Chapter 86: Kiss

Lena

My 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