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๐Ÿ’žHOT SHORT ๐Ÿ’ž I Bought the Deadliest Dragon Slave - HOT
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00:01As the Dragon King's wife, I was supposed to have it all.
00:04Glory. Power. A lifetime of happiness.
00:09Instead, my husband was carving out my heart.
00:11Vane, what are you doing?
00:13The agony ripped through my chest.
00:15He twisted the dagger deeper, trying to make the blood flow faster.
00:19Elena is dying. She needs your heart's blood.
00:22I choked on my own blood.
00:24My sister?
00:25If it weren't for you, she would have taken me.
00:28You tore us apart.
00:30My breath hitched. He loved Elena.
00:32He hated me for choosing him.
00:34In my last life, Elena and I went to the underground auction.
00:37We bought two dragon slaves.
00:39She took the magnificent silver dragon.
00:41Left me with a black dragon, a crippled runt.
00:43For 49 days, I gave everything I had to heal him.
00:47And he barely recovered.
00:49I even tracked down high-tier elixirs to strengthen his bloodline.
00:52I made him the Dragon King, and he repaid me by killing me.
00:55His cold, dead eyes burned into my memory as the darkness took me.
00:59Gasped.
01:02My eyes snapped open.
01:03Air rushed into my lungs.
01:05I was back at the underground auction that day.
01:09And this time, there was no way in hell I was choosing him.
01:12Elena stood in front of me.
01:14Just like before, she pointed at the chained dragons.
01:17Sarah?
01:17Let's take those two.
01:19My eyes locked onto the dirt floor.
01:21There he was.
01:23Vain.
01:24His wings were completely mangled.
01:26Most of his scales were ripped out.
01:28The wing bones jotted through his flesh.
01:30For a dragon, wings were pride and power.
01:34For around him, the other dragons flexed theirs, scales shimmering like liquid night.
01:40Make up your mind before the others buy up all the prime stock.
01:44In my last life, I actually fell for her act.
01:49Dragons cost a fortune.
01:52I never thought she'd purposely pick the weakest one.
01:55Our father, the duke, was absolutely furious.
01:58But Elena lied to him.
01:59Father, Sarah insisted on him.
02:01You know how stubborn she gets.
02:02I just had to pay.
02:03Anyway, I chose the strong one.
02:05I'll take him back to the estate first.
02:07And just like that, the useless, crippled Vain was dumped on me.
02:10Not this time.
02:11I wasn't falling for her lies.
02:13You can have him.
02:15I'll take that one.
02:17Straight up the other black dragon.
02:19The one with no expression on his face.
02:20Without a second thought, I tossed my coin pouch to the auctioneer and placed my bid.
02:25Didn't matter which one I picked.
02:27If I could turn a helpless wreck like Vain into a dragon king, any of these would do.
02:32This time, I just wanted a loyal one.
02:34Seeing her trap fail, Elena's face twisted.
02:38Sarah, are you insane?
02:39Father only gave us so much gold.
02:42What am I supposed to use now?
02:44I gave her a cold look.
02:45How did I never notice before?
02:47She was terrified I'd outshine her.
02:49So she tried to saddle me with a dying cripple.
02:51She'd been plotting against me from the second we entered this auction.
02:54I pointed at Vain.
02:55He was desperately trying to show off his few remaining scales.
02:59That one doesn't look too bad.
03:00Take care of him.
03:02Maybe he'll be worth something someday.
03:05If you're short on coin, just buy him.
03:08Him?
03:09I wouldn't even use that thing as a footstool!
03:13Poor Vain.
03:14In the last life, he thought I tore them apart.
03:16He had no idea Elena actually despised him.
03:19Just like before, Elena bought her silver dragon, Dale.
03:22As I walked away with my black dragon, Orion, a loud crash rang out behind her.
03:26Vain was violently ramming himself against the magic alien.
03:31The surrounding nobles burst into laughter.
03:34What's wrong with that mutt?
03:36Trying to beg for attention?
03:38Who'd waste money on that broken thing?
03:40But Vain ignored them.
03:41His slit pupils were locked on Elena.
03:44I phoned.
03:45Wait.
03:46If Vain be born too?
03:48If he panicking because precious Elena left him behind?
03:51Staring into his devath-deeded eyes, I smiled.
03:54Having her lifelong fantasy shattered all at once?
03:57That's got a sting, doesn't it?
03:59Without Vain, I returned to the estate in peace.
04:02No screaming from my father this time.
04:04Orion stood in front of me.
04:06His thick, scaled tail thudded across the floor.
04:09Can you shaped?
04:10His lips pressed into a thin line.
04:13He pulled in his wings and horns.
04:16In a flash of dark magic, a muscular man stood in his place.
