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00:00Only a week left until your awakening day. Have you chosen your bondmate?
00:05My mother handed me five portraits of the realm's elite dragon knights.
00:09I stood atop the royal spire, my nails digging bloody half-moons into my palms.
00:14I have, I said flatly.
00:16I knew it. You will pick Kaylin. You've followed the golden dragon heir since childhood.
00:23Mother smiled, warm and certain.
00:24No, I will not choose him. Her smile vanished in an instant.
00:30Then Tristan, Julian, Cassius?
00:33I choose none of them.
00:35That leaves only Damien. The black dragon lord vanished to the frost spine north.
00:42You have hated each other since you were children.
00:45I met her gaze, calm and unyielding.
00:47Yes, I choose Damien. I will bond with him.
00:50In my past life, I had chosen Kaylin. My heart filled with joy.
00:55But he faked his own death the night before our bond ritual.
00:58Abandoning me for a common peasant girl, I hunted for him like a madwoman for three long years.
01:03When I found him, he was kissing her, holding her like she was his whole world.
01:06I broke down, screaming for answers. He looked at me with cold, unfeeling eyes.
01:11So you found our secret, Seraphina?
01:13The next second, his sword pierced my heart.
01:16Then die.
01:20The three knights who swore eternal love had covered for him every step of the way.
01:25Only the dead keep secrets.
01:27Only Damien, my sworn enemy, avenged me.
01:30Only Damien buried my body.
01:32He knelt at my grave and wept, guarding it until his last breath.
01:36I will announce my choice at the awakening feast.
01:39I said to my mother,
01:40You must go to the Frost Spine Dragon Roost tomorrow personally.
01:43He will not believe it otherwise.
01:45Mother sighed and agreed.
01:47I turned and descended the spire.
01:51In the courtyard garden, soft sobs drifted from behind the laurel trees.
01:56Kaelin!
01:56Ilara's voice trembled.
01:58Seraphina will choose you on her awakening day.
02:00I am just a peasant funded by the church.
02:03We should break up.
02:04Four towering men surrounded her, fawning over her like she was a goddess.
02:09Kaelin's face darkened, gripping her wrist hard.
02:12He spoke through gritted teeth.
02:14You go nowhere without my permission.
02:16I love only you.
02:18No matter whom Seraphina chooses.
02:22I will fake my death before the ritual.
02:24I will take you far away.
02:27Tristan handed her a silk handkerchief, his voice soft and gentle.
02:31Do not fear.
02:32We will distract Seraphina.
02:34She will never find you.
02:36Drulian chuckled.
02:37Live in peace with Kaelin.
02:38We will handle everything.
02:40Cassius stroked her hair, indulgent and warm.
02:43We are here for you.
02:45Always.
02:46Ilara bit her lip, tears streaming down her face.
02:51But Seraphina will be heartbroken when she finds out.
02:54The four men laughed, cold and heartless.
02:57We only care about you.
02:59Seraphina can die for all we care.
03:01I stood hidden behind the tree, my blood turning to ice.
03:04This was exactly how it had happened in my past life.
03:07This time, I wanted nothing to do with any of them.
03:10I stepped forward, my boots clicking on the stone path.
03:13Ilara spotted me, malice flashing in her eyes before she feigned innocence.
03:18Lady Seraphina!
03:19What are you doing here?
03:21I knew her game playing the victim to gain sympathy.
03:24She grabbed my arm forcefully, her grip tight and vicious.
03:27May I serve you in any way?
03:29I would do anything for you.
03:32Get off me.
03:33I shoved her away hard.
03:35Ilara let out a shrill, fake scream.
03:37She clutched my robes and threw herself backward.
03:39We both tumbled into the endless water elemental pool.
03:42Frigid water closed over my head in an instant, but I could not swim.
03:46I thrashed and screamed, drowning in the clear, cold depths.
03:50All four men dove into the water at once, but not one swam toward me.
03:55They raced to Ilara, who knew exactly how to swim.
03:57As consciousness faded, I watched Kaelin lift her into his arms.
04:01The man with a deadly phobia of filth, who even washed his hands after touching me, tilted her chin and
04:07kissed her deeply.
04:07He breathed life into her lungs.
