Hidden Flame: Bound to the Triplet Dragon Kings

**Avery**

After Thanksgiving, the whirlwind of Christmas preparations began. I had ambitious plans to handcraft gifts for my

friends, but they also insisted on buying some. Our trip to Talos was postponed due to King James being called away

unexpectedly – I suspect it’s all tied to Cora. Lately, I keep catching glimpses of a mysterious woman with snakes for hair.

“Alright, folks, time to hit the shops!” Trisha declared as we exited the school. Let the holiday shopping madness begin!

It was my first time at a mall for Christmas shopping, and I was both excited and slightly overwhelmed by the sheer size

of the place. The twinkling lights and festive decorations made me feel like I had stepped into a winter wonderland, and I

couldn’t wait to start browsing for gifts for my loved ones.

As I wandered through the bustling corridors with one of my mates or friends beside me, I was struck by the variety of

stores and the endless options for presents. From cozy sweaters to shiny jewelry, there was something for everyone on my list. But the prices began to wear on me.

Conner pulled me aside, “Avery, the cost shouldn’t impact what you wish to get for any of us. You are our ultimate gift. So

if you want to get Trisha the makeup and organizer, do it. What is ours is yours. We love you, so let’s finish that list!” My mates are nothing like they were when I first arrived in Naga. These men around me only resemble those boys when they

look at me with a naughty glint in their eyes. He soothed my anxiety with a gentle touch, a soft sweet kiss, and then

handed me a sweet treat. As I wandered through the labyrinth of shops, each turn revealed a new treasure waiting to be

discovered. The food court beckoned, and I couldn’t resist stopping with Cassius to recharge with a steaming cup of hot

chocolate and a freshly baked cookie. My favorite tea was nowhere to be found, but the tantalizing scents in the air only

the festive ambiance,

deliberating, I finally emerged from the mall with bags full of carefully chosen gifts. I couldn’t wait to see my loved ones’ smiles when they unwrapped their presents on

first time at a

would always

I emerged from the mall

bubbled within me at the thought of the joy on my loved ones’ faces when they

Christmas morning. Gratitude filled me as I reflected on

a day I

had forgotten a bag and gifts for our teachers. With the mall

a few blocks to reach

and sped off like a rocket. In a moment of jest, I

I clutched the medallion Draven had

mates for a few more hours – the only way to

the full experience. You won’t

else. Happy reading!

with the sensation of flying. The sunlight danced off Regina’s scales

my hair. Beside us, Clint rode on the back of

we glided over the rolling hills and verdant forests, I stole a glance at Clint.

always be

mall, my stomach rumbled. “I believe sustenance is in

from the clerk

you have been reading too much lately because you are talking like the characters you love.

because I have something special

bag and settled down to eat. Clint couldn’t resist

a

and flung food at

walls, noodles soared through the air, and popcorn kernels

heightened our excitement, and we couldn’t contain our laughter as we