"I hope this is worth it, future Empress, because last time, your information wasn’t exactly reliable," the witch said, eyeing her sharply, still remembering the failed attack on the convoy."I know the exact date when the Emperor will launch a surprise attack on the Water Dragon’s palace."BAM!The chair toppled backward as the witch shot to her feet, both shocked and frightened."Are you sure?! If you're lying to me, I swear—""You don't need to threaten me. I'm very sure this time. Give me the control spell, and I'll tell you what I know," Lea replied, not even blinking, no trace of deceit on her face.The witch believed her. This was far too important to ignore. If they were truly about to be attacked, she had to warn her master."Aren't you afraid of betraying your mate by revealing something this crucial?" A sliver of doubt lingered in the old woman's mind."What difference does it make if you know or prepare? No one can stand against the Fire Dragon. He defeated you once, and h

"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

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

"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

"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