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