Chapter 150: Edge Of Darkness
**Avery**
I am thrilled to be back in Naga, but something feels terribly amiss. Those boys at school, they knew who I belonged to, yet they dared to lay their hands on me. It's as if they harbor a darkness within them. The Cora Tribe, once so darkly powerful, now lies in ruins, and their leader is no more. But could her darkness still linger? I can relate to the idea of darkness lingering, for I sense it within myself. At times, the darkness whispers to me, or I catch a glimpse of a dragon's shadow out of the corner of my eye. In recent days, its presence has grown more pronounced, not just to me, but to my mates and friends as well. They, too, feel its insidious attempts to infiltrate their souls.
The darkness that resides within me is like a shadow dragon spirit, whispering seductively of untamed power. I am already burdened with more power than I can handle, my magic still unpredictable, and my ability to shift into Regina risky for my precious eggs. Regina herself has fallen silent, consumed by the demands of nurturing our offspring. I feel isolated in this struggle, but I refuse to succumb to the temptations of the shadow dragon.
My mates are wary of this growing darkness, sensing the rift it threatens to create between us. I once believed nothing could come between us, but now I am plagued by doubt. The fear of losing the bond we share looms over me like a dark cloud, casting a shadow on our once unbreakable unity.
As I sit in the opulent confines of my private library within the Naga’s palace, I feel the irresistible tug of the Donn and the enigmatic presence of the Ancient One, now cloaked in human form. They sense the darkness that resides within me, just as I sense theirs. It is a haunting melody, a siren’s call that beckons me towards a path I struggle to resist. Donn may hold the key to unlocking the secrets that bind us, but I cannot burden him further with my troubles. The encounter with the Ancient One has left me grappling with a strange pull that defies explanation as well.
Cassius, with his striking features etched with concern, approaches me with urgency in his eyes. "Avery, we must find a way to quell the darkness that threatens to consume you and all that we hold dear."
I let out a weary sigh, my fingers tangling in my fiery locks. Despite my efforts to shield my thoughts from my mates, they can still feel the turmoil that churns within me. "I understand, Cassius. But the darkness within me is as much a part of who I am as my beloved Regina and my magic."
He reaches out, his touch a comforting warmth against my skin. "We will find a way, together. Your mates and friends will stand steadfast by your side, unwavering in their support, no matter the challenges we face."
Since our Grand Ceremonies, we have all been thrust into a world of maturity and responsibility. The weight of it all sometimes feels overwhelming. I find solace in the unwavering support of those around me, but deep down, I know that only the Ravens and the Ancient One truly comprehend the depths of my darkness.
As if on cue, Donn materializes in the doorway, his raven wings shimmering in the dim light before disappearing. His eyes, as dark as coal, lock onto mine, sending a shiver down my spine. "Greetings, Queen Avery," he intones, his voice deep and resonant. "I have come to offer my assistance in controlling your shadow dragon spirit."
Beside me, Cassius stiffens, his protective instincts flaring. "No one informed you. We do not require your aid, Raven," he growls.
Donn's lips curl into a knowing smirk. "Boy, but you do. I have aided James with his malevolent queen, who sought Avery's demise. I have assisted in ending Cora as well. There are challenges that even dragon mates cannot overcome. This is one of them." He turns his gaze to me. "Your darkness has always beckoned to me, Avery. And now, more than ever. I cannot rid you of what the Ancient One bestowed upon you, but I can guide you in embracing it, rather than resisting it."
"And what do you stand to gain by aiding me, Donn?" I inquired, my voice laced with curiosity.
He moved closer, his gaze piercing. "The pleasure of your company, Queen Avery. And perhaps, the opportunity to be more than just a friend."
A blush rose to my cheeks at his audacity, but before I could respond, Cassius interjected, his eyes ablaze with fury. "How dare you proposition our Queen? My mate! Leave now, before you face the wrath of a dragon!"
Donn merely chuckled, unaffected by Cassius's warning. "Very well, I shall depart for now. But remember, Avery, I am here for you when you require my assistance." With those words, he vanished, leaving me alone with Cassius and my tumultuous thoughts.
As the days passed, the power of my shadow dragon spirit intensified, its whispers growing more urgent. I found myself drawn to the cliff's edge, where the wind caressed my face and the earth pulsed with energy. It was there that the Ancient One materialized before me, his ancient eyes brimming with knowledge and desire. "You cannot deny your fate, Avery," he intoned, his voice like velvet. "Embrace the darkness, and you shall find true freedom."
I trembled, a mixture of fear and fascination coursing through me. "What do you mean? What is my destiny?"
His smile was sinister, a glint of malice in his eyes. "Join me as my mate, and together we will conquer this world with unrivaled power. We will unleash chaos and establish our dominance."
I was taken aback by his proposal, a mix of shock and temptation coursing through me. "What about my loved ones? My future offspring? Regina? My friends?"
He waved his hand dismissively. "They are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Though Regina will play her part in our pursuit of power."
His condescending attitude ignited a fire within me. "My loved ones are not mere pawns! They are my everything, my very essence!"
His laughter was chilling, devoid of warmth. "Keep them if you must, Avery. But remember, your darkness will consume them all eventually. It is inevitable." And with that ominous warning, he vanished, leaving me alone with his haunting words.
Returning to the palace, my mind was a whirlwind of confusion and doubt. Cassius, sensing my inner turmoil, enveloped me in his arms, offering comfort and reassurance. "Whatever challenges lie ahead, Avery, we will face them together," he whispered, his touch a balm to my troubled soul as he pressed a tender kiss to my forehead.
I am enveloped by his embrace, finding solace in his love. "I hope so, Cassius. I truly hope so." But as I hold onto him tightly, I sense the shadow dragon spirit whispering to me, luring me with promises of power and freedom.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
