Chapter 246

Chapter 246

Elenna's POV

My worry for Doria still gnawed at me. I didn't believe for a second that she would disappear without telling me.

"Maybe this chase game is the perfect opportunity for me to explore that library," I suggested. "You could go with the others to distract them. While I'm here, I could—"

Aurelian glared at me, his eyes flashing again. "I will not leave you alone," he cut me off firmly. "This place is too dangerous."

"You could ensure the guards leave for long enough... " I began, lowering my voice as I turned to face Aurelian, "and give me plenty of time to slip into the library and find that secret passage."

Aurelian's eyes narrowed, the gold in his irises intensifying. "And what about the trained servants who will be watching your every move?" The edge in his voice made it clear he thought my plan was foolish.

I bit my lip, acknowledging the flaw. "I can handle that problem."

"No." His response was immediate and final.

"Aurelian—"

"I said no." He cut me off, his jaw tensed with barely controlled anger. "Even if you managed to avoid detection, what then? Have you considered what might be waiting on the other side of that secret passage?"

A chill ran down my spine. I hadn't thought that far ahead. "What do you mean?"

His voice dropped to a low growl. "What if that passage leads directly to the rebel stronghold? You'd be delivering yourself straight into Solan's hands."

My argument weakened. "If they weren't expecting me..."

"They're always expecting you." Aurelian's fingers tightened around mine. "You don't seem to understand what I would become if anything happened to you." His eyes blazed with an intensity that made my breath catch. "I would burn this world to the ground to get you back."

The raw emotion in his voice stunned me. This wasn't just possessiveness or desire—this was something deeper, something I wasn't sure I was ready to name.

"We need to do something," I said, steering us back to the problem at hand. "What do you suggest?"

Aurelian's gaze swept across the room. "Neither of us participates in this chase game."

"Our esteemed king considering skipping the main ceremony?" Millicent's voice slid between us like silk over steel. I hadn't noticed her approach, and her sudden presence made me tense. "That would be most... unfortunate."

I forced my face to remain neutral, though my heart hammered against my ribs.

"None of the tribal leaders are particularly fond of you right now," she continued, her smile never reaching her eyes. "Further antagonizing them won't win you any favors. Especially given the delicate political climate."

The threat in her words was thinly veiled. I felt Aurelian's body temperature rise beside me, the air around us warming noticeably.

"Don't pretend you haven't orchestrated this," Aurelian said, his voice dangerously soft. "This chase game is a trap. Those people will turn on me the moment—"

"When the game begins," Millicent interrupted, "you may find yourself unable to refuse."

"Is that a threat?" Aurelian's voice carried the rumble of a dragon's roar.

Millicent's gaze shifted to me, her eyes glittering with malice. "Your little human won't be much help to you if things turn... unpleasant."

I stepped forward, surprising myself with my boldness. "I believe in Aurelian's ability to handle whatever you've planned." I glanced toward the drink table where several children of different species played. "But for their safety, please stop whatever you're planning against us."

Millicent's eyes widened, misinterpreting my words. "Are you threatening those children?"

"No," I said quickly, my golden hair catching the light from the fire. "King Aurelian would never harm any child. But those children shouldn't have to witness what comes next, or grow up without their families."

Millicent's lips curved into a cold smile. "Those children will be safe enough. It's your own life you should worry about." The dangerous shimmer at her fingertips pulsed brighter.

"What exactly will the tribes be chasing?" Aurelian demanded, his dragon eyes gleaming with suspicion.

"You'll see," Millicent answered, a hint of mystery in her voice as she turned and walked away.

I scanned the room, my worry for Doria intensifying with each passing moment. Something caught my eye—a familiar face among the servants. Malcolm. He was instructing others, moving efficiently around the room's perimeter.

I tugged at Aurelian's sleeve. "Let me go," I whispered. He released me reluctantly, and I weaved through the crowd of various tribal guests toward Malcolm.

"Malcolm," I called, catching up to him near a side entrance. "I'm sorry to interrupt. I need to speak with you right now."

He turned, his expression hardening when he saw me. Gone was any trace of the friendly demeanor he'd shown with Doria.

"It's about Doria," I pressed, lowering my voice. "She's missing."

Malcolm's eyes darted to where Aurelian stood watching us, then back to me. His jaw tightened. "This is your fault," he hissed. "You brought her into this disaster."

My blood ran cold. "What are you talking about? If you know something, you need to tell me now."

Malcolm's face contorted with anger. "You've led her straight to ruin."