04:21Only his thick dragon tail remained, dragging on the rug.
04:24Unlike most dragons purchased at auction, Orion didn't look relieved.
04:28His molten gold eyes studied me with cold indifference and pride.
04:32You don't want to be here?
04:35I don't particularly care for it.
04:37The auction has a pecking order for dragons.
04:43If I hadn't bought you, you'd still be stuck fighting in the arena just to hold your place.
04:48I'm not that crippled piece of trash.
04:50I couldn't help but laugh.
04:52He was right.
04:53A dragon who can't keep his wings intact.
04:55Trash.
04:56End of story.
04:57If you don't want to stay, leave.
05:00He was definitely tempted.
05:02What are you doing?
05:03If you're leaving, I'll just buy another dragon.
05:06I'm raising the future dragon king.
05:09Disloyalty?
05:10Not in my house.
05:12Becoming the king of all dragons is their ultimate instinct.
05:15He had the strength.
05:16But strength alone meant nothing.
05:18It could be nurtured.
05:19And I wouldn't raise another traitor like Bane.
05:22The auction is over.
05:26I turned back and gave him a sweet smile.
05:29I'm a highborn noble.
05:31You think a noble like me would ever run out of places to buy a pet?
05:36For the next few days, I left before dawn, returned after dark.
05:40Orion hadn't left yet, but I needed backup plans.
05:43Then, the unexpected happened.
05:45I was walking through the royal market.
05:47A man came stumbling out of an alleyway.
05:49Ragged.
05:50Desperate.
05:50Barely holding himself together, I recognized him instantly.
05:53It was vain in his human form.
05:56Right in the middle of the crowded street, he dropped to his knees and grabbed my leg.
06:01Sarah, why didn't you take me?
06:03Please, take me back to the estate.
06:06You were supposed to choose me.
06:08My heart skipped a beat.
06:10What?
06:12Sarah, look at me.
06:13Are you really throwing me away?
06:15He really was reborn.
06:17But why come to me?
06:18Why not find his beloved Elena?
06:21Are you insane?
06:22I'm not your master.
06:24Keep your filthy hands off me, slave.
06:26I was just about to lash out and blast him away.
06:29Then, I spotted a shadow standing a few feet away.
06:33Orion.
06:34An idea sparked instantly.
06:36Your wing bones are so badly damaged.
06:39Did the others hurt you?
06:40Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Orion step closer.
06:43I reached out and traced Vane's broken wing bone.
06:46Just like I did in my past life.
06:48I'd healed every inch of him.
06:50I knew exactly where it hurt, and exactly how to soothe it.
06:53Vane shivered in pure pleasure.
06:55Master.
06:57Please take me home?
06:58Of course I...
07:00A blur of black shot forward.
07:02Orion kicked him across the copplestones.
07:04I'm still here.
07:08Why did you hit him so hard?
07:10I thought you were leaving.
07:12Why stop me from choosing someone else?
07:14I'm staying.
07:18Vane opened his mouth to beg again.
07:20Instantly, golden dragon fire erupt from Orion's palm.
07:23The heat was suffocating.
07:25Take one more step, and I'll turn your bones to ash.
07:30The flames vanished, leaving a scorched black crater on the street.
07:34I looked at the smoking stones, definitely far stronger than Vane.
07:38To ensure I wouldn't be stabbed in the back again, I forced Orion to enter a bloodbond with me.
07:43Can you really make me the dragon king?
07:45I didn't answer.
07:47As his master, I held absolute authority.
07:50Last life, I poured everything into raising Vane, and forgot the most important rule.
07:56Power in someone else's hands is never yours.
07:58If Orion proved loyal, the crown would be his.
08:01If he showed even a hint of betrayal, he'd be nothing but a pet chained to my bed, existing only
08:07for my pleasure.
08:08If you're hesitating, just leave.
08:10I turned to walk away.
08:12Before I could take a single step, the metallic scent of blood hit the air.
08:16Orion had sliced his palm open, squeezing out a drop of his heart's blood.
08:20I'm yours.
08:22The bloodbond was sealed.
08:23When the glow faded, he stood awkwardly beside me, not meeting my eyes.
08:28So, I am your concert now?
08:31A faint flush crept across his pail's face.
08:33I looked down to hide my smile.
08:35Cute.
08:36I tilted my chin toward the massive four-poster bed.
08:39Get in bed.
08:40His face turned completely scarlet.
08:43He took stiff steps towards the mattress.
08:45He even kept his tail hanging him off the side, like he was afraid of dirtying the velvet sheets.
08:52What?
08:54Looking at his flushed face, I almost laughed.
08:58So all that toughness from earlier was just an act?
09:00I walked over.
09:04Ran my fingers over the base of his tail, right where the dark scales met his skin.
