eyes holding mine. "I understand by the state you arrived, some distress must have occurred. I assure you, you are safe in my inn, but you must tell the truth. How did you arrive here?" I took another drink of tea and tried to think of where to start. I set the cup on the nightstand and stared at my blanket, nausea settling in my belly. "I was hiking with my boyfriend. The long and short of it is I woke up and realized he'd left with all our supplies and me behind." I glanced at Xander. Would he believe me? Would he understand what that meant? He bristled. "Your lover left you in the forest to die?" I lifted my chin. "It appears that way." "Then you are better off without him." I laughed. I couldn't help it. "Well, now that I'm alive, yes. Believe me, I've had nothing but thoughts of payback since I woke up." Xander's violet eyes brightened. "A woman after my own heart." He stood and walked towards the fireplace, pausing to grab one of the books off the table. When he returned, he set the book on top of my blanket and settled back into the chair near my bed. "For you." I grabbed the small volume and ran my finger across the embossed cover. It was white, with gold vines trailing the edges, and in the center lay a star with a dragon inside. "It's very beautiful." I wasn't sure what else to say. I'd just told the man my boyfriend tried to kill me, and he'd given me a book. A beautiful book, but I would have preferred a phone call to the police. "It's more than beautiful, it holds information that you'll find useful, should you decide to take my bargain." "I'm sorry, what?" Xander leaned forward, his arms resting on my blanket. My breath hitched. He grinned. “The Accords are quite clear. Anyone who seeks sanctuary in my woods must be given aid.” His eyes gleamed. “They say nothing about it being free.” "Your woods?" I was pretty sure no one person could lay claim to a national forest but decided to keep that part to myself. Xander leaned back, relaxing into his chair, and I could suddenly breathe again. "I'm sorry, did you say for a price?" I blurted. The air between us thickened. Suddenly anything logical I had to say disappeared, and I could do nothing but hold his gaze and wait. "Alexia," Xander said. My name on his lips did things to me I was ashamed of. He continued, his voice taking on a more formal tone. “I, Xander, Lord of this manor, offer you sanctuary under the law of the Accords. You may rest here, recover your strength, and remain beneath my protection. In return, your time belongs to the inn. You will assist me and tend to its guests as I require. Serve me well, and I will give you two things: a home for as long as you desire it—and the means to take your revenge.” The air returned to normal, and I took a shaky breath. If I wasn't careful, I'd lose myself again. "Are you telling me I can stay, and offering me a job in the same sentence?" "Do you accept my offer?" Why was it so hard to think around him? "Alexia." Again, the air was suddenly charged, the hair on my arms standing straight up. I could not look away. I could hardly speak. "You must accept if you intend on staying. Should you decline, I will be obliged to return you to the woods from whence you came." Was he saying he'd throw me out without help? Xander's gaze softened. “Tradition must be honoured. Even I am bound by the Accords.” His voice lowered. “Accept my offer, and I give you my word- you will be safe here.” I swallowed. "You're kinda freaking me out." My Gods, cult it was. "You have to say it." I shook my head. "Say what? That I'd like a phone to call the police and go home? Because if that's an option, I'd like that one." Within an instant, he stood. His tall frame seemed so much larger than before. Shadows must have been playing tricks on my eyes, because I could swear dark translucent shadowy wings stretched to either side of the bed. He leaned closer until his face was an inch from mine, his body brushing against my waist. I felt his breath across my lips as he whispered, "Accept my offer, Alexia. I want to help you. Please." My heart hammered against my ribs. Every sensible thought told me to stop, to ask more questions, to think. Instead, I heard myself say, “I accept.” The moment the words left my mouth, a violent gust tore through the room. The fire went out. Darkness swallowed us. “What the hell?” "Don't be afraid," Xander said from somewhere far too close. But I couldn't speak. His violet eyes glowed.

3- Bargain Struck I dreamed of dragons and sirens. I walked on sandy shores searching for something, perhaps my revenge. Caiden's betrayal ate away at my chest, and I longed for justice. I reached down and pulled a pearl from the sand. It burned my fingertips and changed, twisting into the shape of a ring with an emerald dragon wrapped around an opal. Something was inside the jewel, a secret. I moved my finger to open the ring's locket, to find the secret inside…and woke.

