Chapter 40: THE CHAMBER OF FORBIDDEN TRUTHS

THE CHAMBER OF FORBIDDEN TRUTHS

AZRATH’S POV

I carried Seraphine in my arms before I even realized I had made the decision. One moment she was coughing blood in the courtyard, trembling and pale, and the next my wings were unfurled and I was flying her toward the one place where no dragon, no noble, and no other creature dared to step into.

I wished I wasn't bringing her here. But it looked like the kingdom was spiraling into chaos. I had to figure out what was hurting my people, but at the same time, I had to get Seraphine to safety.

Her body still continued to tremble in my hold. Her breathing was still uneven, as if something inside her wanted to claw its way out. I stepped past the cracked black pillars marking the entrance. The torches within lit themselves, reacting to my presence.

“Azrath…” Her voice was soft and strained. “Where are you taking me?”

“Somewhere safe,” I said. My voice came out harsher than I intended. I was angry at the chaos and at the killings, but mostly at myself for not protecting her.

I set her down on a stone bench carved with ancient runes. She winced, pressing a hand to her chest.

“This part of the palace,” I said slowly, “is hidden for a reason. Not even the nobles know what lies here.”

She glanced up, confusion brushing across her tired face. “Why are you hiding me?”

“Because it's obvious that someone wants you dead,” I answered. And because I am starting to think you might destroy us all.

But I didn’t say the last part.

She closed her eyes as if exhausted and leaned her head back. “I heard something earlier… a fight. I tried not to go. I remembered what you said. But the ghost…”

My blood chilled. “Seraphine.” I knelt in front of her. “What ghost?”

She hesitated, and for a moment I felt her shutting herself off from me, locking the truth behind a wall of fear. Then she whispered, “The one inside me.”

The forbidden torches flickered, sensing ancient magic. Inside her? A ghost was inside of her?! I clenched my jaw. “Tell me everything.”

She opened her eyes and looked straight at me. I didn’t expect the next words. “Ezekiel… he’s here.”

For a second, I forgot how to breathe. “Your former mate,” I said, barely a whisper.

She nodded slowly. “He was the one who tied me up and dragged me to the mountains. I begged him but he left me there.”

Her shoulders shook as she said those words “He wanted my death.” The torches around us dimmed with the weight of her pain.

“And yet,” I said, my voice was unsteady as I spoke, “you speak as though your heart still remembers something.”

She stiffened immediately. “I don’t love him,” she snapped. “I don’t even know why I felt anything when I saw him. I hated it. I hated myself for it.”

“That reaction could have gotten you killed,” I said. “You ran into danger without thinking. Do you know how reckless that is?”

She stood, shaky but trying to seem strong. “I didn’t run into danger. I was dragged into it. I heard screams, Azrath. What was I supposed to do? Sit and pretend nothing is happening?”

“Yes.” My voice echoed through the chamber. “Because I told you not to leave your room.”

“I’m not your prisoner.” Her voice wavered. “And I’m not your enemy.”

I turned away from her because I was facing her hurt in a way I could not explain. “Then why does danger follow you everywhere? Why do the dead rise when you walk? Why does every shadow want your soul?”

“I don’t know!” she yelled, her voice breaking. “I don’t know what’s happening to me.”

The sound of her sob tore through me.

Her knees buckled. I reached her before she hit the floor. She pushed at my chest weakly, her fingers trembling. “Don’t touch me,” she whispered. “You’ll get hurt.”

“Let me decide what hurts me,” I growled.

Her eyes met mine, she looked scared, shining with tears. I felt myself leaning in to her, Her breathing became heavy while my heart slammed against my ribs.

I could kiss her. For just a second I let myself imagine it.... her lips soft against mine, her hands in my hair, the world felt quiet for the first time in centuries. But I stopped myself before the thought clouded my head. This was wrong.

I stepped back. “I shouldn’t have brought you here.”

Her tears slipped down her cheeks. “Azrath…”

I turned away before I did something stupid. “You need to rest. And you need to stay in this room. If you step outside, I won’t be able to protect you.”

“That sounds like a threat,” she said quietly.

“It’s a warning,” I answered. “Drakoria is drowning in danger. And something inside you is waking up.”

I could feel the strange hum in the air and the invisible force curling around her like claws. Behind her, the ancient mural glowed faintly, revealing a woman wreathed in darkness, standing over the burning ruins of Drakoria. It was the Void Queen.

Seraphine stared at it, terrified. “Azrath… why does she look like me?”

I swallowed hard before I responded, "just ignore it, Seraphine." I said, stepping closer and turning her away.

But she kept her confused gaze on it still.

"But Azrath..." She tried to say

"I said, don't let it bother you. Stay here and wait for me. I will be back as soon as possible.”