Chapter 2
Flashback
They met by chance when the Prince and his men were being attacked by demonic beasts on their way back to the capital from a subjugation expedition.
He was flying overhead in his true form and the commotion drew his attention so he decides to sate his curiosity (mostly out of boredom).
On arrival he decides to help the humans, easily slaying the attacking creatures with the wind pressure from his crystal-like wings while landing.
The human knights and mages were understandable terrified at his sudden appearance (rightly so) prepared to fight to protect their commander which he found cute as they were too weak to stop him if he chose to end them.
He huffs then nullified all detected spells, the air from his nose freezes all brandished weapons that was immediately discarded.
The ground froze instantly on contact and they pale at their fate had they held on a second longer. The mages were stunned and awed at the level of magic control he displayed though horrified at their unresponsive mana.
"How rude, you should be grateful this one decides to save you lowly humans" he rumbles telepathically.
"I apologize for my men great offence and express my sincere gratitude in coming to our aid, Lord Ice Dragon" the commander dismounted his horse then walked closer, knelt on one knee, head bowed (he's wearing a helmet hiding his face) a hand resting across the upright knee the other by his side.
Rosalg watched the process when the other humans tried to protest at their leader getting closer to danger but he'd silence them with a raised hand.
"Hn, how brave of you, what is your name, human?"
"Kaname Tristan, Crown Prince of this Empire."
"Show me your face."
When he complied Rosalg thought for the first time in his hundreds of years a human breathtakingly beautiful.
They stared at each other, icy-blue peered into crimson red, he'd raised a front claw to touch the Prince's face but distressed calls of 'Your Highness!' pulled him from his daze, lowering the appendage.
"Well, this one shall take his leave" he spread his wings to take flight.
"Wait, is there any way I could repay you?" the Prince asked making him pause.
"Unnecessary, humans have nothing that interests this one" he flew off, heart racing.
After that encounter he would secretly watch (stalk) the Prince in his humanoid form even to events in his female form.
End flashback
With the awakening and completion of his soul it overrides the vampire and human DNA restoring his Dragon status that he'd suppressed (to prevent first transformation, ignoring his instinct would be almost impossible then) and disguised to read as a human hunter. (During his three days of isolation he reacquainted himself with mana that end with him freezing his room, repeatedly).
He'd decide its best to avoid Kuran at all cost not wanting to risk the consequences with half the brunette's soul sealed and the bond wanting to be whole.
That girl also, Yuki Cross, he'd been avoiding her as well at realizing her true intentions and is no longer infatuated with her. Yuki's actions are instinctual of her suppressed nature to be placed above all else as important. Her naivete, a facade created to project innocence to draw in victims easier with a sense of need to protect and cherish, though done subconscious doesn't mean he'll play along.
Recalling all those pointless confrontations over her, not to mention drinking her blood (even if it helped in his awakening) was revolting, he gets nauseous just thinking about it, thank goodness his memories returned before he did something more stupid and irreversible. Thinking about his past love-sick behaviors towards that girl made his skin crawl.
Then there are the vampires, they aren't a threat to him even in his weaken state so he ignores them mostly as they're beneath his notice, nothing but blood sucking rats.
He humored the human students occasionally to draw their attention away from his change.
Very Successfully.
Normal POV Present
Two days later after Yuki failed interrogation, Zero was on his way to the stable after change-over when someone grabs his wrist halting him.
"Do you need something?" he asks stoic at seeing Yuki, staring at the offensive hand.
"Yeah-um, she fumbles, noticing his gaze she removes her hand as though burnt, are you ok, you've been acting not like you lately and shutting me out, I'm worried about you Zero. If there's anything you need to talk about, I'll always be there, you know that right?" head lower Yuki fiddles with her uniform sleeve.
"And what lead you to believe I have the need to unload about something" he inquires brushing off imaginary dust from his sleeve with a blank expression.
She glances up at him then bite her lip hesitant.
"I don't have all night- "
"Do you have feelings for Kaname-senpai?!" she blurts.
"Oh, he tilts his head, and what 'feelings' could you be referring to Yu-ki?" he asks unamused.
"Don't play dumb Zero! I saw the glances when you thought no one was looking!" she snaps with a glare.
"Ah, he smiles coldly, the real reason you interrupted my pending nap, he runs slender fingers through soft bangs, you could've just got to the point instead of wasting my time with your fake concern drivel."
"W-what?" she stutters stunned.
"What are you really concern about, the invisible leash you think you have on me, that I could be competition for your beloved Kaname-senpai, he smirks at her widen eyes, worried I'm no longer wrapped around your finger like a good little pet happy to give their life for you or that I might steal your love interest?"
Yuki recoils as though struct with a gasp.
"Let me guess, you miss the attention of being fought over, the silverette leans closer getting in her personal space with a dark expression, and that wouldn't occur if I harbor feelings for my rival, he stares into frighten eyes, savor those memories well as it won't ever happen again, he straightens expression blank, and I would appreciate you keeping your distant from now on, the only reason I'm (still) playing nice is for Kaien Cross sake so don't mistake my tolerance henceforth for affections, Yuki Cross, one more thing, he turns away to leave, try your best to act normal in others presence otherwise I prefer pretending you don't exist and do keep your hands to yourself, unless you wish to lose them, he smiles darkly, I'm so glad we had this talk, have a good night, Yuki Cross" he then walks away gracefully.
Yuki sunk to her knees, shaken, 'his eyes…they were so cold, she trembles hugging herself, who was that-he couldn't be Zero-Zero would never look or talk to me like that' she denies unsettle.
Reaching the stable Zero lay atop the hay placing both hands behind his head as a pillow, white-Lilly lying beside him.
She nudges him slightly with her snout concern.
"Don't worry girl, I'll be fine" 'eventually' he frees a hand to pet her reassuringly receiving a disbelieving snort in return.
The dragon in disguise chuckles softly then with a sigh, relax, drifting off into peaceful slumber.
To be continued…