04:10He saved his beloved.
04:11I dragged myself ashore with every last ounce of strength.
04:14I could not die.
04:15I had to bond with Damien.
04:16Kaelin pulled away from the long kiss as Allara's eyes fluttered open.
04:22He lifted her into his arms and strode away without a glance back.
04:26I will take you to the healing temple.
04:27He did not spare a single look at me, who was soaking and trembling.
04:31The other three knights finally noticed me.
04:34Tristan rushed forward, fake concern painted on his face.
04:37Are you hurt?
04:38We mistook Ilara for you in the murky water.
04:41Julian hurried to lie.
04:42I stared at them.
04:43The pool was crystal clear.
04:44Ilara wore white linen, and I wore crimson royal robes.
04:48They could never have mistaken us.
04:50Leave me alone.
04:51Get out of my sight.
04:53I turned and walked away.
04:54That evening, the royal palace held a high relic auction.
04:57I entered the hall to find Kaelin and Ilara seated in the noble's box.
05:01When he saw me, Kaelin stepped forward, arrogant and cold.
05:05I know you love me, but I do not love you.
05:09Don't choose me as your bondmate.
05:11Tristan clapped my shoulder, smug and entitled.
05:14You will choose Kaelin, will you not?
05:16If he rejects you, we'll have your back.
05:19I looked at the three conceited men, my voice flat and final.
05:23Rest easy.
05:24I choose none of you.
05:25The auction began.
05:26The final relic was brought forth.
05:28It was my late master's legacy, the ancient mists of the Dragon Abyss Scroll.
05:33Five million gold coins.
05:35I raised my paddle.
05:37Kaelin, the dragon shadows on the scroll are beautiful.
05:40Ilara tugged his hand, her eyes greedy.
05:43Bids soared.
05:44Kaelin bought the scroll for one hundred million gold coins without hesitation.
05:48I took a deep breath and walked toward Ilara.
05:51Name your price for the scroll.
05:54She smiled, venom dripping from her tone.
05:57So the high and mighty lady begs?
05:59Gold means nothing.
06:01Kneel, and I will give it to you.
06:03I stared her down, rage burning in my veins.
06:07Ilara laughed loudly and cruelly.
06:10She gripped the scroll, tearing it to shreds.
06:14How dare you!
06:16I slapped her across the face, hard enough to split her lip.
06:19Serafina!
06:20What have you done?
06:22Kaelin's roar shook the hall.
06:24It is my fault, not hers.
06:27Ilara sobbed, clutching her swollen cheek.
06:29She shoved Kaelin away, feigning despair.
06:32If everyone hates me, let me die!
06:36Ilara sprinted toward the stained glass window and threw herself out.
06:39Kaelin lost his mind, lifting her broken, bleeding body in his arms.
06:43If Alorda dies, I will kill you.
06:46At the healing temple, the high priest rushed out, sweating with panic.
06:50My lord! Her life force fades fast!
06:53She needs pure silver dragon primordial blood, but we have none left!
06:57Kaelin's eyes locked on me, cold and ruthless.
07:00You are a pure-blood silver dragon.
07:04No.
07:05Ilara whispered weakly from the bed.
07:07You are too kind.
07:08Kaelin squeezed her hand, his voice soft.
07:11He turned to me, no warmth left in his gaze.
07:13Chain her to the ritual altar.
07:15He ordered.
07:16You will not touch me!
07:18Oh, really?
07:19He sneered.
07:23With my parents gone to the Frost Spine, no one stood to protect me.
07:27Heavy knights pained me to the cold stone altar.
07:30Their grip, unbreakable.
07:32I fought with every fiber of my being.
07:34Kaelin!
07:35You will regret this!
07:37I screamed.
07:38You are the one who will regret it.
07:40He drove a hollow, sober spike into my vein without mercy.
07:43Pure silver dragon blood flowed down the crystal channel into Alara's body.
07:47Agony ripped through me.
07:49My vision faded to black.
07:50When I woke, my arm was covered in a web of brutal puncture wounds.
07:55Trestan stirred at my bedside, fake sorrow in his eyes.
07:58You are awake.
08:00Kaelin went too far.
08:02I stared at him, ice in my voice.
08:04Leave.
