All Chapters of Twin Dragons, One Choice: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

I always knew these twin black dragons resented me.I was mild, ordinary, and just a fragile mortal who couldn't even use magic.I used to live a quiet life in the abbey, mixing the simplest herbs and taking care of sick orphans.Back then, I naively thought being an apothecary was enough to change my destiny.Until the Oracle's light descended from the sky, forcefully binding me to the most powerful black dragon twins in the royal city.Kaelen and Cassian.They were the Alphas most likely to compete for the High Council’s seat. They were the dream mates of countless female dragons and noble shifters.If it weren't for the Oracle’s absolute decree, our paths would have never crossed.On the night of the bonding, I arrived at their estate, my heart a nervous drum against my ribs.I foolishly thought I’d finally found a family."I will work hard to be a worthy mate to you both." I stood before the two dragon Alphas, my voice trembling with hope. "I don't have magic, but I can brew potion

The moon-wine was just the beginning.The next morning, as I walked down from the tower, Kaelen and Cassian were already sitting at opposite ends of the long dining table.Normally, I would sit right in the middle, ensuring my distance to both of them was perfectly equal.But today was different.I walked straight to the chair next to Kaelen and sat down."Good morning, Kaelen," I said softly, then leaned in and pressed a light kiss to his cheek.It was a standard morning greeting between dragon mates, but I had never dared to initiate it before.Kaelen stiffened slightly, a flash of pleasant surprise in his eyes. "Good morning, my apothecary."I could feel the icy glare burning into me from the other end of the table, but I didn't look back.During breakfast, I only passed utensils to Kaelen, only refilled his glass, and only asked if he had enough to eat."The honey-roasted meat is really good today," I picked up the most tender piece and put it on his plate. "Eat more.""Thank you,"

Cassian reached up and touched the bruise on his jaw."This is the second time you've hit me for that lowborn mortal," his tone was full of mockery. "How rare. The noble older brother actually throwing punches for a human."Kaelen snuffed out the flame at his fingertips, his voice as cold as ice. "If I hear you call her that again, I'll beat you every time I see you.""Ha!" Cassian let out a harsh laugh. "You're really guarding her tight, aren't you? But don't forget, you were one of the ones who signed the petition to reject the bond at the Council."My heart seized.A petition to reject me?"What, is this your long game?" Cassian sneered. "Play the gentle mate, fool her into breaking the bond herself when the trial year is up? That way you keep your precious honor, then go crawling back to the noble dragonesses lining up for you."No. That couldn't be.I bit my lower lip hard, my nails digging into my palms.Was Kaelen’s gentleness, his defense of me, his care over the past month...

Kaelen received urgent military orders and had to leave for the border camp immediately.Once he was gone, Cassian suddenly spoke up."Where's mine?" He had his back to me, his voice tight."What?" I paused my herb-sorting."The Winter Solstice amulet." Cassian turned around, a flicker of unease in his slitted eyes. "Where is it?"I thought back to all the holidays we’d shared.On the Spring Equinox, I sewed him a reinforced leather scabbard, only to find it tossed at the bottom of the weapon rack the next morning.On the Summer Solstice, I made him light armor out of precious dragon scales. I later found it gathering dust in the armory.And then there was the winter cloak I spent an entire month hand-stitching. I found its charred remains in the fireplace."There isn't one," I said flatly."What do you mean?" Cassian demanded. "Why does Kaelen get one and I don't?""Because I only made one for him."Cassian froze, then quickly tried to save face. "I don't need mortal trash anyway. But

After tending to Kaelen's wounds, I went back to the apothecary to wash my hands.It was late. The hallway was lit only by the faint glow of magic lamps.Passing Cassian's room, I noticed his door wasn't fully closed.Through the crack, I saw him slouched against the cold stone wall.There were no lights on inside. Only pale moonlight spilled across the floor.His face and hands were covered in blood and grime; he hadn't cleaned up at all.His luxurious black robe was torn to shreds, revealing skin that was just as battered.This arrogant Alpha, who usually obsessed over his appearance, now looked as pathetic as a stray.He stared blankly at the floor, totally numb to the pain.His silhouette, stark and lonely, was a pitiful sight.A healer's instinct took over. And maybe, a desire to settle the debt between us.I went back to the apothecary and grabbed a high-tier healing potion that had taken me nearly a month to brew.I quietly walked up to his room and gently placed the vial by the