Share

Chapter 107: Lead

Author: AI_Gold
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Scar

The clamor of battle surrounded me, steel ringing against steel and men crying out in rage or pain. But my focus had turned inward, wrestling against the bloodlust rising within. It would be so easy to unleash my draconic fury and scorch this entire valley black. Only tattered threads of restraint held me back.

Weeks of fruitless skirmishes here on the outskirts of Fort Aldo had pushed my temper near breaking. The damned raiders refused open battle, instead drawing us into ambushes and raids. They knew we could raze their stronghold anytime, so they harassed and chipped away at us day by day, seeping into my mind like poison.

Today I had reached my limit. As the latest clash died down to uneasy calm, I stalked away from the field, fearing what I might do if I remained.

At the river's edge I paused, struggling to rechain my temper before it took control. Since returning from the icy waste after Lena's betrayal, I had balanced on a knife's edge. Her loss left a gaping void within,
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 108: Summoned

    LenaThe scent of sizzling meat and fresh bread roused me gradually from sleep. I shifted on sinfully soft sheets, momentarily disoriented. Then awareness rushed back. I was not in my cell, but an elegantly furnished cave chamber, a cozy fire crackling in the hearth.A mat of furs beside me was still warm, meaning I had not slept alone. But my memory remained a foggy blank. Unease skittered through me. What new trickery was this?Footsteps approached, and I tensed. But the figure that entered holding a laden breakfast tray made my heart seize for entirely different reasons."You're finally awake, my treasure." Scar grinned rakishly, the firelight dancing over the taut muscles of his bare torso as he set the tray down with a flourish. "I prepared all your favorites."I gaped at him stupidly, certain I must still be dreaming. But the mouthwatering aromas from the tray were undeniably real.Seeing my dumbstruck expression, Scar chuckled and leaned down to caress my cheek. "Still not full

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 109: Check Mate

    Fox The girl's anguished cries echoed through the stone tunnels as the bindinqg spell took hold, amplified by the dragon heart gem. I smiled in satisfaction. Everything was proceeding perfectly to plan.Soon enough, the beast would come rushing to its keeper's distress call. And when it did, we would be ready this time. After so many failed attempts, finally the power of the dragons would be mine to command.I turned to the ring of robed figures assembled in the summoning chamber. "Prepare yourselves. It approaches even now, drawn by the bait."They nodded grimly, moving into assigned positions. I spared a glance for grey-haired Jackson, once my rival, now converted to the cause of bringing his daughter and her monstrous mate under control. Such bonds of family were so easily twisted to my purposes.Zoya pressed close, pride and bloodlust burning in her reptilian eyes. "Today we avenge all the wrongs ever inflicted on our clan."I stroked her raven hair indulgently, though inwardly I

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 110: Spy

    Hermes The journey back to our mountain fortress passed in tense silence after Scar's abrupt departure. Neither Lena's siblings nor Gertie seemed to fully comprehend what had driven him off so precipitously. But a cold dread sat like stone in my own gut. Somehow we had been grievously deceived, lured by false hope.There would be no easy reunion with Lena. I sensed peril awaited us all along the path ahead now. But voicing misgivings would only further distress this family, so I kept my own counsel during the weary flight home.No rest or respite awaited me there either. Word of our early return had preceded us, and the full council of clan elders descended swiftly, demanding explanations.Gertie did her best to placate them as we related an abridged version of events. But suspicion and unease rippled through the ranks at news of Scar's hasty solo departure. The elders fixated on the worst possible implications."This bodes ill, dangerously ill," old Lord Brandt insisted, thumping hi

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 111: Things Fall Apart

    SageEleven months ago...The halls were silent and deserted at this late hour, my soft footfalls barely whispering on the worn stones. I carried no torch, counting on the darkness to conceal my purpose. But each shadow made my heart stutter nervously.When I reached the heavy oak doors of the archive library, I paused, listening intently. No sound or light showed beneath the crack. Steadying my breath, I slid inside and secured the lock behind me.Lighting a single slim candle, I made my way between the dusty shelves and tables weighted down by ancient tomes and scrolls. At the back wall stood the object of my covert mission - an iron safe housing the most rare and dangerous texts in the dragon clans' collected lore. Sealed by blood magic, it was said none but the highest elders could open it. I prayed Fox's information had been accurate.From beneath my cloak, I produced the small vial Fox had given me along with meticulous instructions. The viscous liquid inside seemed to writhe un

