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Chapter 77: Punishment
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 78: Banquet
HunterI dismissed May with a punishment to attend to Lena and her friend. Truthfully, it was just an excuse to postpone meeting with Lena face to face. I had no idea how to break the news to her that she was betrothed to me without earning her hatred. The whole situation was a mess. I was still pissed about everything, so I took my frustrations out on the remaining Valor soldiers we had captured during the raid. After a week of interrogations and negotiations, we successfully sent them all back with a warning, but it did little to improve my black mood. I couldn't avoid meeting Lena forever. But I was still seething over the fact that Lord Frost had gotten to her first and even gotten her pregnant. I was a jealous man by nature when it came to what I considered rightfully mine. So that night I consulted my second-in-command, Jack, over drinks in the officer's lounge."She's carrying that bastard's child, can you believe it?" I growled, slamming my glass down. Jack just shook his s
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 79: Abducted
FrostI was in my office going over troop rotation schedules when the first distant rumbles reached my ears. At first I thought it merely thunder and paid it no mind. But soon the rumbling took on a more rhythmic, mechanical cadence. I set down my paperwork and strode to the window, peering out cautiously. What I saw made my blood run cold. A massive battalion of armored vehicles flying crimson Aldo banners were barreling down the valley pass straight for Valor Keep. "Impossible!" Our border scouts would have warned us...unless they had already been overtaken. "Dragon's breath!" Cursing under my breath, I sprinted from my office bellowing for all available guards to assemble in the courtyard at once. We were under attack.My captains reacted swiftly, barking orders to get every last soldier armed and into position. I spotted my lieutenant, Theron, and pulled him aside tersely. "Where the hell is Freya? She should be helping coordinate defenses!" Theron shook his head in confusion
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 80: Dragon X Raider
Hermes' POVThe bakery's bell chimed cheerily as I stepped inside, inhaling the sweet aroma of fresh bread and sugary treats. I needed to grab something special for the kids today. Sam and Manny were coming over after school to spend time with Grandma Gertie while Lena was...away.Thoughts of my missing friend darkened my mood instantly. It had been months now since Lena vanished without word. I knew in my gut she must have been abducted or worse, no matter what the elders said about her abandoning us willingly. Lena would never just run off and leave Sam and Manny alone like that, no matter the circumstances. She loved those kids more than anything.I forced myself to focus on the pastry display, pushing aside the fruitless worries for now. Being their only guardian around, it was my responsibility to take care of the twins while we continued searching for Lena. I couldn't let them see how close I was to losing hope of ever finding her. They needed me to be strong.Selecting a box of
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 81: Truce
Frost's POV Hot agony flared through my side as another brutal kick connected, followed by the sickening crack of ribs giving way. I curled in on myself tighter, clenching my jaw to contain the cries of pain desperate to break free. I would not give the wretched beast called Scar that satisfaction. "Not so proud now, are you Valor cur?" Scar's mocking rumble echoed around the dank cavern that had become my prison these last days...weeks? Time blurred into endless torment at his taloned hands. But I would not submit. Better to die with defiance than grovel for mercy from Lena's deranged former captor. I had to believe she and our child were safe, no matter the cost to myself. They were my sole thought during Scar's savage "interrogations" demanding I reveal Lena's location. As if I would ever betray my family!I flinched involuntarily as Scar seized a fistful of my matted hair, wrenching my head up to snarl in my face. "Your bravado is growing tiresome. Believe me, we have only just b
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 82: Resolve
Lena's POVI was still dazed as Hunter escorted me to the hotel room. The room was lavish, with plush carpets, velvet curtains, and ornate furniture. It was on the top floor of the fortified building, where no one could escape or infiltrate. If this had been three months ago when I first fled from Scar, I would have been overjoyed to reunite with my family. But not now. Not after they had all betrayed me, using me for their own ends.Scar only wanted me to get his heart back. Frost had used me in his bid to secure the last dragonkeeper by getting me pregnant. And Hunter...I was certain he had only brought me to my family because of my role as the dragon keeper.I stared blankly out the window of the lavish suite seeing nothing. My mind was still reeling from all that had happened in such a short span. As the sounds of the fortress settling down into nighttime routines filtered in from outside my quarters, the stifling silence only magnified my isolation. At times like this, I despera
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 83: Games
Lena paced the plush carpet of the lavish suite, frustration boiling inside her. The finely carved mahogany furnishings and velvet drapes only served to emphasize the gilded prison she found herself trapped in. She clenched her fists, emerald eyes flashing dangerously. How dare Hunter confine her like some fragile songbird in a cage!In two long strides she crossed the suite and flung open the heavy oak door. The two armored guards jumped in surprise, spears wavering uncertainly.Lena fixed them with a piercing glare. "On whose authority am I being held prisoner here against my will?"The guards exchanged uneasy glances, shifting on their feet. Finally the taller one spoke up, avoiding her intense gaze. "Apologies, my lady, but Lord Hunter commanded you remain in your quarters for your own protection."Lena let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Did he now? Well you can inform your lord that I demand an audience with him immediately. I do not take kindly to being locked away like some crimi
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 84: Lessons
Lena Today was the first day I'd been granted real freedom to move about this fortress. Although I still didn't fully trust May after her betrayal, the girl was pleasant company as my assigned companion. So when she came by my suite this morning, I asked her to give me a proper tour of the facilities.May perked up immediately at my change in attitude. She called for a car and driver while I went to collect Freya from her quarters nearby. As always, Freya didn't bother hiding her dislike for May, and I had to stop their bickering from escalating more than once. But I was determined to make the best of this day trip.Freya insisted we start with the fort's famed libraries and archives. As we walked between rows of bookshelves, I marveled at the sheer volume of information housed here. Ancient tomes bound in cracked leather contained hand-scribed accounts of dragonlore through the centuries. If only I'd had access to such resources earlier! I might have made sense of my role as dragonk
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 85: Seduction
LenaThe musty smell of ancient books and crackling fire enveloped me as I sat across from Hunter in his vast library. My shoulders ached from pouring over dusty manuscripts for hours, yet I was no closer to uncovering the mysterious secrets of bonding between dragon and keeper. Hunter droned on about obscure rituals, deliberately speaking in vague generalities that revealed nothing of true import. I stifled a yawn, struggling to focus. This lesson was proving as fruitless as all the rest."The keeper and dragon must willingly open their minds to each other during the bonding ceremony, merging as one consciousness..." Hunter trailed off, seeing my eyes glaze over. He cleared his throat before continuing."Now, in rare cases, a gifted keeper could overpower their dragon's own will for a time through the link. But that practice has long been forbidden..."I sat up sharply, scattering papers off my lap. Forbidden? This was the first concrete hint he had revealed about controlling a drag
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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
