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

in every shadow.

that she feels in

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

vow, and a source of strength.

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

I vaguely remember seeing the Trio sleeping when we arrived. The day unfolds in a blur

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

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

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

far from the truth,

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

key,

be related to an

kind of artifact? And why would she want

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

Something that could grant immense power to whoever possesses it. Victoria’s been

it for years.”

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

says, his tone grim. “Which is why we need to find it first. And I think I

old map, hidden in the archives. It

to it won’t be easy. The archives

“We’ll get it. No

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

as we navigate the palace’s labyrinthine corridors. My mind is