Chapter 40

I followed her, my steps unsteady. Claire was risking everything for me, and I knew I couldn’t waste this chance. We ran through the dark hallways, avoiding guards and staying in the shadows. My heart pounded with each step, fear and adrenaline pushing me forward.

We reached a small door, and Claire pulled out a set of keys, fumbling with them as her hands trembled. Finally, the door creaked open, revealing a path in the dark. Claire looked at me, her face set with determination. “ This is it. Follow the path. It leads straight to the barrier and don’t look back. I’ve made a distraction for the guards, but it won’t last long.”

Tears stung my eyes. “ Claire, come with me. Please, we can both make it.”

She shook her head, her expression sad but firm. “ I can’t. I have to stay and make sure you get away. You’re our only hope, Meara. Promise me you will find a way to break the curse and free us from this nightmare.”
I nodded, tears slipping down my cheeks. “ I promise.”

Claire gave me a tight smile. “ Good. Now go.”

I turned and ran toward the barrier, it was dark, and I could barely see the path ahead. My legs felt weak, and my body was trembling from exhaustion. I hadn’t eaten much in days, and every step felt heavier than the last. But I couldn’t stop—I wouldn’t. My mind kept racing back to Claire, to the sacrifice she made so I could have this chance. She saved my life, and I wasn’t going to waste it. I pushed forward, running as fast as I could.

I was almost at the dried-out forest when I heard a strange noise—wings flapping and voices behind me. Fear shot through me, but I didn’t dare look back. I forced myself to keep going, my eyes locked on the path that led to the barrier. I just needed to get through. That was all that mattered.

The closer I got, the darker it became. The shadows seemed to swallow everything around me, and I could barely make out where I was going. Suddenly, something huge, descended right in front of me, blocking my path. I skidded to a stop, gasping as I looked up. It was Hezron, perched on his demon horse, its massive wings spreading out, blocking the way.

I stumbled back, my heart pounding. “ No... this can’t be happening,” I muttered under my breath. The demon horse snorted, its eyes glowing red as it pawed the ground, ready to charge. Hezron’s cold eyes were fixed on me, and a twisted smile spread across his face.

“ You thought you could escape, didn’t you?” He sneered, jumping off the beast and landing with a heavy thud. “ But you won’t make it past me.”

I took a step back, my mind racing. “ I have to keep going. I can’t let him take me back.” I looked around, desperate for something—anything—to defend myself with. My hands closed around a jagged rock, and I gripped it tightly, holding it up between us.

Hezron laughed, his voice echoing in the darkness.

“ Pathetic,” he scoffed, swatting the rock out of my hand like it was nothing. I tried to run, but he was too quick, grabbing me by the arm and yanking me back. I twisted, trying to pull free, but his grip was like steel.

“ Let me go!” I screamed, my voice breaking with fear. But Hezron just pulled me closer, his eyes burning with anger. “ You’re not going anywhere.”

I thrashed, kicking at him with all my strength. “ Get away from me!” My heel connected with his leg, and he stumbled, giving me a split second to break free. I didn’t hesitate. I bolted toward the barrier, my breath coming in ragged gasps, but Hezron’s men stepped out from the shadows, grabbing me. Hezron watched, a twisted grin spreading across his face.

“ You know, I should thank you,” Hezron said, his voice dripping with mock gratitude. I looked at him, confused. “ If you hadn’t killed my father, I might have had to do it myself.”
I chill ran through me, but I stayed quiet. If he thought I killed the king, then Claire was safe. For now.

“ He deserved what he got,” I spat through gritted teeth, wishing I could have been the one to take the king’s life.

Hezron’s men dragged me closer as he smirked. “ Now, I can have you all to myself.” His words made my stomach churn. He was just like his father—cruel and twisted.

I struggled against the men holding me, kicking and fighting. Bu one of them struck me hard in the stomach, knocking the wind out of me. My knees buckled, but they kept me upright.

“ That’s for trying to escape,” Hezron sneered, stepping closer. “ And this is for making me king.” He grabbed my face, forcing a rough kiss on me. I turned my head, but his men held me still, making escape impossible. His tongue forced its way into my mouth, and I did the only thing I could—I bit down.

“ You little bitch!” Hezron yelped, stumbling back with blood on his hands. His eyes darkened with rage. “ You will pay for that,” he growled. “ Pin he down.” He ordered.

They pushed me to the ground, and the blanket I’d been using, fell away, exposing my bare chest. Hezron’s eyes darkened as he stared, slowly unbuckling his pants.

“ I am going to devour every part your body and make you mine,” he said, licking his lips as he moved closer.

“ No, please let me go!” I sobbed, closing my eyes, wishing this nightmare would end.

“ When you’re done, we want aa turn,” one of Hezron’s men leered, his eyes gleaming with sick excitement.

I cried harder, my heart pounding with fear. Hezron climbed on top of me, grabbing my breasts. I squeezed my eyes shut, tears streaming down my face.

“ Please, stop. Don’t do this,” I begged, but my words fell on death ears.


*****

( Kaden )


A sudden sharp pain tore through my skull, blinding me with flashes of Meara’s terror. I saw her on her back, tears streaming down on her face, screaming my name. Her pain was mine. My blood boiled, rage clawing up from deep inside. The agony in my head was unbearable, and I fell off my horse, hitting the ground hard. The darkness inside me woke, trashing against my mind, reacting to Meara’s cries for help. She was calling for me—her mate. Somehow, I could see what she saw, feel what she felt.

I crawled on the ground, the darkness ripping at my sanity. It wanted out. Meara needed me, but I couldn’t let the darkness take over, not now. I gritted my teeth, trying to fight it back, but it was like a wildfire consuming me as the pain spread, clawing through every nerve.

“ Fuck, not now!” I roared through clenched teeth, the burning agony tearing me apart. Suddenly, there was a sickening crack, like bones shattering. I collapsed onto all fours, feeling my entire body breaking and shifting. I couldn’t hold back the darkness any longer—it was too much.

I screamed, letting the darkness loose, and then everything changed. I felt myself growing, the earth shrinking beneath me. I heard a heavy thud behind me and turned my head, seeing a long, black tale with spikes. I looked down at my hands—or what used to be my hands. Now, they were dragon paws. The darkness that had consumed me for so long was gone, replaced by something else. It wasn’t just darkness—it was my dragon, my true form, and I’d been fighting it all this time.

“ Meara.” Her voice echoed in my head, crystal clear, laced with fear. I could feel her, close and scared. My senses sharpened; I could smell her fear as if it was my own. Fury surged through me, and I knew one thing; whoever was hurting my mate was dead.

I launched into the sky with a force I didn’t know I had, wings spreading wide, catching the wind. It felt natural, like I’d been born to fly. My vision sharpened, every detail in perfect clarity, and my sense of smell honed in on her scent. She was in Dravonia. I didn’t question how I knew—I just did.

I soared at lightning speed, my wings slicing through the air. Every beat of my heart was fueled by rage and a need to protect Meara. Whoever dared touch her would pay. They would bleed. And I would make sure they never forget the wrath of a dragon king.

In no time, the barrier appeared in front of me, its dark black fog the only thing keeping me away from Meara. I shot through the barrier like it was nothing, just clean air. Once through, my eyes scanned through the dark trees, seeing four heat signals. I heard Meara’s voice pleading, and this deep dragon growl erupted out of me.