09:10You know how this works, don't you?
09:13When nobles buy dragons.
09:15We bind ourselves to them.
09:20Which means, you are my husband now.
09:25Orion said nothing.
09:28But when I touched him, his tail gave a faint shiver.
09:32Our eyes met.
09:35Then, he closed his eyes as if accepting his fate.
09:46Let's just say, dragon stamina was definitely not a myth.
09:51He utterly wrecked me.
09:54His thick tail was lazily swishing back and forth across the rug.
09:58A dragon's body doesn't lie.
10:01A dragon's body doesn't lie.
10:01He was in absolute bliss.
10:03From that day on, we spent our days training in magic and sword play.
10:07Unlike my past life, I trained right alongside him.
10:10If I'm going to stand beside the dragon king, I couldn't be some fragile liability.
10:16A week later, Elena stratted in.
10:18Her silver dragon, Gale, trailed behind her.
10:21Wow.
10:22You really tied yourself to that thing?
10:24With all the gold you threw around, I thought you'd pick something impressive.
10:27Guess not.
10:27He's not even half the dragon Gale is.
10:29I stopped my sword swings and glanced at them.
10:32Gale was massive.
10:33But last life proved muscle meant nothing.
10:35Plus, Elena didn't know how to awaken a dragon's bloodline.
10:38After they bonded, father handed me full control of the house anyway.
10:42Filthy slave dares to challenge me?
10:44I'm the firstborn of House Stuart.
10:46I give the orders around here.
10:48Gale, teach this mute his place.
10:52Gale lunged forward, summoning a violent gaze.
10:55Orion didn't flinch.
10:56With a flick of his wrist, he cast a magic shield over me, then turned to face the attack.
11:00Perfect.
11:01I'd been waiting to see what my dragon could really do.
11:04The two dragons clashed violently.
11:06For the first few exchanges, they looked evenly matched.
11:10Then Gale was brutally forced of the defensive.
11:14Elena, who'd been so sure of herself just moments ago, lost it, shrieking from the sidelines.
11:19Kill him!
11:20Tear him apart!
11:22What are you waiting?
11:23Finish it!
11:24I've got your back!
11:25Just do it!
11:26Gale tried, but Orion was going for the kill.
11:28Just as Orion grabbed Gale's wing, ready to snap the bone in half, Elena let out a piercing
11:33squeak.
11:34This is the slave you keep?
11:35Sarah!
11:36How dare he do this to my dragon!
11:38Didn't you just order Gale to attack first?
11:41You literally screamed, tear him apart.
11:44The servants in the courtyard heard every word.
11:46If Gale gets hurt, I'll make Father punish you.
11:48Do you have any idea what I paid for him?
11:50We stared each other down.
11:51Finally, I gave Orion a subtle nod to let Gale go.
11:56Smart choice!
11:58Know your place, little sister.
11:59This estate was always meant to be mine!
12:04I should have killed him.
12:06No rush.
12:08I thought she would run to Father and complain.
12:11Instead, she brought Vayne home.
12:12As a servant.
12:13The first time he blocked my path in the corridor, I nearly stopped breathing.
12:17What are you doing here?
12:18Elena strolled out from behind a pillar.
12:21Father was right beside her.
12:23Well, well.
12:24Looks like the rumors are true.
12:26What rumors?
12:27Sarah!
12:28You already claimed a consort.
12:30Why are you still messing around with this crippled stray?
12:33If Elena hadn't found him begging at the gates and brought him in to shut him up,
12:37your reputation as a noble lady would have been ruined!
12:40What?
12:40Elena walked up to me, her face alight with smug satisfaction.
12:45She lifted Vayne's chin with her jeweled fan.
12:48Poor thing's been searching all over the kingdom for you.
12:51If you're still so desperate for him.
12:53You should have just bought him at the auction!
12:56Why drag Orion into this?
12:58Sarah!
13:00If you don't fix this scandal immediately, I will send you to the border cluster!
13:05Then he swept his cape and stormed off.
13:08Elena beamed.
13:09You've got quite the charm, Sarah.
13:13Have fun cleaning up your mess.
13:15She swept away, leaving Vayne kneeling before me.
13:18His eyes burned with longing.
13:20You're that desperate for my attention?
13:23Fine.
13:24You can stay.
13:25Better to keep him close where I could watch him.
13:26Without my heart's blood to sustain him, surviving at all would be a struggle.
13:31Vayne started constantly hovering around me, but Orion had grown distant again.
13:35When I finally cornered Orion in the rose maze one morning, he scoffed and tried to shoulder past me.
13:41Oh, now you're here?
13:42Shouldn't you be with your pathetic little stray?
13:45The scene was fake, wasn't it?
