“Oh,” Mr. Fuentes said, “it’s believed the brothers are still alive, living in human form. Hiding amongst society in plain sight, so to speak.”
“Emilio, I think that’s quite enough.” Professor Jimenez took off his glasses. “No more talk of dragons, please.”
“Oh, but I think Miss Haraldsdóttir is very interested.” Mr. Fuentes smiled. “She is from a country whose people believe in magical creatures.”
Balthazar needed to shut him up before the conversation went too far. “There are other guests at the table, Mr. Fuentes,” he said, his teeth on edge. “You shouldn’t monopolize the conversation.”
“What would you like to discuss then, Mr. Andal? Perhaps how you became so successful? I’m sure some of us would like to know your secret.”
Fuentes actually had the audacity to question his wealth. He balled his hands into fists. “My background has been reported by journalists. If you care to find the time, go to the library and look it up.”
“Mr. Andal’s story is well documented, Emilio,” Professor Jimenez said. “And he’s done an immense amount of work for the archeology and conversation fields. You should already know that.”
“Then how about Mr. Andal’s family?” Mr. Fuentes smiled, his teeth impossibly white. “Miss Haraldsdóttir brought up an interesting point about your name, Mr. Andal. Are you related to the fabled dragon?”
His dragon soul wanted to tear him to shreds, and Balthazar mentally fought for control. “No more questions, Mr. Fuentes, unless you want me to throw you out. Personally.”
The shifter raised his eyebrows but remained silent.
“Where do you think these dragon brothers are, Mr. Fuentes?” Eva asked suddenly.
Professor Jimenez snorted. “Eva, you of all people should know better.”
“Someone drew those dragons on the vase, professor, which means that the artist believed in them.” She looked back at Mr. Fuentes. “And if Mr. Fuentes has knowledge of this history, I’m willing to listen.”
“They would be living amongst the human population,” Mr. Fuentes continued despite Professor Jimenez’s obvious annoyance. “They don’t stray too far from their home unless they have to, except for Ti Anda. It is said he left Iceland to carve out his own domain.”
“What do you think they’re doing now?” she asked.
Mr. Fuentes glanced at him. “Well, dragons are very intelligent. They could be anything they want—a successful businessman, an investor.” He winked. “They love to fly, so no doubt they would travel a lot. But the most important thing is that they must remain within close proximity of their hoard.”
She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling like a little child listening to her bedtime story. “Do you think the dragon’s treasure is hidden within the volcano, Mr. Fuentes?”
He shrugged. “I believe so.”
Professor Jimenez smacked the table with his hand. “What rubbish.”
Mr. Fuentes’ expression darkened. “Please do not interrupt me, professor. You have trusted my knowledge before. Why do you doubt it now?”
“Because dragons do not exist! You’re filling Eva’s head with nonsense.”
Balthazar tensed. If Professor Jimenez pushed too hard, Fuentes might attack him. He needed to stop the conversation.
“I need something to work with, professor,” she said, “when I get back to Iceland. And Mr. Fuentes is providing me with basic information I can start with.”
“Like exploring a volcano for dragon treasure?” Balthazar interrupted, trying to deflect her interest. “Eva, you can do better than that.”
“You just said that you believed in dragons.” Her anger flared. “If you were a dragon, Mr. Andal, what would you be doing now? Sleeping on top of your jewels and hoping no one discovered you, or exploring the world in human form and see where you fit in?”
“Ha! A very valid question,” Mr. Fuentes replied. “I’d like to hear your answer.”
“Dragons do not exist.” Professor Jimenez rose and stood before Mr. Fuentes. “Emilio, you will stop this…”
Suddenly, Mr. Fuentes stood and grabbed Professor Jimenez by this throat. “I told you not to interrupt me,” he hissed through clenched teeth.
Balthazar glanced back at his brother, who stood up with several other guests, then rose as well. “Mr. Fuentes, there’s no need for violence. Please let the professor go.”
“You of all people should know that Professor Jimenez has shown disrespect towards me,” he said. “You would do the same thing.”