Dolton POVSebastian joins me in the room, his presence heavy with tension. He sits across from me, his expression unreadable, and for a moment, the silence between us feels like the calm before a storm. I brace myself, certain he’ll tell me to leave and never come back. But he doesn’t.I can’t leave, even if he demanded it. The pain I’ve carried for years, the aching void of being separated from my mate, evaporated the moment I saw her again. It was as if her presence healed me instantly, proof that she’s meant to be mine—that she’s always been mine.The quiet stretches, unspoken words hanging between us like a wall neither of us knows how to scale. The situation is a mess, and we both know it. In an ideal world, I’d be her sole mate. Or even better, my brothers wouldn’t have been cowards and rejected her, and the bond would have united all of us. That would have been easier—cleaner. Now, everything feels impossibly complicated.Finally, Sebastian breaks the silence. His tone is meas
Dolton POVCould she have created a version of events in her mind to cope? Maybe she thought of me because I made her feel safe, even when I wasn’t there. Maybe my absence left a void so unbearable that she had to fill it with something—anything.“She loved you,” Sebastian says quietly, his voice laced with reluctant understanding. “It was obvious when she talked about you. It’s what makes this whole thing not add up. One of your brothers masked themselves to look like you at the auction so she wouldn't fight.”I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. If there’s even a chance to make things right, I have to take it. I have to know why she believes this. And I have to find a way to fix it.“You’re saying one of my brothers masked themselves to look like me when she was sold so she wouldn’t fight as they removed her from the cage, right up until they put weakening cuffs on her?” I ask, my voice thick with disbelief. My head shakes, unwilling to process the twisted implication.Seb
Celine POVWhen I wake, I find myself tucked into the warmth of Sebastian’s arms, his steady heartbeat grounding me. I nuzzle closer, savoring the comfort of his presence. His fingers brush against my hair as he murmurs, his voice low and steady.“We need to talk today.”The seriousness in his tone makes my chest tighten. I know what he wants to discuss, and I brace myself. I nod, unable to meet his gaze as the weight of the situation presses down on me.“I don’t know if I can do it,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. “Rejecting Dolton feels... wrong. He never gave up on me.” My words carry the truth that has been haunting me since I saw Dolton again. Despite everything, he searched, he fought, and he endured for me.Sebastian tilts my chin up, his piercing gaze meeting mine. “I won’t even suggest that,” he says firmly, his sincerity cutting through my doubt.His response catches me off guard, and I feel confusion settle in. “But you were jealous,” I stammer. “You were arguing over
Celine POVPushing the thoughts aside, I rise from the bed. As I head to the shower, Sebastian steps out, water dripping down his sculpted body, and my breath catches for a moment. His eyes meet mine, and I can feel the tension in the air—an unspoken understanding that the answers I seek won’t come easily.As soon as Sebastian leaves the room, I step into the bathroom, letting the warm water cascade over me as I try to wash away the weight of the revelations and decisions ahead. When I emerge, I find Sebastian seated at the table, papers spread before him, his brow furrowed in concentration. The light catches on his profile, highlighting the intensity in his expression.Dolton sits on the far side of the room, his body stiff, his gaze locked on the floor. The hurt radiates off him in waves, pressing into me like a physical force. My chest tightens as I walk toward him, compelled to ease the tension between us. I take a seat beside him, the silence between us heavy with unspoken words.