I blinked. Bright light filled the room, the sun's soft rays warming my skin. What a strange dream. First the hike, then the odd manor, and what was up with that ring? I shook my head. "Morning, Miss." I sat up. Oh no. No, no, no. "It wasn't a dream." Not all of it. "I'm sorry?" A short woman in a striped maid dress stood near the porcelain tub. "Can't say I know your dreams, but I do have some fresh water drawn. I wasn't sure what scent you liked, so I chose blackberry. Is that alright with you?" "What?" I stared at the woman, trying to get my bearings. She looked at me with pity-filled eyes. "The first morning's always the most difficult. I keep telling him to soften his approach." She tsked. "Still, you're here now." "Right." A bath, the short woman had drawn me a bath. I was here at the manor that belonged to the especially sexy man called Xander. What was it we agreed to last night? He needed help with his inn? Fine. I could do this. I'd get clean and dressed, make a phone call, and help the guy out while I waited for the police. Would it be the police that showed up or forest rangers? Maybe both. Either way, Caiden's ass was done. My mind went from murderous thoughts about Caiden to much different thoughts towards my rescuer, Xander, and I shuddered. Gods, I was going to need to get a grip, or I'd be agreeing to whatever he wanted. The thought made me blush. "Need anything else, miss?" I shook my head, coming back to the present. The maid looked at me knowingly and smiled. "Well, if you change your mind, the master said to just ring that bell right there, and I'll come check on you. Otherwise, make yourself comfortable. He plans on giving you a tour to help you get situated. I hear you'll be staying for a bit." Staying? Hold on…and master? What was this, the 1800s? Feeling too tired to ask any questions, I thanked the woman and waited for her to leave before I got out of bed and headed to the porcelain tub. The smell of blackberry and citrus reached my nose, and I couldn't help but dip my hand into the water, a jolt of pleasure at the perfectly warm temperature. Just right. I shucked the nightgown, kicking it across the room, and sank into the luscious bath. I sighed, letting a moment of happiness wash over me. Tired muscles relaxed in the heat of the bath, and I leaned my head back, letting the warm water soothe my scalp. Who said being pampered can't rid a horrible mood? Nearly murdered, no problem! Just pop into the inn for a luxury bath and peek at the glorious man who runs it. I giggled. Dark humor always helped me see clearly. Once I was clean and dressed, I'd be finding the nearest phone one way or another. For now, I focused on getting clean, locating a plush loofah. I grabbed the blackberry soap and lathered myself until I was nearly raw. Finally clean, and no longer wanting to stay in dirty bath water, I drained the tub and stepped out. It was then I realized something uncomfortable. I had no clothes. I towel-dried as best as I could and wrapped the damp towel around myself while hunting for something to wear. I opened a drawer, hoping to find my hiking clothes freshly laundered and available (hey, a girl can wish), and was met with paper and pens. "Surely there's something around here I can wear." A knock on the door pulled my attention, and I practically froze. "Alexia?" The door creaked open a fraction. It was Xander. A shiver ran along my arms. "I'm sorry, is it alright if I come in? Sass said she forgot to leave you clean clothes." I gulped. "I was actually just looking for some. I'm mostly decent. If you could set some clothes in here, I'd be eternally grateful." Xander stepped inside, bag in hand, and closed the door behind him. His eyes brightened as he looked at me. "Is that all it takes for your eternal gratitude?" He tsked. "You should have higher standards." I snorted. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Please tell me you have something warm and not another nightgown?" "Even better." He sat the bag down on the bed, and I kid you not, bowed, and walked out. I stood there for half a beat too long before making my weak legs walk over to the bag to see what he'd brought. Several pairs of soft leggings and beautiful matching tops in shades of green, violet, and gold lay inside. Beneath those were a couple cardigans, the material so buttery soft I wanted to rub it on my face. Underneath the clothes were an array of undergarments, and I could feel my cheeks turning scarlet all over again. Please tell me he hadn't picked these out. Everything