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Chapter 113: Hope
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
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
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 116: Seeking Answers
Sage The weight of the rucksack dug into my shoulders as Freya and I trudged down the dusty road leading away from Valorhold. Despite the ache, my spirits felt lighter than they had in ages. The fortress walls that had sheltered me these past months now seemed more akin to a gilded prison - one that constantly confined me within scornful gazes and barely muted whispers. Each day crawled by marked only by sidelong glances and subtle recoils from those around me. But out here breathing crisp morning air that carried hints of pine and distant woodsmoke, for the first time since that awful night I was branded traitor and exiled, flickers of tenacious hope stirred my weary soul. However daunting the road ahead remained, taking action toward some purpose felt infinitely nobler than rotting away forgotten. I hitched my pack higher and matched Freya’s steady strides down the winding track. Frost had posted her near the healing ward for weeks since her abrupt return, but clearly her forced
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 117: Unexpected Alliance
SageThe creaking wagon jostled over every rut and hole along the worn forest road as Freya and I made our way cautiously towards the remote village Zoya had disappeared into days ago. She had slipped away in the early hours before dawn, furtive as a thief. Fortunately, the coins I pressed daily into tiny hands ensured extra pairs of eyes reported her departure. Now the chase was on. I flicked the reins, urging our placid mare to match pace behind the merchant wagon Zoya hid inside. What answers awaited at the end of this fresh trail? The uncertainties set my nerves skittering like spiders down my spine. But the thrill of progress after so long also quickened my pulse. Each turn of the wheels carried us closer to resolution, one way or another.Beside me, Freya too stared fixedly ahead, knuckles bloodless where she gripped her worn scabbard. Frost remained unaware of her disappearance from her sickbed, else dire retribution awaited us both upon return. But this was our only clue to s
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 117: Resistance
We tracked Zoya's trail relentlessly as she led us back towards the remote mountain village that served as hidden headquarters for the mysterious resistance group. The path felt hauntingly, disturbingly familiar, raising prickles along my skin. We had nearly reached the secluded valley stronghold when Freya threw out a hand in abrupt warning."Halt here. We are still too exposed to approach openly by daylight."I followed her piercing stare to where rough-hewn log palisade walls and squat sentry towers defended the solitary steep access road winding down into the small fortified town nestled between soaring valley walls. After months spent wandering exile as vagrants, hounded by hostile forces, finally arriving within striking distance of our goal only to be stalled by exposure was vexing beyond measure.But much as I yearned to keep pressing forward heedlessly, I knew the dragon queen's caution was warranted. Attempting to openly march straight through the front gates would only invi
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 118: Aid
LenaI jerked awake to the bone-chilling sound of Scar's agonized roar echoing through the stone halls. My heart dropped like lead even as I scrambled up, breaths coming fast. What were they doing to him? I had to get to Scar!I rushed the locked cell door and grasped the cold bars, craning to peer outside. The hallway appeared deserted, lit by flickering old-fashioned torches that cast wavering shadows. No signs of guards, captors, or tortured dragons.Another pain-laced howl ripped through the corridor. I clutched the bars with white knuckles, willing my strength to bend them. But the ancient metal held firm. I was trapped, forced to listen helplessly as my dragon suffered unseen tortures."Let me out!" I screamed, voice breaking. I pounded the unrelenting bars until my fists bled. "Stop hurting him! Scar!"Only echoing silence answered my cries. Then a soft swish of skirts heralded light footsteps. From the shifting shadows emerged Zoya, a sly smile playing about her ruby lips. Of
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 119: Counterattack
LenaI swayed on my feet, dizzy from the revelations my friends brought. Scar mindbreak. The haven corrupted. Raiders marked for extermination. My world crumbled further with each bitter truth.I scarcely recognized the broken woman I had become in but a few short weeks. The proud dragonkeeper was no more - in her place stood a gaunt, haunted girl with dead eyes. Just days ago, I had entertained foolish notions of breaking the bond Scar, to raise our child in a peaceful haven. Such pathetic dreams now mocked me. If any future remained for dragons or raiders, it could only be bought with blood and sacrifice.My hands curled into helpless fists at my sides. Natalia's insistent voice roused me from despair's brink. "There is yet hope, child. If you and your dragon complete the bonding ritual, none shall stand against your united power."I studied the wise woman's careworn face. A bonding? The ultimate sacrament between true dragon and their keepers, forever linking two souls as one? Unea
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
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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