Celine POV“I’m sorry,” Dolton says, his voice breaking. “If I hadn’t left... maybe it wouldn’t have happened.”I climb into his lap, wrapping my arms tightly around him, seeking comfort even as the pain gnaws at me. “I’m sorry, too,” I whisper against his chest. “I thought it was you. I didn’t know. I didn’t remember.”“You had every right to hate me,” he murmurs, his arms tightening around me. “I left you. I didn’t protect you. Which is why I should leave now.”The door creaks open, and Sebastian steps into the room, his presence commanding even in silence. “You’re not leaving her,” he says firmly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. “That’s not your decision to make.”Dolton’s head snaps up, his eyes narrowing. “It’s her choice,” he retorts, his tone defensive.Sebastian takes a step closer, his gaze unwavering. “You’re using your own guilt to manipulate her into pushing you away. That’s not fair to her, and you know it.”Their tension crackles in the air, but I pla
Dolton POVRegret weighs heavily on me for even considering leaving her. I felt it was the right decision at the time, to spare her the complications I would bring, but now, sitting here, looking at her, I feel the sting of cowardice. Her presence is like a balm to my soul, a connection I can’t sever. Smiling softly, I pull her closer, my hands resting gently on her waist. “I apologize,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.She tilts her head, her gaze locking onto mine with a quiet intensity. “Don’t apologize, Dolton,” she says firmly. “Just decide and stick to it.” Her words, simple but resolute, cut through my lingering self-doubt.I nod, exhaling as though releasing the weight I’ve carried. “I’ve decided. I’ll stay. I’ll figure out how to make this work,” I vow, though the path ahead feels uncertain. Leaning forward, my lips brush against hers, soft and searching. Her warmth fills me, pulling me deeper into her. Our lips move together in a rhythm so familiar it feels like comin
Dolton POVHow could that work, especially at the Dragon Kingdom? She’s set to be Queen, and I? I’ll be nothing compared to her or to him. “I’ll never be equal,” I mutter, bitterness creeping into my tone. “She’s becoming the Queen, and I’ll just... be there.”Sebastian shakes his head, his expression unchanging. “She’ll be my Queen, yes. But as soon as Joseph’s mate is healed, he’s taking over. I’m stepping back. I won’t be King anymore. He will be.”The words should reassure me, but they don’t. They leave an ache in my chest, a nagging doubt that I can’t shake. What will I be to her? To them? These thoughts churn in my mind throughout the journey. At some point, Celine wakes, her warm smile pulling me momentarily out of my spiraling thoughts. She leans into me, her body radiating a comfort I’ve longed for. Meanwhile, Sebastian remains focused on the papers in his lap, his composure as unshakable as ever.Eventually, the cars come to a stop. I step out, greeted by the familiar sights
Celine POV The moment I stepped out of the car, a wave of icy stares greeted me, each pair of eyes piercing through me like daggers. Their whispers were like a current, growing stronger and louder as the small crowd began to gather behind us. The weight of their judgment pressed heavily against my chest, leaving me feeling like an outsider in a place that should hold safety.Dolton walked ahead, his shoulders tense but purposeful, as he led us into the packhouse. The interior was dim, the worn wooden floors creaking beneath our steps. He quickly showed us to a room, his words clipped and distant. Without waiting for a reply, he left, shutting the door behind him with a finality that felt deliberate.Sebastian sets down the bags and surveys the room. The space is modest, with a small table by the window and a simple bed in the corner. The air inside feels heavy, a reflection of the tension outside.“He’s separated us,” Sebastian mutters, his jaw tightening as he takes a seat at the ta
Celine POVAs the moon rises higher in the sky, I stand by Sebastian, my heart heavy but resolute. This night may have revealed treachery, but it also proved the strength of the bond we share—and the lengths we will go to protect each other.“Dolton’s fine. He went inside with Jonathan. They’ve agreed to keep their distance for now.”“He’s okay?” I ask again, needing reassurance.“Yeah,” he confirms. “He’s just frustrated with himself for standing so close to the edge after Tatsuya had already threatened him. And annoyed that he m
Celine POVOne moment, everything was fine. The next, Tatsuya appeared out of nowhere, stumbling forward and knocking into Dolton. I didn’t think—I just reacted.It was exactly like the vision I’d seen before, the one where Dolton fell. And I knew, deep in my core, that he hadn’t yet mastered flying.So I shifted and jumped.The air rushed around me as Luperca surged to the surface, my body transforming mid-dive. I caught Dolton just in time, my claws gripping him securely as I fought to stabilize us. The terro