08:06I want to be alone.
08:08The three men turned and left, rushing to tend to their precious Alara.
08:12I thought the bloodletting was the end.
08:14I was wrong.
08:15What came next was a chain of cold, calculated murder.
08:19On the first day, I dragged my drained body to flee the royal lands.
08:23But I was ambushed at the Royal Drake Ranch.
08:26Hundreds of enraged armored drakes charged at me.
08:30Their claws shattered my leg bones.
08:32Pain blinded me.
08:33As I blacked out, I saw Tristan, Julian, and Cassius standing on the hillside, watching.
08:39I woke to the sound of their voices arguing outside my door.
08:45Kaelin's voice was cold and flat.
08:47You unleashed the drakes to cripple her?
08:49Cassius spoke casually, unremorseful.
08:52She hurt Alara.
08:53This is just a small lesson.
08:56Tanston's was wokeless and cruel.
08:59I am sick of pretending to love her.
09:01It makes me sick.
09:03I bit my lip until it bled.
09:05On the second night, Kaelin kicked down the door to my healing chamber and seized my throat.
09:13Alara came to see you, and you hired thugs to assault her?
09:18I did no such thing.
09:20You refuse to confess?
09:22Then I will return the favor.
09:24He clapped his hands.
09:26You will pay for harming her.
09:27Five filthy, underworld thugs stepped into the room.
09:33Kaelin, have you lost your mind?
09:37Kaelin walked out, and locked the door behind him.
09:42The thugs lunged at me, grinning with malice.
09:45They pinned me down, tearing at my robes.
09:47My bones were broken.
09:48I could not cast magic.
09:50I would not let these monsters defile me.
09:52I bit through my tongue, burning the last of my magic to shove them away.
09:57Then, I threw myself out the second floor window.
10:00I crashed into the ground below as a torrential rain began to fall.
10:04I dragged my broken leg across the royal stone streets, crawling for my life.
10:08The next second, a blinding light cut through the storm.
10:12A heavy nightmare beast carriage slammed into me to stop my escape.
10:16I flew through the air like a broken rag doll.
10:19The carriage door opened.
10:20Julian's voice drifted down from above.
10:22Tristan, you are brutal.
10:24You ran her down with the beast?
10:25She would not stop running.
10:26I had no choice.
10:27Cassius' voice held cold regret.
10:29Pity she survived.
10:31If she died, we could guard a llama openly.
10:33Rain hammered my face.
10:34In my delirium, I saw him, Damien.
10:40Tears mixed with the rain as I whispered into the dark.
10:44I miss you so much.
10:45But it was only a hallucination, nothing more.
10:48I hid in my private estate to heal until the eve of the awakening.
10:53Still, Kaelin and Allara forced their way into my home.
10:56We are here for Allara's things.
10:59She will not stay here.
11:01Not where you can hurt her.
11:04My healing badge is gone.
11:06Why would you steal this from me, my lady?
11:09Allara stared at me, fainting tears.
11:11I did not take it.
11:12I spoke without emotion.
11:14Kaelin waved a hand, cold and furious.
11:17Search the estate!
11:18Tear it apart until you find the badge!
11:20Dozens of royal guards stormed in.
11:22They smashed every antique, every piece of furniture, reducing my home to rubble.
11:31Found it!
11:32A guard ran down with the badge.
11:33Kaelin led Allara away, satisfied and cruel.
11:37I went to the elven tailor's shop and chose the crimson royal robes of my pure-blood liages.
11:42As I left, a brutal blow struck my head and darkness swallowed me.
11:47I woke, hanging from the spire's outer wall, bound by magic ropes, clad only in thin undergarments.
11:55Kaelin gripped my chin hard, his voice icy.
11:59Remember this lesson.
12:00Never dare to take what belongs to Allara again.
12:03At dawn, Tristan, Julian, and Cassius freed me, their faces full of fake concern.
12:09Serafina!
12:10We just found you!
12:12We are so sorry!
12:13I stared at their lying faces, rage exploding from my chest.
12:19Get away from me!
12:21Every wound on my body was given to me by you, monsters!
12:25I shoved them aside and walked away.
12:27The awakening feast began.
12:29The grand hall blazed with gold and light.