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 112: Stranded

    SageMorning's pale dawn light filtered through the dingy curtains, gradually stirring me from a fitful sleep. For a blissful moment upon waking, I forgot where I was and the full circumstances of my exile. I could pretend it was just another day back home in my familiar chambers.But cruel reality came crashing down swiftly, and I had to muffle a choked sob into the lumpy pillow. I was reviled as a traitor now, utterly alone and adrift. Home was forever lost to me.Eventually the complaints of my empty, gnawing stomach forced me to stir. If I hoped to take even the smallest steps to rebuild some semblance of a life, I needed to eat. So I hauled myself reluctantly upright and began dressing for the day mechanically.Once presentable, I slipped downstairs while the inn was still largely quiet. Only the innkeeper was about, and he raised a bushy brow in evident surprise to see me emerge rather than fleeing into protective anonymity before dawn. He had rightly assumed I would prefer to a

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 113: Hope

    Sage "Stay away!"I leapt forward with a primal scream, slashing wildly with my dagger at the snarling wolf pack. My reckless charge momentarily startled them, buying precious seconds as they fell back regrouping. But I knew I was hopelessly outmatched."Damn it."Panting, I retreated until my back hit the cave wall. Still the predators hemmed me in, creeping forward in a deadly semicircle to block any escape. As one lunged, I managed to deal it a bloody gash across its muzzle. But the others quickly darted in when my focus wavered, snapping frustratingly out of reach and wearing me down.Despair welled up as I realized my frantic struggles only prolonged the inevitable. Sooner or later my reactions would slow, and the entire frenzied pack would be upon me. Perhaps it was foolish not to yield to a quick end. But while breath still filled my lungs, some primal instinct refused to surrender meekly.When the alpha wolf leapt again, I screamed my fury and anguish, determined at least to

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 114: Waitress

    SageI rode in the back of Logan's rickety trader wagon as we passed without notice into the bustling streets of Valor keep. My tension eased slightly once we cleared the gates. As a registered merchant, Logan could move freely to conduct business. And I was Just another obscure face among the milling crowds.When we reached a quieter district, Logan halted the wagon beside a rambling inn. "You'll be safe here with Madam Pearl," he told me gruffly. "Decent folk who'll not pry."I stared up at him, suddenly hesitant to exit this unlikely refuge we had shared the past days.Logan read my reluctance correctly. "You need honest lodgings and hot meals, lass, if you're to start chasing your lady friend. The madam owes me favors enough." He grimaced sympathetically. "And for your own good, best we don't linger side by side. Might stain your reputation."Embarrassment flushed me, but I nodded my understanding. As a lone woman unrelated to her escort, tongues would wag. I had endured suspicion

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 115: Amends

    SageThe morning sun streamed in through the narrow window, stirring me reluctantly from a deep but dreamless sleep. I stifled a groan, every muscle in my body protesting the countless trips up and down the fortress steps the past week. Who knew fruit deliveries could be so grueling? But I was grateful for the work and Madam Pearl's trust. Her faith had granted me a chance, however slim, at slowly regaining my place here.With a sigh, I forced myself upright. The small chamber I'd been granted resembled a cell more than living quarters. But given the circumstances, any shelter within Valorhold's walls felt like sanctuary. As long as I continued proving myself useful, perhaps tolerance would gradually thaw into forgiveness.Donning a plain grey dress and sturdy boots, I plaited back my hair neatly before venturing out towards the sprawling kitchens. The rich aroma of baking bread and bubbling porridge set my empty stomach rumbling. While the cooks were always too busy to chat during me

