Chapter 16 – The Hidden Bond
It had been a week since Astrid and I officially became a couple… and took things to the next level.
That morning still played in my mind—how she'd woken up tangled in my arms, kissed me softly… and then suddenly bolted out the door, murmuring something about not wanting her parents to find out.
She ran like a dragon was chasing her… but at least they didn't suspect anything.
But everything since then had gone smoothly.
"Shiro didn't really mind—after all, she's a dragon. She's not like humans who might care if I have more partners."
Still, my focus returned to what mattered now. That day in the training ring, I stood on the upper walkway, arms crossed, watching the others below.
In the arena, he looked at Hiccup, who was now starting to use what he had learned with the Night Fury in the dragon training sessions. Thor saw Gobber praising Hiccup, while Snotlout, Tuffnut, Fishlegs, and Ruffnut were all surprised that the "toothpick" had improved so much.
Gobber then announced that, due to his great performance, Hiccup would be chosen to kill a dragon in front of the entire village.
Thor looked at Hiccup, who seemed uncomfortable, and thought: He's going to try and escape with the Night Fury tonight… and since Astrid isn't here to play the role of discovering his secret, I'll have to do it myself.
Thor then went down and congratulated Hiccup.
Astrid grabbed his hand and pulled him aside, wanting to talk.
"Astrid?" I turned, surprised.
She didn't say a word. She just tugged my hand, leading me quickly out of the arena.
"Sorry, Hiccup," I muttered over my shoulder. "We'll talk later."
She dragged me to our favorite cliff, where the wind always carried the scent of the sea. The grass danced around us, and the horizon burned orange with the setting sun.
I sat first, then pulled her into my lap.
With my head resting on her shoulder, I whispered:
"What's wrong?"
Astrid hesitated… then quietly asked:
"Thor… when are you going to speak to my parents? About… us. About our future."
Her voice trembled slightly. She was trying to sound tough, but I could feel her nerves. Even with all her Viking strength, she was still a girl—young, in love, and uncertain after giving herself to me so completely.
I lifted her chin and kissed her—long and slow, as if trying to calm her soul.
Then I answered softly:
"When my father returns, I'll speak with him. After that… I'll talk to yours. I promise."
"Okay…" she whispered. "Just… don't take too long."
"I won't."
I kissed her again, deeper this time. She didn't resist.
Without another word, I lifted her in my arms, letting the wind carry us home.
We barely made it to the bed.
Hours passed—time lost in wild passion, tangled limbs, whispers, laughter, and heat. We didn't hold back. We were young, in love, and completely lost in one another.
Later, as the moonlight crept across the room, I lay with Astrid curled against my chest. Her breathing was slow, peaceful.
I brushed a strand of hair from her face and held her tighter.
No matter what happens next… I'll protect this.
But I knew the night wasn't over.
Because far from here… Hiccup was planning to escape.
And I had no choice but to stop him—just enough to keep him on the right path.