12:34I entered in my tailored crimson royal robes, regal and unbroken.
12:43Minutes later, Kaelin walked in with Allara on his arm.
12:47She wore an exact copy of my crimson robes, sewn overnight by Kaelin's order.
12:53Every noble in the hall watched, whispering and laughing at my humiliation.
12:58Kaelin stepped toward me, his voice like shards of ice.
13:02Change your robes at once, or I will strip them from you with magic.
13:05I clenched the fabric of my dress.
13:07Kaelin summoned guards, dragging me to the changing rooms by force.
13:15Ten minutes later, I returned in a rough white linen maid's dress.
13:21Kaelin smiled, pleased with his cruelty.
13:24The bonding ritual began.
13:25The high priest smiled.
13:28Lady Valerius, who do you choose as your eternal bond maid?
13:32Silence fell over the hall.
13:34Kaelin lifted his chin, arrogant and certain of his victory.
13:38I took a deep breath, my voice ringing clear through the hall.
13:41Just one more moment.
13:42The next second, the massive black iron doors of the hall were slammed open with brutal force.
13:49A freezing gale swept in, carrying the crushing aura of a dragon lord.
13:54My parents stepped inside.
13:56Behind them stood a tall, imposing man.
13:59He wore pure black battle armor, carved with ferocious black dragon runes on his shoulders.
14:05His gaze was a blade, his presence exuding the suffocating power of the abyss.
14:10Kaelin's face drained of all color.
14:12Tristan, Julian, and Cassius stiffened, their eyes wide with terror.
14:16He had returned.
14:18Damien had returned.
14:20Tears burned my eyes and spilled down my cheeks.
14:23I walked past Kaelin without a single glance, striding straight to the black armored warlord.
14:28I stopped before him and looked up.
14:31My voice broke, but it was unshakable and firm.
14:34I choose him, Damien Obsidian.
14:37Dead silence filled the grand hall.
14:40Damien stared at me, shock flashing in his eyes, then blazing into unbridled devotion.
14:46He ignored every stunned noble and knelt on one knee before me.
14:50Then, he pressed a reverent kiss to the back of my hand.
14:54Pure abyss magic erupted, weaving with the last of my silver dragon essence.
15:00A blood-bond rune blazed to life beneath our feet.
15:04Light shooting to the ceiling.
15:06The entire hall shook.
15:08We were bound.
15:10Seraphina, you are mad!
15:13Kaelin screamed, rushing forward to break the ritual.
15:15Damien did not even look up.
15:17A wave of black dragon crashed down like a tidal wave.
15:20Kaelin's knees slammed into the marble floor, shattering the stone dome beneath him.
15:24Coughed up a mouthful of blood, pinned to the ground helpless.
15:27The bond light faded.
15:28Damien stood and pulled me into his arms.
15:30Suddenly, he tensed up.
15:31He sensed the damage at once.
15:33Damien's voice was deadly cold.
15:34Where is your primordial blood?
15:36Why are your leg bones broken and mended wrong?
15:38He pushed past my rejests and tore the sleeve from my right arm.
15:41The dense, horrific puncture wounds were laid back for all to see.
15:44A collective gas rippled through the hall.
15:46It was undeniable proof of bloodletting, of being drained like livestock.
15:50Damien's eyes turned crimson.
15:51Killing rage consumed the entire hall.
15:53Who did this to you?
15:54His roar shook the walls.
15:56Abyss, fire burning around him.
15:58He stared at Kaelin on the floor and the trembling high priest.
16:02My parents rushed forward.
16:05Mother saw my wounds and shook with rage.
16:08Tears streaming down her face.
16:10Father drew his greatsword, pointing it straight at Kaelin.
16:13Golden dragon filth.
16:15You drained our heir's blood, you monster.
16:18His voice boomed through the hall.
16:20From this day, we declare war on the golden dragon clan.
16:24No mercy, no peace.
16:26Kaelin's eyes widened in pure terror.
16:28He finally understood what he had done.
16:30Tristan, Julian, and Cassius hid in the crowd, pale and shaking.
16:35Damien removed his black cloak, wrapping it tightly around me to shield me from view.
16:40He lifted me into his arms, gentle and unyielding.
