Chapter 55

Kaden’s eyebrow raised, an almost playful glint in his eyes. " Guess I didn’t get to you in time to surprise you, then."

I couldn’t help but giggle, feeling a bit like a child caught snooping where they shouldn’t be. " Sorry, I overheard Seth and Mike talking about it during training, and I… got a bit nosy."

" Nosy, huh?" he said, his lips quirking into a grin.

" Well, if it got you looking this excited, you must certainly be considering going."

I bit my lip, looking down as I fumbled with my hands. I was excited, more than I wanted to admit. The idea of attending the Crystal-Light Ball, seeing the Water Kingdom for the first time, all sounded so magical. But there was a ' but,' and Kaden could see it.

" But?" he asked, his brow arching in question. " If you’re worried about guards, don’t be. I’ll be there this time, and you’ll be safe."

His words brought comfort, but another worry gnawed at me. " And the darkness?" My voice was quieter than I intended, my eyes searching his. I needed to know, to feel reassured that whatever haunted him before wouldn’t return. I searched for any sign of the dark demon-like gaze that had once terrified me.

Kaden exhaled, his expression softening, almost regretful. " We don’t have to worry about that anymore, Meara. That night when I saved you… when I heard you cry, when I heard you call my name, something inside me snapped. The darkness… it consumed me, and I let it because I didn’t know how to control it. It was so painful, but that’s when I shifted into my dragon form."

My eyes widened at his confession. The weight of his words settled over me as I listened intently, every word sinking into my skin like a revelation.

" The darkness wasn’t what I thought," he continued, his eyes locked on mine, sincerity in every word. " It was my dragon form trying to break free. If I had known sooner… maybe I could have prevented it from taking control. But the bond we share, Meara… it’s what allowed me to hear you, to find you when you needed me most."

I swallowed hard, the intensity of his gaze leaving me breathless. " You heard me? But how?"

" Our bond connects us in mysterious ways, little one," he said, his voice softer now, as if the words were meant only for me. His presence, so close, made my skin tingle. He stepped closer, and my breath hitched at the proximity. His scent, his warmth, everything about him seemed to wrap around me, drawing me in like gravity itself.

His thumb gently lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. " But back to our previous question," he said, a teasing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. " You not going to the ball might ruin the plans I have."
I blinked, confused but intrigued. " Plans?"

" It’s a surprise," he said, his voice low and secretive, as if he was savoring the anticipation. I opened my mouth to ask what the surprise was, but he placed a finger to my lips, silencing me with a grin. "You’ll see in due time."

I felt a flutter in my chest at his words, excitement mingling with curiosity. " I would love to go," I admitted, the words coming out before I could second-guess them. " It’s just… I don’t have a gown for the ball."

Kaden’s smile only grew as his thumb stroked my chin, a glint of mischief in his eyes. " Well, now, that can be arranged," he said, his voice laced with confidence. He took my hand in his, his touch warm and firm, and turned his gaze toward the distant forest.

I’d come to recognize that look. He was mind-linking Luka.

Within seconds, the ground seemed to tremble beneath my feet as Luka and Merilla emerged from the forest, their forms moving swiftly toward us. Luka, the massive black lion-like creature, was an awe-inspiring sight, his sheer size and strength a reminder of Kaden’s power. Merilla, as always, moved gracefully beside him, her white fur glistening in the sunlight.

Luka knelt down in front of Kaden, offering his back. Kaden swung up effortlessly, his movements fluid and natural, like he belonged on Luka’s back. He turned to me, extending his hand, a silent invitation. For a moment, I hesitated. But the warmth in Kaden’s eyes, the way he patiently waited for me, gave me the courage to reach out and take his hand.

As soon as my hand slipped into his, he pulled me up onto Luka’s back with ease, positioning me securely in front of him. His arms wrapped around me, holding me close, and my heart pounded in my chest, both from the thrill of the ride and the proximity of Kaden. His body was warm against mine, his presence overwhelming.

" Hold on tight," he whispered into my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

Luka leapt forward, his powerful legs propelling us through the forest. The world around us blurred as we moved, the wind rushing past, carrying with it the scent of pine and earth. Kaden’s arms tightened around me, anchoring me to him, and for a brief moment, I forgot about everything else—the ball, the gown, the worries. All that mattered was this—us, together, in this fleeting moment of freedom.

When we finally slowed, Luka came to a stop at the edge of a clearing. There, nestled between the trees, was a small, hidden shop. The wooden structure was covered in ivy, almost blending into the surrounding forest, but the soft glow from within made it feel like something out of a dream.

" This is where you’ll find your gown," Kaden said, his voice low as he helped me down from Luka’s back.

" I made sure everything would be ready for you."

I stared at the shop in awe, my heart still racing from the ride. " You did this for me?"

He nodded, his eyes softening as he watched me. " Of course. I told you; I’ll always take care of you."

My chest tightened at his words, a mix of emotions swirling inside me—gratitude, confusion, and something deeper, something I wasn’t ready to name yet. Without another word, Kaden led me toward the shop, his hand still firmly holding mine, and together we stepped inside.

The little shop looked like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale. As Kaden led me through the door, a soft bell chimed, and I found myself standing in the center of a space that radiated warmth and charm. The walls were made of dark wood, lined with shelves filled with delicate fabrics in every shade imaginable. Gowns of every shape and style hung on racks, their soft silks and intricate laces catching the sunlight that filtered through the small, round windows. A faint smell of lavender filled the air, soothing my nerves.

The shop wasn’t large, but it felt intimate, like a secret world hidden away just for me. As I stepped further inside, I noticed a full-length mirror standing against one wall, its ornate gold frame gleaming in the light. Next to it, an elegant wooden stool sat, upholstered in deep green velvet. The shopkeeper, an older woman with silver hair tied into a neat bun, appeared from behind a curtain with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling as if she already knew why I was there.

" Welcome, my dear," she said, her voice gentle but commanding. " I’ve been expecting you. We have just the thing for the ball."

I glanced at Kaden, who gave me an encouraging smile. " Go on," he said softly, his voice reassuring. " I’ve arranged everything."

Feeling a flutter of excitement and nerves, I nodded and followed the shopkeeper to the rows of dresses. She moved gracefully, pulling gown after gown from the racks, each one more beautiful than the last. The first dress I tried on was a deep emerald green, with a high neckline and a full skirt that swirled around me. I twirled in front of the mirror, admiring the way the fabric shimmered in the light.

Kaden’s reflection appeared in the mirror behind me, his lips quirked in a teasing smile. " You look like a forest nymph," he said, leaning casually against the doorframe. " You’ll blend in with the trees."
I rolled my eyes, unable to hide the smile that crept onto my face. " Really? That’s all you’ve got?"

In my mind, Merilla’s voice chimed in. " He’s right, you do look like a nymph. All you need is a crown of leaves, and you’d be set."
I laughed softly, shaking my head as I moved on to the next gown. The next was a ruby red number, bold and daring, with a plunging neckline and long sleeves made of sheer fabric. I stepped out of the dressing room and did a slow spin.

Kaden raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. " Now you look like you’re ready to command an army."
" Definitely fierce," Merilla agreed through the mind-link, her tone amused. " Maybe a bit too fierce for a ball, though."