was brand new and with tags…did they just keep clothes like this around, or had someone woken early and shopped specifically for me? They were even in my size. I reached for a matching panty and bra set that was feather soft, and the least see-through (someone had interesting taste in what comfortable underwear was). All ungrateful complaints washed away once I slipped on the soft leggings and one of the lovely tops, donning a complimentary cardigan and feeling entirely far too relaxed. I dug a little more in the bag and found a pair of black flats, the inside soft and with just the right amount of support I preferred on my feet. Another knock and in walked the woman from earlier, brush in hand. "The master said you would probably be dressed by now. Sorry for forgetting the bag earlier." "Don't worry about it." I straightened, unsure what to do next. "Listen, thank you for everything. You and Xander, whoever else helped take me in last night." I tugged the fabric of my cardigan before continuing. "Last night was a horrible evening, and I owe Xander and whoever else had a hand in helping me. I'm alive because you all let a stranger in." The woman smiled. "Now, now. Don't go making a bigger deal out of things than necessary. You can call me Sass, by the way. Please sit, I'd love to run a brush through your hair and tie it back." I balked. "Oh, you don't need to do that. I'm perfectly capable of brushing my own hair." Sass, looking highly amused, smiled. "And make me have to tell the master that you refused my help? I think not." She waved. "Besides, I get paid to help with this sort of thing. But if you truly don't want me to, I can set the brush on the table. I'm warning you, though, you're missing out. I'm quite skilled." Unable not to smile at her enthusiasm, I shrugged. "Alright, but only if you actually get paid for this sort of thing." "I do." Sass nodded, looking rather proud. Before I could say another word, she had me turn my back to her and was deftly brushing my wild hair with expert ease, and I nearly fell asleep as she wove my hair into a beautiful braid. "There. That should do, I think." Sass ushered me to a full-length mirror, and I followed, unable not to admire her handy work. "Alright, you win. This looks phenomenal." Sass grinned and walked back to the bed, grabbing the bag with the rest of the clothes. She reached for each piece, folded them, and placed the clothes in a different set of drawers than the one I'd checked earlier. "Master said he's made some phone calls for you, but he sent me to tell you due to the nasty storm last night, it will be a while before anyone can get through. He's got people on it, but the main trails leading to the road are completely blocked. We are a very remote location, and not many know of our existence." "I see." I bit my lower lip, trying to push aside the rising anxiety in my stomach. As if Sass could sense my panic, she smiled. "There now, don't fret. I've never known the master to fail at anything. If he says he's got people on it, he means it." I shook my head. "Why do you call him that? A little archaic, isn't it?" "Master?" I nodded. "I could use his surname, I suppose, but I wouldn't dare address him so casually. Although I doubt he'd mind." I shook my head. "I mean, I guess so long as it's your preference." I sat at the edge of the bed and finally just blurted out what I'd been thinking. "Listen, this isn't some weird cult, right? You're not like trapped? Or made to do Xander's bidding or I don't know, his fantasies," my voice dropped to a whisper at that last part. Sass stopped what she was doing, nearly dropping the bookend she'd straightened, and burst out in a laugh. "What are you going on about, woman?" She rubbed a tear from her eye, her mouth still quaking with laughter. "One could only wish to serve his bidding for that." She winked. I blushed. Ok, so no cult. Rich eccentric then. I cleared my throat. "Sorry, this whole night and morning has been so strange." Sass walked over and patted my hand. "I can imagine so." She lifted the white volume that I'd set on the nightstand before passing out late last night. "May I make a suggestion?" Sass asked. Puzzled, I nodded. "You have some time before the master meets you for the tour. Read this, please." I took the small volume from her hands, unsure of what to say. "I'll be going now. I don't know if you noticed, but there's some food and tea on the table by the fireplace. Please help yourself." And with that, Sass was gone, leaving me to my strange thoughts and mood.

