Semua Bab The Dragon's Precious Gem: Bab 21 - Bab 30

Caelia stirred as the final rays of light soaked through the gossamer curtains, painting a warm, golden hue over the opulent bedchamber. Her eyes fluttered open, the haze of sleep lifting slowly. The day was ending, but not the same day she had visited the lagoon. Memories swirled in her mind—the moonlight glinting off Rhyzar’s bare skin, his finely shaped muscles bathed in silvery light, unable to cool the fiery heat beneath.She had been exhausted—overwhelmed by recent events, full from the lavish food, and then terrified beyond imagination. Now, on her third evening in the Landing, she realized she had slept a full twenty-four hours, only briefly waking in the dead of night to succumb to Rhyzar’s insatiable appetite once more. A flush rose to her cheeks at the memory of the accidental touch that had stirred everything to life. Phantom sensations lingered in her hand, vivid recollections of him kneeling between her legs, his passion consuming her entirely.Shaking her head to dispel

Rhyzar’s striking smile faltered in brief surprise before returning as a boyish grin, his golden eyes glowing softly in the moonlight. The cool night air didn’t diminish the warmth they radiated. A faint flush crept across his tanned cheeks as he led her toward a round table on the balcony.The freezing desert wind cut through the fabric of Caelia’s dress and cloak, its chill seeping into her bones as she pulled the cloak tightly around herself. Startled, she jumped as an ornate metal fire pit beside her suddenly burst into flames. All around the balcony, scattered fire pits roared to life, their warm orange glow illuminating the icy, glass columns and pushing back against the starlit chill above.Rhyzar didn’t falter, his languid strides unaffected as magic erupted around them. Caelia swallowed hard, the idea of such casual miracles was unsettling yet fascinating. Was this what her life would become with him? He guided her to a table on the highest glass platform, where the view stre

“That is unnecessary,” Caelia managed to say, though her voice wavered, reasoning slipping through her fingers as the heat of the moment threatened to consume her.Rhyzar simply watched her, his amber eyes tracing her pink, parted lips, the rise and fall of her chest, and the curve of her hips as she sat astride him.“The family who runs the bakery will be most disappointed when I cancel the order,” he murmured, his voice deep and teasing. His gaze flickered with amusement at the immediate panic in her eyes, deliberately toying with her guilt.She hesitated, glaring at him with a mix of annoyance and resignation. “Thank you,” she said quietly, her tone clipped, though her voice betrayed her exasperation. “I look forward to them.”Rhyzar’s lips twitched, a shameless smirk tugging at their corners. “No.” His fingers found their way to her hip, trailing idle circles that made her pulse quicken. “I’ll cancel the order… unless you convince me that you’d enjoy them.” His gaze flicked delibe

When Caelia awoke the next morning, Rhyzar was gone. The bed was cold, his absence leaving behind only a trace of his scent. Yet, his teasing lingered; Gelda arrived carrying three bags of chocolates—an obvious jab at the indulgences of the previous night. Her cheeks burned as the memory resurfaced, but she quickly pushed it aside.She dressed swiftly, learning that Selene awaited her on the balcony where they had been introduced only a few hours ago. Gelda’s expression betrayed disapproval, though she held her tongue while escorting Caelia to the hall.Under the bright sunlight, Selene sat bathed in radiance, her beauty polished to perfection. She greeted Caelia with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Complaints soon followed: the balcony was too drafty, the food too bland, and the staff inattentive. Caelia listened politely, uncertain whether Selene’s grievances held merit. She’d thought it charming that the estate welcomed the hungry, but Selene’s suggestions about separatin

“Haah.” Lord Mariswyn ran a hand through his stark white hair, exhaling in relief. “Phew! Thank the gods. I thought they’d never bring you back.”Caelia narrowed her eyes, watching him closely. For a fleeting moment, his reaction almost seemed genuine, as though he was truly glad to see her. Could it be possible? Could the same man who had watched her suffer her entire life—and sold her to a monstrous creature—actually have worried about her disappearance?“Come now,” he said, extending a hand toward her. His tone was clipped but softer than any she had heard from him in the two weeks he acknowledged her existence.“There’s just the matter of payment,” her captor said, his grin stretching ear to ear as he watched Edric summon a servant from his carriage. Coins exchanged hands, the metallic jingle sharp in the heavy night air. “Pleasure doing business with you,” the captor called as he turned on his heel, departing without a backward glance.“Hurry up, girl!” Edric snapped, his hand th