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

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

shadow. I glance at James, seeing the same

that she feels in her

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

promise, a vow, and a source of

will be enough. I also need to check in on the others. I haven’t

we arrived. The day unfolds in a

leading them to the palace’s hidden library,

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

a ghost,” Donn remarks,

far from the

waste no time on pleasantries. “Jace was attacked. Someone’s after

his expression turning thoughtful. “A key,

but nothing concrete. It could be related to an ancient artifact, something Victoria’s been searching

voice sharp. “What kind

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

power to whoever possesses it. Victoria’s

it for years.”

she’ll be unstoppable to most anyone short

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

graceful despite his casual demeanor. “There’s an old map, hidden in

be easy. The archives

“We’ll get

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

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