Latest chapter

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 128: Epilogue

    I woke slowly, languidly, enveloped in warmth. Soft lips pressed against mine even as fingers trailed down my body, igniting smoldering embers inside me. I yielded to the kiss, the caress, feeling wanted, desired.Until an angry snarl shattered the moment. The lips disappeared and a solid weight pinned me down. My eyes flew open to see Hunter sprawled on the floor, Scar looming over him, fists clenched."Scar!" I exclaimed. "What the hell?" His magenta eyes blazed as they fixed on me. "What the hell? You're seriously asking me that?" He stabbed an accusing finger at Hunter. "I can feel everything you feel, remember? So imagine getting woken up by you getting all hot and bothered over some bastard pawing at you.""Hey!" Hunter launched himself at Scar, both crashing to the floor in a tangle of limbs. I scrambled back as they rolled, grappling furiously. "Enough!" I shouted, but they ignored me. With a cry of frustration, I flung myself between them, shoving them apart with all my str

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 127: End Of An Era

    Lena The dull roar of the crowd gathered outside the hall was audible even from within my dressing room. I stared at my reflection as Sage zipped up the back of my knee-length black dress, her skilled hands working quickly. "There," she said. "You look beautiful, Lena."I sighed, brushing a strand of hair from my eyes. "I don't feel beautiful. I feel like I'm being served up for auction."Sage squeezed my shoulder, meeting my eyes in the mirror. "Today marks the beginning of real change. No more hiding, no more fear. You're bringing peace, Lena."Footsteps at the door made us both turn. Scar loomed in the doorway, striking in his black suit, silver hair glinting. Hermes hovered behind him, looking slick in navy blue. "It's time," Scar rumbled. I lifted my chin, striding forward. Hermes offered his arm and I took it, letting him guide me down the plushly carpeted hall. The clamor outside crescendoed as we approached the doors to the hall itself, camera flashes visible even from her

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 126: Homecoming

    A feeling of bittersweet joy hung in the air as our ragtag group celebrated my unexpected reunion with my son. Jackson gazed at me with such awe and longing, as though unable to believe I was real. I found myself overwhelmed trying to reconcile Jackson to his grandson.In the midst of the emotional upheaval, I noticed Hunter slip quietly from the room, a shadow dimming his usual vibrancy. My joy dimmed, realizing how difficult this reunion must be for him. With care not to jostle the sleeping babe in my arms, I slipped out to follow Hunter's brooding silhouette."You deserve time to process all this change," I offered gently once we were alone outside the battered walls.Hunter exhaled harshly, avoiding my searching look. "I just need...space, to adjust to everything." He attempted a strained half-smile. "Don't mind my sulking."My heart clenched hearing the hurt poorly masked beneath his gravel tones. Impulsively I laid one hand on his slumped shoulder. "I haven't decided anything ye

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 125: Rebirth

    I drifted gradually up through velvety shadows toward waking, feeling almost reborn. Every muscle ached fiercely, but my spirit felt cleansed by recent trials. We had walked through fire and fury both literal and figurative, somehow emerging intact on redemption's far shore.With effort I pushed upright, taking in familiar features gathered anxiously around the modest pallet where I had slept. Concern furrowed Sage's brow until she noted my returning gaze. "Lena! Thank the ancestors." She gripped both my hands urgently. "We feared you might never rouse after expending so much strength against the darkness."I managed a wan smile, ribs protesting even that small motion. "I yet breathe thanks to your steady watchcare, my friend." My searching look found May and Freya curled together nearby, worry softening into relief. But foreboding still weighted the strained atmosphere. I hesitated before voicing the question that haunted me most. "And Scar? Has there been any change while I drifted

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 124: Awakening

    LenaScar's smoldering draconic shape halted its ruthless assault mid-dive, wheeling with fury towards my brazen challenge. Behind my defiant stance, Hermes and Sage stood with weapons drawn, prepared to defend unto death. Their unwavering courage fortified my quailing spirit. If these were destined as my final moments, I would face fate proudly surrounded by such selfless love.The dusk sky tore violently as the dragon folded its terrible wings, plummeting straight for me with jaws gaping hungrily. I glimpsed no flicker of familiar azure gaze nor glimmer of recognition, only endless ravenous void racing to consume me. Despair's chill fingers scraped my fragile hope. Had scintilla of Scar's psyche already been devoured beyond all reclaiming?Mere body lengths from certain obliteration, a piercing mental lance speared my psyche. I gasped, driving to one knee beneath the assault. Then chaotic fractured awareness crashed over me. Insanity! The maelstrom threatened to drown rational mind

