Chapter 3: The Dragon's Mark

Thunder rolled across the dark sky.

The golden light that had erupted from Seraphina slowly faded, leaving the ancient library in ruins. Shelves had collapsed, books lay scattered across the floor, and shattered glass glittered beneath the moonlight.

Seraphina stared at her wrist in horror.

The glowing symbol was no longer just a chain.

A tiny dragon, formed from golden flames, had appeared at its center.

"What... is this?" she whispered.

Orion stepped closer, his usually calm expression replaced with alarm.

"The Dragon's Mark."

His voice trembled.

"I prayed I would never see it again."

Before Seraphina could ask another question, heavy footsteps echoed through the library.

The doors swung open.

Prince Kael strode inside, his black cloak billowing behind him. His silver eyes searched the room until they landed on Seraphina.

For a brief second, relief crossed his face.

Then it disappeared behind his usual cold expression.

"Are you hurt?"

Seraphina blinked.

Was he... worried?

"I'm perfectly fine."

Her sharp tone returned.

"I don't need your concern."

Kael nodded once.

"As expected."

Lucien hurried in behind him, panting.

"I've searched half the palace!" he complained before noticing the destruction. "Well... I guess I found the missing half."

Even Orion couldn't hide a small smile.

"You joke too much."

"It's how I survive."

Kael turned to Orion.

"Explain."

The old historian sighed.

"There is little to explain."

"The Soul Bond has awakened."

"I figured that much."

"No, Your Highness."

Orion looked directly at both of them.

"You don't understand."

He carefully picked up an ancient scroll sealed with crimson wax.

"This prophecy was written over a thousand years ago."

He broke the seal and began to read.

> 'When darkness swallows the kingdoms and the moon burns gold, the Heir of Flame and the Heir of Shadow shall be bound by destiny. Together they shall awaken the First Dragon...

> ...or become the reason the world is consumed by fire.'

Silence filled the room.

Seraphina laughed once.

A nervous laugh.

"That's impossible."

"It is," Orion admitted.

"Which is why no one believed it."

Lucien scratched the back of his head.

"So..."

"Either they save the world..."

"Or accidentally destroy it?"

Orion nodded.

"Precisely."

Lucien sighed dramatically.

"No pressure."

Seraphina folded her arms.

"I refuse."

Everyone looked at her.

"I won't work with him."

She pointed straight at Kael.

"He invaded my kingdom."

"He killed innocent people."

"I would rather break this bond than spend another day beside him."

Kael's expression remained unreadable.

"I agree."

Seraphina frowned.

"You... do?"

"This bond changes nothing."

"I still have a kingdom to protect."

"And I have a war to end."

Their eyes met.

Neither of them was willing to yield.

Orion rubbed his temples.

"This will be... difficult."

That evening, Kael escorted Seraphina back to her chambers.

Neither spoke.

The silence between them was heavy.

As they reached her door, Seraphina finally broke it.

"Why?"

Kael glanced at her.

"Why what?"

"Why didn't you kill me?"

"You had every chance."

"You could have ended the Ashwyn bloodline."

Kael looked toward the moon before answering.

"My father ordered me to."

Seraphina's heart skipped.

"But I refused."

She searched his face for any sign of deception.

There was none.

"Why?"

His jaw tightened.

"Because killing an unarmed prisoner isn't victory."

"It's cowardice."

For the first time since meeting him...

Seraphina saw something beneath the cold armor he wore around his heart.

Honor.

Before she could speak again—

A servant came running down the hallway.

"Your Highness!"

He fell to one knee before Kael.

"The king requests your presence immediately."

Kael nodded.

"I'll be there."

He looked back at Seraphina.

"Stay inside tonight."

She raised an eyebrow.

"Giving me orders?"

"A warning."

Without another word, he walked away.

Deep beneath the palace...

King Aldric stood inside a hidden chamber carved into the mountain itself.

Dark candles burned with violet flames.

Ancient symbols covered the walls.

A hooded figure knelt before him.

"The Soul Bond has awakened," the stranger said.

King Aldric smiled.

"Excellent."

"And the princess?"

"Alive."

"Good."

He turned toward a massive stone door bound by black iron chains.

Something enormous slammed against it from the other side.

The chamber shook.

The hooded figure swallowed nervously.

"My king..."

"What if it escapes?"

Aldric placed one hand on the ancient seal.

"It won't."

"Not until the bond is complete."

His smile widened.

"Then... not even the dragons will stop me."

Another thunderous roar echoed from behind the sealed door.

Far above, Seraphina jolted awake in her room.

She had dreamed of a dragon trapped in darkness...

And just before she opened her eyes, it had whispered one sentence.

"Trust no king."

She sat upright, her heart pounding.

Outside her window, the full moon had turned a deep shade of crimson.

Something terrible was coming.

And fate had already chosen its first victims.

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