13:47You just used him to trick me into bonding with you.
13:50Too late to complain.
13:52The blood bond was already sealed.
13:54So tell me, do you still want to be the Dragon King?
13:59He shot me a moody glare, clearly unconvinced.
14:02The Imperial Dragon Tournament is in two months.
14:05Whether you take the crown is up to you.
14:09Really?
14:09You and that crippled Vayne?
14:11There's nothing going on?
14:13What, you want me to swear before the God of Light?
14:16Orion finally let out an arrogance, followed me back to the training grounds.
14:20Vayne kept wandering past us, pretending to be busy with chores.
14:25I should break every bone in his body.
14:30Then let's see how he follows you.
14:32Orion, stop.
14:35I have my plans.
14:36Vayne had drunk too much of my heart's blood last life.
14:39That debt needed collecting.
14:41He was practically begging to be used.
14:43So he can't blame me for being ruthless.
14:45That night, I summoned Vayne to my chambers.
14:47The former Dragon King, now kneeling at my feet, wiping the mud off my riding boots.
14:52His body was still in absolute ruins.
14:55He kept swaying weakly, barely able to keep his balance.
14:58Not feeling well?
14:59The Imperial Dragon Tournament was almost here.
15:02He had to be panicking.
15:03Last life, I'd helped him claim that crown.
15:05A man who'd once stood at the top, would never willingly accept being a servant.
15:09He'd endure anything for my heart's blood.
15:11Vayne collapsed onto the wool rug, breathing hard.
15:13My wings were shattered in the auction pit.
15:16They still haven't healed.
15:18Oh?
15:18And how exactly do we fix that?
15:21How Stuart doesn't feed useless mouths.
15:23Heart's blood.
15:26From someone with a high-tier bloodline.
15:31Drunk continuously for 49 days.
15:36And I'll recover completely.
15:38I stayed silent.
15:39Seeing no reaction, he coughed weakly.
15:44I know I'm worthless.
15:46I only want to stay by your side.
15:48To me, he was just a servant now.
15:51I wouldn't dare ask for heart's blood.
15:53You really don't remember.
15:55You saved me once.
15:56Long ago.
15:57Dragons always repay their debts.
15:59That's why I stayed.
16:01Even if you've chosen Orion,
16:03as long as I can watch over you, I'd die satisfied.
16:06Why are you so obsessed with serving me?
16:08Vayne bit his lip,
16:09his eyes darting across my face
16:11to see if I was bluffing.
16:12Fabable storting up to be the night's earth
16:14to steal Creechium.
16:15It took everything in me
16:17not to blast him through the nearest wall.
16:20Repay his debts?
16:21He was a treacherous, backstabbing snake
16:24who used my trust to carve out my heart.
16:28Now he said it with such sickening sincerity.
16:31If I didn't remember my last life,
16:33I might have believed him.
16:35Instead, I softened my gaze,
16:38pretended his words had moved me.
16:41If I give you my heart's blood for 49 days,
16:45his eyes lit instantly,
16:48you'll fully recover?
16:50Though he tried to mask it,
16:52practically glowing with raw greed.
16:54Yes, but Sarah,
16:57taking heart's blood is painful.
16:59I'll save you,
17:00but once you're healed,
17:01you must stop clinging to me.
17:03I promise.
17:06My heart's blood?
17:08He was never getting a drop.
17:11For the next few weeks,
17:12I sent Orion to the market
17:14for fresh demon bone flound blood every day.
17:16I diluted it with water
17:17to mask the foul stench.
17:19And to make it convincing,
17:20I mixed in a heavy dose
17:21of hallucinogenic herbs,
17:22just enough to trigger
17:23temporary bursts of strength.
17:25Enough for Vane to believe
17:27it was working.
17:31His face twisted every time.
17:33Vane greedily drank bowl after bowl.
17:36Sarah,
17:37your heart's blood
17:39tastes
17:40a bit strange.
17:42Of course it does.
17:43I'm slicing open my chest
17:45for you every day.
17:46If it's so disgusting,
17:48fine,
17:48I'll dump it in the river.
17:50Sarah,
17:50please forgive me.
17:52I'll never forget your mercy.
17:56If only I were your chosen consort,
17:58then I could spend my life repaying you.
18:01Keeping you here
18:02is already causing enough trouble.
18:05You heard what my father
18:07and Elena said?
18:09As I spoke,
18:11I watched him carefully.
18:12The moment I mentioned Elena,
18:14his jaw tightened.
18:15There wasn't a trace of love
18:17left in his eyes.
18:18Only hatred.
18:19Interesting.
18:20Something must have happened
18:21after I died.
18:22Still,
18:23none of this was your fault.
18:25She's always hated me.
