Chapter 2: Ch.2: Love is blind

:: Raziel POV ::

Quinn's hiding. I've been in the club for over an hour and I haven't seen her nor her shadow anywhere.

There'd been disputes and a manager's intervention might have been needed but her minions took care of everything swiftly and efficiently without alerting her. The Playground ran like a well-oiled clock and it's all thanks to Quinn. The manipulative little beast liked to be in control of everything and everyone around her.

At first I thought it was quite amusing that she's hiding in her office when she knew I'd be here. But after sitting and waiting with no sign of her anywhere, I started to feel annoyed. And if I am annoyed, she should be as well!

To my disappointment, Quinn didn't show much reaction when I barged into her office. She didn't even turn to look at me. But I noticed how her fingers twitched and faintly glowed before she slowly clenched her fists and withdrew them from view. She continued to sit there and refused to acknowledge my presence but was unable to suppress her natural reaction.

Ah yes, I know faes glow given the right provocation. I didn't live long for nothing. I've seen creatures of all shapes and sizes with varying dispositions. I've mingled with almost every breed of supernatural being in existence. And trust me when I say that when a fae begins to glow, it's a sight to behold. Perhaps it's one of the reasons I enjoyed provoking Quinn's temper.

"Not on the prowl tonight?" I asked, making myself comfortable in the lounge in front of the huge desk.

Quinn has this insane reputation of being flirty. Men and women drool, literally, when she walks into a room. Who could blame them? Like most faeries, Quinn is otherworldly gorgeous and seductive. She moves with an innate grace that could never be learned. And there's something about Quinn, something I can't put my finger on, something mysteriously 'Quinn' that attracts people. And frankly, it's pissing me off that I'm not so different from everyone else on that score. And whether I wanted to admit it or not, I'm attracted to Quinn like a stupid moth to a damned flame.

Of course me, commenting on her lack of morals, is like the pot calling the kettle black. I, also, happen to have an insane reputation. But unlike me, who earned notoriety through years of experience and practice, Quinn's was based solely on what people perceive on the surface. In truth, everything is speculation when it comes to Quinn Lockhart. No one knows who she is and where she came from. Quinn is like a mysterious being that no one understands or has the courage to study up close for fear of drowning and losing one's self.

Orion, of course, knows. As the owner of The Playground, Orion should be aware of his subordinates' history. But when I subtly inquired about Quinn, Orion told me, quite sternly, it was her story to tell. And if I wanted to know more about her, I should ask Quinn directly. Yeah, right, like that conversation would ever happen. I could only imagine how that 'talk' would go.

"What do you want, Rheinalt?" Quinn asked, still refusing to look at me.

"I'm looking for Orion. Where is he?" I answered casually. It wasn't a lie but it wasn't the whole truth either. I need to talk to Orion but we never agreed to meet at the club and did not schedule anything for tonight. I heard he'd come by club and since I have nothing planned, I decided to drop by and take a chance to meet him here.

"You know how Orion is. He'd be here when he wants to, never a time earlier or later." Quinn answered, finally turning to look at me. "Now, if you would please vacate my office, I have work to do."

I know a dismissal when I hear one. But there was something off about Quinn tonight. I can't describe it. If I were the sensitive sort, I'd leave her alone to sort it out in peace. Too bad, I'm a bastard and an asshole to boot. I don't take well to others telling me what to do and ordering me about. It isn't in my nature to cater to the whim of others. Besides, I'm intrigued to know what got her panties on a twist.

"Work?" I answered sarcastically, deliberately being obtuse. "Forgive me, Quinn. If I'm not mistaken, when I walked in you appeared close to falling asleep. Does Orion know his club manager sleeps on the duty? Oh and FYI, a pair of wraiths were creating problems earlier. A manager's intervention was required but you were nowhere in sight." I only informed her about the wraiths just to be spiteful, her intervention was not needed at all.

Quinn frowned and irritably clenched her jaw. "No one came to get me so I'm sure Seth and Cam took care of it. Those wraiths didn't seem to take my previous warning seriously. I'd have to ban them from the club for the time being."

