Touch of Flame

Initial hesitation had marked the humans, but Nazneen\'s persuasive charm allured them on board, stoking the embers of adventure in their hearts. Unbeknownst to them, the adventure would not be with the sea, but with him.

They sailed through the heart of the night, each feeding session discreetly hidden away from prying eyes.

At first, his hunger seemed to intensify only, amplifying his senses until he could discern the sound of beating hearts around him. However, as he drank more, the voracious hunger began to wane. Eventually, he found himself sated, but not just that – he felt stronger, more potent.

"Have you finally satisfied your hunger?" Nazneen inquired, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"In one aspect, yes. But now, I find myself eager to satiate another kind of hunger. I need to test the strength of my newly energized self."

Her smile was teasing. "And here I thought I had an insatiable appetite," she sighed, shaking her head in mock disappointment. "I suppose men are the same, regardless of their species."

"I can certainly help fuel your appetites," he retorted, a playful smirk curling his lips. He reached out to take her hand, simply holding it, their gazes locking, the heat in his slowly subduing to warmth. "I\'m grateful you could join me. Once things settle down, we should embark on a longer journey."

She nodded in agreement, her fingers gently squeezing his in silent agreement.

"I have a gift for you," he declared, watching as her eyebrows arched in intrigued anticipation. Delving into one of his many pockets, he pulled out a small chest. 

"This was one of my earliest finds," he disclosed, passing the chest to her.

With reverent hands, she accepted the chest, curiosity guiding her movements as she opened it. Nestled within was a golden necklace, its luster muted by the dim light yet undeniably captivating.

"This treasure was discovered in a chest that once belonged to a Queen named Ishwa. Legend tells that she was blind, yet her husband, King Akhtar, loved her profoundly. Despite her blindness, he chose her as his only wife, taking neither another spouse nor a mistress. He often lavished her with exquisite gifts, and this necklace served as a symbol of their unbreakable bond. In their tradition, a marriage was finalized when a necklace was placed around the woman\'s neck. He sought to find the most breathtaking piece for the occasion. Admittedly, it is a tad too heavy for daily wear." Ares said. 

Nazneen carefully extricated the necklace from the chest, allowing her eyes to absorb its intricate details. It was indeed hefty, not something to be worn casually, but its beauty was undeniable. The historical romance woven into its existence only added to its allure.

"Ares, it\'s beautiful," she murmured, her touch gentle against the relic of love, especially considering its significance as his first archaeological find. "I love it. Thank you."

A satisfied smile graced his lips. "I\'m pleased you like it. Allow me to help you put it on." Standing up, he took the necklace from her. 

As she moved her hair aside to grant him access, the sense of its history echoed in her mind – this was the necklace a devoted king once adorned his beloved queen with to affirm their marital bond.

Once the necklace was fastened, she tilted her gaze upward, her eyes meeting his. "So, are we bound now?" she queried teasingly but she felt the weight of the necklace on her, the symbol of it. 

A single brow arched in response. "You deciphered my intentions? I had planned on subtly ensnaring you," he jested, his fingers trailing a tantalizing path along her arm. Grasping her hand, he guided her to rise from her seat. "After being bound, the consummation traditionally follows," he countered, effectively steering the conversation back to its initial course.

Her laughter echoed in the air as she gracefully wrapped her arms around him. "I have a feeling I\'ll never tire of your antics, Captain."

"Exhausted, perhaps, but never bored," he pledged, deftly scooping her up into his arms.

Their lovemaking on the gently rocking boat was a novel experience, infusing their intimate moments with the exhilarating rhythm of the sea. Each sway added to the intensity and then they rested listening to the distant waves. 

Over the subsequent days, Ares was filled with a revitalized strength, devoid of the slightest hint of fatigue or illness. An apprehension still lingered; he feared that the amount he needed to satiate his hunger would have to be exorbitant. However, if it could grant him days of vitality without needing to feed, then perhaps it was manageable. But, did his current state mean he was no longer sick? Was he not dying?

He considered visiting the witch, Sylas, yet his lack of trust in the man deterred him. Instead, he decided to find Aletta once more. This quest required him to swim back to the location of their initial encounter to successfully summon her. He waited a considerable time before she finally emerged from the sea, her gaze as mesmerizing as the typical Marozak\'s.

"You\'ve come alone? No dragon woman at your side?" She inquired as she stepped onto the land.

"She is busy," he replied curtly.

"Ah," she responded, her eyes scrutinizing him, "that\'s what men often say."

A smile tugged at his lips knowing what she was insinuating. She was beautiful but he had no interest in her. "I\'m here because..."

"You have questions," she interjected, her tone carrying a hint of skepticism.

"Correct," he affirmed, taking control of the conversation before she could make further unfounded assumptions. "I\'ve recently consumed human blood, and it\'s changed me. I feel... vibrant, alive, and I haven\'t fallen ill since."

"And your question is?" she asked.

"I was hoping you might have insight into these changes."

Aletta simply shrugged. "I already told you, subsisting on dragon blood is not the same as feeding on human blood."

"Does that mean I\'m still dying? Is my improved condition simply the result of appropriate nourishment?"

"I can\'t be certain. It\'s rare for Marozaks to venture onto land, deliberately shortening their lives. I don\'t know how reversible the process is. But if you\'re feeling better, then..." she shrugged again, leaving the sentence unfinished.

Ares let out a sigh. He was no closer to finding answers.

"But... wait!" Aletta suddenly exclaimed, a look of confusion passing over her features. "You told me you\'ve only ever lived on land and didn\'t even realize you were an Arozak."

He nodded, paying keen attention to her words. She seemed to be mulling something over.

"So you\'ve never transitioned before? You\'ve always remained in your human form?"

Ares frowned in contemplation. "Perhaps once as a child." His response was based on the fragmented memories that resurfaced, particularly those sparked by the witch\'s mirror. 

"When was your first transformation that you can recall?" she inquired.

"Not long. A few weeks ago," he confessed.

"Is that when you became sicker?" she probed further.

Sicker? His expression turned contemplative. "I was unwell before that, but… yes."

"Hmm... I have a suspicion," she began, her gaze distant. "But I need more information. If your first transition was only a few weeks ago, and you hadn\'t consumed blood until recently, it\'s no wonder you were unwell."

He wore a frown, trying to understand her explanation.

"You lived your entire life without transitioning, and then suddenly you did. Your body would have an intense need for proper nourishment to adapt to the new form."

"But what about my illness before that?" he queried. 

"I don\'t know," she replied, shaking her head. "But this new information could potentially guide me to the correct answers."

"I would appreciate any insights you might have," he admitted, wondering why she seemed so invested in helping him. "I\'m hosting a party soon, a mix of dragons and humans. Would you care to join us?"

"Humans and dragons?" Her eyes shimmered with intrigue.

"Don\'t consider it an all-you-can-eat buffet," he admonished, teasing her.

She chuckled heartily. "Then it\'s not as appealing. But... I am curious. I\'ve never attended such a gathering."

"You\'re more than welcome to," he extended the invitation once more.

"Hmm..." She swayed slightly, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I might find myself a dragon companion, too."

He smirked. "You just might."