4: Darken War

4: Alexandria

Chapter Four: Alexandria

"What was that?" Alana asked sharply as we stepped away from the throne room, her wings still tense and partially flared. The torchlight cast shifting shadows across her dark features, making her blue eyes seem even colder than usual.

"That wasn't like you at all, sister," Alexander added, his voice low with concern. He walked beside me, his yellow hair tied back, the violet of his eyes scanning my face for answers.

"Is everything okay?" Thorne asked, stepping in and placing a calming hand on my shoulder. His violet eyes searched mine, his pointed ears twitching at the distant sound of footsteps retreating deeper into the stone corridors.

I gave a brief nod and flicked my fingers, casting a soundproof barrier around us. A faint shimmer passed through the air before settling, cloaking us in perfect silence. All outside noise vanished. Their eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"I don't trust the ears around here," I said, glancing back toward the towering stone doors of the throne room.

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "You saw something. What is it?"

"It's the advisor," I said evenly. "He's not just whispering advice—he's controlling the king."

Thorne looked stunned. "Controlling? Are you certain? That's a heavy accusation."

"Did you see the gem around his neck?" I asked, turning to Alexander.

He frowned and shook his head. "No. I didn't notice anything."

"It's the other gem. The second Eye of the Great Dragon. The Mindstone. The twin to the one I destroyed years ago."

Alana glanced sharply between us. "Are you sure? It could be a similar gem. Besides, only someone who carries the Great Dragon's soul could use that kind of power. Isn't that what Alex told me?"

I gave her a knowing look. She flushed and looked away.

"I'm sure," I said. "Because he tried to use it on all of us. Subtly. He didn't expect me to recognize it—but I felt it. The pressure, the magic, the way the air itself tightened like a snare."

Thorne straightened. "He tried to use it? On us?"

I nodded. "He did. I blocked it. If I hadn't, I'd have attacked him by instinct. I couldn't protect all of you and suppress the gem at the same time. I think he knew I felt it—that's when Thrain's tone changed. His behavior shifted like a puppet whose strings had been pulled."

Alana looked unsettled. "Then what do we do? If he can use that stone... we can't fight him."

"Which is why I have to handle it alone," I said.

Thorne took a step toward me, brows furrowed. "Lexie, no. You know what happens when you go alone. Every time—"

"I know," I interrupted, my voice calm but firm. "But this time is different. That gem doesn't work on me. It can't. It was forged for the Great Dragon—for me. I'm the only one immune."

Alexander stepped forward and pulled me into a tight hug. I sank into it, just for a moment.

"Be safe, sister," he whispered.

"This won't be like last time," I murmured. "I promise. I'll contact James as soon as I can. I just hope he understands."

"He will," Thorne said as I turned to him. He embraced me next, his arms warm and grounding. "Just... please don't let them hurt you."

"I won't," I promised. "I am the Great Dragon. There's not much I can't do anymore."

Alana was last. She gripped my forearm tightly, and I returned the gesture. Her black claws pressed lightly into my skin.