Hidden Flame: Bound to the Triplet Dragon Kings

**Avery**

I don't remember much of my childhood which, in and of itself, could be a blessing in disguise. From what I do recall, a patrol found me, barely clinging to life, lying unconscious in the remains of what was once my parents. I was three then, and now that I’m turning eighteen, I can barely remember their faces. I can, however, remember songs that my mother would sing, about a fierce princess who would save us all. Growing up, I wished that I was that princess; but that was a destiny not meant for me.

As for me now, I grew up an orphan, like many others. I was always picked last for everything and never got adopted. I was an outcast among outcasts. However, one day, five years ago, I was hiding from a group of kids who teased and bullied me, because I was so thin and pale. They called me a leech, a vampire, and a corpse. No matter how hard I tried to hide the hurt, every word pierced my soul. Riddled with invisible scars that will never heal, I sought refuge in a fallen tree. Much to my dismay, the group of tormentors found me. Just as they were ripping my clothes off, two dragons blasted the treetops with their flames.

Everyone ran, including me. After all, based on what I was taught at the orphanage, dragons are known to be one of the most powerful beings in existence, and the most menacing too. I ran as hard as I could, but I was exhausted and tripped. I rolled down a hill, landing at the feet of a woman who was patting down a few embers that were smoldering on her dark green dress. Her eyes were kind and her touch was warm and soft as she helped me to my feet. Her husband came over and healed my scrapes the best he could. He carried me to their modest home in the heart of the Naga Tribe.

June and Anton, the dragon shifters who saved me, officially adopted me a few weeks later, after they obtained approval from the nobles. My new parents were farmers for the tribe and the nobles were whom the tribe served. The lands weren't always plentiful but I was fortunate enough to get a job in the tribe. I didn’t want to be a burden to the two people who kindly raised me as their own. However, I let fear get the better of me and tried to run away. Luckily, the tribe took pity on me and gave me a job working for the nobles. At first, I started out as a maid assigned to clean the common areas, soon I was promoted to be the Royal Concierge. I am basically a cook exclusively for The Trio, but they often force me to do other things including their homework. Having the title of Royal Concierge sounds far better than being called a servant or kitchen bitch too.

“Avery! Why isn't my shirt pressed,” Clint roared.

“Where is my phone? Avery, get in here now,” Conner bellowed from his room.

Then there was banging on the wall, “Avery, get your pathetic ass out of your room and make my fucking breakfast. You had better not make me late. You know how angry Asher gets,” Cassius threatened.

I often regret accepting my newest position as their exclusive cook in the palace but it pays better and allows me more places to hide than at my old home with my adoptive parents. Unfortunately, it means that I am in contact with the Royal Trio of Clint, Conner, and Cassius Draco all the more. They have always made my life difficult, but now even more so, as graduation approaches and their Grand Ceremony along with it.