Dragon's Treasure by Addison James

Author:Addison James [James, Addison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-02T16:00:00+00:00

20. Osir

The clanging of the gate and the footsteps I’d recognize anywhere in the world put a stop to my brooding thoughts.

Then the entire cavern lights up. At first it’s just a gentle glow, like perhaps more torches were lit by some unseen servant without me noticing. But as the footsteps get nearer, it gets brighter, until I have to squint my eyes.

It’s like being back outside under the sun, a sensation I’ve nearly forgotten the intensity of after a century.

When Leana finally enters the cavern, the light is so bright I physically cannot look at her. I chance a peek regardless—I am incapable of resisting my treasure—and see the swirling vortex of fire before I’m forced to look away.

Her body is just a shadow among all that fire, and I now know for certain what I’ve suspected for some time.

All those poor human magic users I got killed were for nothing, because the true secret of power in this kingdom would not be born for nearly another century.

And here she stands before me, too radiant for my unworthy eyes. A human magic user, a servant, my greatest treasure and our future queen.

Something in me purrs in satisfaction. I always knew my treasure was special, but this just proves it. I wonder if she knows what power she holds. I wonder when this entire kingdom will realize it.

“You are a goddess in flames,” I proclaim, meaning every word. I will worship her gladly.

“I’m here to free you,” she says, her voice muffled by the crackling flames.

“What?” Perhaps I misheard her, because that was not the plan. “What of my nephew?”

“Didn’t want to come. Tried to send me to die in war. Which I’m now given to understand would have more serious consequences than I thought,” she concludes, a sharp preciseness to her words telling me she’s angry with me.

“There could be no more serious consequence for the world than you not being in it,” I proclaim honestly. Me dying with her is an afterthought, and one she should never have to worry about.

“You should have told me my death would kill you.”

I didn’t want her to know. I didn’t want my kind-hearted mate to fear for me. I intended to keep this from her until I could ensure that her lifespan was just as tied to mine, until I could give her centuries, perhaps millenia.

“Listen to me,” I say, forcing myself to look into the flames. “It would be an honor to die with you, treasure. And a blessing, because I’ll not live in a world without you.” The very thought of doing so is abominable. But also not what I should be focusing on right now. “Did he hurt you?”

If my nephew laid so much as a hand on her, then I will take back all my plans. I will show him that it is more than possible to kill a dragon, and I am an expert at it. I will burn everything he cares for to the ground.

She laughs.

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