Hidden Flame: Bound to the Triplet Dragon Kings

**Avery**

“Take care of him,” I instruct, standing to make way. The healer kneels beside Jace, his hands moving efficiently as he

assesses the butler’s injuries.

James pulls me aside, his expression grim. “This changes everything. If someone’s after a key, it could be related to

Victoria’s plans. We need to figure out what it is and where it’s hidden.”

I nod, my mind already turning over the possibilities. “Donn could help. He knows the palace better than anyone. Maybe

he’s heard something about a key.”

James’s eyes narrow. “We’ll find him. But first, we need to secure Jace. He’s not safe here.”

I agree, my heart is heavy with worry. Jace is more than just a butler—he’s a friend, a confidant, and now, a target. I watch

as the healer helps him to his feet, his arm draped around the man’s shoulders for support.

“We’ll take you to your chambers,” James says, his voice firm. “You’ll be safer there.”

Jace nods weakly, his eyes meeting mine. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m sorry… I failed to protect you.”

“You didn’t fail,” I assure him, squeezing his hand. “You’re alive, and that’s what matters. Rest now. We’ll handle the rest.”

As they escort Jace from the throne room, my mind is a whirlwind of questions and fears. Who attacked him? What is this

key they’re after? And how does it tie into Victoria’s plans? The answers feel just out of reach, but I know one thing for

out of time. The palace feels different now, the air heavy with unease. I

we are being watched, that danger lurks in every shadow. I glance at James, seeing the same

she feels in her

reading my thoughts. “And we’ll get to

Together. It’s a promise, a vow, and a

if it will be enough. I also need to check in on

the Trio sleeping when we arrived. The day unfolds in a blur of

out Donn, our search leading them to the palace’s hidden library, a place few

book open in his lap, though his eyes are

look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Donn remarks, his tone laced

from the

“Jace was attacked. Someone’s after

smirk fades, his expression turning thoughtful. “A key, you say? Interesting. I’ve

to an ancient artifact,

forward, his voice sharp. “What kind of artifact? And why

back in his chair, his eyes glinting with a knowing light.

to whoever possesses it.

it for years.”

hands on it, she’ll be unstoppable to most anyone

why we need to find it first. And I think I know where to

an old map, hidden in

location. But getting to it won’t be easy. The archives are

with me. “We’ll get it. No matter what it

a smile. “I am starting to like you, James. Very well, let’s go. But be warned—the archives are a maze, and the guards are loyal to Victoria. We’ll have

began our mission, as we navigate