4- Memory I opened the book. What I read sounded less like law and more like something out of a fairytale. The first page introduced something called the Accords- ancient rules governing the forest, the Fae, and the claims they could make upon those who entered their lands. . Every page was in perfect cursive script, not typed but inked. Did Xander write this? Had he given me a journal of sorts? A jolt of electricity raced up my arm as I turned the page. I leaned closer. This section dealt with the inn- its bargains, its rules, and the rights afforded to every guest who crossed its threshold. Before I knew it, I had sunk into a nearby chair, turning page after page. Why, he even detailed his guests as characters from stories. I laughed, reading one description depicting a domesticated werewolf that loved fluffy towels. It made me wonder what the rest of the guests were like. Would the impressive Xander write me in his book when I'd gone? A knock on the door pulled my attention. I sat the book down and stood, just in time to see Xander walk in. "Enjoying your reading?" "I'm not sure what to make of it, honestly. Did you write all of this?" "Most of it," he said. "May I sit?" I nodded. "Technically it's your home." His eyes sparkled. "While you're here, this room is yours." I followed Xander to the two chairs by the fireplace. We settled into the deep cushions opposite each other, the fire crackling between us. "You didn't eat?" He looked at the full plate on the small table. "I haven't been hungry." "That won't do." He handed me a fluffy pastry from the tray and waited expectantly. Not wanting to offend, I accepted the pastry and nibbled on the baked treat, surprise hitting me as the lovely cinnamon and icing melted on my tongue. "Now," Xander began. "What did you find interesting about the book?" I cleared my throat. “It’s certainly a new take on fairy tales. I liked the way the introduction seemed almost…personal. Like it was written specifically for this place.” "I see," Xander said. He tapped his fingers slowly against the table, the silence stretched between us before he finally spoke. "You know, the human mind is a fragile balance between what one knows and expects. Sometimes accepting what exists can break a person." I opened my mouth to speak, but Xander held a hand up. "You, my dear Alexia," he paused, his eyes finding mine. "Are not an ordinary person. Had you been, the forest would never have allowed you to find this place.” "Is this a joke?" I asked, suddenly wishing it was. Xander sighed. “Surely you’ve begun to suspect something by now. I’ve hardly been subtle.” His gaze remained fixed on mine. My chest tightened, and it took everything I had to force down the panic clawing its way up my throat. “You survived an attempt on your life by the man you loved,” Xander said. “And yet here you are. In this place. Think about what you’ve seen. What you know.” His gaze sharpened. “You would never have found the inn if you were what you believed yourself to be.” I couldn’t breathe. Pain throbbed behind my eyes, and the room seemed to tilt around me. “Stop,” I whispered. My thoughts crashed into one another. Memories surfaced, shifted, rearranged themselves. Things I had dismissed suddenly felt important. Things that had never made sense were beginning to form a pattern—and somehow that terrified me more. Xander rose. His violet eyes seemed to darken as he crossed the space between us. “Alexia.” His voice had changed. Deeper. Almost resonant. “Look at me.” I did. And gasped.

The room shifted around me. Walls stretched higher, the ceiling arching upward as though the space itself were making room for him. Xander flickered before my eyes, his shape slipping in and out of focus. His broad shoulders widened, growing impossibly larger. A scream caught in my throat as his face elongated and his body tripled in size and grew again, becoming a giant mass of purple scales overlapping every inch of his skin. A long spiky tail wrapped around my chair. Huge wings stretched behind him. Their rich shade of purple so deep, nearly black, and as Xander's long neck leaned down, smoke billowing from his nostrils, he muttered one word. "Remember." My head snapped back. Pain slammed through my skull, fiercer than before. I clutched my forehead, desperate for the pounding to stop, but it only worsened. Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, a memory flooded back. I was twelve. Playing in the woods near my home. I'd spotted a ring of mushrooms, and suddenly I was dancing, swinging with a new friend and laughing. Mother came running outside, screaming. My new friend with green skin hissed, and her long bark-like fingers that had joined mine in dance released me as something splashed all over her. I licked my lips and tasted salt. Mom had yanked me from the ring and held my head in between her hands, forcing my eyes to meet hers. "Forget." She had said. Her usual brown eyes turned a shade darker, their depth so much more intense. I blinked and lifted my head. Xander sat in the other chair, a man again, the wings gone. I looked around. The room was exactly as it had been when I woke. Then I met Xander’s eyes. I wanted to shout at him. To tell him none of this was real, that there had to be some rational explanation for what I had just seen. But I couldn’t. Because somewhere beneath the panic, I already knew the truth. It was real.