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 123: Confrontation

    Lena "You need rest." Hermes' firm tone brooked no argument as he helped me climb into the van's rear seat. I scowled, but couldn't deny sheer exhaustion once adrenaline drained away. "The Fortress lies over a day's journey north," Hunter remarked, sliding behind the wheel beside Hermes. "Best try recovering strength before we arrive."I nodded reluctantly, too spent to argue logistics. Food and sleep called seductively. Sage draped a scratchy blanket over me before everything faded into dreamless void.I came to as the van jostled over rough terrain, weak sun glinting through cracked windows. Groaning, I shifted gingerly upright. Every bone and muscle throbbed fiery complaint, but my mind felt oddly clear for once.Hermes twisted around with a grin. "About time. We're less than an hour out." His expression sobered. "Scar's still assaulting the fortress walls relentlessly."Memory crashed back. The bond! I frantically grasped for our mating link, nearly sagging relief finding that e

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 122: Bonds

    Lena Sage stomped Zoya's neck, finally finishing her for good. "Don't mind her words. You need only focus on your bond with Scar like Natalia taught you. You'll be able to reach him again." Sage's comfort grounded me amidst the chaos as I nodded gratefully. Hermes and Hunter supported us outside to the vans parked at the valley's edge. "Rest here. We need to regroup and plan." Hermes opened the van's back door, helping me climb inside. I sank onto the bench seat, adrenaline crash leaving me numb and dizzy. We were miraculously alive, but at such cost."Hermes?" I called as he lowered himself down beside me with a tired groan. "What really happened while I was captive?" He scrubbed both hands over his face, lines of strain showing clearly. "Over a month ago, Scar said he suddenly sensed your bond and left to find you alone. He never returned." Hermes' fists clenched helplessly. "Zoya claimed he was unfit to lead, insisting we waste no time tracking one rogue dragon. I should have kn

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 121: Rage

    Lena The heavy ebony doors groaned open beneath our combined strength. Beyond should lie sanctuary however temporary - a chance to rest battered bodies and souls...and forge strength for the next leg in reclaiming freedom. Instead, a nightmare awaited us across that carved threshold.Zoya herself stood imperiously flanked by a score of armed guardsgrinning in feral anticipation. At their feet sprawled a cruelly familiar frail form - Natalia! My heart dropped through the floor recognizing the terrible stillness to her flesh, the mocking angle of broken limbs. Our protector and guide, ruthlessaly dismembered and discarded by her own blood."No!"The grief-stricken howl that ripped from my chest scarcely sounded human or sane. But the rage flooding my veins in its wake burned far hotter than mere anguish as I took in the mutilation of that innocent wise woman. Blinded by fury and vengeance, I flung myself straight for Zoya's sneering throat heedless of the death bristling eagerly around

  • Stealing The Dragon's Heart    Chapter 120: Close

    LenaI floated, cradled in peaceful oblivion. Bonded bliss enveloped me, sheltering my battered spirit. Scar's beloved presence intertwined so tightly with mine now I could no longer distinguish where one ended and the other began. We were finally, utterly one.Distantly, a familiar voice called my name, pulling me reluctantly towards wakefulness. I struggled against the intruding summons, craving more time to bask in the oasis my mate's restored mind and soul created within me. But the speaker persisted until I identified Sage's worried tone. With deep reluctance I allowed our cherished haven to dissolve."Lena! Can you hear me?" Sage's concerned face hovered over me as my vision slowly focused once more. I blinked sluggishly up at her from my supine position, still caught halfway between planes. Wait...if I was awake how could I still feel Scar's arms cradling my limp form?I turned seeking my mate's smiling visage, only for my spirits to crash finding empty space beside me. Thick w

DMCA.com Protection Status