Chapter 143
Chapter 143
Valencia’s POV
84%
“Why are you so worried? That was just a one–time thing, Dante. We have bigger things to focus on.” I tried to soothe him, forcing a small smile.
But his expression only tensed further, his grip on my face tightening as his thumbs stroked my cheeks. His fiery eyes darkened, shifting into something far more intense–an almost burning shade of red.
My eyes widened. I had only seen his eyes turning red during his Rut.
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“If something happened to you…” His voice was barely a whisper, yet it carried a weight that made my breath catch. “Then I’d burn this whole world down.”
I froze. My heart slammed against my ribs, my entire body heating at the raw intensity of his words.
“Y–you- My voice barely left my throat, but I never got to finish my sentence.
The elevator dinged.
I pulled away just in time, stepping back to a more respectful distance.
Caius strolled in, his brows rising as his eyes flicked between us, his gaze snagging first on my lips–still slightly swollen from Dante’s kiss–then landing on Dante himself.
“Woah…” His eyes narrowed. “First golden, now red?” He took another step closer, peering at Dante like he was some sort of rare artifact. Then his expression shifted from intrigue to shock. “Wait–red? Your eyes turn red?”
I frowned, glancing between them. “Didn’t I tell you?”
Caius scoffed dramatically. “No! You did not! That’s kind of a big deal, Valencia!” He turned back to Dante, grabbing his chin to inspect him like an impatient scientist.
Dante smacked his hand away, looking thoroughly unamused.
Caius ignored him and spun on his heel, marching straight toward the far–right shelves of the library. These were the ones filled with the oldest books, the ones that held histories from thousands of years ago.
He ran his fingers over the spines before pulling one out–a thick tome bound in darkened leather.
He flipped through the pages rapidly, then turned it toward us, tapping a passage written in flowing Draconic script.
“Wer shehad lineage dragons tepoha ganyir ulwimi unlike munth dragons.”
I scanned the words, my mind quickly translating. “Royal lineage dragons possess abilities unlike common dragons…”
Caius nodded vigorously. “Not just that.” He practically vibrated with excitement, pointing between Dante and me. “I cannot believe I didn’t think of this when you burnt the freaking cake down! You have pyrokinesis, telekinesis, and healing abilities! That’s three distinct abilities! Normal dragons usually only had one extra. Healing and flight were common to all of them, but separate elemental abilities? That’s extremely rare.”
Dante remained impassive. “So, I’m a unique half–dragon. Not exactly shocking.”
Seven interrupted, his voice unusually firm. “No. That means you’re a royal descendant–possibly a direct bloodline of
Kereska.”
Dante’s head tilted slightly, his eyes back to normal now that he had calmed down.
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“Uh… how is that relevant right now?” I asked, my brows knitting together.
“It explains exactly what happened earlier with Castor,” Seven said, flipping open another book. “Castor isn’t just any dragon egg. He’s part of that same royal lineage. That’s why he’s already showing abilities far stronger than most dragons, and why he’s… smarter than he should be.”
My eyes widened, hope surging in my chest. “So…. I was right?” I looked between them, barely containing my excitement. “Castor knew it was me. That’s why he didn’t burn me!”
Caius held up a hand. “Woah, woah, what? No, I was talking about how you said he communicates with you through your connection. What exactly happened? Someone fill me in please?”
Seven quickly summarized what had happened with Castor and the fire, explaining how the flames had consumed the room but left me untouched.
Caius frowned, rubbing his chin. “It’s probable. But even if that’s true, Valencia, I still think you should be careful. We think Castor recognized you, but we don’t know if that recognition was intentional or instinctual. Until we know for sure, it’s safer if he stays with Dante. Fire won’t harm him.”
I crossed my arms, scowling. “Of course it will. It burned you this morning, didn’t it?” I shot a pointed look at Dante’s hands, recalling the faint burns from earlier.
Dante met my glare evenly. “Even if it did, my healing ability is ten times faster than yours. Which means I’m ten times more likely to be fine.”
I exhaled sharply, feeling the fight drain out of me. “Fine,” I muttered.
Caius took the opportunity to grab another book–a much thicker one, bound in aged leather that smelled faintly of charred wood. He set it in front of me with a heavy thud. “If you want to understand what’s happening, read this. It’s got the full history of Kereska’s bloodline. Trust me, you’re gonna want to know this story.”
I glanced at Dante. “You have a meeting, don’t you?”
He nodded. “I’ll be back before dinner.”
“Take care of Castor,” I reminded him.
Dante gave me a lingering look before turning away, leaving with Caius.
As soon as they were gone, I settled into my seat and flipped open the book, quickly becoming absorbed in its pages.
Kereska–the Dragon Queen of Life and Death.
She was a legend among dragons, revered and worshipped by all. She had ruled alongside her mate, bearing many children who were said to be the strongest of their kind.
But dragons had long lifespans, they were almost like immortals. And over the centuries, they began to suffer from something called ‘the Hunger. A slow increase in their need to sleep and eat began, their bodies started weakening and their life spans decreased significantly, most dragons died before turning a hundred.
Kereska had lost eight of her twelve children before they reached two hundred.
Her mate, the Dragon King, sought a solution–believing they had angered the Sun Goddess by being too greedy. He declared that greater sacrifices must be made. That an offering of immense value would appease the goddess and save their dying bloodline.
With a whole herd of sheeps and cows, many hills of gold and jewels and lastly…
Kereska herself.
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Chapter 143
She had agreed without hesitation. After all, fire could not harm her. Her being inside the flame of sacrifice was only for show. As the Queen, she believed it was her duty.
But she was betrayed.
Her younger sister, the jealous Princess, coveted Kereska’s mate–the young, powerful King. Unlike Kereska, the Princess had been forced to marry an older dragon, one she loathed.
So she made a choice.
Using powerful elemental magic, she took on Kereska’s appearance, trapping the true Queen in the dungeons. And on the day of the offering, she stepped into the sacred flames in her place.
To take her place and receive the blessings of the sun goddess and the love of Kereska’s mate.