Sebastian POVTheir conversation halts as we approach, and they all bow respectfully.“King Sebastian, Queen Celine,” one of the men greets, his tone formal but warm. “It’s an honor to stand before you both.”“Thank you,” Celine says with a polite smile, her voice steady despite the weight of the attention on her.I gesture toward the man. “This is Duke Eldrin. He oversees the northern territories and has been a staunch supporter of the crown.”“A pleasure to meet you, Duke Eldrin
Sebastian POVWith Celine’s hand securely in mine, I guide her back to the main hall. Her hand feels warm, a grounding presence in the whirlwind of the day. Leaning in, I kiss her softly—our final kiss before stepping back into the spotlight, where every moment will be under watchful eyes.“I announce King Sebastian and Queen Celine, the Dragon Royals, for their first dance!” The herald’s voice rings out, and the grand doors before us swing open.We step out into the hall, the room filled with the hum of anticipation. All eyes are on us, the sea of nobles and dignitaries falling silent as they wait. I glance at Celine and catch the f
Celine POVI glance around, noticing something odd—there are no male guards nearby. The tradition is stricter than I realized. The closest male guards are stationed far down the hall, their distance intentional. It’s as though an invisible barrier has been placed around me, a reminder of the ancient customs dictating this day.As I approach the grand hall, the ornate doors are pulled open by two female attendants. My breath catches as I step inside. The room is magnificent, every surface gleaming with gold accents and sparkling chandeliers. The crowd is vast—lords, ladies, and dignitaries from every corner of the kingdom gathered to witness this union. Their eyes turn to me, murmurs of admiration and awe ri
Celine POVI spend the evening with Nischola, who reassures me that the baby is thriving. She also helps me practice the wedding dance, and to my relief, she claims I picked it up quickly and performed well.I hope she’s being honest because the thought of messing up in front of the entire kingdom tomorrow is mortifying. Yes, the entire kingdom—the wedding is being broadcast live. There’s no hiding from anyone.After a few hours, I return to my room, seeking solitude. I slip into a warm bath, letting the water soothe me. Closing my eyes, I try to relax, but my mind refuses to co
Sebastian spins around, his expression stormy. “You were told to stay quiet and not get involved,” he snaps at Celine.Celine opens her mouth to retort, but Sebastian raises a hand to cut her off. “Because of your actions, he likely won’t speak now. We’ve lost any chance of getting the information we need.”He’s not wrong. Nylex had talked because he was confident he could escape. Now, knowing he’s bound indefinitely, he has no reason to cooperate.“I was trying to help!” Celine fires back, her voice tinged with frustration.“Help how?” Sebastian challenges, his tone sharp.Celine falls silent, unable to answer. She wasn’t trying to help; she was angry, and she wanted to challenge Nylex. Sebastian hadn’t been in any danger—Nylex’s words, though meant to torment him, were under control.“He was behind the fog,” Celine argues defensively.“And it was resolved. He wasn’t actively doing anything when you interfered,” Sebastian counters, his voice tightening with frustration.I rub my face
DoltonI’ve shifted into my dragon form, and for once, Julius isn’t resisting. No doubt it’s because without this, Celine would be at greater risk. We’re currently seated in a cell directly across from where Nylex will be held.Celine is dressed in old, worn clothes, with a hood pulled low to conceal her face. Our conversation is hushed, knowing that once Nylex arrives, we’ll have to act the part of guard and prisoner. Normal topics are off-limits—his hearing might be sharp enough to pick up even the quietest whispers.“Are you absolutely sure about this?” I ask again, unable to shake my unease. I have to give her one more chance to reconsider. This plan makes me uncomfortable, and the risk feels too high. If Nylex senses her identity, things could spiral out of control before we even get him into the cell.“I’m doing it, Dolton,” she replies with fierce determination. Her tone leaves no room for argument. I nod, accepting her decision. There’s no point in trying to change her mind an
Celine POVWhile walking, I scan the journals in my hands, searching for any mention of Shadebind. Frustratingly, I find nothing.“Careful,” Jonathan’s voice startles me, and I look up just in time to see him standing in front of me. I nearly walked into him!“Sorry,” I mumble, clutching the journals. “I can’t find anything about Shadebind or how to remove it. It only explains how it’s cast.”Jonathan nods knowingly. “What you need is Arcane Severance," he explains, and I realize my mistake.Quickly scanning through the pages again, I find the spell. It’s shockingly simple—far too easy, considering its power and purpose.Casting the spell takes only a moment, but my thoughts are consumed by what lies ahead. I’ll have to ensure Sebastian agrees to let me be present when Nylex is locked in the cell.When I finish, I step back and nod. “It’s done,” I say. “Now, let’s speak with Sebastian.”Before we can move, a servant approaches with a small bow. “Your Majesty, you need to choose a dres