16:43I will heal you.
16:44He turned his gaze to Kaelin and Dallara, his gaze murderous.
16:50Just you wait.
16:51I'll make you a million times more miserable than she ever has been.
16:55The iron doors slammed open again.
16:57Damien carried me into the endless night, away from the Hall of Traitors.
17:01Soon, we arrived at Frostspine.
17:03The wind was freezing, but Damien's arms burned with warmth.
17:06He laid me gently on a stone bed lined with soft furs.
17:10For days, he never left my side.
17:12The brutal black dragon warlord of legend sat with bloodshot eyes, tending to my every wound.
17:18He fed me aurora spring water like common water, the rarest healing elixir in the realm.
17:23He crushed the dragon marrow without hesitation, rubbing it into my broken bones and scarred veins.
17:28The agony of mending bones faded, replaced by a warm, healing power.
17:33On the third night, I burned with a high fever.
17:35Memories of my past life flooded my mind.
17:38The cold, rainy night, Kaelin's cruel smile, the sword through my heart.
17:42No!
17:43I thrashed in my sleep, sobbing in despair.
17:45Stop!
17:46I clawed at the furs, drenched in sweat.
17:48Why are you doing this to me?
17:50Kaelin, I hate you all!
17:52A strong hand pulled me into a broad, burning chest.
17:55Damien held me tight, his voice rough and broken.
17:58Don't be afraid.
17:59I am here.
18:00He kissed the tears from my cheeks.
18:02The next second, he drew a dagger and sliced open his palm.
18:05Black dragon blood fell onto my forehead.
18:08I swear by the abyss.
18:10Damien snarled, each word a vow of blood.
18:13I will erase them from existence.
18:16They will not even deserve the peace of death.
18:18Pure abyss magic flowed through our blood bond, flooding my body.
18:22A miracle unfolded.
18:24My dried, empty silver dragon blood boiled and regenerated, fueled by his overwhelming power.
18:29Now, my silver veins darkened with a faint abyss glow.
18:33It was an abyss ascension.
18:35My wounds healed before my eyes, erased without a trace.
18:39My magic, stagnant for years, shattered its limits.
18:42Light blazed around me as I rose to the rank of high archmage.
18:46I snapped my eyes open.
18:48A dark golden dragon shadow flickered in the depths of my gaze.
18:51I sat up, feeling power roar like a storm inside me.
18:55No one would ever hurt me again.
18:57Damien brushed his thumb over my cheek, his gaze deep and fierce.
19:01How do you feel?
19:02I laced my fingers.
19:03Through his, turning my gaze over the royal capital, a cold, cruel smile curved my lips.
19:09I spoke slowly.
19:11Perfect.
19:12It is time to go back.
19:14It is time for them to pay.
19:16Meanwhile, at the healing temple, screams of agony echoed from the high healing chambers.
19:23Alara thrashed on the bed, her body breaking apart.
19:27Her skin cracked like dry bark, oozing black, corrupted blood.
19:32The stolen silver dragon blood rejected her mortal body, devouring her from the inside.
19:39Dragon blood was not meant for a greedy, worthless peasant.
19:42She shrieked, begging for mercy.
19:44Kaelin! Help me! It hurts!
19:47The high priest rushed out, pale and desperate.
19:49My lord, the rejection is fatal.
19:53She needs one hundred thousand gold boinds of shilling elixir,
19:57and mevridate and eeklykaiches simyat, to survive.
20:01Kaelin's eyes were bloodshot, grabbing the priest by the collar.
20:05Use the potions! Give her everything!
20:07The priest shook his head, hopeless.
20:10My lord, though your family's elders have frozen your treasury.
20:17Kaelin frozen, his world crumbling.
20:20He had spent one hundred million gold coin to tear apart my master's scroll for her amusement.
20:25Worse, my family's declaration of war had the golden dragon elders strip him of his birthright.
20:32He was ruined.
20:33The once-proud heir could not even afford the weakest healing potion.
20:38To survive, Alotta turned her greedy eyes to the three knights.
20:42Tristan slammed Julian against the wall, snarling with rage.
20:45It is your turn! To feed her your life force!
20:49I have been drained for three days straight! I will lose my rank!
