The Dragon Heir (BOOK#1)

CHAPTER 23

✨️The Serpent's Game✨️

I had always harbored a glimmer of hope that my wicked auntie Delilah might change her ways. Despite the years of torment and manipulation she had inflicted upon me, I clung to the belief that there was still a shred of humanity within her twisted heart.

But my illusions were shattered when I stumbled upon her hidden agenda. In a forgotten chamber beneath the crumbling castle, I discovered how she was stealing my crown. She plotted to seize control of the kingdom and plunge it into chaos, sparing no one who dared to oppose her rule.

A wave of betrayal and anger washed over me. I had been manipulated, a pawn in her treacherous game. The hope for peace that I had so desperately yearned for crumbled into dust.

In that moment, I realized the true extent of Delilah's wickedness. She was not merely a cruel and selfish woman, but a malevolent force that would stop at nothing to achieve her twisted ambitions.

A choice lay before me: kill Delilah and end her reign of terror, or broker a fragile peace that would leave her in power, a constant threat to my people. I weighed the options, knowing that each held its own risks and consequences.

If I killed Delilah, there would be no more bloodshedand there may be a risk that my bloodline die. Her followers would never accept my rule, and the realm would be torn apart by strife.

On the other hand, if I spared her, I risked her continuing her treacherous plots. She would never cease in her quest for power, and countless more lives would be lost in the inevitable conflict that would ensue.

I returned to my chamber, near Tolga and fell on the bed. Tolga knows that something is wrong as I didn't say anything.

'It's just like her,' I hissed, my voice tight with suppressed fury. 'The power, the control...she's changed nothing.'

Tolga, his face a mask of concern, placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. 'Melike, we knew this was a risk. We can't be surprised.'

I couldn't help but feel betrayed. The whispers among the people, the desperation in their eyes - it all told a story of Delilah's cruelty, her unwavering hunger for power. I'd seen the change in her, the flicker of remorse, the hesitant offer of peace. But it was all a facade, a carefully crafted performance to win over the people, to secure her position.

'She's so good at it,' I muttered, my voice laced with despair. 'She can make anyone believe she's changed, even me.'

Tolga pulled me into a tight embrace. 'You did what you thought was right, Melike. We all did. But we cannot let her continue this charade. She is a threat to everything we hold dear.'

I pulled away, my eyes blazing with newfound resolve. 'You're right, Tolga. This ends now. We can't afford to be merciful. We must confront her, we must... win.'

The weight of the decision pressed heavily on me. It was war, a final, devastating conflict. I knew what it meant: the loss of innocent lives, the destruction of everything we had built. The thought of it filled me with a cold dread, but it was a necessary evil. I couldn't stand by and watch as Delilah plunged the kingdom into darkness.

'Flame, Orphelia,' I called, my voice echoing through the empty throne room.

The two dragons, my loyal companions, emerged from their chambers, their immense forms casting shadows across the room. Flame, my fiery red dragon, radiated a ferocious heat, while Orphelia, my elegant silver dragon, pulsed with a quiet power.

'My Lady,' they both roared in unison, their voices deep and rumbling.

'I need your strength, my friends,' I said, my voice trembling. 'We are going to war.'

The dragons exchanged glances, understanding dawning in their intelligent eyes. Flame, ever the warrior, stepped forward, his scaled hide shimmering with anticipation. 'We will stand with you, Melike. You will not fight alone.'

'But Flame...' I started, a wave of fear washing over me. 'It's too dangerous.'

'I will not allow harm to come to you,' Flame declared, his voice firm but gentle. 'For you are the heart of this kingdom, the beacon of hope. And our future. You must not falter.'

The weight of their words settled on me. I knew I couldn't do this alone. I needed their strength, their unwavering loyalty. I needed to believe that this was the right choice. I needed to believe that I could end this madness, that I could restore Elysium to its former glory.

'Very well, Flame,' I said, drawing a deep breath. 'But promise me you'll be careful.'

He let out a soft rumble, a hint of amusement in his voice. 'I always am, Melike. Now, let us go.'

With a final, resolute glance at Tolga, I turned to the waiting dragons. We were ready. It was time for the final confrontation. It was time to fight for the soul of Drakenwilds, to reclaim the kingdom from the grip of tyranny.

And I, Melike, would lead the charge.

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