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Chapter 82: Resolve
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
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
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 86: Kiss
LenaMy heart pounded as I slipped back into my bedroom, clutching the ancient text to my chest. I had just returned from the forbidden archives, barely escaping the guards' notice thanks to that mysterious distraction. Now I finally held the key to controlling dragons within my grasp. I quickly lifted the mattress of my bed, stashing the book beneath it for safekeeping. Just as I was smoothing the sheets back into place, loud bootsteps echoed down the hall, headed straight for my room. I froze, blood turning to ice. They must have discovered my empty chambers.In a panic, I scrambled to find a new hiding spot, but it was too late. My door burst open and Hunter stormed in, flanked by two armed guards. I yelped in surprise, instinctively clutching the book tighter to my chest beneath my shirt. Hunter's eyes widened at my state of undress, still in just a thin nightshift with the book creating an obvious bulge under the fabric. I watched a flush creep up his stubbled cheeks as I stood
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 87: Suspicious
MayThe scent of hot pizza grease permeated the air as I juggled the three large boxes stacked in my arms. My stomach rumbled impatiently, eager to dig into the cheesy feast I had picked up on my way back to the dormitories. Training exercises always left me starving.As I turned down the lamp-lit cobblestone path leading towards the old converted monastery that now served as living quarters, a flurry of activity near the entrance gave me pause. Guards streamed out the heavy oak doors, shouting to one another as they took off in different directions. Curious, I pressed myself into the shadows of a nearby archway, watching the chaos unfold."Fan out and search the south gardens!" one of the officers barked. "She can't have gone far." The troops dispersed rapidly into the night.She? I wondered who they could be looking for at this late hour. My mind jumped to Lena and Freya being kept in the guest quarters upstairs. Had one of the women tried to slip away unnoticed? Deciding to get to
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 88: Mistake
HunterA pounding ache behind my eyes greeted me as consciousness reluctantly returned. I pried my gritty eyelids open with a groan, sunlight streaming in from the open curtains piercing like daggers. How long had I lain here tossing and turning, tormented by lingering memories of HER?Lena's whispered pleas and roaming hands refused to grant me peace, even in sleep. The temptation she presented haunted me endlessly. To possess her lush curves fully, if only for a night...With a growl, I threw off the sweat-dampened sheets. Such foolish fantasies only weakened my resolve. I would not so easily discard principles for lust. The girl was a means to an end - securing the dragon'sbond through union. That crucial alliance must remain my sole focus.My body ached from lack of true rest, but further idling brought no solutions. I rose mechanically to wash and dress for the day ahead. Philip awaited with the car already running when I emerged, sharp eyes discreetly taking in my disheveled app
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 89: Heat
Lena's POV Sweat beaded my brow as I tossed fitfully in the tangled sheets. Every nerve felt hyper-aware, attuned to some unseen energy pulsing just out of reach. I should feel relief after last night's brush with disaster, yet my blood still simmered with an unnamed craving.Pressing my palms to heated cheeks, I forced myself to breathe slowly. This unnatural feverishness must be some delayed reaction to trauma, I reasoned. Surely it bore no relation to HIM.But closing my eyes brought only visions of stormy grey eyes narrowing dangerously, strong hands crushing mine in warning, the heat of his breath stirring my hair... Arousal coiled tight and low at the memories.I sat up with a gasp, hugging myself against the ghostly echoes of his touch. What strange power had he awakened in me? I had resisted him, yet my body seemed to recognize something primal in his possessive claim. A hidden bond beyond rational understanding.A brisk knock interrupted my troubled thoughts. I called for th
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 90: Freedom
LenaThe lingering scent of sandalwood surrounds me as I twist restlessly beneath the silken sheets. Sleep remains frustratingly out of reach, replaced by feverish dreams I cannot escape. Dreams of stormy eyes and strong hands claiming me, stoking an ache no balm or tonic can soothe.With a frustrated groan, I fling back the covers and rise to pace the moonlit room. My body still thrums with unwanted heat at the memory. Much as I despise the man for treating me as some prize to be won, I cannot deny the attraction simmering dangerously between us now that I am aware of its intoxicating power. Like recognizing a craving you never knew lay dormant inside you.Is this base desire my destiny as dragon keeper, to be chained by blood to the ambitions of Aldorian men? The texts spoke of ancient bindings between keeper and commander meant to unify our kind against common foes. But now those arcane ties have become shackles of subjugation.I pause by the open window, letting the cool night ai
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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