Everything that had been locked away was suddenly clear. After all the pain and searing headaches, the memories were back. "She made me forget," I whispered. Xander's eyes softened. "Our world can be cruel to half-Fae." Half fae? "Do you understand where you are now?" Xander asked. Knowledge surfaced before I had time to search for it. I nodded slowly. “I’m in your domain. And under the Accords, you’ve offered me sanctuary.” Xander smiled. "Exactly.. His gaze moved over me, thoughtful rather than surprised. “I suspected what you were almost immediately. After you bathed, I was certain. Being here is already waking that part of you. Your Fae nature has been suppressed for years, but surrounded by your own kind…” He paused. “It knows how to come back.” I shook my head instinctively, wanting to argue. But I couldn’t. The memory he had awakened—and the part of me that had awakened with it—already knew the truth. It should have been impossible to accept. Somehow, it wasn’t. I wasn’t learning something new. I was remembering something I had always known. Why had my mother hidden it from me all these years? And here I’d thought being left for dead was the worst thing that could happen to me. Apparently, discovering I was half-Fae had decided to compete for the title. I might have laughed if my head didn’t hurt so much. I cleared my throat. "Does this mean I'm trapped here? You didn't actually call the police or rangers, did you?" Xander puzzled. "Of course, I did. They needed to get a head start locating the man who left you for dead.” Relief came quickly, but it didn’t last. “Now, that doesn't mean they can come here." He gave me a pointed look. "This inn is Fae territory. Humans cannot enter it. But I have another property near one of the national forest trails. Someone will meet the authorities there and speak with them on your behalf.” "I thought Sass said the storm had made trails unpassable and you had people working on it." "Just because the police can get to the house doesn't mean the trails are walkable yet. They will soon, though. Mark my words, your old lover will not walk away unscathed." The smile he held should have scared me, instead, it brought a strange sense of comfort. "Our bargain." I said, trying to remember the exact wording. “Is very much in effect,” Xander replied. His smile widened. “Now, would you like to meet the guests you'll be helping?"

5- Guests & Revenge One tour later, and I was under Sass's wings, helping her with small tasks. According to Sass, they were terribly short-staffed. I was regretting ever sending her away, leaving me to towel duty on my own. "I'm sorry?" I asked, staring at the hairy man in front of me. "The towels," he scoffed. "Look, I hate to be a pain, but they're terribly scratchy. Did Xander switch detergent or something?" I plastered on my best smile and grabbed the towels from the man. "Thanks." He relaxed. "Name’s Hale." "Nice to meet you. I'm helping out for a few days," I said, hoping it was true. The Accords bound Xander by his word, but he technically hadn't specified a time frame. "I'll see if we can get some new ones sent up." I bustled out of the room, tossing the towels into the large basket Sass had given me, and turned, nearly colliding with another man. I looked up and took a step back. "Sorry! Didn't see you!" He was ridiculously handsome with dark skin and gray eyes. He smiled. "No trouble." His voice was melodic, each word sounding like a caress. "And you must be the new guest who's somehow agreed to help Xander." I blushed, unsure of how to respond. "Yes, my name's Alexia." "Ambrose." Before I could move past, he was behind me, his face next to my ear. "You smell delightful. Perhaps that's why he's keeping you here. And to think, you landed right on his doorstep." "That's enough!" Xander stood in the hallway, his face seething. "Do you dare break the Accords and guests right?!" Ambrose chuckled, stepping away from me. "You are so old-fashioned, friend. Besides, you know me better than that." "I do know you, which is why you will not go near her again." "Just wanted to see how attached you were." He winked and was gone. Now that it was just the two of us, Xander relaxed. "Are you hurt?" I shook my head. "I was transferring these towels to the wash and needed to grab a couple new ones to give to Hale." "Told Sass the new detergent would be a problem," Xander sighed. "Please, don't let me keep you." Apparently Hale had a reputation. I wheeled the large basket past Xander. "Alexia." I paused, glancing over my shoulder. "After you finish today, we'll sit down and discuss the rest of the bargain” .Xander said. “But I want you to understand something, Alexia. You are not a prisoner here.” A knot I didn't realize I'd been carrying loosened deep in my belly. "Thank you, Xander."

