"Your Majesty wished to speak with me?" Aysling sat across from the former Empress, curious as to why she had been summoned.She hadn't had much opportunity to speak with her mother-in-law, and despite the grave mistakes the woman claimed to have made, in this lifetime, she had practically saved everyone’s lives. For that, Aysling could only feel gratitude."Yes, Aysling. Soon, you and Azura will face something far more serious than you realize. It’s not even the battle you expect—you won't be fighting the Water Dragon King. That man probably doesn't even exist anymore," the Empress paused, organizing her thoughts and memories carefully."There are things I can't speak openly about, but now that your powers have returned, and considering you’re from the future, I believe I can reveal certain truths without it endangering me.""Any information Your Highness can share would be invaluable to us," Aysling nodded, focusing intently, eager to capture every clue that might help them."Very w
"No, you will leave, but who will lead the dragons during this time? I can't leave as well. Besides, I will stay with her—I won’t leave her alone," Charlie replied, referring to his mother.Azura stared at him, his expression complicated. Deep down, he knew it was the right decision. But letting go of his brother hurt more than letting go of his mother."Besides, I'll take care of punishing Lea and her entire family—all those who harmed you. Leave it to me.""Come on, don't make that face or you'll make me cry," Charlie added with his usual sarcasm, masking his emotions."Name your son after me, and who knows? Maybe I'll reincarnate in him one day. Instead of your brother, I’ll become your son.""Well... you've always felt like a son to me anyway. I was the one who pulled you out of your shell," Azura replied, his voice softer, acknowledging the bond they shared. Charlie had always seen Azura as a father figure too, especially since the previous Emperor had died before his birth.Sudd
The Nahara climbed the stone steps one by one, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. She wasn’t afraid, but a deep unease gnawed at her, unsure of what exactly awaited them above.She climbed for what felt like endless minutes. How high was this place?At last, the narrow, dark staircase led her into a massive, dimly lit chamber.Aysling raised her hand, and the torches along the walls ignited instantly, flooding the room with a warm glow that revealed enormous murals painted across the stone walls.At the center of the chamber, a towering golden obelisk stretched all the way to the high-domed ceiling. Ancient carvings and runes adorned its entire surface, pulsating faintly with old magic."Azura, is this…?" Aysling asked, her gaze drawn to the murals. Once vibrant and colorful, they were now faded, dulled with time, the images barely visible."It seems connected to what my mother told us," Azura responded, his voice calm but alert.Aysling reached out, pressing her hand gently to t
The "man" was stronger and deadlier, but Aysling was faster and more agile.Yet they kept exchanging blows—she dodging or blocking, while he attacked, targeting her weak spots relentlessly. However, only Aysling bore wounds, and she had noticed something troubling.Her breathing was labored. Her arms ached as she wielded the heavy knives, stretching the chain to try and entangle his feet—without success. She was tiring. Meanwhile, he seemed completely unaffected, as though his power was limitless.During a frontal strike, the "King" aimed the blazing tip of his sword directly at her belly.Aysling quickly crossed both blades in front of her, intercepting the attack, but the heat from his weapon scorched her skin, searing with unbearable pain.This time, he didn't retreat as before. He pressed harder, trying to force the flaming blade toward her stomach—where their pup slept, protected only by her trembling hands and fading strength.Her entire body quivered from the effort, her arms s
"Azu...ra— cough, cough..." Aysling whispered, coughing from the dust, her voice laced with worry."I'm fine, love. Come on... Aysling, we have one chance—this won't be enough to kill that thing." His golden eyes, slit-pupiled and fierce, stared into hers, filled with urgency and concern.He retracted his massive, injured wings, nearly useless now, the membranes torn and raw from the blast. His back was raw and seared, but he didn’t care.Azura helped Aysling to her feet, both of them turning toward the corner where a grisly mess of blood and organs splattered across the stone floor—remnants of the witch’s shattered body.But they knew better than to assume victory. They had only bought themselves precious moments."The obelisk! We have to climb it, now!" Azura commanded, his voice echoing in the cavernous space.They sprinted toward the massive golden column in the center of the room, its towering height reaching far into the high domed ceiling, seemingly endless.Aysling was the fir
Aysling had glanced down to speak to her mate, her face glowing with happiness—until it froze in shock.There, standing at the base of the column, was that thing, the deformed “man,” his body peeling and scorched, his face twisted with unimaginable hatred.His eyes—if they could still be called that—were no longer human. They were hollow voids filled with nothing but death.She saw it unfold almost in slow motion.He raised a golden whip, snapping it through the air with a loud crack, the enchanted weapon wrapping tightly around Azura’s leg.The next moment, he yanked viciously, trying to drag him down.“Azura, hold on! Grab me—don't let go!”“Aysling, keep climbing—don’t waste time, go!”Azura was fighting the searing pain as the whip burned into his flesh, but it was worse than pain—it was draining him, sapping his strength and magic with each heartbeat.“I won’t leave you! I won’t! Hold on to me, Azura! Don’t let go, love, please!” she cried desperately, watching in horror as dark
"Olivia, damn it!" Lucian growled, grabbing her ankles and pulling her back toward him with all his strength.Water splashed violently, drenching them both as the wind howled, whipping through the trees. The entire forest seemed to roar with the surge of wild magic as the lake churned under the moon’s intense glow."Lucian, pull harder—put everything you have into it!" Keeva's voice echoed behind them as her entire body ignited with crackling violet energy.Lucian roared, every muscle in his powerful body straining as his Alpha blood surged. The strength of Lugh flowed through his veins, his primal instincts kicking in as his entire form flexed with raw, ancient power.They had to save their daughter.They had to bring her home safely.*****Meanwhile…Azura’s dragon claws were fully embedded into the pillar, his massive tail wrapped around the structure in a desperate attempt to keep himself anchored.But it wasn’t enough.The burning golden whip seared into his leg, its unbearable h
Niall and Maell were pulling on the rope behind their father, followed closely by Michael and Elijah, all yanking with all their strength.Four powerful Alphas, hands raw and red, yet still struggling against a single “man” holding them back from the other side."Everything will be fine! Rose, combine your magic with mine! Send your shadows through—try to pass to the other side! Do not let go of that rope, no matter what!"Keeva shouted at them, her voice echoing over the howling storm, while the wind whipped violently around them, rain lashing their faces.Aysling's heart clenched as she felt Azura's energy weaken further."Aysling… I'm… I’m cutting my leg off—I can’t hold on anymore," he whispered painfully, his tail curling, ready to sever his limb and free himself from the golden whip.But just as he braced for the blow—A shadow surged through the portal, entwined with crackling violet lightning, striking the whip with deadly precision.A deafening roar echoed from the ruins of t