18:28She's just using you
18:29to humiliate me.
18:32His fingers curled tight
18:34against the mahogany table.
18:36His jaw ticked.
18:38I guessed right.
18:39Don't worry, Sarah.
18:40I won't be your problem.
18:42That would be best.
18:43Though in this life,
18:44he wasn't even worthy
18:45of being my problem.
18:47After that,
18:48Vane stopped hovering around me.
18:51Instead,
18:51he spent more and more time
18:52near Elena's courtyard.
18:55He took my bait perfectly,
18:58finally making himself useful.
19:02Using him to do my dirty work?
19:04At least he could atone a little
19:06for what he did to me
19:07in my last life.
19:08To make sure Vane
19:09didn't notice anything strange,
19:11Orion and I moved our training
19:12to the secret underground chamber
19:13at night.
19:22Fight me for real!
19:25I'll be right back.
19:28Move.
19:30Orion vanished.
19:33I could only see a black blur.
19:35In the blink of an eye,
19:36he was right in front of me.
19:38How did you...
19:39So fast?
19:40I barely registered it.
19:42He lunged.
19:43I barely dodged
19:44the first two strikes,
19:45but my heel caught on the rug
19:47and I fell backward.
19:48Orion let out a sharp gasp,
19:50caught me by the waist.
19:51He didn't stop there.
19:52We crashed onto the thick fur rug together.
19:54He landed on top of me.
19:56His muscular body
19:57was pressed flush against mine.
19:58My heart hummered wildly
20:00against my ribs.
20:01Orion, get up!
20:03It's late.
20:05Go back to your room.
20:08He must have done it on purpose.
20:11Why does Vane get your knights?
20:14Vane is...
20:15I'm just using him!
20:17Orion didn't move.
20:19His scorching breath
20:20fanned across my neck,
20:22sending shivers down my spine.
20:26Master,
20:27you said I was your husband.
20:33Much later,
20:34with my legs still trembling,
20:36I lay half-buried
20:37beneath tangled sheets
20:38and dragon wings.
20:39Orion's lips brushed my ear.
20:41Me or him?
20:42I muttered
20:43whatever answer
20:43would make him stop.
20:44Seriously?
20:45How does this arrogant
20:46black dragon
20:47have endless stamina?
20:49A month later,
20:50disaster struck
20:51Elena's courtyard.
20:53Gail's wing bones
20:54suddenly collapsed.
20:56By the time I arrived,
20:59Elena was already
21:00losing her mind,
21:01running around the estate
21:03and shrieking.
21:04How is this possible?
21:06Gail,
21:07what did you take?
21:08What kind of potion
21:10did you drink?
21:11Where are your wings?
21:13You're useless
21:14in the arena
21:15without them!
21:16You're not a dragon anymore!
21:18Gail lay paralyzed
21:20on the bed,
21:20his face deathly pale.
21:22Father, please!
21:24Call the mage!
21:25The tournament
21:26is days away.
21:27I've spent
21:28everything on him!
21:30Elena's desperation
21:31was papable
21:32as she turned
21:32to her father.
21:33Father frowned deeply,
21:35but sent for the mage.
21:36After casting
21:37a diagnostic spell,
21:39the wings appear intact,
21:40but the internal bone structure
21:42has softened.
21:43Within three days,
21:44the wing bones
21:45will liquefy completely.
21:47Gail went feral.
21:49He rolled off the bed,
21:50dragging himself
21:51across the floor,
21:52begging the mage
21:52to save him.
21:55Elena just stared
21:56blankly at the wall,
21:57muttering.
22:00The moment the mage left,
22:02she snapped
22:02and lunged at me.
22:05But with Orion
22:06standing right beside me,
22:08she couldn't even
22:09get close.
22:11You were jealous!
22:13You knew Gail
22:14was gifted!
22:15You knew he could
22:16become Dragon King!
22:17You couldn't bear me
22:18outranking you!
22:19So you crippled him!
22:21You ruined everything!
22:23I'll kill you!
22:25I'll kill you!
22:27Right on Cuse,
22:28father walked back
22:29into the room.
22:30Enough!
22:31Elena went dead silent.
22:32I calmly smoothed
22:34out my dress.
22:35Elena,
22:36why would I sabotage
22:38Gail?
22:38Even if this tournament
22:39decided everything,
22:40Gail was never
22:41real competition.
22:42He's nowhere near
22:43Orion's level.
22:45Why would I waste
22:46my time crippling him?
22:47Elena opened her mouth
22:48to explode again,
22:49but father cut her off.
22:51Enough!
22:51You are confined
22:52to your quarters.
22:53The tournament
22:54is over for you.
22:55And as for this
22:56crippled beast,
22:58dispose of him
22:58however you see fit.