The words had barely left my lips before the space beside me was empty.

I was tired. Sass needed a freaking medal for everything she did in this inn. Did I mention sirens were the worst? I'd never seen someone so pampered before. Melusine was the woman I'd met when rescued. All thoughts of her beauty vanished the moment I had a real conversation with her. Were all sirens so…picky? And boy, she didn't like me. She complained very loudly about her missing necklace, and when I'd asked her the last place she saw it, she said on the body of her latest prey. I think that was supposed to be a joke. After another huff from the salty siren, she admitted that she supposed she could have lost it by the pool, but it didn't matter, because Xander would have deposited it in his storage unit until a formal request was made. So of course I took down her request and asked for directions to the storage unit. And boy, it was an odd place to find. Looking at the hastily drawn map the siren had given me, I double-checked the door and finally felt slightly competent. It only took me climbing to the top floor to locate this unit. I opened the door, and gasped. If this was a storage room, then I was a toad. Damn Melusine. Still, if finding the siren’s lost necklace meant her mood went from bitch to moderately tolerable, then I’d go dig for the damn necklace. I'd have to ask Sass how she handled the siren for future reference. Gods, it was dark in here. I ran my hand across the tops of several polished crates, stopping when I reached the draconian-style curtains. "Finally. Let's get some light in here." I pulled on the braided rope and had to squint as the afternoon sun came pouring in. I gasped. Behind the wooden crates were wall-to-wall glass cases filled with jewels. I weaved around the front crates, pausing to admire a few statues depicting Fae and some creatures I’ve never seen before. Melusine said the necklace had pearl beading with a single opal in the middle. I got to the first case, it was filled with diamonds resting on velvety cushions, all different sizes. There must have been hundreds! “Definitely no pearls there," I said, moving on. Case by case I looked, and each held meticulously organized jewels, none with a single pearl. When I reached the last case, I found it too held much of the same, and sighed. Perhaps some of the crates were mislabeled, and I'd get lucky enough to find the necklace in there. I started towards the nearest crate and stopped. I turned, peering closer. There, beyond the last glass case and hidden behind a thick curtain, was a narrow hallway. More storage? I slipped behind the curtain. The passage ended at a single door, and with every step toward it, the air grew warmer. . By the time I reached the handle, sweat prickled across my skin and curiosity was beginning to lose its battle with common sense. "Well, I've made it this far." I turned the handle and froze. Rich fabrics covered the floor in a spill of colour and texture. Silk scarves hung from the ceiling, drifting lazily in the warm air, while cushions in every shade imaginable were scattered throughout the space. Small arrangements of jewelry glittered beside them, laid out almost reverently, as though each piece were meant to be admired rather than stored. At the far end of the room, another enormous curtain stretched from wall to wall. Apparently, this place had secrets behind its secrets. I’d investigate that one after I finished searching for the necklace. With any luck, I’d find it quickly and get out. Getting lost in a magical Fae inn was not how I wanted the rest of my day to go. I shuddered as intrusive thoughts ran through my mind. Who knew which guest might decide I looked more like a snack than a helper? I swallowed hard. And if that happened, how long would it take Xander to find what was left of me hidden away in one of his storage rooms? I shook my head. "Stop it. You're here now, get it over with." The small pep talk helped—slightly. I moved to the nearest cluster of plush pillows and sat down, studying the display in front of me. It was crowded with trinkets. A ring caught my eye, and I reached for it, turning it over in my hand. “Interesting,” I murmured. “The right stone, but not a necklace.” I tilted it toward the light, rotating it again. An emerald dragon curled around the gold band, its head and tail meeting at either end of the most beautiful opal I had ever seen. My heart pounded in my chest. I knew this ring . It was the one from my dreams. The ring was surprisingly light in my palm. The opal at its centre was stunning, catching flashes of colour every time I moved it. Along one side of the stone, I noticed a tiny clasp. A locket? Curiosity got the better of me. I shifted the ring closer, wondering what could possibly be hidden inside. Just as my finger found the clasp, footsteps sounded behind me. "What are you doing?!" I jumped. The ring slipped from my