20:53Julian shoved him away, laughing coldly.
20:56Why me? Look at Kaelin. Cassius, she drained half his magic pool yesterday. He can barely stand.
21:03Cassius stumbled out, weak and venomous.
21:06She lied to us all. She is using us as magic cattle! Her kindness and softness are all fake!
21:14The three men who swore to protect her forever turned on each other, broken by greed and survival.
21:21I will die before I let her touch me again! You started this! You wanted to protect her!
21:27They fought like wild animals, magic tearing apart the temple. Charms flew across the air, shattering the crystal statues.
21:36Proud noble knights tore each other apart to avoid being drained dry.
21:40Their affections for Allura disappeared without a trace.
21:44Inside the chamber, Allura listened to their screams, rivaling in agony.
21:49Her reckoning had only just begun.
21:52The Royal Inquisition's black guard surrounded the temple.
21:55The Inquisitor slammed three memory crystals at Kaelin's feet.
21:58Look at what you have done!
21:59The first crystal lit up. The water element pool. The recording was crystal clear.
22:06Allura grabbed my robes and dragged me in. A cruel smile on her face.
22:10The second crystal, the Drake Ranch. Tristan's maid bribed the Beastmasters to unleash the Drakens on me.
22:17The third crystal, the Underworld Thug's confession.
22:20Allura hired us to frame Lady Serafina. It was all her fault! And Kaelin ordered us to defile her!
22:28The truth was laid bare. Kaelin stared at the crystals. Shaking violently, his world shattered.
22:36The fragile peasant he loved was a venomous liar. And he had paid men to destroy the woman who had
22:42loved him the most.
22:43Just then, a royal archidist stepped forward with an ancient scroll.
22:48My lord, when you were dying in the monster woods, it was not Allura who saved you.
22:53The archivist sighed. It was Lady Serafina. She nearly lost her rank to heal you. Allura stole the credit.
23:00Kaelin broke completely.
23:07He tore at his hair, screaming in agony. He couldn't believe it. He had chained his savior to an altar
23:13and drained her blood for a liar.
23:15He had threatened to strip her naked and humiliate her in front of the realm.
23:18Regret bit through his heart like a venomous serpent. The pain almost tore him apart.
23:26Serafina! Serafina! I am so sorry!
23:30He fell to his knees, sobbing like a broken man. Tristan, Julian, and Cassius heard every word outside.
23:38They froze, their minds blank with horror.
23:41They remembered breaking my legs with the Drax.
23:44They remembered learning watching me crawl through the rain, broken and bleeding.
23:49They had crushed the purest soul in the realm into the mud.
23:52What have we done? What have we done?
23:57Tristan beat his own face until blood ran down his chin.
24:00The four proud men were reduced to broken dogs.
24:03They fled the capital that night, racing to the frostbite north to beg for mercy.
24:09When they arrived, a blizzard was roaring outside.
24:12The four men knelt before the black ragged and roost's iron gates, ragged and drained of magic.
24:19Ice pierced their knees, but they didn't move an itch.
24:22As if the cold meant nothing to them.
24:26Serafina! Please! We need to talk to you!
24:29We are sorry! We beg for forgiveness! Let us atone!
24:33They kept begging and apologizing.
24:34But their cries were swallowed by the blizzard.
24:37A single black dragon's roar shook the mountains in response.
24:40I stood on the dragon throne's balcony, arm linked with Damien's.
24:45I wore black and crimson battle robes, abyss magic swirling around me.
24:49The four men knelt in the snow, half dead from the cold.
24:52When they saw me, their empty eyes blazed with desperate hope.
24:56Serafina! You came!
24:58Tristan crawled forward, trying to grasp my robes.
25:01Forgive us! Let us be your slaves! Anything! As long as Cess you forgive!
25:06I kicked him away without hesitation. I stared down at them. No mercy. No emotion in my gaze.
25:12Forgiveness. You are not worthy. Move. You soil my boots.
25:16You cannot choose him. You are mine. I challenge him to a sacred duel.
25:21Caelan's eyes blazed with madness, staring at our linked hands.
25:25The winner claims you!
25:27He drew his broken sword, pointing it at Damien. Damien laughed, low and mocking.
