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

running out of time. The palace feels different now, the air heavy with unease. I can’t

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

feels

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

vow, and a source of strength.

can’t help but wonder if it will be enough. I also need to check in on the others. I haven’t seen Draven

arrived. The day unfolds in a blur of activity. James

search leading them to the palace’s hidden library, a

chair, a book open in his lap, though his eyes are trained on

ghost,” Donn remarks, his tone laced with amusement.

from the truth, given the

no time on pleasantries. “Jace was attacked. Someone’s after a key. Do you

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

could be related to an ancient artifact, something

“What kind of artifact? And why would she

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

power to whoever possesses it.

it for years.”

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

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

movements graceful despite his casual demeanor. “There’s an old map, hidden in the archives. It leads

to it won’t be easy. The archives are guarded,

a determined glance with me. “We’ll

well, let’s go. But be warned—the archives are a maze, and the guards are loyal to Victoria. We’ll have to

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