Chapter 35
Dante’s POV
Valencia felt impossibly light in my arms, her limp body cradled gainst my chest as I carried her through the grand castle
halls.
Her white dress was stained red with dried blood, the color stark against her pale skin. Every step made my chest tighten, my grip around her tightening protectively.
Caius was the first to reach me at the entrance. Itis eyes widened, licking between Valencia and the shimmering, floating egg that trailed behind me. “What the hell…?” His voice was a mixture of shock and awe.
“Dante,” my father’s sharp voice rang out, his brows furrowed deeply as he strode forward. “What is this?”
I ignored him, my focus entirely on Valencia. Her shallow breaths were the only thing tethering me to sanity, the faint rise and fall of her chest a reminder that she was still alive.
“I need a doctor.” I shid, my voice tight with urgency. “Call for one. Now.”
Caius turned to obey, but my father raised a hand to stop him.
“That won’t do,” Raiden said gravely, his voice heavy. “This isn’t something a doctor can fix.”
Liroze mid–step, my golden eyes narrowing on him. “What do you mean?”
Raiden sighed, stepping closer, his gaze falling briefly on the floating egg before shifting to Valencia. “I can’t explain everything right now, but we don’t have time. I fear we might already be too late. Follow your instincts, Dante. As a dragon. your instincts will guide you. Trust them.”
A growl rumbled in my throat, but I didn’t argue. I handed the egg–our egg–to my father reluctantly, watching as he cradled it with an odd mixture of reverence and caution.
The moment it left my proximity, I felt an ache in my chest, a string of connection tugging painfully,
But I could feel Valencia’s life slipping like sand between my fingers so without another word, I carried her into my bedroom, kicking the door shut behind me. The quiet of the room pressed heavily around us.
1 laid her carefully on the bed, brushing a strand of hair from her sweat–drenched forehead. Her face was pale, her breaths shallow, and the sight of her fragile form sent a pang of something primal through me.
“xtirl jacioniv, sehlek dout merkran ekess jacioniv”
The word echoed in my mind, louder and more commanding than before. Even though I couldn’t understand the words, I knew what they meant
I stepped back for a moment, the golden scales on my arms shimmering faintly as my body–responded to the call of my instincts. My breaths grew heavier as I focused, a warmth building in my chest.
Using my sharp claw I ripped her dress down the middle and it shit like butter. My shirt was already in tatters due to my wings but I sliced them and threw them on the floor, leaving my torso completely bare..
Kneeling beside her, I placed a hand gently on her chest. I could feel the faint thrum of her heartbeat beneath my palm, but it was extremely weak, unsteady.
I didn’t have time to feel apprehension as I moved on top of her and enveloped her body, making sure to have as much skin to skin contact as possible. I closed my eyes, allowing the warmth in my chest to spread outward.
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Chapter 35
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As I felt the shift in the air, my eyes shot open. The scales on my arms morphed back to skin and I felt my wings fold and meld into my back. A faint glow emanated from my body, soft and golden.
It felt weird to know exactly what was happening. It was my essence–a part of me, born from the awakening of my dragon blood. It pulsed softly, seeping into her, healing, mending.
Valencia stirred slightly, a soft whimper escaping her lips. I paused, my heart clenching at the sound.
“Shh. I murmured, leaning closer. “I’m here, I’ve got you.”
The glow grew stronger, flowing from my hand into her like a stream of liquid light. Her breathing began to even out, her complexion slowly regaining its color. But I knew it wasn’t enou
Instinct screamed at me to give more, to deepen the connection.
Without hesitation, I leaned forward, pressing my lips to hers.The moment our tongues touched, a surge of warmth rushed through me, a current of vitality flowing from me into her. It wasn’t just healing–it was life itself, a transfer of spiritual energy that left me breathless.
Her lips moved against mine weakly, and I could feel her responding, taking in what I gave her. The glow between us brightened, illuminating the room in a soft, golden light.
Finally, her eyes fluttered open, and she let out a soft gasp.
“Dante…” she whispered, her voice hoarse but stronger than before.
I pulled back slightly, afraid to overwhelm her, but her hand reached up, encircling my back and pulling me closer.
…stay,” she murmured, her eyes glistening with tears.
I nodded, leaning down to press a so kiss to her forehead. Relief washed over me as her breathing steadied, her body no longer trembling.
After about half an hour I could feel her physical body completely heal.
I clicked the buzzer on the side of my table and soon the door creaked open slightly, and a maid peeked in cautiously. I gestured for her to come in. “Help her change. I said, my voice low but firm.
The maid nodded quickly, moving to assist Valencia. I stepped outside, giving them privacy.
A few minutes later, we were all assembled in my room. Valencia sat propped up against a mountain of pillows, the egg now resting protectively in her arms. She held it close, her fingers brishing the smooth surface absently as though ensuring it was still there.
My father’s gaze lingered on the egg, his expression a mix of awe and concern. “As you are the mother of my grandchild, he began, his tone formal yet soft, “you should be part of this conversation as well.”
Valencia blinked, her exhaustion evident, but she nodded, her grip on the egg tightening,
Raiden turned his gaze to me and Calus. “I should’ve told you both sooner, but I didn’t think it would ever come to this. Your mother… she was the last living dragon.”
“What?” Caius burst out, his voice incredulous. “Holy shit, Dad! How could you not tell us about this?”
Raiden ignored his outburst his expression solemn. “Dragons are rare, their lineage even more so. It seems your mother passed that bloodline to you both, though it lay dormant. I never imagined it would awaken, not like this. Especially considering you were both born as pups.”
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Caius threw his hands up in frustration. “And you didn’t think it was important enough to mention?”
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Raiden sighed. “I had my reasons. But now, it’s no longer a secre Especially since Dante decided to fly across the skies in his dragon form for the world to see.”
Caius huffed, running a hand through his hair. “Well, I’m sure we can do something about that. Anything else you aren’t telling us?”
Raiden’s expression darkened. “What I’m about to say is crucial. Taking care of a dragon egg is a dangerous and delicate process. It typically takes six months to a year for an egg to hatch During that time, one wrong move can end up harming- or worse–killing both the mother and the child.”
