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

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

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

she feels

Donn,” he says, as if reading my thoughts. “And we’ll get to the bottom of

vow, and a source of strength. But as we make

will be enough. I also need to check in on the others.

remember seeing the Trio sleeping when we arrived. The day unfolds

out Donn, our search leading them to the palace’s hidden library, a place few know exists. The Raven is

high-backed chair, a book open in his lap, though his eyes are

you’ve seen a ghost,” Donn remarks, his tone laced with amusement. “Though

far from the

Someone’s after

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

related to an ancient artifact, something Victoria’s

forward, his voice sharp. “What kind of

with a knowing light. “Rumor has it, it’s a relic

grant immense power to whoever possesses it.

it for years.”

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

to find it first. And I

demeanor. “There’s an old map, hidden in the archives. It leads to

easy.

glance with me. “We’ll get it.

into a smile. “I am starting to like you, James. Very well, let’s go. But be warned—the archives are a maze, and the

we navigate the palace’s labyrinthine corridors. My