"Are they giving you trouble?" I asked.

Quinn looked more exhausted than usual. She isn't sniping at me like she used to, which was really odd. I kinda miss being insulted. Having this tame, almost decent conversation is making me feel uneasy. It's like facing someone I don't know. I hate to admit but this version of Quinn is harder to read and understand.

"No more than usual." Quinn answered nonchalantly. I shrugged and stopped questioning her about wraiths. We sat quietly for some time before she broke it. "Why are you here, Raziel? We both know you didn't arrange a meeting with Orion. Otherwise, he'd already be here. What is it that you want?"

Good question. What do I want?

When I went to the club tonight, I was expecting to see Quinn doing what she usually does as manager of the establishment. I'd strut up to her, piss her off and take my leave happily, satisfied with the thought that I ruined her night.

But when Quinn wasn't where I expected her to be, I felt a little edgy. I thought she's busy somewhere else and decided to wait for her to come out. But after downing five drinks and endured being flirted with, by numerous sirens and sprites, for almost an hour, it became apparent that Quinn wouldn't make an appearance. I wouldn't see her if I don't seek her out myself.

Frankly, I don't understand why I'm behaving like this. I don't even understand why I have to come to this stupid place. Don't get me wrong, The Playground is an awesome place to unwind and party. It provides high-class service, has a sophisticated ambience and elegant look to match. And though it caters to all manners of supernatural creatures, the club's clientele are mostly the upper crust and elite residents of Saints' Isle.

Personally, I don't enjoy large crowds and noisy places. And in clubs such as this, no matter how exclusive the membership is, you can't get rid of that sort of 'noise'. And you can't sit or be alone, longer than two minutes, without anyone wanting to get your attention or fawn over you, especially if you're someone like me.

Ah yeah, I forgot to mention. My brother and I are part of the crème of the crop on Saints' Isle, more so the world. For supernatural beings, we're considered rare and treated like rock stars. Why? Because of who we are. We're one of the last living dragons on earth. Along with Orion, who also happens to be a Great Wyrm, an elder of the dragon community, his mate, Nile, Nuri, their offspring, and a few others, scattered across the globe.

In the dawn of time, dragons have roamed the earth before man or any supernatural being ever existed. We lived side by side with the gods and goddesses of the old world. And together with the true nature spirits, we breathe life on earth. But through time, our numbers dwindled from millions to a few thousands and now, our species is down to a couple of hundreds.

Yes, dragons are a dying breed. We've been hunted for our skin, our magic and treasure but mostly for our blood that can cure any disease or illness and increase a mortal's life span. But our small number stems mainly from the fact that we refused to mate with other supernatural beings but our own kind.

But our dragon lineage is not the only reason why my brother and I are considered rare. Even within the dragon community Syrath, my brother, and I are considered uncommon.

Syrath and I hailed from a royal bloodline that traces back to the beginning of time. We're the last living Dragon Lords. Dragon Lords are supernatural bearings that used to rule the old world with the gods and goddesses of the past. Which begs the question, if we're so high-class and important, what are we doing on a small island like Saints' Isle? Why are we not out there, conquering the world?

About five years ago, I felt a resonance with someone and it affected something within me. I knew it wasn't normal because Syrath didn't feel it. As much as I hate to admit it, my brother is more sensitive than I am.

Without thought, I followed the call for about a year and when I thought I had it, it disappeared. Snap! Just like that it was gone. The sudden loss made me unstable and temperamental, a bit depressed. I can't describe it but it felt like I lost a part of myself.

Syrath suggested we visit Saints' Isle and meet the Great Wyrm, Orion. My brother believed Orion might know what's happening to me. I didn't want to go, of course. I didn't want anyone to know something was wrong with me, aside from Syrath. Mainly because, as my blood kin, he has the right to know. But Syrath was adamant. A Great Wyrm possesses vast knowledge about our kind and has wisdom beyond compare. If something was wrong with me, Orion would have an explanation and perhaps even a cure.

