Chapter 111

I felt the pulse of the invisible chain on my wrist, a reminder that I was bound by the magic that held me captive. I pushed through the courtyard, determined to make an escape plan. If Darren couldn’t come to me, then I would go to him. The air was full of unfamiliar scents, both sweet and fiery, and it wrapped around me like a challenge. I would go as far as I could, test every limit, defy every chain. Even if the risk was great, even if I knew it could end in capture, I had to try. For Darren. For me. For our child.

As I neared the castle’s outer gate, a shape moved in my peripheral vision, and I knew I hadn’t escaped unnoticed. “Do you need a guide?” Magnus’s voice came from behind, gentle and playful. His green eyes locked onto me, full of confidence and, of course, maddening arrogance.

“I’m just getting some fresh air and exploring,” I gave him a small smile, hiding my intentions.

Magnus stepped closer, his gaze holding mine. “Then let me come with you,” his voice was softer now, the offer sounding more like a demand. His body radiated warmth, a contrast to the crisp morning air. “For your protection.”

His choice of words made me laugh, a sound that came out more like a challenge than amusement. “Protection from who?”

Magnus grinned, but there was something possessive in his expression, a claim that he knew he was staking. “Why don’t we find out?” His willingness to follow me was a double-edged sword. He was a barrier, but also my best chance to learn the truth of my boundary.

I nodded, watching the satisfaction spread across his face. “Alright then,” I said, noting how he lingered, his attention never straying from me. “But just remember that I have a mate and am not interested in anything other than friendship.”

“Friendship … sounds perfect.”

We walked beyond the courtyard, the castle looming behind us like a giant beast that refused to let go. The gardens sprawled around us, wild and unfamiliar. Exotic flowers burst with colors I’d never seen, and their sweet, spicy scent clung to the air, almost intoxicating. I couldn’t help but marvel at them, my senses heightened by the adrenaline coursing through me.

“What is that?” I asked, breathing in the spicy aroma that lingered in my nose and throat. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced, a burning sweetness.

Magnus smirked, watching my reaction with amusement. “It’s the pepper flower,” he said, plucking one from a nearby bush. “Unique to the dragon kingdom.” His voice carried a hint of pride, as if even the flora was something they’d conquered.

The paths twisted and turned, each step taking me farther than I’d dared hope. I kept expecting the chain to yank me back, for the tether to grow tight and pull me toward Squall. But it didn’t, and a spark of triumph and hope ignited within me. I needed to know how this worked and how far I could go.

We approached a grand fountain, a cascade of water glistening in the morning light. Intricately carved dragon sculptures twisted and arched, their forms as majestic as they were haunting. Magnus led me closer, and the details came alive before my eyes. Jewels shimmered on their surfaces, casting rainbow reflections that danced in the water. One sculpture stood apart, it was newer and its brilliance was almost blinding. “What a beautiful sculpture? Who is it of? The queen?” I asked, pointing to the diamond dragon. She was someone I had not met yet, and no one spoke of her. I was curious about her whereabouts but didn’t want to bring up a painful subject.

Magnus’s expression changed, a somber shadow passing over his confident facade. “It is,” he said, his voice low. “A reminder to all of her strength.”

I trailed my fingers through the cool water feeling Magnus’s presence beside me. “What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, letting my curiosity show.

“The queen is imprisoned,” Magnus explained, his words deliberate and heavy. “Encased in crystal by ancient magic.”

The revelation struck me, an echo of my own captivity but far more tragic. “How?” I whispered.

“She sacrificed herself to save Thorin,” Magnus sighed, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion I’d not seen in him before. “The little prince took a treasure of the gods. She accepted his punishment so he could be free.”

My mind raced, “So, the gods punished her in place of a child? Can she be freed? How long will she be trapped?” The questions vomited out of my mouth.

Magnus pursed his lips, his gaze turning to the fountain as if seeing it for the first time. “There’s no way to free her,” he said, the weight of his words pressing against me. “No one knows how long she’ll be imprisoned.”

I watched him, sensing the raw truth in what he shared. “It must be hard for Gunnar,” I said, my voice softening.

“And Thorin,” Magnus agreed, his tone sincere. “He knows his mother is there, but he can’t reach her. That she sacrificed herself for his mistake. It was innocent enough, too. He was just a child. He didn’t know any better.”

The fountain’s waters rippled with a sadness I couldn’t ignore, a reflection of all the loss and longing that tied us together in ways I never expected. I could relate to this. “That’s horrible being ripped away from the person you loved,” I said, my own voice catching with understanding. I immediately thought of Darren and how we were forced apart, not knowing when we would see the other again.

Magnus looked at me, his eyes bright with an intensity that almost scared me. “And you understand that better than most.” There was something in his voice … a tone I didn’t want to explore more.

