Chapter 145 part 2
**Avery**
The journey to the Ancient One’s lair is fraught with tension. The group moves through the forest with a quiet efficiency, our steps synchronized as if by instinct. The air is heavy with the scent of pine and earth, the sky above us a canvas of gray clouds that threaten rain but never deliver. I feel the weight of their gazes on me, each of them knowing what awaits me, each of them sharing in my burden. But I know that I can handle this. I have gone through so much. I will find a way to protect us all and endure whatever the Ancient One has planned, even if I must temporarily leave my body.
When they finally reach the lair, a cavernous space lit by flickering torches and filled with the faint hum of ancient magic, the Ancient One is waiting. He stands in the center of the room, his human form tall and commanding, his eyes glowing with a power that seems to pulse through the very air. His presence is overwhelming, a force of nature that demands attention and respect. “Avery,” he says, his voice a deep, resonant rumble. “You’ve come.”
Did he doubt that I would? Perhaps he's underestimating me. I can use this to my advantage. I step forward, my companions flanking me like a protective wall. “I’m here…But I have conditions of my own.”
The Ancient One raises an eyebrow, his lips curling into a faint smile. “Oh? And what might those be?”
“My companions stay. They are a part of this, just as I am.”
The Ancient One’s smile widens, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. “Very well. They may stay. But this is between you and me, Avery. They are mere spectators.”
I can use my bonds to help fortify me. The Ancient One assumes that I am like all dragons, too proud to submit. But I have learned something that he doesn’t: there’s a power in submission. With a deep breath, I walk towards him, my companions falling into place behind me.
The Ancient One’s eyes lock with hers, his gaze intense and probing. “Are you ready, Avery?”
“I’m ready.” I turn to my mates and give them a wink. I don’t want them to know that I have even an ounce of worry. They stood strong in our battle against Cora and her forces, and now it is my turn to stand strong for them.
The day begins with a slow, deliberate pace. The Ancient One leads me to a chamber deep within the lair, a space that seems to pulse with a primal energy. The air is heavy with the scent of incense and something else, something wild and untamed. The room is sparsely furnished, a large bed dominating the center, its sheets of silk and fur inviting yet intimidating.
“Undress,” the Ancient One commands, his voice a low growl.
I hesitate, but only for a moment. I still am not confident in my skin, but the jewelry my mates have given me helps me appreciate each flaw and see it as a precious gem rather than a painful memory. I let my dress fall to the floor and stood before him, vulnerable yet defiant, my eyes meeting his gaze without flinching. The Ancient One’s gaze rakes over her, his eyes darkening with desire. “Beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice thick with hunger. “So very beautiful.”
He steps closer, his hands reaching out to trace the lines of my body, his touch both gentle and demanding. I shiver as his fingers brush her skin, his touch sending sparks of unexpected pleasure through me. I feel his power, his dominance, but I also feel something else—a connection, a recognition of the strength that lies within me. It is an odd sensation. It is similar to the mate bond, but different, more raw and primal.
But I don’t have time to think. “On your knees,” he commands, his voice brooking no argument. I complied, my knees sinking into the soft fur rug as I lowered myself before him. I look up at him, my gaze steady, my breath coming in short gasps. The Ancient One’s eyes gleam with approval as he steps between my knees, his presence looming over me. I don’t shrink back. I know that he won’t hurt me because if that had been his intent, it would have happened the day we met. I see a light in his darkness, one that I don’t think he is aware of. “You are a queen,” he says, his voice a low whisper. “But today, you are mine. You will submit to me, body and soul.”
I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. “I submit.” I can revoke my consent, at least I think that I can, but I might not need to. The closer he is to me, the more I can read him, and I am unsure if he is aware.
The Ancient One’s hands move to my hair, his fingers tangling in the loose waves as he tilts my head back, exposing my neck. His lips brush my skin, his breath hot against my flesh, and I shudder as he begins to explore me, his touch both tender and demanding. It is oddly similar to how my mates touch me. There’s a reverence masked by growing lust. He kisses my neck, his lips trailing down to my collarbone, his tongue tracing the lines of my dragon-scale jewelry. I moan softly, my hands reaching up to grasp his arms, my nails digging into his skin as I surrender to his touch. I feel my mates’ gaze as they watch and look for any signs that I may be in trouble. Their protectiveness gives me comfort. “You are mine,” he growls, his voice a primal rumble. “Say it.”
“Yours.” For now, I need to keep exploring to learn what this odd sensation is that keeps building between him and me. The Ancient One’s hands move lower, his fingers tracing the curves of my breasts, his thumbs brushing my nipples. I arch into his touch, my breath coming in short gasps as pleasure coils low in my belly.
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