Chapter 144: Power

**Avery**

We went to where the others waited for us. It wasn’t long before the Ancient One's presence filled the chamber, his power palpable and heavy. Me, Cassius, Conner, Clint, James, Draven, Rory, and Jace stand united, our breaths mingling in the tense silence. The Ancient One's eyes, like molten gold, scan my group, his gaze lingering on each of us with an intensity that sends shivers down our spines.

"You have proven your worth. Avery, you have given all you could. I can not allow you to give more even though you have wielded my gifts and withstood my trials, but you still can’t win without suffering casualties. Casualties, I know that none of you are willing to accept," the Ancient One's voice rumbles, deep and resonant, echoing off the stone walls. "I will aid you, but the power to defeat Cora comes at a price. A ritual must be performed, a merging of essences, a dance of flesh and desire."

No longer afraid, I lock eyes with the Ancient One. I know what's coming, what's required of them. It's not just about power; it's about trust, about surrendering to the primal forces that bind them. "We're ready.” I glanced at my mates, seeing the same determination in their eyes. We've faced trials together, bared our souls, and now, we must bare our bodies, our desires, in a ritual that will forever change us all. If Draven, Jace, or Rory can’t fully meet his demands, I will take their place. We need to defeat Cora, and we can’t lose anyone.

The Ancient One steps forward, his form shifting and morphing until he stands before us in a human guise. His body is a masterpiece of muscle and sinew, his skin glowing with an otherworldly aura. His eyes, now a deep, piercing blue, hold a promise of pleasure and pain, of ecstasy and transformation. "Undress," he commands, his voice a low purr. "Lay bare your bodies, your souls, for the ritual to begin."

My fingers tremble as I unfasten my dress, letting it slide off my shoulders and pool at my feet. I stand tall, my curves on full display, my dragon-scale jewelry glinting in the dim light. My mates follow suit, shedding their clothes, their armor, their leather, their inhibitions.

Cassius's lean, athletic body is a study in power and grace, his dirty blonde hair falling over his forehead as he meets my gaze, a silent promise passing between us. Clint's muscular frame is a testament to his strength, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint as he winks at me, easing the tension.

Conner's broad shoulders and lean muscles are a sight to behold, his blue eyes intense as he steps closer to me, his hand brushing mine in a silent gesture of support. James, the King of Kings, stands tall and proud, his regal presence undiminished as he sheds his robes, his bright green eyes holding a challenge, a dare, for anyone who dares to look away. Lately, I have found myself unashamed of my body, and I owe it to James. He has scars as I do, but he wears them as a badge, and that has helped me do the same.

Draven's dark, warlock beauty is a stark contrast to the others, his long black hair cascading over his shoulders as he moves with a predatory grace, his blue eyes fixed on Jace and Rory, with a palpable hunger. Jace, the gentle, submissive butler, stands with a quiet dignity, his silvery-blonde hair loose around his shoulders, his violet eyes downcast, his slender body trembling with anticipation. Rory is a vision of youthful beauty, her thin frame belying the strength within. Her boldness shines through as she meets the Ancient One's gaze; she is the least experienced out of all of us, but she won’t back down.

The Ancient One's eyes roam over us, taking in our beauty, our desire, our fear. "Come to me," he commands, holding out his arms.
Hidden Flame: Bound to the Triplet Dragon Kings
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