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Chapter 90: Freedom
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 91: Truce
HermesThe sun's first light filtering into the cave rouses me from troubled dreams. Scar's massive scaled body rises and falls rhythmically beside where I lay nestled against his warmth, lost in the memories haunting me.Lena's panicked screams as the Aldorians swarmed, tearing her from Scar's back. Her desperate pleas for aid as they shackled and dragged her away. I woke up gasping.I turned to see Scar's dragon still asleep, he has been consumed by vengeful madness since Lena's disappearance, lashing out wildly in his grief. Only my calming presence kept him tethered enough to function at all. But the wounds ran soul-deep for us both.A rumbling groan signals Scar stirring fully awake. One golden eye cracks open to fix on me broodingly. Sorrow and fury churn there in equal measure. I reach out and lay a comforting hand along his scaled brow."Another dawn, brother. Our time will come." My murmured vow seems to soothe his restless spirit. Scar bumps his head against me with a resign
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 92: Agreement
Lena The chill night air raises goosebumps along my bare arms as I pace the balcony restlessly. Far below, the twinkling lights of the sleeping city mock my own restless inability to settle. In the east, the full moon's pale glow crests the jagged horizon, casting twisted shadows across the stronghold's imposing silhouette.Somewhere within those dark halls, the man awaits my decision. The man whose ambitious gaze both unsettles and intrigues me, though I resent his audacity thinking any but I can dictate my fate.Hunter would see us bound eternally, fates shackled in unbreakable union. And yet... my rebellious heart remains deaf to wisdom's cautious counsel. What true harm if I play his game of courtship a short while? The rules may yet favor me.Tomorrow's dawn brings opportunity to set terms of engagement. Hunter's occult knowledge complements my own incomplete understanding of the ancient bond linking dragon flesh to mortal souls. Together, surely those mysteries may finally yiel
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 93: War
Hunter I cursed under my breath as I tugged at the uncomfortable tie around my neck, climbing into the back of the military transport truck that had arrived to pick me up from in front of the restaurant. I watched sadly as Lena's car drove away into the night, a part of my heart longing to stay with her instead of leaving. But no, Jack and May would be enough to take care of her. My third-in-command, old man Scott, climbed out of the truck with a pronounced limp. Due to his bad leg and advancing age, Scott had retired years ago. But in desperate times like these, desperate measures were called for. He had served loyally under my father, and when my father passed away, Scott graciously offered to stay on as my third-in-command and assistant. As the truck rumbled through the dark streets, Scott briefed me about the situation. I felt a strange sense of déjà vu, reminding me of the attack I had led on Valor a month ago to free Lena from Frost's clutches. And now here Frost was, back ag
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 94: Savior
HunterScott shepherds me impatiently past the rows of wounded when I unconsciously slow my steps. The raw misery reflected on battered faces inexplicably transfixes me. But my companion's gruff commands recall discipline and direction, leaving no space for paralyzing empathy. There are always more sacrifices. Keep moving forward, or their loss becomes meaningless.In the cramped back corner that serves as makeshift command post, Jack looks up wearily from his hunched position over the rickety table. His youthful features are smudged with grime and gore, eyes red-rimmed from the day's endless smoke and horrors. But at sight of us, some of the dull defeat flees his expression."Commander, you're back! When we got separated in the firestorm, well..." He trails off awkwardly, likely imagining my charred corpse lost amidst the greater carnage. I manage a thin smile, clasping his shoulder briefly in reassurance despite crippling fatigue."Not rid of me yet. Now, report. Have we final casua
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 95: Rage
ScarThe night sky glowed an ominous crimson as I reared back on my hind legs, chest expanding to capacity. With an earth-shattering roar, I unleashed a torrent of flame high into the darkness. The blistering inferno lit up the battlefield below, casting shifting shadows across the broken terrain.On the valley floor far beneath my airborne form, Frost's army let loose enthusiastic cheers at my display. "Attack, men! Bring down those walls!" The raging dragonfire had finally neutralized the insidious sleeping gas Hunter's forces had blanketed the area with, impeding the siege forces' advance. Now, emboldened by my protective flames, the soldiers rallied with thundering war cries and surged forward to overwhelm the fortress's crumbling outer defenses under cover of night. So far, our risky joint attack proceeded precisely according to plan.This unlikely alliance between a dragon and raider commander had proven surprisingly effective despite lingering mutual distrust. Just mere mont
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 95: Escape
LenaThe hunger came in waves, each cresting higher and harder than the last. My swollen belly made everything ache as if my skin would split open at any moment. I sat fanning myself futilely by the open window, trying in vain to catch even the slightest breeze to cool my fevered body. But the air was stifling and oppressive, the heat an almost physical force weighing down on me.May entered silently, her footsteps soft as a whisper. In her slender hands she carried a basin of water and a clean cloth. Her young face was drawn, eyes rimmed in red and purpled with exhaustion from arguing bitterly with Freya again late into the previous night. Their once easy friendship had crumbled like ashes over this past year, slowly corroded away by the poisonous influence of the Valorian commander Frost as he drove wedge after wedge between our people."Thank you," I rasped, my voice barely a whisper. May tried to smile but could not quite form the expression. We were all struggling under the merci
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 96: Hope
LenaThe strength left my legs just outside the stranger's cottage before I could get my words out. He was chopping wood, sleeves rolled up to reveal sinewy forearms. Before I fully collapsed, he dropped the axe and caught me. Strong, work-roughened hands grasped my shoulders, keeping me upright. "Steady now," he rumbled. His voice was gravel but gentle. Up close, I saw kindness crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Let's get you inside."He lifted me easily, one arm supporting my back, the other behind my knees. My head lolled against his bearded cheek. Exhaustion dragged at my limbs. I hadn't the strength to cling to him. He carried me inside where it was dim and cool. The smell of stew simmered from a pot hung over the fire. He laid me on a straw mattress in the corner, atop a quilt with stitches worn soft from many washings. I sank gratefully into its comfort. My eyes fell shut, too heavy to keep open.I drifted in and out. Sometimes the cottage was silent except for the fire's cr
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 97: Labor
Lena'sSix long weeks had passed since I first stumbled, half-dead with exhaustion, into Bren and Hannah's tranquil refuge. As my belly swelled fuller each day with the new life inside, I grew ever nearer my time of birthing. By some grace, Scar and his raiding forces had not discovered my trail here yet. But I knew such fortune could not last.I sought to make use of the peaceful interlude fate had granted me. Bren permitted me to use an old laptop computer he kept. I spent hours scouring obscure corners of the internet—obscure blogs, forums, anywhere that might hold fragments of useful information about dragons and their mystical bonding powers. Mostly I found only fanciful myths or amateur fiction, but I read on doggedly, searching for any shred of concrete truth buried amidst the embellishments. Even whispers and hearsay might prove valuable, if I could sift some few kernels of fact from the chaff."Dang it! I'm just going in circles." I groaned.The tedious work strained my back
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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
