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

human disguises with the aid of Draven’s magic, also

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

charmed to remain

territory, the atmosphere

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

compound came into view, a sprawling cluster of wooden

stench of blood and fear hung in

churned, but I kept my expression neutral, my steps

guise of traders, our

with suspicion, but the

wares. “What brings you to Nightshade, strangers?”

smile, his voice smooth and

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

where you’re seen. We don’t take

navigated the compound, my heart pounded in my chest. The mission was clear: observe,

a muffled cry pierced the air. I froze, my eyes locking with Draven’s

resolve hardened.

protest, I drifted closer to the hut, my

scene. Female werewolves, their once-proud forms now

in her hand, her face twisted

vision blurred with rage. Without thinking, I shoved Draven aside

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

lunged at her,