The Crown's Fire - Chapter 132

Chapter 132: Trap
Moments later, Tarah and Lurio arrived at Valcrez, entering the private chamber where Queen Mineah awaited.

“Your Majesty,” Tarah greeted the Queen with a respectful bow, accompanied by Wizard Lurio.

Mineah acknowledged them both before turning to Lurio, instructing him swiftly, “You may return alone for now, Wizard Lurio. Brother Ezekiel and Tarah will be journeying to Ebodia together. Please inform my parents that they should temporarily assume control, as my husband and brother still have some important discussions and planning to make.”

“I understand, Your Majesty. I’ll relay the message,” Wizard Lurio replied before departing with another teleportation spell, an alibi to ease their parents’ worries.

Alone with Mineah, Tarah sensed the intensity in the Queen’s gaze as she asked, “Did you know what’s happening? Are you aware of the situation?”

“I humbly apologize, Your Majesty,” Tarah began, taking a deep breath before explaining at length. “King Nikolai asked me to keep this from you, knowing you would not let him go if you knew. But we have no time to lose. You must prepare yourself immediately. We need to go to Helion now! Devon will stop at nothing; he will torment King Nikolai and snatch his immortal life essence and power.”

It was a liberating feeling for Tarah to finally speak out against Devon’s tyranny, a stark contrast to the restraint she had practiced for so long.

“I am ready, Tarah. I have brought everything,” Mineah replied resolutely, donning the armring, boots, and cloak she had prepared. “I will summon Zoran. We need his help to navigate the terrain of Helion Castle,” Mineah added.

However, Tarah shook her head. “No, Your Majesty. I’m afraid Devon has already identified Zoran’s power. You have to do it on your own. I will be your guide and help you move through the castle,” Tarah explained.

Mineah frowned, questioning, “What are you saying? Do you know the insides of the castle?”

“Yes, I know every corner of the castle. There’s no time to waste. I will explain everything as we go. Let us leave immediately. Please cast a teleportation spell now. I will guide you along the way…” Tarah replied without hesitation.

She possessed the ability to cast the teleportation spell, yet Tarah opted to conserve her energy. She recognized the necessity of preserving her strength for the challenges awaiting her, particularly considering the significant exertion required for her escape with Levi.

*******

Back at Devon’s castle in the kingdom of Helion, Ezekiel attempted to unleash his dragon power against Devon, but to his dismay, nothing happened. He frowned as he heard Tarah’s voice echoing in his head repeatedly.

Their bond was experiencing difficulties within the enclosed chamber, much like his own struggle to access his dragon’s power.

[Kiel, can you hear me? Please, if you can hear me, stay put and don’t do anything. Let Sibil extract Vulcan’s soul from within you, but focus mainly on your connection with Khal. Make sure Khal returns to your body,] Tarah’s voice echoed in his mind.

[I formed a life and death bond between you two so you’ll be safe, but you must remember to keep yourself connected and not be distracted by anything while your body is unconscious.]

[Tarah, I can hear you,] he replied, but there was no response.

“What’s wrong? Having trouble controlling the dragon power? I was expecting flames, but all I see is smoke,” Devon taunted with a loud laugh.

[There’s a protective spell in this chamber. I can’t help you right now, especially with Vulcan still inside your body. You won’t be able to fully control my power against the spell in this chamber unless Vulcan’s soul is completely gone,] Khal explained.

Ezekiel inwardly cursed. He had full control, but there seemed to be limitations with two souls residing in his body.

“You see, my future Queen… Ah, right, that Seer you’re calling Tarah is my woman! Mine!” Devon firmly remarked.

Ezekiel suspected Tarah’s allegiance to Devon. His suspicions boiled over into rage at Devon’s possessive remarks about Tarah. With a fierce growl, he lunged forward, his fist aimed squarely at Devon’s face. However, Devon’s reflexes were sharp, and he dodged the attack with an infuriating smirk.

Undeterred, Ezekiel pivoted, launching a swift roundhouse kick towards Devon’s midsection. But Devon was like a shadow, effortlessly sidestepping the blow.

Their movements blurred as they exchanged strikes and blocks, each one fueled by Ezekiel’s fury and Devon’s scheme. Despite his anger, Ezekiel fought with precision, his every move calculated and relentless.

“My dear Tarah told me that the merging will be complete before you arrive here,” Devon sneered, his voice dripping with malice. “The last time she reported, the dragon’s spirit was close to fully merging with yours, and since then, I’ve been preparing hard just to make sure everything will be ready once you fall into my trap.”

Devon’s taunting words only fueled Ezekiel’s determination. With a primal roar, he unleashed a flurry of blows, each strike a testament to his strength and resolve. But Devon was a skilled adversary, parrying and evading with uncanny agility.

The air crackled with tension as the two adversaries circled each other, locked in a deadly dance of combat. With each passing moment, Ezekiel’s anger burned brighter, his resolve unyielding as he fought to overcome Devon’s defenses and claim victory.

“Ah, once I take the dragon’s power, I can finally have her completely for myself. Do you know how much I love touching every—”

“Shut your mouth, demon! I will kill you!!!” Ezekiel roared, his rage boiling over as he lunged at Devon. The mere thought of Devon touching Tarah drove him to strike with deadly intent.

[Calm yourself! You’re losing your temper!] Khal’s voice echoed urgently in Ezekiel’s mind, but he was beyond reason. His sole focus was on ending Devon, regardless of his inability to access the dragon’s power within him. With Nikolai by his side, they launched bold attacks, but their movements were strangely restricted as if an unseen force was impeding their every move.

He struggled to keep pace with Devon’s speed, panting heavily as he and Nikolai struggled to track Devon’s elusive movements. Suddenly, Ezekiel felt a vice-like grip around his neck, pulling him upwards.

“Ezekiel!” Nikolai’s voice rang out, but Ezekiel found himself trapped, unable to break free from the black mist that ensnared him.

Devon’s grip on Ezekiel tightened, crushing the life out of him. As Ezekiel began to lose consciousness, Devon growled, “It’s time that I get back what is mine.”