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

The palace feels different now, the air heavy

shadow. I glance at James, seeing the same determination in

that she feels

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

nod, hand finding his. Together. It’s a promise, a vow, and a source of strength.

enough. I also need to check in on the

when we arrived. The

search leading them to the palace’s hidden library,

open in his lap, though his eyes are trained

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

from the truth,

on pleasantries. “Jace was attacked. Someone’s after a key. Do you know

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

It could be related to an ancient

kind

leans back in his chair, his eyes glinting with a knowing light. “Rumor has it, it’s a relic

to whoever possesses it. Victoria’s been

it for years.”

it, she’ll be unstoppable to most anyone short

grim. “Which is why we need to find it first. And I think I

demeanor. “There’s an old map, hidden

easy. The archives

exchanges a determined glance with me. “We’ll get it. No matter

starting to like you, James. Very well, let’s go. But be warned—the archives

purposeful steps we began our mission, as we navigate the palace’s labyrinthine corridors. My mind is