I held his gaze, unwilling to show the vulnerability that clawed at my insides. “And I know to fight against it,” I replied, my resolve sharpening like a blade. “I won’t allow anyone to stand in my way.” Even as I stood on dragon lands, surrounded by their power and their magic, I felt the edge of freedom within my grasp. Squall hadn’t come for me. How far could I go before he would hunt me down? I had to know. I had to take this opportunity, had to push farther and farther until I either broke free or established the length of my chain.

I turned and looked at the distant mountains that called to me, their jagged peaks a siren song that promised a chance of freedom. Suddenly, a plan popped in my mind. I turned to Magnus, my intentions clear in my eyes. “Can we get closer?” I asked, my voice daring him to say no. He hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face, and I pushed harder. “Please.” The word tasted like rebellion. Magnus sighed, a reluctant smile playing at his lips.

“I’ll take you there,” he said, and my heart surged. This was my chance, my moment. The risk was worth it. Everything was worth it, even if it all unraveled. I watched as Magnus glanced back toward the castle, his green eyes narrowing as he calculated the risks. “Gunnar will have my head,” he said, his voice sounding a bit distressed, shaking his head like he couldn’t believe he agreed to it.

“You don’t have to,” I pursed my lips, not wanting to cause him any trouble.

“Like hell, I don’t. I can’t ignore the one and only thing you’ve asked of me,” Magnus smiled, and I felt a spark of triumph. He looked at me, the challenge in his eyes turning into something else. “I’ll have to fly you,” he warned, though the promise of it seemed to thrill him.

“Just try not to drop me.”

“As if I’d ever drop you.” Magnus’ voice was almost a purr, and with a powerful motion, dark wings erupted from his back, unfurling like banners of night. He wrapped his strong arms around me, pulling me close against his chest. The sudden heat of his body was startling, and I could feel the ripple of muscles beneath his shirt.

Then, we were airborne, the ground falling away as we soared toward the mountains. The air rushed around us, a wild and untamed wind that carried both the thrill of flight and the plotting of escape. My heart raced, each beat a countdown to the moment I would find freedom or be caught in my defiance.

Magnus’ wings beat with steady power, propelling us through the sky. Below, the landscape unfolded, and I took in every detail. The jagged peaks, the twisting rivers, the forests that stretched like green oceans. I memorized the path, the way each piece connected. I could see it all, feel the distance growing, and I calculated the best escape routes.

His grip tightened around me. “Not scared, are you?” Magnus chuckled over the wind, his voice tinged with something close to admiration.

“Never, as if this would scare me.” I scoffed.

As we neared the mountain, a massive crystal formation came into view, its surface shimmering like a thousand diamonds. Mist swirled around it, an ethereal shroud that both concealed and revealed the secrets within. I felt the pulse of the chain grow stronger, a warning beat that urged me to turn back. But I wouldn’t. Not yet.

We landed on a rocky outcropping, and the sudden stillness was eerie. Magnus released me, his eyes watching intently for my reaction. I could feel the magic, the tether stretching and pulling, an invisible leash that beckoned me, reminding me that I had gone too far. It was a warning tug that I was going to ignore. The first signs of my invisible handcuff showing resistance.

Inside the crystal, a silhouette was visible, a beautiful woman frozen in time. The sight took my breath away. But it was her gentle smile that brought my emotions to the surface. She was happy to save her son but was sad she wouldn’t be able to watch him grow up. At least that was my impression.

I moved closer, my palm against the cold surface, feeling the electricity that pulsed through it. The energy was gentle, and as I moved my hand over it, I could feel a strange warmth that wasn’t there before. But then the pulse on my chain became insistent … a rapid fire, as if I was being tracked.

Magnus stood behind me, his presence as bold and unwavering as ever. “It’s humbling, isn’t it?” he asked, but his voice had a curious tone to it.

“It’s devastating,” I turned to face him, not caring about the emotion that was in my eyes. The idea of this woman not seeing her son grow, and losing time with her mate was heartbreaking. It made me angry.

In the distance, on the horizon, a dark shape appeared. I knew it was Squall, coming to retrieve me, having tracked the leash I was attached to. He was now coming to pull me back to his side. As if I was his dog that should not stray too far. I now knew that I could go further than I expected … far enough to maybe give me a good head start. But I needed a solid plan if I was going to escape from the dragons. They could cover distance quicker than I could. I would need to be able to hide and mask myself. Honestly, I needed a cave to travel through.

Suddenly, I felt a strong pulse inside of my chest, a ripple of energy that took my breath away.

“Allissa!” Magnus’ voice was laced with concern as I braced myself, planting my hands on my knees. What was happening now?!