No POV (or . . .)

The dragon landed outside a cave. It had a gaping opening, so wide and deep there seemed to be no end in sight. This dragon traveled down the path, keeping alert for any sign of danger that may strike. He could handle anything, but one could never be too careful. The mud on the ground was engraved with imprints or claws and footsteps, dried up over the years into almost permanent marks.

"He's not out today. Hmm, I'll just have to travel deeper then."

Down the tunnel the dragon went. His dark tipped horns would brush the roof of the cave if he stood at full height. Keeping tucked low to the ground was essential to traveling down this hole. His tail lashed behind him each time there was a twinge of discomfort. Wing cramps were common in a place so small. It was a wonder that anyone would bother living here at all.

Drop. Drip. Drop.

The sound of water hitting the ground nearby made him pause. His ears perked up, alert for any change in the pattern. When there was none, the dragon continued on. Each step further felt like a step into the unknown. A few mice skittered over his feet, right by the carcasses of their brethren. They had bulging red eyes, little cretins without minds. Rats were annoying, but these chittering things weren't far behind these little cannibals.

There was a rumbling. The dragon frowned; lunch had not been at the forefront of his mind before he left. The red dragon from before crossed his mind. She was without a predestined, perfect for anyone. Perfect for him. Everything about her was splendid. She would be his.

"Are you here?"

He wouldn't even say the name aloud. The last time he had resulted in quite the beating. A faded scar on his ribs was a testament to such memory, as was the odd bending at the end of his tail where a bone was likely broken slightly. No one else knew about the wound aside from the one who gave it to them. It was their little secret, or so his Father said.

There was a rumbling sound in the darkness, accompanied by the noise of something flattering to the ground. From the crunching, the origin was bones. He swung his head towards the source of the noise, his eyes narrowed. Surely this was who he was looking for.

"About time you showed up son. What do you have to report?"

Sebastian smiled a wicked grin from ear to ear. It was an ugly smile, and it promised nothing good for the dragons of Star Flower Valley.

****

The king sat next to the warlock, studying the gallery before them. A return visit so soon wasn't exactly uncommon, but normally the reasoning was a bit different. Forgotten jackets or swords were the norm, not checking up on someone.

"How is he doing? Can you see my son?"

The warlock nodded, purple eyes holding a certain madness that didn't escape anyone's notice. Asmodeus and Malcolm were indeed friends, but the king would be foolish if he thought trusting the warlock entirely was a good idea. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, isn't that what they say.

"Of course I can see Maggie boy, don't be silly."

"Okay, what's going on with him then?"

A sly smile lit the warlock's face. "Why Asmodeus, I didn't realize you cared."

"Of course I care, he's my son Malcolm. So tell me." The King demanded answers.

"Hmmpf. Fine. Magnus is doing well enough. He's already begun to ingrain in dragon society. You should be proud. Except . . ."

"Except what?" He was hinging on Malcolm's words.

The warlock grinned lopsidedly. "It appears Iccarrus has flown too close to the sun."

The cryptic words only served to confuse the king. "What do you mean Malcolm?"

"Eh, more than one thing. Worry not my buddy. All will be well. Things are still going according to plan."

"Hmm. I guess I'll just have to take your word for it." Asmodues said reluctantly. The king was clearly doubtful of Malcolm's words.

"Yes you shall, as I have done the same for you," Malcolm said.

"I thought we agreed not to speak of that matter again. It was a long time ago, and some sins are better left unsaid."

Malcolm took a sip of his drink, licking his lips. They were dry. "Yes. But the truth always comes out doesn't it? In the end, nothing can remain hidden."

And indeed, those words were true.