But aside from being elders of the dragon race, Great Wyrms are also considered scribes and historians of the old world. I am undergoing some sort of special change. Whatever it is, because of its rare nature, it would be written and documented on the scrolls meant for the future generations of our kind. Others would read, learn and know about my experience.

Personally, I don't like the thought of unknown and faceless people knowing and peeking in my private life. This is the main reason why I detested the thought of seeking Orion. But when I showed no signs of improvement and my situation worsened as days passed, we couldn't put it off any longer. And so, my brother and I journeyed to Saints' Isle.

But the moment I set foot on Saints' Isle I knew, in an instant, that whoever I was searching for was there.

It's been three years since we arrived and I still haven't found who or what sent out that resonance. But I'm in no hurry. After all, three or ten years is not much to a dragon. I can wait, I have time. Building up the anticipation is what makes the chase more fun and worth the effort. As long as I know it's close by, the perfect opportunity will present itself.

"Raziel?" Quinn called out, successfully pulling me out of my reverie. Her dark emerald eyes narrowed suspiciously when I didn't respond and only looked back at her silently.

Unconsciously, I stood up and walked around the desk. I leaned over and rested my hands, firmly, on the armrests of her chair, bringing my face close to hers. I don't have any particular intention in mind. I only wanted to look into her eyes, feel her closer and lose myself into those exotic green pools. But once I felt her warm breath mixed with mine, I leaned in closer, just a bit more. Whenever I'm near Quinn, I often desire for more. More attention, more bickering, more interaction...

Then a thought, unwittingly, crossed my mind. How would Quinn taste? I wanted to taste her. I was curious to know how those luscious lips would feel against mine. Would she yield or fight for dominance? This sudden, ill-conceived, thought was new to me. This never happened before.

"I want…" Before I could put my thoughts into proper words and act on it, someone knocked on the door. And within a few breaths, Orion walked to the room followed by my brother.

"Raziel, are you harassing my employee again?" Orion raised one arrogant brow, looking sternly at me.

I snapped out of whatever trance I was in and immediately stepped back. Outside I was calm but inside I was a fucking mess. What the hell was that?

"I didn't know you'd be here." I turned, addressing Syrath as I went back to my seat. Trying hard to cover my slip, if you could call it that.

"Contrary to what you think, I don't live just for the sake of you, my dear brother." Syrath drawled lazily as he sat across from me. His sharp gaze trained on me. "I didn't know you'd be here," he enunciated just to annoy me.

I glared at him before answering, "I need to talk to Orion." And purposely turned towards the elder.

Orion eyed me curiously. His pale gray eyes were strikingly piercing as they met mine. Of course, he knew what I wanted to talk to him about. Orion has this uncanny knack for knowing things before you even tell him, even though he doesn't have the gift of foresight. I know he doesn't have this ability because I asked him.

Quinn eyed us casually and tactfully stood up. She turned to Orion and said, "The reports are on the desk. I'll be on the floor if you need me. Take your time, gentlemen." She was out of the room, softly closing the door behind her, before any of us could respond.

:: Syrath POV ::

I watched as my brother stared at the closed door, mentally debating whether to go after his quarry or not. You don't need to be a mind reader to understand what's going through Raziel's head. Most of the time, he's very predictable and displays his emotions readily and easily, bare for all to see.

I exchanged a swift, knowing glance with Orion before turning to Raziel. "Why do you persist in tormenting her? Don't you think your infantile behavior has gone on long enough? Isn't it about time to stop?"

Raziel indolently shrugged and responded, "Because she makes it so damn easy for me to do so." He made it sound like making a nuisance of himself is quite the rage these days.

"You're not a wyrmling anymore, Raz. Stop acting like one!" I often wonder where his immaturity stemmed from. Maybe I've been cuddling him too much lately but I know, for a fact, that Raziel does not naturally behave this way. My brother may have his moments, when his temper gets the best of him, but Raziel was never the type to deliberately taunt someone to a point that it almost looked cruel.

I didn't expect to see him tonight, especially not at the club. Normally, my brother preferred solitude and silence. He liked to be alone. So I expected Raziel would be anywhere but here. I arranged the meeting with Orion, a week before, and deliberately neglected to tell Raziel because I wanted to talk to Orion alone. But Raziel surprised both of us by appearing here tonight, of all nights, wanting an audience with Orion without me forcing him to do it.

