Chapter 228

Chapter 228
Lark's POV

"Your devotion is impressive," Morgravia observed one night, watching me arrange these treasures with reverent care. "Most would have given up by now."

"I'm not most people," I'd replied, my fingers lingering on the sketch. "I know what I want."

"And what exactly is that?" she'd asked, her voice deceptively casual. "Is it Lorcan himself you desire, or what he represents?"

The question had caught me off guard. "Both," I'd finally answered. "I want him—his touch, his love, his loyalty. But I also want what's rightfully mine. The Luna position. The respect. The power."

Morgravia had nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. "Good. Honesty with oneself is crucial in magic. Deception weakens spells, but truth... truth gives them strength."

I'd spent months preparing for this role—studying Lyrien through old photographs and family portraits, learning her mannerisms from those who knew her, practicing her speech patterns. Morgravia had even procured strands of Lyrien's hair from her old bedroom, incorporating them into potions I drank to better mimic her essence.

"The perfect predator studies its prey," Morgravia had explained. "Knows it better than it knows itself."

Then, yesterday at noon, everything changed. I was in my apartment, arranging my collection of Lorcan mementos when Morgravia appeared without warning, materializing in a swirl of dark smoke that smelled of winter and decay.

"She's back," she announced, her violet eyes gleaming with anticipation, power crackling around her like static electricity. "Lyrien has returned to Blackwood Estate."

My heart raced, adrenaline instantly flooding my system. "When?"

"This morning. But there's a complication." Morgravia's expression darkened, the temperature in the room dropping several degrees. "She's not alone. Two males protect her—a dragon in human form and some green-haired elf I don't recognize."

"A dragon?" I whispered, suddenly uncertain. Dragons were ancient, powerful creatures with magic that rivaled even the most skilled witches. The stories of their vengeance against those who crossed them were legendary. "And an elf?"

Morgravia nodded, pacing the room, her dark robes swirling around her ankles like living shadows. "Kael. Guardian to Selene. He's formed an attachment to Lyrien." Her lips curled in disgust. "As for the elf, he seems to be of royal blood—the arrogance in his bearing suggests nobility. But his identity matters little. Their presence changes things. We'll need to separate them."

"Can you overcome a dragon?" I asked, fear mingling with my anticipation. For the first time, doubt crept into my certainty about our plan.

Morgravia's eyes flashed dangerously, the violet darkening to near-black. The mirror on my wall cracked spontaneously from the surge of power. "With the right preparation, even dragons can fall. I've faced worse in my time." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Before I was Kely, before I served in Solakus, I walked darker paths than most can imagine."

The casual display of power reassured me. If anyone could challenge a dragon, it was Morgravia. I'd seen enough of her abilities to know she was no ordinary witch.

We spent hours refining our plan. Morgravia conjured illusions showing the elaborate trap she'd prepared in the caves beneath Ken Jungle—a series of runes designed to drain magical energy from even the most powerful beings. The symbols glowed with sinister beauty as they floated in the air between us.

"First," she explained, her fingers manipulating the illusions, "we'll manipulate Lorcan. I've already cast a subtle spell to make him behave erratically—enough to worry Lyrien but not enough to alert the dragon."

"And then?" I asked, trying to envision how we'd lure three powerful beings into our trap.

"We use Lorcan as bait. I'll ensure he wanders into Ken Forest tomorrow morning. His twin bond with Lyrien will ensure she follows, and the dragon will protect her." Morgravia's smile was cold, predatory. "Once they're in the jungle, we'll separate them. You'll take the form of Lyrien and lead the dragon to the cave trap. I'll deal with the real Lyrien and the elf prince, and ensure Lorcan remains contained."

She drew an intricate map in the air with her finger, trails of violet light showing our planned movements. "The cave system has three primary chambers, each designed for a specific target. The largest—with the most powerful binding runes—is for the dragon. The second, with emotional manipulation enchantments, will hold Lorcan. And the third..."

Her smile turned cruel. "The third is where Lyrien will meet her end. I've waited too long for this moment."

"What if the dragon sees through my disguise?" I asked, suddenly worried about facing such an ancient creature. My previous confidence wavered as I imagined those ancient eyes seeing through our deception.

"He won't," Morgravia assured me, gripping my chin with fingers that burned with cold. "My magic is stronger than he knows. I've had centuries to perfect my craft. Besides, his concern for Lyrien will cloud his judgment. Males are always weakest when protecting something they value."

"And after?" I asked, the familiar thrill of anticipation coursing through me, banishing my momentary doubts.

Morgravia placed her hands on my shoulders, her eyes locked on mine with hypnotic intensity. "Then, my dear Lark, you'll have everything you ever wanted. Lorcan will see only you. The pack will bow to their new Luna. And no one—not that pixie, not anyone—will stand in your way again."

I thought of all those moments when Lorcan had looked at me with desire under Morgravia's influence—how right it had felt, how natural. The way his body remembered mine, the way his eyes darkened when they met mine. Those weren't illusions; they were glimpses of his true feelings, temporarily freed from whatever spell or bond was forcing him to stay with Pury. I'd tasted what could be mine permanently once Lyrien was gone.

This morning, I met Morgravia at the edge of Ken Forest, the dawn light casting long shadows through the ancient trees. She cast the illusion spell that transformed me into a perfect replica of Lyrien, down to the last detail. The magic felt different this time—deeper, more thorough, seeping into my very bones until I almost believed I was Lyrien myself.

"Remember," she said as I examined my reflection in a small pool of water, marveling at the silver-purple hair and delicate features that were now mine, "dragons are perceptive. Act exactly as she would. Show concern for Lorcan. Appear desperate but determined."

"And if something goes wrong?" I asked, suddenly nervous about facing an ancient dragon alone, the weight of our plan pressing down on me.

"Nothing will go wrong," she assured me, handing me a small amulet carved with symbols that hurt my eyes to look at directly. "But if it does, crush this. It will summon me instantly."

Now, as I lead Kael deeper into the cave, I feel the weight of my mission. Everything depends on this moment—my future, my happiness, my rightful place as Luna. Ahead lies the chamber where Lorcan is being held, and beyond that, the trap that will end the dragon's interference forever.

Just a few more steps. Just a little longer. Nothing—not even a dragon—will stop me from claiming what should have been mine all along.