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Chapter 95: Escape
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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
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 98: Lead
LenaThe rain fell in long, sorrowful streaks against the glass of the window of my room. I stared out at the dreary woods, seeing nothing. My coffee sat untouched and growing cold on the table before me. In my hand I clutched a sheet of paper, the ink slightly smeared from the dampness of my palms.It was a letter from him. Mr. S. The letter said he wished to meet with me, if I was free. He said he knew much regarding the mystical bonds between human and dragon. Much that could help me. Help sever the bond I shared with the great dragon Scar.My hands trembled. I had not dreamed it could be true, that the key to my salvation could come this way, from a stranger in a letter. Yet this Mr. S seemed to know truths about the ancient bonding magic few in the wide world understood. In the short weeks since his first message arrived, we had built a correspondence. He answered clearly my most desperate questions, straight and true, holding nothing back. It kindled a fragile flame of hope in m
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 99: Omen
LenaThe rattling of the wagon stirred me from my restless slumber. I blinked groggily as Bren's friend called back, "We've arrived."I muttered a thanks as I gathered my pack and climbed down, my legs unsteady after the long, bumpy ride. The train station loomed ahead, a gateway to the next step of my journey.I purchased my ticket for Willow Creek, the cashier eyeing me curiously. "You headed out there alone, miss?""That's right. Just visiting family," I lied casually. No need to arouse suspicion.With time still before my train, I found a quiet corner of the bustling station and tried to calm my nerves. My breasts ached, reminding me it had been too long since Kevin nursed. I missed his soft weight in my arms, his milky scent. But this sacrifice might secure his future.To distract myself, I picked up a novel from a nearby rack, though the words blurred before my eyes. My thoughts kept returning to the mysterious Mr. S, and what he might reveal about severing my bond with Scar.As
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 100: Tail
LenaAfter a night of troubled dreams, I rose weary but determined. Today I would finally meet the mysterious Mr. S.I dressed hurriedly, thoughts churning with questions. Did he truly understand how to break my bond with Scar? Or was he some charlatan seeking to exploit my secrets? I had come too far to turn back now without answers.The receptionist at my dingy motel blinked at me over his newspaper as I approached the front desk."Excuse me, could you point me towards Joe's Diner? I'm supposed to meet someone there.""Joe's? Sure, just head south down Main Street, take a right on Oak. Can't miss it."I thanked him and headed out into the morning bustle. The cold mountain air helped shake off the last shadows of my unsettling dreams. I still had a couple hours before my scheduled meeting with the mysterious Mr. S. Might as well find some breakfast.I wove between crowded sidewalks, keeping my head down. The press of rough, anonymous faces set my nerves on edge. I did not often ventu
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 101: Founding Fathers
LenaThe rocky road jostled me from a fitful sleep. I blinked groggily as the wilderness raced past the van's window. Mr. S glanced back from the passenger seat."Sleep well? We have a long drive ahead to a safe location. I thought we could discuss some matters to pass the time."I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the cobwebs. "Very well. You know so much about me already. Suppose it's only fair I learn more about you."*"Tell me, Lena, what do you know of the raiders? And of dragons?"I considered his questions cautiously before answering. "The raiders are a clan of people with the power to bond and control dragons, if I'm not mistaken. I don't know much of their history. As for dragons..." I hesitated, uncertain how much to reveal.Mr. S nodded thoughtfully. "Go on.""From what I've learned, dragons are mystical creatures that can shapeshift between human and draconic forms. And they can bestow great power on any human who bonds with one, for good or ill.""Very good. You have a
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 102: Dad?
LenaI sat frozen as the ancient woman's ominous words sank in. She peered at me steadily with her rheumy but piercing eyes, awaiting my response."I...I'm afraid I don't understand," I finally stammered, my voice catching dryly in my throat. "What destiny? What role could I possibly fulfill?"She patted my hand with surprising strength given her frail appearance. The paper-thin skin seemed to thrum with hidden energy."All in due time, child," she replied patiently. "First, tell me - what is it you seek by coming here to our sanctuary?"I hesitated, staring down at my clenched hands. Could I trust her with the full truth? But her sage, knowing gaze compelled me to answer honestly."I was told you possess knowledge about severing my bond with the dragon, Scar," I confessed. "I want to be free of him and the control he wields over me."She nodded slowly, taking this in. "Yes, a heavy burden for one so young to bear alone. Now tell me, why is it so very urgent that this bond be broken?"
Stealing The Dragon's Heart Chapter 103: Reminisce
Lena"Of course. But why the rush? If you'll permit me, I'd like to buy you dinner first." Dad said hopefully.My first instinct was to deny him outright - I had no time for nostalgia with the pressing matter of my bond. But I needed his cooperation, and this might be my only chance to get answers about his mysterious past.I nodded hesitantly. "Dinner would be fine."Dad's weathered face broke into a genuine smile, the first I'd seen from him. He led me to a small, tidy cabin set a short ways apart from the rest of the humble homes. I followed him inside.He shrugged off his leather jacket and left his muddy boots on the porch before entering. I did the same, feeling suddenly self-conscious. This simple act of removing shoes signaled stepping into a private, intimate space - a ritual of home I had not shared with my father since early childhood.The single room cabin was sparse but cozy, with a few hand-built furnishings and faded wool blankets warming the bed. Dad busied himself at
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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
