The Last Dragon
an excerpt

Inside the mausoleum, two dusty but decorated jars stood on the back of the room. Joel was kneeling in front of the smaller one, seemingly praying.

"Joel?’

Joel finished his prayer. "This is Kireina. Your mother." he said, referring to the small jar.

Ryou instantly felt weak on his knees. He fell on them, facing the two jars.

"She died giving birth to you. She was cremated when you were three days old. She was...my friend." Joel started to say. "In the short half year of us together, we got close."

"Joel, are you...my...?"

Joel hummed in amusement, shaking his head. "No, Ryou, I am not your father. Although I admit, your mother was the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. However, she already had you in her womb when we met."

"So..." Ryou turned to the other jar.

Joel changed his kneeling position to face the other jar. "Yes, this is your father. He died soon after your parents arrived on the forests north of here. He was cremated according to Kireina’s will."

"Father..." Ryou whispered. He slowly stood up and walked towards the jar. Kneeling in front of the jar, he put a hand on the lid. He was somehow surprised to feel it a bit warm.

"Ryou, do you know why there is a dragon head above this mausoleum’s entrance?" Joel asked.

Ryou didn’t respond for a moment as he pondered the question. Suddenly, a conclusion dawned on him, and he turned to Joel in surprise. "Do you mean...?"

Joel nodded. "You father...He was a dragon."