The Crown's Fire - Chapter 255

Chapter 255: Thick and Thin
At Haven Forest

As soon as Katelina’s energy was back, she didn’t waste time and quickly offered to perform the dragon bond for Asura and Snow. She knew that every passing day for Asura was like standing on a thin thread.

“Are you sure about this? Snow and I can wait, Your Majesty. What matters is your health,” Asura commented.

“Hmm, but I’m already well, Asura. I know my body, and I’m ready to perform the dragon bond. So go now and bring Snow with you,” Katelina reassured her friend with a wink.

Asura nodded, and with a wide smile, quickly left to get her dragon, Snow.

Katelina watched Asura leave, her heart warmed by her friend’s loyalty and concern. Despite the toll the previous rituals had taken on her, she understood the urgency and the stakes. Every moment Asura and Snow were not bonded was another moment of uncertainty and vulnerability.

Katelina took a deep breath, centering herself. She had rested and regained her strength, and now it was time to use that energy to ensure the bond was successful. The dragon bond was a sacred ritual, demanding precision, strength, and a deep connection between the participants. Katelina had performed it many times, but each bond was unique, reflecting the unique relationship between the rider and their dragon.

A few minutes later, Asura returned, leading Snow. The dragon’s scales shimmered with a white hue like snow, and her eyes glowed so beautifully. Snow lowered her head in a gesture of reverence to Katelina.

She chuckled and praised Asura, “Looks like you’re teaching her well.”

Asura proudly replied, “She’s a fast learner, Your Majesty!”

“That’s great,” Katelina hummed, her eyes staying on the adorable dragon as she stated, “Thank you for your patience, Snow. Today, we shall strengthen the connection between you and Asura, forging a bond that will last a lifetime.”

Snow rumbled in response, a sound that reverberated through inside her tent like distant thunder. Asura stood beside her dragon, her eyes reflecting a mixture of excitement and nerves.

“Are you ready, Asura?” Katelina asked, her gaze steady.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Asura replied, her voice unwavering. “We are ready.”

“Then let us begin,” Katelina declared.

She raised her arms, and a soft, ethereal light began to emanate from her hands. She chanted ancient words, her voice resonating with power and grace. The light grew brighter, enveloping Asura and Snow in a gentle, luminous aura. Katelina guided the energy, weaving it around the two, intertwining their souls in a dance of magic and destiny.

As the ritual progressed, Katelina could feel the bond forming, a palpable connection between Asura and Snow. It was like witnessing the birth of a new star—brilliant, beautiful, and eternal. She continued the incantation, ensuring the bond was strong and unbreakable.

Finally, with a last surge of energy, Katelina completed the ritual. The light faded, leaving Asura and Snow standing together, their bond now sealed. Asura’s eyes glowed with a new light, reflecting the strength and unity she now shared with her dragon.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Asura said with a wide smile. “I can feel the bond. It’s… incredible.”

Her eyes widened as she burst out, “Snow is talking!” She looked at Snow and exclaimed, “I can’t believe this! We can finally communicate like this. Oh, my baby! Yes, I’m your mother. Come now, and let’s ask your father to train us more!”

She turned to Katelina and timidly said, “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I got carried away.”

Katelina chuckled and said, “It’s fine. You can go now, Asura. Ezekiel will be back soon to accompany me.”

Asura nodded and carried Snow in her arms as they left.

Soon, Ezekiel entered the tent, and Katelina immediately greeted him with a warm hug. She had missed him terribly, even though he had only been away for a day.

He chuckled and buried his face in the crook of her neck. “This tempts me to be away more often if it means being greeted like this,” he lovingly hummed against her skin. He suppressed the urge to seal her with a breathtaking kiss, reminding himself of the need for restraint.

“How was the mission?” Katelina asked, pulling back slightly to look into his eyes.

“Successful,” Ezekiel replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I destroyed Devon’s bloodthread inside King Amon. We only have one more left and my sister Mineah is now checking everyone with demon blood in them to see who’s hosting the remaining bloodthread.”

Katelina’s eyes widened with relief “That’s incredible.”

