Scar's POVThe harsh clang of swords rang in my ears as I faced off against Brandon, one of the oldest warriors in my service. We were alone in the training arena as twilight fell, having sparred for the past hour. With a final mighty lunge, I knocked Brandon's blade aside and swept his legs out from under him. He hit the dirt hard with a pained groan before lying still, thoroughly bested.I stood over him, chest heaving and vision tinged red. The savage fury simmering within me for days begged for release. But footsteps behind made me turn with a snarl."Peace, Scar," Hermes said, raising his hands cautiously. My oldest friend and adviser studied me with concern. "That is enough violence for today. Come, let us return to the manor."I growled in frustration, the dragon in me straining against its bonds. "Do not command me! I must have an outlet, or..." I trailed off ominously, hands clenching.Hermes considered me a moment. "Very well. If you require exertion, spend your energy on t
Scar's POVKai led me swiftly through the torch-lit passages to the ancient library, my talons clicking ominously against the stone floors. My powers seethed just below the surface, ready to unleash vicious fury upon whoever dared steal from me. At the arched double doors, Kai drew an intricate sigil with his finger. The locks disengaged with an audible click and the doors swung open. I stalked inside, senses alert for any sign of how the thief managed to breach this sanctum.But a cursory examination revealed no damage or forced entry. The protective wards remained intact. My brows drew together in a perplexed scowl. How was this possible?"The book was stored in this alcove, was it not?" I rumbled. Kai hurried over and nodded grimly. The gap on the shelf where the leather-bound tome had sat seemed to taunt me. I closed my eyes, calling upon my ancient draconic powers, seeking any traces left by the thief. But no unusual scents or residues lingered. Only the faint magical signature
Scar's POVThe silence within my private chambers was suffocating, pressing in on me from all sides. Since the shock of Lena's betrayal and missing book, I had cloistered myself away, interacting with others as little as possible. I could not bear to see the fearful glances or sense the simmering unease within my people whenever I approached. Not when my own spirit was so violently churning.Though I kept up a stoic front, inside I alternated between rage and profound grief at all that had been ripped away. My incompetence had cost dragonkind dearly. Our history and knowledge were gone, our unity shattered. And the gnawing void where my heart once resided seemed to be slowly consuming me from within.For days, the changes had been subtle - sleepless nights staring into the darkness, spells of dizziness, a vague sense of fragility. But this morning upon glimpsing my reflection, the differences had become impossible to ignore. My complexion had turned sallow, cheeks gaunt and shadows ri
Fox's POVMy men prowled through the thickets and brush outside Scar's fortress walls, concealed amongst the shadows. I had sent them here to intercept Lena once she made her escape. That foolish girl was the keystone to unlocking the power contained in the dragonheart crystal I now possessed. But as the hours wore on with no sighting of her, a restless unease took hold in my gut. Had she already fled this place without my knowledge? The notion left a bitter taste in my mouth. I could not afford to lose her trail now when I was so close to glory. Pulling out my burner phone, I typed off a quick encrypted message to my inside source, Sage.Target still not emerged. What is her status? Do not fail me again.Sage's terse reply came shortly after: I warned you Lena is not the same as before. I've done all I can from within. Do not contact me again.I swore vehemently, drawing a few cautious glances from my nearby men. So the little raven had already flown the coop then, it seemed. But
Frost's POVI sat rigidly behind the heavy oak desk in my private study, brow furrowed in thought. My second-in-command Flint had just finished briefing me on the skirmish with unknown assailants beyond our northern border. From his account, they did not seem to be the work of the dragon Scar or his forces. Their fighting style was different, more ruthless and chaotic. Humans, perhaps a renegade warband. But we had been at peace with the local villagers for some time now.I waved a hand, dismissing Flint for the evening. "Double the patrols for now, but do not engage unless provoked. And keep this quiet - no need to alarm anyone unnecessarily." Flint bowed. "Of course, Commander. I will inform only the sentry captains.""One more thing," I added as he turned to leave. "Do not let Lena know of this incident. She has enough to fret over as things stand."Flint nodded in understanding before departing to relay my orders. Alone again, I sank back in my chair, rubbing my temples wearily
Lena's POV I awoke to rays of morning light spilling across my face, along with a splitting headache. Groaning, I buried my head under the pillows, fragments of the previous night flashing through my mind. Dancing provocatively, shedding my clothes, then finally joining passionately with Frost. My cheeks burned remembering it all. At the time, the excess wine had bolstered my courage to be bolder. But now I just felt terribly self-conscious about my wanton behavior. Peeking out, I realized Frost must have cleaned and dressed me before leaving me to rest. Another flare of embarrassment went through me. The imposing commander seeing me in such a state! What must he think of me acting like an infatuated girl, using wine as an excuse? I wished the furs would simply swallow me whole.Only the pressing needs of my protesting bladder finally drove me from the bed. After tending to necessities and splashing cold water on my face, I surveyed myself critically in the mirror. My dark mane wa
Lena's POV I was abruptly jolted from a peaceful sleep by a tremendous crash directly overhead, followed by muffled cursing. Heart racing, I bolted upright in the massive bed, peering around wildly. It took a few panicked breaths to get my bearings and realize there was no attack or imminent danger. Only the patter of footsteps across the ceiling, accompanied by more thuds and colorful vocabulary. Exhaling shakily, I wrapped a robe around myself and crept upstairs to investigate the source of the commotion that woke me at this godsforsaken hour. Pushing open the door near the top of the stairs, I was met with a scene of chaos. The pretty blonde maid Helga stood in the midst of what looked like the aftermath of a small hurricane - smashed pottery, torn fabrics, broken furniture and assorted debris scattered everywhere.In the center of it all stood Freya, hands planted on her hips defiantly as she surveyed the damage with a critical eye. Hearing my approach, she whirled and broke i
Lena's POVI lingered in the restaurant after lunch, sipping tea by the window. Freya sat nearby, unusually quiet as she picked at the remnants of her meal. I studied her pensively, remembering how flustered she had seemed yesterday morning around the archivist Mars. My curiosity finally got the better of me. Setting down my cup, I leaned toward Freya conspiratorially. "So...is Mars the 'friend' you hope will impress you at the tournament?" Freya's head jerked up, cheeks flushing scarlet. "I never said that!" But her telling reaction answered the question well enough. I had to bite my cheek to keep from grinning outright."But you do fancy him, don't you?" I pressed gently. Freya huffed, stabbing at her food. "And what if I do? It's pointless anyhow. He's not some muscle-bound warrior."I waved my hand dismissively. "You needn't hide your feelings. I saw how tenderly he looks at you, Freya. Why not speak openly together?"She smiled sadly down at her plate. "If only it were that sim