hand, but before it could hit the floor, Xander caught it. He moved so quickly I barely saw him bend. A second later, the ring was back on the display. "Xander!" My heart thudded in my chest. "I didn't hear you." "I know." His voice was low, but there was no mistaking the anger beneath it. “And I won’t ask again, Alexia. What are you doing?” He was standing far too close now. Close enough that I could feel the warmth of his breath against my neck. Black began to swirl through the violet of his eyes, and no matter how badly I wanted to look away, I couldn’t. Shadows gathered behind him, stretching and twisting until they took the shape of enormous wings. "X-Xander," I stammered. His eyes were glowing now. "I'm searching for Melusine's necklace. I didn't mean to disturb anything.." "Melusine?" He moved closer until his face was level with mine, heat rolling from him in waves. His breath brushed across my skin, far hotter than it had any right to be. I swallowed, and forced myself not to move. Not now, not while he was like this. I'd made a very, very big mistake. If I lived through today, that siren was going to be sushi. "Speak, Alexia." His mouth hovered dangerously close to mine. “If there is more, say it.” I nodded before remembering just how close he was. My lips brushed his. Barely. A sharp sting of heat followed, and I fought the instinct to recoil. "I'm trying, but you're very close," I whispered, not daring to move. A slow smile spread across his face. His tongue flicked briefly over the place where my lips had touched his. “Am I?” He leaned in again. The searing heat of his mouth grazed my jaw before he moved higher, stopping beside my ear. “Then explain yourself,” he murmured. “Everything, Alexia. Leave nothing out.” His voice dropped another register. “I’ll know if you lie.” A shiver ran through me. With every word, Xander sounded less like the man who had welcomed me into his inn and more like the creature hiding beneath his skin. Even at a whisper, there was a deep, unmistakable rumble in his voice. The dragon was very close to the surface.

I had made a mistake in coming here. Damn that siren. "Alexia," His voice rumbled. "I'm waiting." “I came because of Melusine. I told you that.” I hated the tremor in my voice. “She said she’d lost a necklace, and apparently losing things makes her unbearable. Our bargain says I have to assist the guests, so when she told me it might have ended up in storage, she gave me directions here.” In an instant, Xander changed. The shadows vanished. The black drained from his eyes, and he settled onto a cushion opposite me as though he hadn’t just been one breath away from turning into a dragon. "Storage unit?" He smirked. I nodded, letting out a shaky breath. My boss was back. The beast contained. For now. "Im guessing , I'm not supposed to be in here." Xander smiled. "Very few enter this room without forfeiting their lives.." I swallowed. "But," he continued, almost pleasantly, “you’ve earned yourself a conversation. Most intruders would already have become a meal.” "Are you serious?" I paled. “Guest rights extend throughout the manor,” he said. “With one exception.” My stomach dropped. “This room?” "You've walked into my hoard, Alexia." His eyes narrowed. "And everything in here belongs to me. ." "I'm sorry." I scrambled to my feet and began backing toward the door. Xander stood in one graceful movement, crossing the distance within an instant. "You don't need to be afraid," he said. "In fact, I know exactly how to repay the siren who sent you wandering into my hoard.” "Please don't murder anyone on my account." I squeaked. Xander only smiled.

"I don't see why I have to be here," Melusine snapped. "It's dry and gross! Besides, it's night now, I get the best fish this hour." "Quiet," Xander said. The siren shut her mouth. I'd like to say I felt sorry for her if she hadn’t nearly gotten me eaten. Xander looked at me. “Which one?” I raised a shaky hand and pointed toward the apartment Caiden and I had shared. "Perfect." Xander smiled and wrapped an arm securely around me. A heartbeat later, black wings unfurled behind him. Then we were airborne. "What about me?" Melusine whined from below. "Stay there until I need you," Xander snapped. I tightened my grip around his neck, enjoying the closeness far more than I probably should have. We landed soundlessly on the balcony. I peered through the glass doors. The asshole was gaming. Had he even reported me missing? Told my friends? coworkers?Anyone? A deep rumble reverberated through Xander's chest. I glanced up at him. Apparently, the dragon wasn’t impressed either. "You said you wouldn't eat him," I whispered. “I said no such thing.” Xander’s mouth curved. “But I do have something better in mind.” He glanced toward the street below, where Melusine immediately straightened. “You said this was your usual feeding time?” Somehow, she heard him perfectly. She nodded.

