The Crown's Fire - Chapter 63

Chapter 63: Keep Your Fingers (unedited)
“I’m sorry, My King. I was so badly wounded during my fight with Nikolai that it took me some amount of time to let myself recuperate,” Zoran reasoned while he was bent knees. “I would die if I ever abruptly cut off my meditation to answer your call.”

“You! How could you let that opportunity slip by… And that damn Seer! I knew I couldn’t trust that bjtch!” Devon ground out. “I will deal with her later. You, make sure you get a hold of Vulcan or I will hunt down your woman no matter how hard you try to hide her from me! After all, you don’t seem to care about your life now, Zoran…”

Zoran didn’t respond but his body still trembled at the thought of the life of the woman he loved being in danger. He would do everything to protect her. His spell enchanting their cave was powerful enough that he was confident Devon wouldn’t be able to track their location.

Things were still salvageable. Devon might have a hold of his life, but his thoughts were still his. The monster would only be able to manage to give him physical pain to make him obey his commands.

“I humbly apologize for this mishap, My King,” he firmly apologized with gritted teeth. “Next time, I will make sure to deliver you the golden dragon so you can absorb its power. This time, I will succeed.”

“You better, Zoran, because I’m running out of patience already,” Devon threatened. “Don’t test it, because you won’t like what happens next. I will kill the woman you saved.”

With that one last threat, the dark mist in front of Zoran disappeared. Feeling it left his presence, he finally let himself cry as the pain inflicted by the serpent symbol on his back began coursing through him.

The seconds ticked by, and he was panting hard by the time he raised his head. Sweat poured down his body as he gathered his strength to stand up. Devon was punishing him, and he was sure the monster would once again make him face that lightning-like pain all over his body.

Resigning himself to his fate, Zoran took his seat as he prepared himself for the numerous strikes of lightning coming for his body. A brief second passed, and his punishment began once more. His eyes welled up as tears ran down his cheeks.

******

At Helion Castle

Devon’s face remained flushed with anger, his jaw tight as he sat on his throne. Nothing seemed to be going according to his plan. Zoran had failed to capture the golden dragon, who had shifted back into Ezekiel’s human form.

“That asslole!”

Frustration gnawed at Devon’s insides as he continued to wait for any sign of communication from Tarah. He had counted on her to provide updates and progress reports since Ezekiel’s transformation, yet the silence only fueled his growing impatience and anxiety.

“That damn woman!” he cursed under his breath. He had never fully trusted Zoran, which was why he had kept the details about Tarah and the Seer of Ebodia secret. After all, the woman was his favorite mistress—the princess of Zion who always wore a veil to cover her face.

His veins bulged as he grunted, “It was a mistake to let her loose.”

“I told you… She’s definitely planning something against you. Do you think the spell you cast on her will be enough to keep her restrained? It’s been a while since that dragon appeared, and yet we haven’t heard a word from her. Perhaps she’s found a way to counter the spell to protect her brother. Maybe she sought help from the prince and his family?” Marla commented, her tone sharp.

She smirked as she continued, “Remember how powerful the monarch of Ebodia is right now, with support from both Valcrez and Cordon. And Prince Ezekiel? I’ve heard he’s a charming young man who could easily captivate any woman, Tarah included…”

“Bring me the prince immediately!” he barked, ready to punish the boy and send Tarah a reminder of where she truly belong, to remain beside her as long as he wanted her to!

Soon enough, Asura entered with Leviticus. Devon stood up, his expression darkening with rage. With a menacing hiss, he said, “Your sister is disappointing me. I should take one of your fingers and send it to her to remind her that you’re still under my mercy!”

Asura dropped to her knees and pleaded, “No, My Lord… He’s just a boy, and I’m sure Her Ladyship will soon contact you. There must be some reason. I, for one, know how much she loves Leviticus, and she would never compromise his safety, knowing his life is in your hands!”

Marla clicked her tongue, provokingly saying, “Hah, look at you, begging for her like that. You and this stupid boy are clearly in it together. No wonder that woman chose you to look after her brother!”

“That’s enough, Marla!” Devon fumed, his irritation growing at the sound of her voice. He stood up from his chair and approached Leviticus. Squatting down, he grimaced, “Let’s see, be good now and show me your hands.”

“My Lord, please. My sister, she will surely return soon,” Leviticus pleaded, his lips trembling.

“I will make sure that happens. Perhaps seeing one of your little fingers will hasten her return, don’t you think?” Devon hissed, his anger palpable.

“Please…” the kid sobbed, but Devon abruptly pulled his arm.

He was about to cut one of his fingers when he suddenly heard Tarah’s voice.

[My Lord, I need to see you now. I’m sorry for the delay.]

Devon halted.

“My Lord? Why did you stop?” Marla questioned.

Devon ignored her and glanced at the boy with an amused smirk. “I guess this is your lucky day, kid. You’re saved just in time. Keep your fingers for now.” He then turned to Asura and commanded, “Bring the boy back to his confinement.”

“But-” Marla fell silent as Devon’s sharp glare met her eyes. Without wasting a word, Devon headed to Tarah’s bedchamber and teleported her there. He was determined to find out why she had kept him waiting and to make her pay for it!