Darcus - POV "Furthermore, Alpha's son was also protecting and aiding my daughter," Mr. Hart added, attempting to maintain his emotional composure as he continued narrating his past. "I had no idea who was behind the attack on our tribe. But now, after hearing your words, I can't help but wonder if Ladon was involved or if there is something else I need to know, Mr. Hart," I said, my voice filled with curiosity and concern. If my father is found to be responsible for the murders in his own clan, it would undoubtedly lead to bloodshed. I knew James would seek vengeance for his clan's loss, potentially sparking a conflict between us. "Ladon merely instigated the witches who held a grudge against us for a long time. Witches from the Fire, Water, Earth, and Air clans were our adversaries. We were attacked from within by a traitor in our own clan," Mr. Hart revealed, shedding light on the internal conflicts that plagued our clan. "So why do I remember you caring for me after Jasmine's d

Ella - POV The entire week had been a whirlwind of exhaustion. Yet the day we had been waiting for had finally arrived - we would host a party for Hana. We had decided on a theme, and I had already sent out invitations to coworkers. Darcus was also included in Hana's request, and his pleased response to the invitation took me by surprise. James, my next invitee, confirmed his attendance promptly. With the venue, a charming garden, already rented, I rushed back to start the decorations. Given the enormity of the task, I called James for help. I was keen on sparing Dad from unnecessary stress, especially given how demanding party planning could be. Despite Hana's willingness to lend a hand with the decorations, her job constraints didn't allow her the liberty of taking a half-day off as I had. "Dad, let me handle the lights on the trees. They'll add a beautiful touch at night," I suggested, but Dad was adamant, worrying about me climbing the ladder. I assured him, "Dad, I am no lon

Ella - POV "Darcus, can you please try to be less tense? It's making me more anxious than I already am," I urged. He nodded and drew a few deep breaths, settling back on the couch beside me. His proximity was distracting but offered an odd sense of comfort. "Allow me to explain the dragon concept of mating. We are given a mate by the goddess Delphyne and can accept them as partners if we wish. However, if one partner does not wish to continue the bond, we can sever it with the help of witches. However, breaking the bond causes both partners to gradually lose their dragon abilities, and ultimately, the dragon dies. In some cases, both the dragon and the master may die prematurely," Darcus explained, reaching for a nearby blanket as he noticed me shivering, despite the warmth of the nearby fireplace. "Fascinating, but I'm a human, aren't I? So how can I be your mate?" I asked. Darcus looked at me, then at the crackling fire in the hearth. "Ella, your mother Mia was a dragon shifter w

Darcus - POV James informed me that Mr. Hart had teleported home after interrogating Sofia, just moments before my elite troops took her to the Dragon realm through a Minnesota teleportation portal. I immediately instructed James to accompany Archer to Mr. Hart's residence. Ella's apprehension was palpable as we sped along the highway, her worried gaze on the road ahead and her hands restlessly fidgeting. "Ella, I'm sorry that you had to hear all that trash from my mother," I said, glancing at her. "Why are you apologizing? You haven't done anything wrong. It's your parents who are out of line, hurting you and now my father," Ella replied, sighing deeply. "My dad means everything to me. I can't lose him." "I won't let anything happen to him," I assured her, although an uneasy sensation was growing inside me. The traffic was stifling, impeding our progress, and Ella's anxiety was becoming almost tangible within the confines of the car. "Darcus, pull over. You must transform into a

Ella - POV My journey to the hospital was somber. I was consumed by thoughts of my father and our cherished moments. Uncertainty regarding Hana's condition gnawed at me. The unsettling thought that Darcus's father, being a ruthless figure, might have killed my father but spared Hana perplexed me. Why leave any witness behind? Such grim thoughts spiraled into my mind, intensifying my anxiety. "We've arrived, Ella," Darcus's voice cut through my disturbing musings. With renewed urgency, I dashed towards the hospital, disregarding his attempts to accompany me. "Can you please tell me where Hana Lee's room is?" I quickly asked the receptionist. "Next left, room 138. Are you a family member of Ms. Lee?" she queried, her gaze filled with professional concern. "Yes, I am. Can we take care of the formalities later? I need to see her first," I responded, my anxiety making me impatient. The receptionist tried to call me back, but I didn't listen. I was only focused on finding Hana. Enterin