"Third floor, apartment 203B," Xander said. “Consider yourself permitted one light drowning in repayment for sending Alexia into my hoard.” At my name, Melusine bristled. “How light are we talking?” “Alive!” I whisper-yelled over the balcony. Then I turned to Xander. “He needs to live. I want him to rot in jail.” "Done," Xander said. And when I looked down, Melusine was already gone. Less than a minute later, someone knocked on Caiden’s door. He answered looking irritated, controller still in one hand. Then he saw Melusine. His entire posture changed. Rat bastard. She smiled sweetly, took his hand, and led him straight out of the apartment. “Oh, he is so screwed,” I muttered. Xander’s arm slid around my waist. "Are you satisfied?" He asked. "Nearly," I said. His brows rose. "Would you prefer he have a worse punishment?" Before I could answer, his wings opened and we launched into the night. I clung to him until we landed back at the inn. “How did you even hear me from—” Xander set me gently on my feet and chuckled. "Dragon, remember? You still haven’t answered me." I shook my head.“No. Whatever Melusine does to him before handing him over is probably more than deserved.” My anger faded as quickly as it had come. “I’m just…hurt. And embarrassed that I ever loved him.” "Come with me," Xander said, leading me by the hand. By the time we reached my room, I had stopped asking where we were going. He closed the door behind us. “Alexia.” Gods, I loved the way he said my name. “Are you opposed to affection?” Heat tingled through me. "No." “Then would you allow me to take your mind off your extraordinarily disappointing former lover?” I swallowed. "This isn't a Fae trick, right?" Violet light flickered through his eyes. “No tricks. No bargains. No magic compelling you.” His gaze dropped briefly to my mouth before returning to my eyes. “This is desire. Mine, specifically.” My pulse jumped. “And I won’t act on it unless you want me to.” It had been such a terrible fucking few days, and gods, he was beautiful. "I'm down, if you are," I said. That was all Xander needed. He crossed the space between us and kissed me.There was nothing tentative about it. Heat poured from him as his hands found my waist and pulled me against him. I grabbed his shirt, kissing him back with every ounce of frustration, anger, and pent-up want I’d been carrying since I arrived. One of his hands slipped beneath the hem of my shirt. Then my leggings tore. I stared down. "I'll buy you a new pair," he growled. “They were expensive.” “I have a hoard.” Fair point. By the time he drew me onto the bed, every coherent thought had abandoned me. His mouth, his hands, the impossible heat of him- everything felt sharper, stronger, more consuming than anything I had experienced before. Fuck Caiden and his painfully average sex. Dragons, apparently, had standards. When pleasure finally overwhelmed me, Xander’s name tore from my throat. His answering growl deepened into something close to a roar, smoke curling from his nostrils as he buried his face against my neck. Afterward, we lay tangled together in the wreckage of the bed, our breathing gradually slowing. Xander eventually lifted his head. “Feel better?” I considered it. My murderous ex-boyfriend was currently being terrorised by a siren. I had discovered I was half-Fae. I was lying naked beside a dragon whose idea of interior decorating involved an entire room full of treasure. Somehow, yes. “Much.” His smile was devastating. The rest of the night passed in a haze of warmth, laughter, and considerably less sleep than either of us probably needed. And somewhere between one kiss and the next, the strange bargain I had made with Xander stopped feeling quite so frightening. Maybe staying here for a while wouldn’t be the worst idea. Maybe I could start over. I fell asleep wrapped in his warmth, smiling for the first time in days.

This is the end of The Dragon Innkeep. Produced by Fabled Audio. Written by Mindy Rae and narrated by (insert name).