Hidden Flame: Bound to the Triplet Dragon Kings

*Draven**
I was desperate to have a private conversation with Avery, away from prying ears. As I walked with Rory, I couldn’t shake
the feeling that something was amiss. I had noticed a change in Avery and The Trio ever since the Ravens intervened to
put an end to the Hags. But now, I couldn’t help but wonder how much of that outcome was orchestrated by the Ravens
themselves. Avery’s newfound magic was growing stronger by the day, and I feared that even I might not be able to help
her control it.
Finally, when we were a safe distance from the palace, I turned to Avery. I knew I had to broach the subject delicately.
“You and The Trio are now fully bonded,” I began. “Conner’s confession was the final piece of the puzzle.”
Avery’s face lit up with a soft smile. “I used to dream about them,” she admitted. “I never imagined they could love me
before my transformation.”
I squeezed her hand reassuringly. “They all did, including their dragons. They were just confused before, but now they
understand. You were destined to be together.”
“But why do I still feel incomplete?” Avery asked, her voice filled with longing.
“Because there is another out there for you,” I replied, my tone filled with drama. “You have seen him in your dreams, felt
his presence. The only thing left is to feel his touch, to know that he is truly yours.”
Avery gasped, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at her reaction. Our friendship has grown so close, she’s like a little sister to me
now. “Avery, you are not just Nagas Queen; you are the Queen of Queens, and perhaps even more. I wish my visions
revealed everything, but as we both know, they only offer glimpses, leaving us to piece together the puzzle on our own.”

She nodded, “I am doing my best. This is all so crazy.”
I chuckled, “I understand completely, just as you did when you freed me from Blackbriar. Speaking of which, I have a

question for you. How much did the Ravens assist in that?”
“In the heat of the moment, I believed they had done everything for me. But now, doubts linger in my mind. Perhaps they merely
served as a conduit for the power I required, acting as a mere battery. If only there were a manual to guide me
through this bewildering journey,” Avery mused.
“The learning curve is undeniably steep, as I recall your warning that the dragon I had taken was not meant for me. The
realization of what you meant has dawned upon me now, as my soulmate is not of dragon descent,” I confessed.
Avery’s eyes sparkled with understanding. “It is Rory, isn’t it?” she inquired knowingly.
I nodded solemnly. “Indeed, but I fear she is not the only one. Talos beckons me, and I must heed the call,” I declared, my
resolve unwavering.
Avery gazed into my eyes and embraced me tightly. “I am grateful that she belongs to you because I hold her dear. However, she
is concealing something, whether she is aware of it or not. We must uncover the truth. Furthermore, I
believe Talos holds a secret that concerns us all. It may be the key to the mysterious man with the piercing blue eyes who
bears a striking resemblance to me,” she revealed.
“Together, we will unravel the mysteries that lie before us. Now, do you wish to discover if you are with egg?” I inquired.
She shook her head, indicating she was not prepared to know. “What if I were to teach you a spell, and you could use it
when the time is right?” I proposed.
She tenderly kissed my cheek, expressing her desire for such knowledge. “I cherish you and am grateful for your
friendship,” she whispered.

I enveloped her in a warm embrace, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. “Avery, it is I who should be thanking you. You
have not only liberated me but have also provided me with a sense of belonging. For that, I will forever be in your debt.”
“We are free from debts as long as we uphold honesty and loyalty, that is my main concern,” Avery declares, her wisdom

shining through despite her young age.
“Indeed, I delved into the history of King James Balans of Talos. Tim unknowingly provided me with valuable
information,” I chuckle. “I only probed because I understand the unwavering loyalty a Beta has for their Alpha. While you
could easily command him as the Queen, I did not want to put you in a difficult position. Cora poses a greater threat than
King James realizes. His arrogance could lead to our downfall, which is why we must journey to Talos after Christmas,” I
explain.
Avery nods in agreement, her voice filled with determination. “I am willing to face the truth, even if it scares me to know
whether he is truly mine or not.”
“It will all work out, at least that is my hope,” I say confidently.
“Now, are you going to claim Rory or not?” Avery asks, her eyes filled with determination.
“We need to go to her pack, but not as ourselves first,” I suggest, my mind racing with possibilities.
“Okay, then we will go to Nightshade soon. We should keep a watch on Rory in case they try to summon her home,” she
suggests, her voice tinged with concern.
Sadly, I know she is right. Werewolves are territorial, and we removed her from hers. Her Alpha will no doubt try to get
his pup home by any means necessary. I have issues with some werewolves because they use females to barter for status
and make deals. Not all of them respect the mating bond.
“Avery, yes we will. I don’t want harm to come to her before I can fully heal her,” I say, my voice filled with determination.
“I will give some of my life force for her if I must. If I have to, I will replace her wolf with a dragon,” she says, her eyes
blazing with resolve.
“You can do that?” I ask, amazed by her power.

She shrugs, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “Maybe, at least I think I can.”