"Tell me what's on your mind, Raziel." Orion spoke from behind the desk that Quinn recently vacated.

But Raziel was still staring at the closed door. His mind was still bound to the lithe figure that left moments ago.

"Something's bothering Quinn," Raziel stated after some time. It appears like he didn't hear Orion's query. That got both mine and Orion's undivided attention.

"What do you mean?" Orion prodded cautiously.

Raziel finally looked away from the door and turned to Orion. "I don't know." He answered, a bit confused. "Quinn seemed off..."

"Off?" Orion repeated then asked again. "In what way?"

"She looked distracted. Quinn didn't throw a fit when I arrived. She didn't shout at me to get out of the office or throw anything at me when I deliberately taunted her. She faintly glowed earlier. But it looked like she was trying hard to suppress it. Quinn looked like something was, well... physically hurting her." Raziel murmured the last part like he couldn't believe it.

See, that right there is my brother. Raziel is not someone who deliberately annoys or irritates people. He does not bully others for fun. I wonder if Raziel realizes it or not, but his reactions to Quinn are different from everyone he'd met in his more than three hundred years of living.

"The crew informed me that some wraiths have been causing problems recently. Perhaps that's what Quinn is worried about." Orion supplied, closely observing Raziel's reactions. It was idle talk, of course, but necessary to draw out Raziel's thoughts.

"It's not that!" Raziel answered distractedly. He shot to his feet and started pacing the room. "I asked her about those bastards. They're not troubling her, personally, but they're a nuisance to the club. It must be something else!"

Oh Raziel! I tried not to laugh as I watched him restlessly pace the length of the room. But he isn't the only one who noticed that something's bothering Quinn. I felt it as well before she left the room. I made a mental note to corner Quinn and ask about it later.

"I'll talk to Quinn and try to find out what's bothering her." Orion said, perusing the documents on the table. He appeared nonchalant and slightly bored but we both know he is all but. "Now, tell me what you wanted to talk about, Raziel?"

"What?" My brother stopped pacing and looked blankly at our elder.

Orion closed the ledger he was reading and patiently reminded him. "You said you wanted to talk to me, Raziel. About what?"

"Oh that," Raziel retraced his steps and sat down, heavily, beside me on the couch. "I've been having spells recently."

I snapped into attention and slightly stiffened as I listened intently to what he was about to say.

"I'm experiencing black outs. At first I thought I was just imagining things but lately I have nights when I can't remember where I was or what I did for hours at a time. There's this odd sensation left on my body, like I did something, but I can't remember what."

Raziel hasn't told me about this recent development and from the way he sneaked here to talk to Orion, first, I guess he found it hard to tell me.

To Raziel, talking to me is different from divulging things to Orion. With Orion, he feels like he's talking to a confessor. It was mostly business and logic. But with me it's different. He and I are brothers. Sometimes we can't be logical even if we tried or wanted to.

"I was going to tell you, Sy." Raziel said as he turned to me. "I wanted to understand what it is first."

I didn't mind that he kept it from me. Raziel would tell me, eventually. These curious events are not easy for my brother to share. It's the same reason why I sneaked behind his back to have a private meeting with Orion.

In truth, I know about his black outs. Raziel has been having them for quite a while. But recently he's having them more often and in short intervals. Before, Raziel would black out during the start of the cycle for the new moon. But now, it happens whenever he feels stressed or frustrated. Raziel cannot recall anything after his 'spells'. Or atleast, he used to not remember anything. But now, not only does he know he's having the black outs, he's remembering sensations as well.

I looked at Orion, hoping my face was a mask of indifference and disinterest, because I sure as hell don't feel calm and nonchalant at the moment. I was panicking and rightly so.

Orion looked back at me, softening his gaze and slightly inclining his head, wordlessly telling me not to worry. But how could I not? From everything that Raziel revealed to us, it's only a matter of time before he realizes what's going on.

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