Taya

I lower my eyes, pretending not to notice you, though my entire being is tense. I am the queen of the dragons, a species nearly extinct due to the war with the gods, and I will never admit that some pathetic mortal warrior could interest me in any way. But your presence here, after you challenged me, makes me curious. Many warriors have challenged me, most of them unable to withstand a single blow; there were only a few who were able to interest me but not defeat me. However, you are different from them; even now I am ready to declare that the battle with you will be the most difficult of all. But I cannot lose, not to some mortal. I trace the runes on the massive silver bracelet with my fingers, my lips pursed in feigned disdain.

• What do you want, human? Don't stand there like a statue, I can't stand wasting time.