LOGINWhen the raw emotions finally stabilized, Drake swiftly introduced Elaina. “This is Elaina, my mate,” he had said.Ryker's eyes widened in surprise and he bowed respectfully at her, “Welcome home, my queen” he greeted.Elaina wanted to stop him and tell him they were not quite there yet but she stopped after seeing the look of deep happiness and gratitude. It was like he was saying with his eyes, “Thank you for staying with my king”So she nodded instead and replied, “Thank you too for still believing in him”They exchanged a few more pleasantries before they decided to settle more comfortably. Ryker sat across from them, his posture straight and exuding joy. He was trying to act composed but his gaze drifted to Drake every now and then as though he still couldn’t fully believe he was real.Drake, on the other hand, looked a little different. He was just as happy but the weight of what came next weighed on him. It was as though the weight he had tried to ignore had finally caught up
The resting cave was bigger than Elaina expected. Drake said they had created them so people could rest for the night if they were too exhausted to return to the kingdom. It was located deep into the side of the cliffs, hidden from plain sight. And its entrance was covered by overgrown vines. From the outside it looked like just another crack in the mountain. But inside… it was something else entirely. Drake had said nothing when he brought her there. Just a simple, “We’ll stay here for now.” And that was it. Two days had passed since then and nothing changed. Drake would step out in the morning and return with some game and fruits, they would eat and he would take her out to see other parts of the temple while explaining the history tied to it. Elaina of course loved learning about ancient histories, it amazed her every time… but deep she knew what was missing. Elaina sat near the edge of the cave, her knees drawn slightly inward as she stared out at the endless stretch of sky b
The journey began without certainty. There was no clear plan and no assurance of victory. It was just a quiet understanding between them that staying one place meant their chances of winning were reducing with time. Elaina sat beside Drake in silence as the wagon rolled forward, they had stepped out of the forest and managed to rent one by selling the jewelry they had on them. Charlotte's name lingered in Elaina’s thoughts like a shadow that refused to leave. She had control now and it was not just of the kingdom, but of her too and she hated that. Elaina’s fingers unconsciously turned into fists against her lap, the memory of those visions of death was still too fresh to ignore. Drake noticed her fluctuating emotions through the bond and her body language. Her shoulders were tensed, fists had turned white and a distant look in her eyes. He was worried for her and his helplessness unsettled him. “She won’t touch you again, I will not let her” he said quietly as if it was more to
The resting cave was bigger than Elaina expected. Drake said they had created them so people could rest for the night if they were too exhausted to return to the kingdom.It was located deep into the side of the cliffs, hidden from plain sight. And its entrance was covered by overgrown vines. From the outside it looked like just another crack in the mountain.But inside… it was something else entirely.Drake had said nothing when he brought her there. Just a simple, “We’ll stay here for now.” And that was it.Two days had passed since then and nothing changed. Drake would step out in the morning and return with some game and fruits, they would eat and he would take her out to see other parts of the temple while explaining the history tied to it. Elaina of course loved learning about ancient histories, it amazed her every time… but deep she knew what was missing.Elaina sat near the edge of the cave, her knees drawn slightly inward as she stared out at the endless stretch of sky beyond
While all these were happening in Elaina's mind, only 30 seconds had passed in real time. Drake felt something was off even before he understood it. Since he could feel her emotions through the bond, he found it strange that the anxiousness she felt before had suddenly stopped. He felt her emotions had gone completely calm and it was not because she had become fearless because he would have still felt some fluctuations.Someone was wrong and so he narrowed to look at her keenly. Elaina had gone still, her body was upright and in a position to fight, but her eyes were unfocused and it looked like she was struggling to her breath. While Charlotte was standing a few distance away with that quiet, knowing smile on her face.Dread filled his stomach and his senses were tingling. Something was happening and he could not see it.“Elaina,” he called in a firm voice.But second ticked by and there was no response. He looked down at her hand and noticed it was trembling, then he glanced at C
Elaina stepped forward knowing deep down that fighting Charlotte was a death sentence.Not because she was weak or lacked power.But because Charlotte did not fight like ordinary enemies. She did not charge blindly, she calculated and unwrapped you with her eyes.And Elaina understood now that stepping into this confrontation meant walking directly into a web that had likely been spun long before she realized she was caught in it.But she could not allow anyone else to stand in her place.Definitely not Drake or the warriors waiting for her to give orders. She was already feeling guilty about the innocent families Charlotte had already punished because of her obsession.If Charlotte wanted her, then she would have her.Elaina forced her breathing to slow down as she tapped into her dragon bloodline just like Drake had taught her. She could not rush in with anger or she might make a fatal mistake she would regret.Or she might even die without realizing it.Charlotte watched her approa
Elaina woke up in Drake's arms with a content smile on her face. They had practiced some more the previous day and she had managed to perfect the second line in the musical. It made her so happy even though thoughts of her last discussion with Alfred trickled in from time to time to dampen her mood
While all that was happening, Elaina turned restlessly in her sleep. She was definitely exhausted after the events of that day and her body was begging to rest but her mind was restless. Their current situation worried her, she felt stuck on what to do next. The couldn't be the end of all their ho
Drake held Elaina's hand tightly and they ran out of the king's chambers and moved in the opposite direction to where the guards were coming from.“Where do we go? The main entrance and exit will be closely guarded. We need an exit that they wouldn't think to guard” Drake said as they ran with no c
Contrary to how Xavier had left, he returned to his manor with a smile plastered on his face. His guards and maids were surprised by his change of mood but they were relieved regardless and mentally sent prayers to whoever gave him a reason to be this happy.“Welcome back Lord Xavier, I have deliv







