Chapter 250

Elenna's POV

The night air bit at my exposed skin as Aurelian carried me deeper into the forest. His pace had been relentless until he suddenly stopped, setting me down beneath a towering oak tree.

"Stay here," he commanded, his voice low and urgent.

I watched in confusion as he crouched down, grabbing handfuls of mud. When he straightened, he began smearing the mud across my bare arms in broad strokes.

"Aurelian?" I questioned softly.

"Your human scent," he explained, continuing his work. "It's too distinctive. They'll track it unless we mask it. Help me."

Understanding immediately, I nodded and took some of the mud, applying it to my legs while he focused on my arms. Aurelian paid special attention to my neck and behind my ears, places where my scent would be strongest.

"I'm sorry about your face," he murmured as his fingers spread mud across my features, carefully avoiding my eyes.

"It's fine," I said.

When we finished, I was almost completely covered in mud. It felt disgusting, but far preferable to being caught.

Aurelian stepped back, a hesitation in his expression I rarely saw.

"I hate to leave you here," he began, "but it's necessary."

My eyes widened in panic. Alone in these woods with hunters tracking us?

"It's only temporary," he quickly added. "I promise I'll come back."

"But Aurelian..." My voice trembled despite my efforts.

"The mud will mask your scent," he explained grimly. "But mine... I'm the Dragon King. My scent is too unique, too powerful."

"I need to create several false trails," he continued. "Draw the hunters away from you." His eyes settled on a massive boulder nearby. "Come with me."

He led me to the rock, revealing a small hollow partially hidden by ferns. It was just large enough for me to fit inside.

"Stay here. Don't move, don't make a sound," he instructed firmly. "I'll return as soon as I can."

I nodded reluctantly. He helped me into the hollow, and I could see the struggle in his eyes – fierce protectiveness battling with practical strategy. I drew my knees up to my chin as Aurelian arranged some vines to further conceal me. Then, without another word, he disappeared into the forest.

The sudden silence was deafening. I regulated my breathing, taking slow, measured breaths. The forest sounds seemed amplified – every rustle of leaves made me tense. Howls echoed through the trees, uncomfortably close.

Aurelian, please hurry, I thought desperately.

Minutes stretched endlessly. My muscles cramped from remaining so rigid, but I endured it. The howls grew louder, coming from multiple directions now.

Suddenly, I heard rustling in the undergrowth nearby. I held my breath, my heart hammering against my ribs.

This wasn't Aurelian. I knew it instinctively. When he was near, I felt a strange connection, almost a sixth sense. I felt no security now. Only fear.

A bear emerged from the bushes, standing on its hind legs, nose lifted to catch scents.

The creature wasn't particularly large – probably a young male. But without protection, any enemy was deadly to me. Even this adolescent bear had razor-sharp claws and strength that dwarfed mine a hundred times. I didn't even have a dagger.

I shrank further back, trying to meld with the shadows. The bear dropped to all fours, sniffing the ground where Aurelian and I had stood.

My heart called out what my lips couldn't dare to say.

Aurelian!

Doria's POV

Solan paced the underground chamber of the rebel stronghold, completely oblivious to my presence. He hadn't looked at me once, just kept pacing and occasionally muttering curses.

When the door opened, Millicent strode in with proud steps. Each tap of her walking stick against the stone floor announced her authority. She stopped in the center of the room, chin raised defiantly.

They stared at each other in tense silence until Solan broke it, barely containing his fury. "You organized a hunt with Elenna as the target."

Millicent showed no remorse. "Yes, I did. For the future of the kingdom."

"You had no right!" he snapped, his voice rising.

"I had every right," Millicent countered. "As a significant power within the rebellion. You've lost your way, Solan."

"You dare tell me how to lead?"

"Someone must. You've become obsessed with this girl, forgetting your promises to the rebellion. Your focus should be on overthrowing tyranny."

"I'm the only reason we've made it this far! Without me, the rebellion would have been crushed!"

Millicent nodded slightly. "Before, your desire for that human was secondary. Now, she has become your primary concern, superseding our cause."

"I'm thinking of the future," Solan argued. "With Elenna by my side, I will rule more effectively."

"She doesn't want you," Millicent stated bluntly. "She is the King's mate, not yours. She has made her choice."

"Remember your place," Solan growled, stepping closer.

Millicent didn't back down, her walking stick jabbing toward his chest. "You are not king yet. If you wish to be, you need to forget that girl."

"Is that why you tried to kill her?" Solan demanded, advancing until they were inches apart.

"By eliminating her, I was doing a service for the entire rebellion," she stated coldly. "She is the Dragon King's weakness – and yours. As long as she lives, you will be compromised."

The tension in the room was suffocating. I remained absolutely still, not wanting to draw attention as these two powerful figures faced off, the violence between them waiting to erupt.