Hidden Flame: Bound to the Triplet Dragon Kings

**Avery**

I ran and hugged Draven and Rory as soon as I saw them. They just giggled. We all sat and ate breakfast before we went

into a room in the palace that hasn’t been used in a long time. The dimly lit chamber buzzed with tension as Draven and

I leaned over a weathered map, our fingers tracing the jagged borders of Nightshade territory. The air was thick with the

scent of pine and sweat, a stark contrast to the cool, calculated demeanor of the group. Rory, her sharp eyes darting

between the map and the others, adjusted her hood, her voice low and urgent. “Remember, this is reconnaissance only. No engagements, no traces. We’re ghosts in their midst.” Her words hung heavy, a reminder of the peril we were about

to face.

Draven, his dark hair falling over his forehead, nodded grimly. “We’ll mask our scents and alter our appearances. They’ll

think we’re human traders passing through.” His hands moved with precision as he pulled vials of pungent oils from his

satchel, distributing them to the group. With my fiery red curls tied back in a loose braid, I sniffed the vial skeptically.

“Smells like a dead skunk mated with a pine tree. Should do the trick.” My lips quirked in a faint smile, but my eyes

remained hard, my mind already on the mission ahead.

The group worked in silence, smearing the oils over our skin and clothing, the acrid scent overpowering the natural musk

with the aid

mud to mimic the look of weary travelers. Even our weapons were concealed,

and charmed to

of Nightshade territory, the atmosphere shifted. The forest grew darker, the air

hand rested lightly on the hilt of my dagger, my senses on high alert. Draven walked

pack’s compound came into view, a sprawling cluster of wooden structures surrounded by a high

hung in

kept my expression neutral, my

compound under the guise of traders, our cart laden with trinkets and furs—a convincing facade

but the human disguises

as she inspected our wares. “What brings you to

voice smooth and

the region.” Bethany’s lips curled, but she waved them deeper into

where you’re seen. We don’t take kindly

heart pounded in my chest. The mission was

my eyes locking with Draven’s as all of the torture I had

resolve hardened.

unspoken protest, I drifted closer to the hut,

their once-proud forms now broken

her hand, her face

Without thinking, I shoved Draven aside and stormed into the hut, my

echoing through the small space.

lunged at her,