23:00Panic slammed
23:01into both of them.
23:02A dragon without wings,
23:04cast out of noble protection,
23:06wouldn't survive a week.
23:08And without a bonded dragon,
23:10Elena had lost
23:10every ounce of influence
23:12in this house.
23:13That evening,
23:14Vayne arrived
23:15for his daily blood feeding.
23:17He was clearly
23:17in a very good mood.
23:18As he knelt before me,
23:20a smile tugged
23:21at his lips.
23:22Elena won't be competing now.
23:23She'll never take
23:24anything from you again.
23:25I handed him
23:26the silver goblet,
23:27brimming with fresh,
23:28demon-bone fauge blood.
23:29He was nearing the end
23:30of the 49-day cycle,
23:31and lately,
23:32I'd increased the dose
23:33of the hallucinogenic herb.
23:34To anyone watching,
23:35he looked stronger.
23:36But it was all
23:37a fragile illusion.
23:38The herbs were draining
23:39his life from the inside.
23:41Every burst of strength
23:42came at a cost.
23:44And once he tried
23:45to channel high-tier magic
23:46or pushed himself too far,
23:48the backlash
23:48would hit violently.
23:50By then,
23:50not even a hundred days
23:52of real heart's blood
23:53could save him.
23:54I gasped,
23:55pretending to be shocked
23:56and a little impressed.
23:58Wait,
23:59was that you?
24:00How did you do it
24:02without anyone noticing?
24:03For you,
24:04there's nothing
24:05I wouldn't do, Sarah.
24:06Vayne just smiled,
24:07trying to look mysterious
24:08and powerful.
24:09I looked away
24:10to hide my disgust.
24:11The only reason
24:11he knew tricks like this
24:12was because he'd once
24:13sat on the dragon throne,
24:15even weakened.
24:16He still remembered
24:17every vile curse
24:18and sabotage spell.
24:19After draining the goblet,
24:21he greedily ticked his lips.
24:22His black tail
24:23flicked back and forth,
24:25showing off.
24:25The moment Vayne left,
24:26Orion stepped out
24:27from the shadows.
24:28His expression was dark.
24:30His golden eyes
24:31burned with jealousy
24:32and suspicion.
24:33He's dangerous.
24:34Why are you helping him?
24:36I picked up the empty goblet,
24:38turned it slowly in my fingers
24:40and smiled wittedly.
24:41What makes you think
24:43I'm helping him?
24:43Orion paused,
24:45his eyes narrowing
24:46in confusion.
24:46Before he could ask more,
24:48I stepped closer,
24:50rested my hand lightly
24:51against one of his horns.
24:55The tournament is in three days.
24:58Are you ready to take the crown?
25:00Orion reached out
25:01and firmly wrapped
25:02his hand over mine.
25:03His thumb slowly brushed
25:04against my knuckles.
25:06If my master wants a king,
25:08I'll stake my life
25:09to become one.
25:10It was supposed to be
25:10a simple promise,
25:11but the way he said it
25:13made my face
25:13immediately burn hot.
25:15I wasn't worried.
25:16I knew every dragon
25:17entering that arena,
25:18and if Orion fought
25:19like he usually did,
25:20none of them stood a chance.
25:22Tournament day arrived.
25:23The Royal Grand Coliseum
25:24roared with noise.
25:26Father stood with us
25:27in the noble gallery,
25:28Elena beside him.
25:29Since yesterday,
25:30Vane had vanished
25:31from the estate.
25:32He was definitely
25:32here to compete.
25:33Father turned to Orion,
25:34his voice stern.
25:35The honor and future
25:36of House Stuart
25:37rests on this battle.
25:38Hold nothing back.
25:39Understood?
25:40Elena rolled her eyes
25:41and scoffed,
25:41but surprisingly,
25:42she said nothing.
25:43I side-eyed her.
25:44Something was wrong.
25:45She was being way too quiet.
25:46Just before Orion
25:47stepped into the arena tunnel,
25:48Elena suddenly pulled out
25:49a silk handkerchief
25:50and smiled sweetly.
25:51You're sweating.
25:52Orion hated being touched.
25:54Let me help.
25:54The second she reached for him,
25:56he recoiled.
25:56Elena's hand awkwardly
25:57froze in the air.
25:58Honestly, Sarah,
25:59your dragon has terrible manners.
26:01I'm only trying to help.
26:02If he wins,
26:03the whole family benefits.
26:05Why so hostile to me?
26:06Her being helpful?
26:07Not a chance in hell.
26:08I smiled back sweetly,
26:09snatched the handkerchief
26:10from her hand
26:11and turned to Father.
26:12Wait, you don't!