25:32Claim her? She belongs to no one but herself, and you will be dead soon.
25:37Then, Damien opened a death duel arena. No magic was allowed, only raw strength.
25:43One punch. Damien shattered Caelan's prized golden dragon bones into dust.
25:48Caelan crashed to the ground, screaming in endless agony.
25:53The three knights tried to rush to his aid.
25:56My gaze turned cold, and abyss magic exploded from me.
26:00A dark golden dragon shadow tore through their magic cores, shattering them forever.
26:06Blood sprayed across the snow.
26:08They were broken, powerless, crippled, less than peasants.
26:13They had lost all their ranks.
26:15I pressed my boot to Caelan's face, crushing his last shred of pride.
26:19Do not die yet. The show has only just begun.
26:23The arrogant and powerful elite knights were ruined.
26:26Three days later, at the central square, flames roared high around the pyre.
26:31A stake stood at the center, and a filthy monster was bound to it.
26:35Heretic. Death by fire.
26:37The high priest pronounced judgment, cold and final.
26:41It was Alara.
26:42The stolen blood had devoured her, completely.
26:45Her body twisted into a grotetic half-dragon monster.
26:50She screamed until her throat gave out, burning to ash in the flames.
26:55Beneath the pyre knelt four crippled, broken men.
26:58Caelan.
27:28Caelan.
27:28Tristan.
27:28Julian.
27:28Nobles from across the realm knelt before me, bowing their heads in submission.
27:32I took the family scepter, crowned the new matriarch.
27:35Damien walked toward me, clad in his black dragon armor.
27:37He placed a crown of black dragon scales upon my head.
27:40The exiled black dragon of the north, and the pure-blood silver dragon of the capital.
27:44We ruled the realm as twin monarchs, unchallenged and supreme.
27:47Damien laced his fingers through mine, pulling me close.
27:52The entire realm is at our feet, my queen.
27:55He whispered as he looked into my eyes.
27:57Standing and at the peak of the dragon abyss, I kissed him passionately.
28:01The blizzard faded.
28:02This life, I had finally chosen the right one.
28:05In the slums, Caelan lay in the mud, a broken, dying dog.
28:08His dragon bones were shattered beyond repair.
28:11Every movement sent bone shards tearing through his flesh.
28:14Moo.
28:15Trash.
28:15Caelan screamed in agony.
28:17Abood crushed his broken hand into the filth.
28:19It was one of the underworld thugs Caelan had hired to defile me.
28:23Finally, karma had come full circle.
28:25The thugs ruled the slums now, and the once-proud golden heir was their plaything.
28:30Well, well.
28:31If it isn't Lord Caelan.
28:33The thug leader grabbed his hair, yanking his face from the mud.
28:39No food?
28:41Lick the slob bucket, and I will give you a moldy crust of bread.
28:45Caelan's eyes were empty, his lips trembling.
28:48He had no magic, no pride, no strength left.
28:52With no other choice, he closed his eyes and crawled toward the bucket.
28:56He had traded everything for survival.
28:59Just then, three equally filthy men charged at him.
29:02It was Tristan, Julian, and Cassius.
29:05They fought him like rabid dogs, hitting him as hard as possible.
29:09This is your fault!
29:10You brought that liar into our lives!
29:12Tristan kicked Caelan's skull, coughing up blood as he struck.
29:15Julian clawed at his throat, screaming for the bread.
29:18Give me that!
29:19I haven't eaten in three days!
29:21Lady Serafina, I'm so sorry.
29:22Cassius huddled in the corner, biting his own fingers, muttering my name over and over.
29:27These four nights were once at the peak, promising to be bound by love and lies.
29:31Now they tore each other apart for a scrape of bread in the mud.
29:33Suddenly, a sky projection lit up the slums.
29:37Today was my birthday parade.
29:38I stood on the throne, robed in black and crimson, crowned with dragon scales.
29:43The whole world was under my feet.
29:46Damien fed Rear Northern Delicates, his gaze full of love and devotion.
29:50The four men froze, staring up at they had the sky.
29:54They looked at the girl they had destroyed.
29:57The girl who had loved them, who had saved them, who had endured their cruelty.
