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Chapter 48: Valeria
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 49: Amnesia
Lena's POVFreezing out in the cold, I thought I was finally going to die before reaching the Valorian raider fort. The icy winds whipped around my wet clothes relentlessly as I struggled through the deep snow drifts. Each step became harder than the last as hypothermia slowly overtook my body.Just as my legs gave out and I sunk into the freezing abyss, darkness engulfed my vision completely. "It this how I'll die?"I expected a silent, endless void to be the last thing I ever experienced. But gradually, I felt warmth returning to my bones. The frozen wasteland faded away as hazy shadows moved around me.Muffled voice came caught my attention, my eyelids fluttered open weakly. At first all I could make out was a flickering orange glow - firelight. The voice seemed to have seized.As my vision adjusted, I realized I was lying near a campfire, wrapped in heavy furs. Confusion clouded my mind instantly."Had I somehow made it to the raider stronghold after all?" But no, this was just a
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 50: Outcast
Lena's POV:Although Frost said he would "think" about trusting me, I felt relieved. At least now I had a chance to convince him to help me. That evening, I kept myself busy tidying the tent I shared with Frost. He never stayed inside for long, always conferring with his men or scouting the area. I was shaken from my thoughts when I heard the loud rumble of the warriors' vehicles starting up. I stepped outside the tent flap to see what was happening. The entire camp seemed to be mobilizing for some mission. I stopped a lean, teenage warrior who was rushing past. "Excuse me, what's going on?" I asked. He turned and gave me a hesitant smile. "Oh hi, I'm Jax. Commander Frost is taking the bulk of our forces to spy on that dragon warlord's fortress you mentioned. Scar, I think you called him?"I tensed at the name but tried not to show it. "I see. Do you know when you all will return?"Jax shook his head apologetically. "No telling with these covert ops. Could be a few hours, could be
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 51: Fort Valor
Lena's POVI awoke shivering violently, my breath coming out in frosty puffs. During the night, the feeble brazier in my drafty tent had sputtered out, leaving me at the mercy of the icy winds howling outside. I wrapped my threadbare cloak tighter, though it provided little warmth. Teeth chattering, I forced myself out into the dim pre-dawn light. I couldn't afford to languish here feeling sorry for myself. Making my way to the cook tent, I found the morning crew already prepping a hearty porridge. "Let me help with that," I offered, taking over stirring the pot. The grateful cooks seemed surprised but welcoming, unlike the suspicious glares I often received from the warriors. We worked together congenially as the sun rose, readying breakfast for the camp.When a batch was ready, I ladled myself a steaming bowl. The hot cereal warmed me from the inside out, chasing away the lingering chill. After eating, I begged some warm water from the cooks to finally clean up properly.As I stoo
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 52: A Breeder's Fate
Lena's POVAfter sitting in the supply wagon for days, I was glad to finally set my feet on solid grounds. I stretched my body as we filed inside to a flurry of activity. Warriors broke off to the barracks to stow their gear and reunite with comrades. Jax hopped down beside me, flashing a grin. "Welcome home! C'mon, I'll take you to Frost's hall. Don't worry about your things, they'll be delivered."I followed apprehensively as we crossed through throngs of people to an expansive mansion of stone and dark wood. My nerves mounted when I realized this must be Frost's personal estate. What awaited me here?Jax left me standing awkwardly in the grand foyer. Around me, warriors came and went, paying me little mind. Feeling utterly out of place, I lingered by a carved column until I heard loud footsteps approaching."Ah, so good to be home!" Freya exclaimed, face flushed from the cold. "I'm absolutely dying for a hot bath. Lena dear, I'll have the maids draw you one as well after our long
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 53: Knowing Each Other
Lena's POV The next morning, I was finishing breakfast when Helga entered and presented a document - the formal breeding contract. With trembling hands, I read through the terms outlining the agreement between myself and Commander Frost. This made it real and binding. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I signed my name on the line. Helga inclined her head respectfully and swept out with the contract. I sat staring after her, feeling like I'd just sealed my fate. For better or worse, I was going to be Frost's wife.That evening after dinner, another maid arrived to escort me to Frost's private room. My pulse hammered with anxiety. Surely he would expect me to consummate our union tonight. But I didn't feel ready; my emotions were still too raw and conflicted. I lingered hesitantly in the doorway until Frost glanced up from where he sat by the window. "Come. It is time we retire." He began preparing for bed, removing his shirt and boots.Panicked, I tried to stall. "Wait, perh
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 54: Rage
Scar's POVThe harsh clang of swords rang in my ears as I faced off against Brandon, one of the oldest warriors in my service. We were alone in the training arena as twilight fell, having sparred for the past hour. With a final mighty lunge, I knocked Brandon's blade aside and swept his legs out from under him. He hit the dirt hard with a pained groan before lying still, thoroughly bested.I stood over him, chest heaving and vision tinged red. The savage fury simmering within me for days begged for release. But footsteps behind made me turn with a snarl."Peace, Scar," Hermes said, raising his hands cautiously. My oldest friend and adviser studied me with concern. "That is enough violence for today. Come, let us return to the manor."I growled in frustration, the dragon in me straining against its bonds. "Do not command me! I must have an outlet, or..." I trailed off ominously, hands clenching.Hermes considered me a moment. "Very well. If you require exertion, spend your energy on t
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 55: Invaded
Scar's POVKai led me swiftly through the torch-lit passages to the ancient library, my talons clicking ominously against the stone floors. My powers seethed just below the surface, ready to unleash vicious fury upon whoever dared steal from me. At the arched double doors, Kai drew an intricate sigil with his finger. The locks disengaged with an audible click and the doors swung open. I stalked inside, senses alert for any sign of how the thief managed to breach this sanctum.But a cursory examination revealed no damage or forced entry. The protective wards remained intact. My brows drew together in a perplexed scowl. How was this possible?"The book was stored in this alcove, was it not?" I rumbled. Kai hurried over and nodded grimly. The gap on the shelf where the leather-bound tome had sat seemed to taunt me. I closed my eyes, calling upon my ancient draconic powers, seeking any traces left by the thief. But no unusual scents or residues lingered. Only the faint magical signature
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 56: Back in Willow
Scar's POVThe silence within my private chambers was suffocating, pressing in on me from all sides. Since the shock of Lena's betrayal and missing book, I had cloistered myself away, interacting with others as little as possible. I could not bear to see the fearful glances or sense the simmering unease within my people whenever I approached. Not when my own spirit was so violently churning.Though I kept up a stoic front, inside I alternated between rage and profound grief at all that had been ripped away. My incompetence had cost dragonkind dearly. Our history and knowledge were gone, our unity shattered. And the gnawing void where my heart once resided seemed to be slowly consuming me from within.For days, the changes had been subtle - sleepless nights staring into the darkness, spells of dizziness, a vague sense of fragility. But this morning upon glimpsing my reflection, the differences had become impossible to ignore. My complexion had turned sallow, cheeks gaunt and shadows ri
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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