26:13Her sheer panic
26:14told me everything
26:15I needed to know.
26:15I aggressively dabbed
26:17the handkerchief
26:17all over Father's
26:18sweaty forehead and nose.
26:20If her trap was indeed
26:21on that handkerchief,
26:22then I had just set it.
26:23What's wrong, Elena?
26:24Yes, the tournament
26:25is important,
26:26but Father has been
26:27standing in the heat
26:28all day.
26:29Taking care of him
26:30is the least I can do.
26:31I casually shoved Orion
26:33toward the arena entrance.
26:34We had trained
26:35for two months for this.
26:36No one was ruining this.
26:37Elena started pacing,
26:38looking completely panicked.
26:40She kept glancing
26:40at Father nervously.
26:42Before long,
26:42Father started swaying
26:43on his feet.
26:44I hit a smirk.
26:45Ah, so it was
26:46a heavy sleeping curse.
26:47Father, are you all right?
26:49He rubbed his temples,
26:50a cold sweat
26:50breaking out
26:51across his face.
26:52That's so strange.
26:53You were perfectly fine
26:54until I wiped your face
26:55with Elena's handkerchief.
26:56Her face paled,
26:57her fingers clenching
26:58into the fabric
26:59of her dress.
26:59What are you implying?
27:00Father's just suffering
27:01from the heat.
27:02It has nothing to do
27:03with my handkerchief.
27:04Is that so?
27:05The mage can test it
27:06when we get home.
27:07That shut her up completely
27:08because this time
27:09the curse had touched Father.
27:11He wouldn't let this slide.
27:13Elena's goal
27:13had been obvious.
27:14If she couldn't compete,
27:16then neither could Orarian.
27:18But she'd forgotten one thing.
27:19Father didn't care
27:20who brought glory
27:21to this house.
27:22Only that someone did.
27:23The tournament began.
27:25Orion tore through
27:26the competition
27:27like a force of nature.
27:29Black fire exploded
27:30from his jaws.
27:31His opponents
27:32barely had time to scream
27:33before they were
27:34blasted off the arena floor.
27:36We easily made it
27:37to the final rounds.
27:38Father was still groggy
27:40in his seat,
27:40but neither Elena nor I
27:42paid him any attention.
27:43Not when the real show
27:44had just begun.
27:45Then Vane entered the arena.
27:47The second Elena saw him,
27:49her jaw dropped.
27:50How?
27:51His wings were
27:52completely destroyed!
27:53He was supposed to be
27:54scrubbing floors
27:55at our estate!
27:56Why is he here?
27:57Then realization hit.
27:58A greedy light
27:59sparked in her eyes.
28:00If his wings healed,
28:02then Gale still has a chance.
28:03How did you fix him?
28:05Want to know how?
28:06Feed him your heart's blood.
28:09Every single day
28:10for 49 days.
28:13Bleed myself
28:14for a slave?
28:16I'd rather buy another one.
28:18Elena stared at me
28:19like I'd completely
28:19lost my mind.
28:21So that's your plan?
28:23You bled for that stray
28:25just to let him
28:25fight Orion?
28:27I didn't answer.
28:30My eyes stayed fixed
28:31on the arena.
28:33Before the tournament,
28:33I'd already warned Orion
28:35if he faced Vane.
28:38Show no mercy.
28:40Break him.
28:41Rip those wings apart
28:42and end it.
28:47At last,
28:48the moment came.
28:49Thanks to weeks
28:49of demon bone
28:50found blood
28:51and hallucinogenic burbs,
28:53Vane had clawed
28:54his way to the final rounds.
28:55And now,
28:56he stood across
28:57from Orion.
28:58Orion rolled his shoulders,
29:00cracked his scaled knuckles.
29:02Then he lunged
29:03without hesitation
29:04or warning.
29:05Earlier matches
29:06had made Vane
29:07look formidable.
29:09But against Orion,
29:10he was pathetic.
29:11Orion caught Vane
29:12mid-shift,
29:13lifted his half-dragon
29:14body high into the air,
29:16then slammed him
29:17down hard.
29:17The granite arena floor
29:19cracked beneath the impact.
29:20An agonizing scream
29:22ripped through the coliseum.
29:24I smiled.
29:24Beside me,
29:25Elena's mocking smirk
29:27vanished.
29:28How?
29:29How is Orion
29:30being this strong?
29:31The match had barely started
29:32and Vane was already
29:34struggling to rise.
29:35But I was still waiting.
29:37Waiting for the moment
29:38Vane panicked.
29:39The moment he forced
29:40more power through
29:41that dying body.
29:42With the guttural growl,
29:44Vane dragged himself upright.
29:46The moment the heave
29:47struck back,
29:48his chest heaving.
29:49Then his eyes found mine.