30:01If they had chosen wisely, if they had not been blinded by a liar, maybe they would have
30:06stood at my side.
30:07Being worshipped by millions, regret pierced their hearts like red-hot blades.
30:12Serafina!
30:12My Serafina!
30:14Ah!
30:15Kaelin reached for the sky, his hand covered in mud and blood.
30:18He screamed, slamming his head into the stone until he broke.
30:22He went mad.
30:22The three others wailed, broken beyond repair.
30:25They would rot in the mud, awake to their regret for the rest of their miserable lives.
30:29The royal parade began.
30:31Damien and I rode upon a throne pulled by eight abyss-boned dragons.
30:35We paraded through the capital streets, stopping at the slum border for the blessing ritual.
30:39Gold coins and potions rained down.
30:42The peasants cheered, their voices shaking the sky.
30:46Long live the queen!
30:48Long live the black dragon king!
30:50Four broken figures crawled from the mud.
30:53Kaelin and his knights, filthy and dying.
30:55The royal guards drew their swords, cold and sharp.
31:00Back off, filth!
31:02The thugs panicked, kicking Kaelin to the ground.
31:05Do not anger the queen, you beast!
31:10Kaelin clung to the thung's leg, staring up at me.
31:14Please, kill me!
31:16Grant me death!
31:18The three others bowed until their foreheads bled, begging for the same mercy.
31:21I sat upon the bone dragon throne, staring down at them.
31:25Death.
31:26That would be too merciful.
31:29Kaelin's eyes widened in despair.
31:31He screamed, desperate and wild.
31:33I know a secret!
31:34The golden dragon vault!
31:35It has endless treasure!
31:37He crawled toward me, his broken legs dragging in the mud.
31:40Kill me, and I will give you the incantation!
31:43I lifted my hand.
31:44A golden dragon scale glowed in my palm.
31:46It was the master key to the vault.
31:48Kaelin froze.
31:48I had Damien raze the vault six months ago.
31:51Its treasures line the floors of my estate.
31:54The last flicker of hope in his eyes died.
31:56Damien chuckled, low and cruel.
31:59He tossed a rusted iron dagger into the mud between them.
32:02My queen is merciful.
32:04She will not stain her hands.
32:06But I give you a choice.
32:07The four men stared at the dagger, trembling.
32:10Only one of you may die a clean death.
32:13The last one standing gets a quick end.
32:15The other three, your souls will burn in the Abyss Fire for ten thousand years.
32:20Abyss Fire was torture beyond their worst nightmares.
32:23They shook, broken and terrified.
32:25No, we are as close as brothers.
32:28Tristan whispered.
32:30Give it to me!
32:31Let me die!
32:32But Julian lunged for the dagger first.
32:35Cassius tackled him, biting out his throat.
32:39Blood sprayed across the mud.
32:41Tristan seized the dagger and stabbed Cassius to death.
32:46Once loyal brothers became monsters, killing for a quick death.
32:51Caelan crawled forward, smashing a rock in Totristan's skull.
32:55The mud ran red with blood in the end.
32:57Only Oniman remained.
32:59It was Caelan.
32:59He knelt, covered in his buddy's blood, lifting the dagger to Damien.
33:04I won!
33:06Kill me!
33:07Please, kill me!
33:08Damien flicked the finger, sending black magic into his body.
33:12Caelan's wounds sealed shut.
33:13He would not die.
33:15Caelan's smile shattered into madness.
33:17What have you done?
33:18You promised to kill me!
33:20Daughter Malin stared at him, cold and unforgiving.
33:23I promised.
33:24But I am the Abyss Black Dragon.
33:27Did you think a devil's promise meant anything?
33:32Caelan went completely catatonic.
33:33I stood and stepped to the edge of the throne.
33:36Death is too easy, Caelan.
33:38You will live to watch me rise to heights.
33:41You will never touch.
33:42I waved my hand.
33:43The bone dragons roared.
33:45The throne rolled forward, its wheels crushing the mud before his eyes.
33:49Filth splattered across Caelan's face.
33:52The thug leader grabbed his hair, sneering.
33:54Your brothers are dead.
33:55You work four times harder now, boy.
33:58Caelan's screams echoed behind me, raw and endless.
34:01I did not look back, not once.
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