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Chapter 68: Grounded
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 68: Grounded
Lena's POVI sat propped up comfortably against the plush pillows, watching in amusement as Ryder bustled about the bedroom attentively. Ever since we had returned from the hospital and he learned of my pregnancy, he had scarcely let me lift a finger - fluffing my pillows, bringing all my meals upstairs, even insisting on helping me bathe and dress despite my fierce blushing. At times his fussing bordered on smothering, but I could hardly fault the man for being concerned about his first child soon entering the world. So I held my tongue and indulged his doting antics with good humor. "There, is that pillow positioned just right? Can I fetch you anything at all before I draw your bath?" Ryder hovered anxiously, seeming reluctant to leave my side for even a moment. I smiled reassuringly, catching his hand and bringing it to my lips. "All is well, my love. Your care means the world, truly." Ryder exhaled in relief, caressing my cheek. "Forgive my smothering instincts. I only wish to
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 69: Margot's Grandson
Freya's POVI secured the last of the practice weapons back in the armory racks with a weary sigh. The sun was dipping low on the horizon now that training was concluded for the day, and an unfamiliar melancholy stole over me. These solitary evenings had become my norm of late, with Lena sequestered away recovering and Frost still not speaking to me after our quarrel.Shutting the heavy oak doors behind me, I stood aimlessly in the empty courtyard for a moment. I longed to check in on Lena, but the thought of another hostile confrontation with my bullheaded brother made me bristle. Let Frost come to me contritely when he decided to stop acting like a pompous ass. As I meandered slowly back to my quarters, an idea took root - why not visit that sweet elderly woman I'd met at the village hospital? She had seemed to appreciate my company, and right now I needed a sympathetic ear more than ever. Decision made, I hurried off to purchase some fruit tarts from her favorite bakery to bring a
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 70: Aldo
Hunter's POVThe pungent scent of bubbling chemicals surrounded me as I carefully measured out powders and tinctures into the alembic on my workbench. This latest experimental formula needed to distill for a full month before being viable, but all initial signs were promising. If successful, just a small dose could temporarily bestow a mortal with a dragon's keen senses and preternatural speed. An invaluable edge for my human allies in the coming conflicts. But rushing the delicate alchemical process now would court only disaster and wasted time. Patience and precision were vital.I was so focused on steadily dripping the reactive dragon's blood into the solution that the sudden bang of my workshop door being flung violently open made me start and slop corrosive ingredients across the table. "Fuck..." I cursed vehemently, hurriedly neutralizing the spill before it could eat through wood and flesh. So much for that batch!Whirling with bared fangs on the disruption threatening life a
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 71: The Mystery Fiancee
May's POV I could not contain my curiosity ever since Hunter had mysteriously claimed he was going to meet his fiancée. As far as I knew, Hunter had never shown romantic interest in anyone before. The elders had tried unsuccessfully many times to arrange a marriage for the handsome, wealthy clan leader. But all potential brides had quickly given up on attracting the stoic man's attention after the first failed attempt.Whoever had finally caught Hunter's eye must be truly extraordinary. I simply had to learn more about this mystery woman who had somehow thawed the commander's icy reserve when no one else could. I knew it was risky to pry into his private affairs, but the urge was too strong to resist.So when Hunter finished meeting with his advisers and headed off alone, I stealthily trailed after him from a distance. I watched as Hunter went first to the officer's quarters, then the mess hall restroom. Seizing my chance while he was preoccupied, I snuck over to the men's lavatory e
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 72: Long Lost Cousin
Lena's POVI was lounging in the parlor idly leafing through a book when Sara, one of the housemaids, came rushing in looking flustered. "Pardon the intrusion Ms Lena, but we've caught an intruder lurking about the grounds. With Sir Frost away, we thought it best to bring the matter to you." I sat up, instantly intrigued. It wasn't often we had trespassers here. Frost kept the manor grounds well secured. Setting my book aside, I rose swiftly. "Take me to see this intruder at once."Sara inclined her head. "Right away, Ms. We've detained them down in the holding cells beneath the barracks." As we made our way briskly across the manor lawns, I pondered who could have slipped past Frost's meticulous security. A spy perhaps, or a thief hoping to steal from the absent lord's home. Either way, dealing with this distraction beat lounging about bored. I had been going stir-crazy confined to the manor while Frost was away.The dank stone holding cells beneath the barracks were rarely used
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 73: Girl's Night
Lena's POV I woke up feeling excited for the day ahead. Frost had finally agreed to let me get a checkup at the doctor's office. Being cooped up at home was driving me bonkers, and even though pregnancy isn't an illness, he insisted on treating me like delicate glass. But today I was determined to enjoy my taste of freedom! After shoveling down the healthy breakfast Frost's chef had prepared, I headed out arm-in-arm with my new companion Mei. She seemed stoked about the trip too. Probably because it meant a temporary escape from Frost's grumpy suspicious glares. The Uber driver dropped us off at the sleek downtown medical complex. Mei gawked at the gleaming steel and glass high-rises as we crossed the bustling plaza to the clinic entrance. Guess they didn't have too many ultramodern skyscrapers where she came from.Check-in was quick, and soon we were settled into the cozy waiting area. Mei jiggled her leg restlessly next to me. Girl seemed real anxious for some reason. I wondered i
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 74: Attack
Hunter's POVAnother long day in the lab was finally winding down. I stretched, wincing as my spine crackled in protest. Hunching over bubbling vials and jars of viscous solutions does hell on your back. But creating the alchemical formulas and weaponry that kept Fort Aldo defended required sacrifices. No rest for the weary rebel leader. My new assistant, a gangly youth named Wren, scurried over to collect the day's finished projects with reverent care. The boy was all knees and elbows, but he followed instructions to the letter and never complained about the tireless hours. I supposed I couldn't ask for much more in an apprentice."Excellent work today, Wren," I said, clapping him on the bony shoulder. "Get these stored in the vault and then you're dismissed."He nodded eagerly, balancing the volatile mixtures. I watched critically to ensure nothing sloshed over the rim as he shuffled toward the heavily fortified storage room. Small careless mistakes with my creations could have c
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 75: Sign
May's POVI yawned widely as I chopped vegetables in the manor kitchen, trying to focus on the task at hand and not daydream about my next covert mission. Who'd have thought a rebel girl like me would end up playing maid to some hoity-toity noble lady? But orders were orders, and I had to stay undercover to get close to the possible dragonkeeper. Even if that meant endless days of scrubbing floors and peeling potatoes. Bor-ing! At least I had some freedom to poke around Valor thanks to Lena's "long lost cousin" act. She didn't even grill me too hard about my background! Just smiled and said any family of hers was welcome. If all empire ladies were so trusting, this infiltration gig would be a breeze. Still, I had kinda hoped for more action by now. But after a week playing servant, I was no closer to confirming whether Lena really was the rumored keeper Hunter needed me to smuggle out. I hadn't even spotted her leaving the manor grounds once! Looked like I'd have to get creative if
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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