29:52Up in the noble gallery,
29:54I looked away in disgust.
29:55That fake,
29:56soulful gaze
29:57made my stomach turn.
29:58Then Vane threw back
29:59his head and roared.
30:01His pupils narrowed
30:02to pinpoints.
30:03Magic surged
30:04violently around him.
30:06He was burning
30:07through his life force,
30:08trying to unleash
30:09his ultimate dragon breath.
30:11Dark energy
30:12crackled around his jaws.
30:13He aimed straight
30:14at Orion
30:15and froze.
30:16His body jerked.
30:17He clutched his chest
30:18in absolute agony.
30:20A mouthful of thick,
30:21black blood
30:22sprewed from his lips.
30:23Orion didn't even
30:24have to touch him.
30:25Vane conviolently
30:26and collapsed
30:27into his own blood.
30:28Well, Elena,
30:29looks like Orion
30:30won again.
30:31Several brutal matches
30:33followed.
30:34Orion dominated
30:35every single one.
30:38And when the final
30:39challenger fell,
30:40the arena erupted
30:41as the dragon king's crown
30:43was placed upon his head.
30:46Orion looked at me
30:47across the roaring crowd.
30:49Beside me,
30:50Elena looked like
30:50she might choke
30:51on her own rage.
30:52Back at the estate,
30:53father was barely
30:54conhintrant.
30:55The mage spent all night
30:56clearing the curse.
30:57He finally recovered
30:58the next morning.
30:59When he heard Orion
31:00had won the crown.
31:01Excellent.
31:03Excellent!
31:03Excellent!
31:04Sarah,
31:05I can finally entrust
31:07the Stuart dominion
31:07to you both.
31:08Before I could speak,
31:09Elena erupted.
31:10What?
31:11I'm the firstborn!
31:12The estate
31:13should be mine!
31:15If my gale
31:16hadn't been sabotaged,
31:17that crown
31:18would be ours!
31:19Father barely
31:20looked at her.
31:20He muttered
31:21a mild reprimand,
31:22clearly ready to dismiss
31:23the whole thing.
31:24But I wasn't
31:25letting her go.
31:26I pulled the silk
31:26handkerchief from my sleeve,
31:28tossed it onto the table.
31:30Father,
31:30yesterday,
31:31right before the match,
31:32Elena tried to wipe
31:33Orion's face with this.
31:35It was soaked
31:35in a heavy sleeping curse.
31:37You were unconscious
31:38until this morning
31:39because of it.
31:40This wasn't sibling rivalry.
31:42This was treason
31:43against the family!
31:44The room went
31:45deathly still.
31:46Father's face
31:47twisted with fury.
31:48If Orion had been drugged,
31:50the dragon crown
31:51could have gone elsewhere.
31:51I tolerated your petty
31:52competition for years.
31:54But sabotaging
31:55the family's
31:55dragon king candidate?
31:56You've proven yourself
31:57unfit to inherit anything!
31:59Elena's eyes widened.
32:00Disbelief flooded her face.
32:02You're siding with her
32:03because her dragon won?
32:05Slap came fast.
32:06Silence!
32:07Lock her in her tower!
32:08And from this day forward,
32:10Elena is forbidden
32:11from ever binding a dragon.
32:13Father!
32:14Two knights seized her arms.
32:16Father, please!
32:17She thrashed wildly.
32:19Without a dragon consort,
32:21she was nothing
32:21in this world.
32:23With Orion as the dragon king,
32:25House Stuart
32:25effectively answered to me.
32:27One night,
32:28we lay beneath
32:29the velvet canopy together.
32:31Moonlight spilled
32:32across the sheets.
32:33Orion's tail
32:34swished beneath the covers,
32:36slid up and down my leg.
32:37Are you going to sleep or not?
32:40Sleep.
32:41Much later,
32:42while trying to catch my breath,
32:44I finally asked,
32:45before Vayne died in the arena,
32:47you leaned in
32:47and whispered something to him.
32:49What did you say?
32:50A quiet laugh
32:51rumbled in his chest.
32:52His lips brushed my throat.
32:53Told him the truth,
32:54that he'd spent 49 days
32:56drinking demon bone found blood.
32:58I froze for a second.
32:59Then I laughed out loud.
33:00That was truly a killing blow
33:01to both body and pride.
33:03No wonder he was
33:03the dragon king I chose.
33:05But my laughter
33:06quickly turned into
33:07a breathless gasp.
33:08As the new king,
33:09his raw power
33:10hadn't just grown in the arena.
33:11In bed,
33:12he was completely feral.
33:14Twice as rough,
33:14twice as demanding.
33:16Wait!
33:17Orion!
33:18Not so deep!
33:19Ah!
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