THE DRAGON'S SECRET HEIR Eliana's life has been one of ceaseless torment and unyielding fear, bound by the chains of slavery and the shadows of her oppressor. Every waking moment is a testament to her struggle, her spirit confined within a world that has sought to crush her at every turn. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, a flicker of hope begins to emerge, igniting a spark that will set her on an extraordinary path of transformation. Her journey begins with a series of surreal dreams, visions that blur the line between fantasy and reality. In these dreams, Eliana encounters enigmatic figures and glimpses of a world where she is not a mere slave, but a woman of incredible power and purpose. These nocturnal revelations soon manifest in the waking world, leading Eliana to discover latent abilities that have long been suppressed by the cruel forces that have sought to keep her subjugated. Determined to reclaim her freedom and her true identity, Eliana embarks on a perilous quest that will take her across vast and treacherous landscapes. Her mission is not just to escape the clutches of those who have tormented her, but to uncover the secrets of her past and the destiny that awaits her. As she delves deeper into her own history, she realizes that she is more than just a victim of circumstance-she is the heir to a powerful legacy that holds the potential to change the course of her world. Along the way, Eliana encounters different people, each with their own motivations and secrets. She forms alliances with unlikely companions, individuals who see beyond her outward appearance and recognize the strength within her. Together, they face formidable challenges, battling enemies who will stop at nothing to prevent Eliana from achieving her goals. Friendships are forged in the heat of battle, bonds that are tested by the harsh realities of their journey. But not all relationships are destined to endure. Eliana learns that trust is a fragile commodity, and betrayal can come from the most unexpected sources. As she navigates the complexities of human nature, she must confront her own vulnerabilities and make difficult choices that will shape her future. The path to reclaiming her heritage is fraught with danger, but it is also paved with moments of profound connection and heartache. Amidst the chaos and conflict, Eliana discovers love in its many forms. She experiences the joy of finding kindred spirits who understand her pain and share her dreams. She also faces the sorrow of losing those she holds dear, learning that love can be both a source of strength and a cause of deep suffering. Through it all, she remains steadfast in her determination to fulfill her destiny and bring justice to those who have wronged her. The Dragon's Secret Heir is an epic tale of love, betrayal, magic, and adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover each twist and turn in Eliana's extraordinary journey.
Chapter 1 ELIANA
Eliana screamed as the flailing palm of her master struck hard against her soft cheeks before she landed flatly on the ground. The burning rage to spit out fire at him filled her up but the fire went off as quickly as it formed. Her master could swear he saw fire burning hot in her eyes but it was the least of his problems. He barked out more angry orders at her before he made his way into his workshop.
She stood up and she dusted her already stained and torn dress, one out of the three pieces of clothing she ever owned in her twenty years of existence. The tears had stopped coming out a long time ago. She just had to gather herself and go about her daily routine as if nothing happened.
She could no longer dwell on the past. Days where she was filled with happy people and warm memories. Days where laughter and smiles never departed from her mouth. If her brother hadn't sold her to a slave master when she was 9 after her mother died, she wouldn't have known she wasn't a true part of their family.
She shook her head as she carried the clothes to the stream to wash. The streets of Fanhara was burstling with people as usual but no one dared to say hello to her in order to avoid the temper of Master Sagoz. She wasn't bothered because she was used to it.
She got to the stream and everyone there carried their things, they hurried away. She shrugged before she sat down to do her business. She has to hurry with it because there are a lot of chores waiting for her in the house. If Master Sagoz sends someone to look for her, that would be the end for her because she would get another series of beating and she would have to sleep on an empty stomach.
She suddenly caught a reflection of herself in the water and she paused. She looked so beautiful, dressed in a royal flowery dress with a golden tiara on her head, her skin, white as snow and her face, full of life, her white hair had some strands of gold in it, her slender wrists were covered in white gloves and she looked happy and radiant. Something splashed into the water and she came back to reality, rags for clothes, a bursted lip, hair she hasn't combed in ages, healed and fresh scars on her face.
"A penny for your thoughts?"
She turned around to see who just spoke but she saw no one. She shrugged. It could be in her head. She went back to washing and the same voice spoke again. She ignored the voice this time. The person might not be talking to her, at least, no one talks to her in the village.
"You need to stop ignoring me and open up yourself to actually see me." She heard again.
"If you don't want to get in trouble, stop talking to me." She muttered and she was surprised at her own voice. She thought she had forgotten how to talk since all she ever said was 'Yes, Master.'
"Why'd I get in trouble with talking to you, Eliana?"
She scoffed and at this point, she was already irritated. She ignored the voice as she went back to the house.
"What took you so long?" Master Sagoz barked as another slap landed on her face. She expected it because she knew she had stayed too long at the stream, all thanks to the faceless voice.
"I am not faceless!"
She heard again.
"Will you just stop this?" She screamed in frustration and Master Sagoz turned a full three hundred and sixty degrees to look at her.
He laughed before he clapped his hands. "I see someone has grown some guts."
"I....it's..... not......mas....." The words refused to form as he approached her. She began to plead in all sincerity by rubbing her palms together. Her pleas fell on deaf ears as he grabbed her by the hair and he threw her against the workshop table. She tasted blood in her mouth as she watched the clothes she just washed fall from the basin and they fell on the muddy and dirty floor. She groaned in pain before everything turned pitch black.
"Don't you think it's time to wake up from your slumber, Eliana?" She saw the woman she had known as mom for the first 9 years of her life.
She reached out to touch her but the image faded away. She looked around, she was on an endless cliff, fear gripped her suddenly. The image appeared again.
"You have what it takes to get yourself out of this. Why do you keep allowing yourself to suffer when you are more than this, my child?" The image reached out to stroke her cheeks. "I am so sorry, my child." Tears ran down the woman's cheeks and Eliana stood still, not understanding what's going on. She was about to ask another question when she woke up suddenly. Master Sagoz had emptied a bucket of water on her.
"Get your lazy behind off that floor now!" He roared before he walked away. She stood up from the floor feeling sore all over. Realization dawned on her. She had slept on the floor and she didn't eat dinner the previous night. Her stomach grumbled in affirmation.
"Good morning, Master. Can I get some.......?"
He looked at her with the head of the hammer pointing in her direction and she took few steps backwards. The pain of being hit by a hammer is something she never wish to experience again.
"If you're about to mention the f word, I might as well dip you in cow dung."
She sighed before she gave up the thought of eating something before the day's work. He dropped the hammer, dried his hands on a piece of clothing and he scribbled something on a piece of paper. He dropped it on the desk for her to take it.
"Deliver this parcel to Haela in Durma, the next village." He said sweetly and Eliana cringed inwardly. She didn't know Master Sagoz to be a sweet man, he was always brutal and rigid. "Tell one of the girls to give your hair a nice comb, trim or whatsoever and change the clothing you have on. You look homeless." He walked back to his work and she rolled her eyes. He was sending her to this woman he just met and might be on the verge of falling in love with, on an empty stomach. She sighed. If only tables could turn and he turns into her servant. She chuckled silently, in your wildest imaginations, Ana, she thought.