Aaron's mood became noticeably more sullen as he and Lucy walked back to the Inn. Lucy watched his expressions closely.

What's gotten into him? He seemed almost happy earlier.

Cobra was already back at the room by the time they arrived. "Where were you? There was talk around town about a man and a woman running through the streets."

Aaron waved his hand as if he were annoyed. "She tried to escape but as you can see, I was able to apprehend her."

Cobra gave him an annoyed look. "You're brother has spies everywhere—word of this could get back to him." He picked up a little brown bag. "On a positive note, I got everything I need for the spell so we don't need to stick around town. I suggest we change locations. There's a place not far from here that's more isolated. We can make it there tonight and cast the spell first thing tomorrow morning."

"Already?" asked Lucy.

Cobra smiled at her. "Yes Princess. I can move quickly when I'm appropriately motivated."

He reached into the brown bag. "I picked up a few additional supplies." He handed Aaron a magazine with a scantily clad woman dressed in a bikini on the cover. "Here, take this and spend a little alone-time in the bathroom. It will make everyone more comfortable."

Aaron took the magazine and stared at it blankly.

"This is your idea for helping his… condition?" asked Lucy.

"Yes. In some ways, he's like a teenager. He needs to get used to his body again."

Lucy wrinkled her nose in disgust.

Cobra reached back into his bag. "And I got something for you too." He pulled out a gray poncho.

"What's this for?" asked Lucy.

"I thought it would help if you covered up a little."

She considered telling Cobra that a woman's wardrobe wasn't responsible for her sexual safety but it seemed like it would have been a waste of effort. Besides, maybe she would feel a little more comfortable if she dressed like she was going to the North Pole. She took the poncho and it put on.

She looked at Aaron. "Is this any better?"

Aaron stared at her for a moment, and then walked out of the room.

Cobra was watched him leave with a confused expression. He turned towards Lucy. "What happened today?"

"What do you mean?"

"His thoughts have changed drastically." He fell quiet for a moment, listening. "He's thinking… "I've probably killed hundreds of people, just like that boy". What does that mean?"

Ah, so Aaron's beginning to feel regret for his actions as a Dragon King. That's a good sign, right?

She shrugged. "I don't know."

Cobra narrowed his eyes. "I can hear your thoughts, remember? I better go talk to him. It sounds like he's considering suicide—or even worse, backing out of our deal."

"Suicide?"

"Don't worry. One of the benefits of hearing a person's thoughts is that I am pretty good at talking them off a ledge." He gave her a wink and headed after Aaron.

So Aaron was beginning to feel regret for the lives he took while he was cursed? That meant he may be reconsidering his plan to become a Dragon King. Perhaps he could be reasoned with but it would be difficult to do with someone as manipulative as Cobra whispering in his ear. If she was going to get through to Aaron, Lucy would have to act fast. She had less than 24 hours until Cobra would try to cast the Dragon King's curse.