He nodded, a determined look in his eyes. “We’re almost there. Once we find the last host, we can finally put an end to Devon’s terror. I will make sure he won’t be revived!”

She smiled, “That’s wonderful news.” Relief washed over her, but fear still lingered, and Katelina did her best to conceal it from Ezekiel. She immediately changed the topic, saying, “I performed the dragon bond for Asura and Snow while you were away. Everything went smoothly.”

“That’s great to hear,” Ezekiel said, but then his smile quickly disappeared as he checked on her and asked, “How are you feeling? You just regained strength and—”

Katelina placed her finger on his lips to stop him from nagging. She had a pout as she murmured, “You worry too much. I’m not that weak. Besides, I wanted to secure Snow. Asura has been dreaming of being a dragonrider, and now a dragon has chosen her. I can’t take the risk, especially knowing Snow could be snatched away from her unless Asura secures the dragon bond.”

Ezekiel sighed, his expression softening. “I understand. I just don’t want you to overexert yourself. We need you strong and healthy.”

Ezekiel wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “Just promise me you’ll take it easy when you can. We need you, Katelina. I need you.”

She nodded, resting her head against his chest.

She nodded, resting her head against his chest.

“I’m sorry if I keep you waiting,” Katelina muttered. She could feel her husband’s growing desire for her, but Ezekiel was not making any attempt to be intimate with her.

He kissed the top of her head gently. “You don’t need to apologize, Katelina. I understand. We both have our battles to fight.”

She sighed, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. “I’m still working through my sessions with Elen. My memories… they’re coming back, and it’s hard to face them.”

Ezekiel tightened his embrace, his voice soft but firm. “Take all the time you need. I’m here for you, no matter what. Your healing is the most important thing right now.”

Katelina looked up at him, her eyes glistening with emotion. “Thank you, Ezekiel. For being so patient and understanding. I love you.”

Ezekiel was clearly taken aback. She herself was surprised because she didn’t expect she would utter the words “I love you.” But now, she comfortably said those words coming deep inside her heart. Yes, she loved him. There was no more confusion. She loved him even before she met him personally.

She started loving him the moment he began appearing in her dreams and visions.

Katelina looked up at Ezekiel, a gentle smile on her lips. “I think I’ve loved you for a long time, even before we met. You were always in my dreams, my visions. Somehow, I knew you were the one.”

Ezekiel’s eyes softened, his surprise giving way to a deep, heartfelt smile. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumb gently brushing her cheek. “And I’ve always felt a connection to you, Katelina right from our first encounter.”

She frowned and muttered, “I’m still not there yet.”

Ezekiel chuckled softly. “Don’t worry, it will come to you in time. You’ll remember our memories together.”

“By the way, I…” Katelina’s words trailed off as she suddenly clutched her head in pain.

“What’s wrong?” Ezekiel asked, concern evident in his voice. Beads of sweat formed on her brow as memories flooded back. He swiftly lifted her into his arms and gently laid her on the bed. “I’ll call for Elen,” he began, but Katelina gripped his arm. “Just stay with me. Hold me,” she murmured, her voice trembling with fear.

Ezekiel immediately moved to cuddle her in his arms. Katelina buried her face in his chest, sobbing as her body trembled.

“Kate, I’m here. It’s all in the past now. You’re safe with me,” Ezekiel reassured her, whispering comforting words to calm her.

She bit her lips hard, but Ezekiel gently stopped her. “You’ll hurt yourself. Bite my hand instead,” he urged, and Katelina unknowingly bit down on his hand hard.

Unknown to Katelina, tears ran down Ezekiel’s face as he suppressed his emotions. In his mind, he cursed Devon and imagined killing him repeatedly. Seeing Katelina in pain like this made him feel weak and helpless.

“I’m sorry, Kiel… You have to see me like this again,” Katelina murmured once she finally managed to calm herself.

“It’s fine, Kate. It’s alright. I am your husband, and we should stay together through thick and thin… I love you so much, Kate, and I will make sure to protect you well this time,” Ezekiel declared firmly.