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

the aid of Draven’s magic, also wore cloaks,

look of weary travelers. Even our weapons were concealed, hidden beneath

charmed to

territory, the atmosphere shifted.

my senses on high alert. Draven walked beside me, his

Nightshade pack’s compound came into view, a sprawling cluster of wooden structures

sharpened stakes. The stench of blood and fear hung in the air, mingling with

churned, but I kept my expression neutral,

our cart laden with trinkets and furs—a convincing facade

but the human

approached us, her eyes narrowing as she inspected our wares. “What brings you to Nightshade, strangers?”

smile, his voice smooth and

finest furs in the region.” Bethany’s lips curled,

seen. We

in my

Draven’s as

resolve hardened.

hut,

once-proud forms now broken and bruised,

a whip in her hand, her face twisted in sadistic glee as she lashed out

thinking, I shoved Draven aside and stormed into the hut,

I roared, my voice echoing through the small space. Bethany whirled around, her

I lunged at