Chapter 135: Darkness
**Cassius**
Clint's corruption is hanging over our group like a storm cloud ready to burst. Avery, her heart heavy with worry, her anxiety bubbles in my soul like a witch’s cauldron. The others stand in a tight circle, their faces etched with concern as they discuss Clint's erratic behavior. My once carefree brother has been replaced by a calculated dominance, a darkness that seems to seep from his very pores. Part of me was at ease when Clint was in that coma, but the other part knew that this was far from over. Soon after, he awoke as a different person. I know that Avery tried all she could to cleanse his soul, but we missed something. I can’t pinpoint what I am unsure of, but there's more to this than meets the eye. What else does the Ancient One want? What further price must we pay to be free?
Also, I have had limited time to thoroughly talk with Avery about what the Ancient One said before Clint awoke. Choice? What choice? Is he going to force Avery to only have one mate, or is the choice even more dire? "We can't let this continue. Clint's not himself. The Ancient One's influence is poisoning him, and if we don't act soon, we might lose him forever. We could even lose ourselves or Avery. We have to do something.”
Conner nods. "We need to find a way to break the corruption before it consumes him. But how? The Ancient One's magic is too powerful, and Clint... he's not making it easy."
James crosses his arms. "We've faced worse odds before. But this time, it's personal. Clint's one of us, and we don't leave our own to the mercy of darkness." Since meeting James, my respect for him has grown. When Avery first told us about the dragon who marked her, I was ready to kill him. Then we saw The Mother's Mark and I wondered about the identity of that dragon. When Avery informed my brothers and me that it was James Balans’ dragon, it suddenly made sense. My little mate was fated to the King of Kings, which made my brothers and me even more fortunate that she was our mate too. I am touched that he is committed to our family.
Avery's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. "I won't give up on him. I can't. There has to be a way."
Just as the tension reaches its peak, a sudden hush falls over the hall. The air seems to shimmer, and a figure materializes in the center of the room. She is a vision of seduction and power, her long, raven hair cascading in waves down her back, her eyes a mesmerizing blend of gold and amber. Her form-fitting gown clings to her curves, the fabric shimmering with arcane symbols that pulse with an otherworldly energy.
"Greetings, Queen Avery," the woman purrs, her voice smooth as silk and laced with a hint of mischief. "I am Seraphina, a sorceress of no small repute. I understand you have a problem that requires a delicate touch."
Avery's eyes narrow, her instincts on high alert. "Who are you, and how did you get in here?"
Seraphina's lips curve into a sly smile. "I have my ways. And as for who I am... let's just say I specialize in curing the incurable. I've heard of your predicament with Clint. The Ancient One's corruption is a tricky business, but not beyond my skills."
I step forward, one hand resting on the hilt of my sword and the other on Avery’s shoulder. "What's your price, sorceress? And why should we trust you?"
Seraphina's gaze flicks to me, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Trust is a fragile thing, isn't it? But let's not dance around the issue. My price is simple: a night with each of you. A night of submission, a night where you surrender to my will. A dragon’s willing submission is virtually priceless, after all. In return, I will cleanse Clint of the darkness that plagues him."
I look at Avery. Why is everyone so intent on singling us out and making us submit? We aren’t the only dragons in existence. Granted, our group consists of kings and our queen, but that can't be the reason, can it? I use our link to speak to Avery, “This is too good to be true. I think Seraphina possesses magic, but there's something darkly familiar about her energy.”
Avery nods, “I think this is another one of his tests. I feel him, Cassius. I hate that I do, but…”
I kiss the top of her head as I squeeze her shoulders, as the room around us erupts into a chorus of protests. Conner's jaw tightens. "You expect us to just hand over our free will? That's a steep price, even for Clint's salvation."
James' green eyes flash with anger. "You overstep your bounds, sorceress. We are not playthings to be bartered."
Seraphina holds up a hand, her expression turning serious. "Hear me out. The corruption in Clint is deep, and the only way to purge it is through a ritual that requires immense power. Power that I can channel through you. It's not a request I make lightly, but it's the only way."
Avery's heart wrenches at the thought of Clint's suffering. She steps forward, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "What would this ritual entail? What would you require from us?"
Seraphina's gaze softens, and for a moment, I swear I see a flicker of genuine concern. "Each of you would need to submit to me fully, body and mind. It's not just physical; it's a surrender of your will, your desires, your very essence. In return, I will use that energy to cleanse Clint. But know this: once the ritual begins, there's no turning back."
The weight of her words hangs heavy in the air. Avery glances at us, seeing the conflict in our eyes. My jaw is set as I don't want to do this ritual. The one with the Ancient One was bad enough. I am still shaking from it, but I need to protect Clint. Conner's mind racing through the implications before he gives me a nod. James is calculating the risks and rewards before he too nods.
"We can't make this decision lightly," Avery says, her voice firm. "We need time to consider."
Seraphina's smile returns, though it holds a hint of challenge. "Of course. Take your time. But remember, the corruption in Clint won't wait. The longer you delay, the deeper it takes root. And once it's too late, I won't be able to save him." With that, she vanishes as suddenly as she appeared, leaving our group in stunned silence.
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