- 12 hours ago
DRAGONBOUND: Born in Chains EP ENGSUB Dragon Fantasy, Reincarnation ASM
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00In my past life, I was the Princess of Araris with the rarest dragon-taming gif on the continent,
00:05and my stepmother's lowest slave.
00:07For fun, she threw me into the fighting pits daily,
00:11forced me to break the most savage dragons alive.
00:14Every morning, my stepsister Lysara wouldn't mount her dragon carriage without stepping on my spine first.
00:20Ten years in the dark.
00:21Dorian, my betrothed, was the only thing keeping me alive.
00:25He promised he'd take me away from all of it.
00:27But then Valkar, the northern power, crushed Araris.
00:31Lysara and I were both taken as slaves.
00:34Dorian betrayed our kingdom, opened the gates himself.
00:37The conquerors rewarded Dorian with a title, and let him choose one captive to take.
00:43He chose Lysara.
00:44As he walked away, shielding her with his body like she was made of glass,
00:49he looked back at me and said,
00:51Wait for me. I'll come back for you, I swear it.
00:53Because he'd taken the one person the Valkari most wanted to humiliate,
00:57they turned all their fury on me.
00:58They bound my limbs, whips, branding irons, iron pincers.
01:03I fought to stay alive, because Dorian said he'd come back.
01:06I waited, day after day, until the moment they broke me for good, his name was still on my lips.
01:12He never came.
01:13Where was he?
01:14In the temple, lighting prayer candles with my stepsister,
01:17asking the old gods to bless her with peace and joy.
01:19My soul drifted above that temple.
01:21I watched them rut before the altar like animals.
01:24Rage swelled inside me, vast enough to swallow the sky if I ever got another chance.
01:30Every last one of them would pay in blood.
01:32Then I opened my eyes.
01:34I was back.
01:34The day of the choosing.
01:36A Valkari soldier kicked the cellar door open, looking for slaves to play with.
01:40Those blood-crusted war chiefs spotted Lysara immediately.
01:44One of them reached out and ripped her dress apart, screamed.
01:46But the next second, her eyes lit up, like she'd found a lifeline.
01:50She turned her pitiful gaze to Dorian, standing on the Valkyra side.
01:56Lysara, save me!
01:58I'm so scared!
01:59Take me with you!
02:00This life, the same scene, Dorian bent down and gathered Lysara into his arms.
02:05Gentle, tender, like she might shatter.
02:08The two of them huddled together.
02:10Dorian spared one glance at me, about to be dragged away, and said almost the same words as before.
02:16Wait for me.
02:17I'll come back for you.
02:18I swear it.
02:19I didn't cry this time.
02:20Just let out a quiet snuff.
02:22Good.
02:22Everything on track.
02:24Running on the same rails as before.
02:26Keep your dog, Lysara.
02:28The man at my feet will be king of this continent.
02:30Dorian took Lysara, the one every man in that room wanted, and left me and the wolves wed.
02:35I'd face torment a hundred times worse than the other slaves.
02:39Several Valkyra soldiers sized me up, eyes crawling over me like I was livestock at auction.
02:44Dorian ruined our fun.
02:46His bride can pay the debt.
02:47One of them grinned.
02:48She's not as pale and soft as that other one, but the face is even prettier.
02:53Think she'll cry for her betrothed to save her once we start.
02:56They roared with laughter, kicked me to the ground, grabbed a fistful of my hair and started
03:01dragging me toward the door.
03:03Pain shot through my scalp.
03:04I deliberately slowed myself down, dragging my weight, waiting for an opening.
03:08Just as they were about to haul me outside, a prince's attendant descended the stairs.
03:13Any of you dance?
03:15The first prince wants a few pretty ones to entertain the feast.
03:18Just like last time, Theros had sent for dancing girls.
03:21My chance.
03:22I grabbed the attendant's sleeve and tilted up this face, the one men had coveted since I was a child.
03:27My lord, I dance.
03:30I train the princess herself.
03:31Beauty is sometimes the sharpest blade for revenge.
03:34The attendant's gaze caught on my face, held there, exactly as I'd calculated.
03:39He turned to the soldiers.
03:41This one'll do.
03:42Send her to the prince.
03:43Using my memories of the last life, I'd pried loose the first stone of fate.
03:48Now, for the second, I needed something extraordinary to make an impression on him.
03:52They brought me upstairs, into a side chamber of the palace.
03:56A dozen beautiful girls sat huddled together, weeping without sound, all chosen as dancers.
04:01Our kingdom's wound still raw, and already we had to dance for the enemy's prince and his war chiefs.
04:06To be pawed at.
04:08Used.
04:08I was the only one not crying.
04:10Last life, I endured all of that and worse, and still waited like a fool for Dorian to save me.
04:16This time, I'd claw my way to the top on my own, and everyone who'd hurt me would pay.
04:21One by one, I knew what Theros was obsessed with.
04:24The queen he'd stolen from Sirena.
04:26He was so terrified she'd flee, that he kept guards on her every breath.
04:30Because in my last life, after those animals had their way with me,
04:34left me half dead on the ground while everyone watched with cold eyes,
04:37it was that Siren queen who stepped forward, who shouted them down, who saved my life.
04:41I sat before the obsidian mirror and painted my face.
04:44Deliberately styled myself to echo her.
04:47The same Sireni-style liner.
04:49Silver powder swept in a delicate arc.
04:51I styled my hair into an elegant updo.
04:54I changed into a new outfit.
04:56A prince like Theros had seen countless women and dances.
04:59To win in a single blow, I couldn't play by the rules.
05:02I sought out Theros' attendant myself.
05:04Gave him a slow, alluring smile.
05:06My lord, ordinary dancing is so...
05:09Del.
05:10I have something special.
05:11Something that'll make you look good in front of the prince.
05:14All I need from you is one thing.
05:16I paused.
05:17Bring me a dragon.
05:18The attendant studied me for a long moment.
05:20Then a slow grin spread across his face.
05:23You really are nothing like those Aryan women.
05:26Those eyes of yours.
05:27Like a wolf in the wild.
05:28No outright refusal.
05:30That meant a chance.
05:31I pressed harder.
05:32When the prince favors me, I won't forget who helped me get there.
05:35His grin sharpened.
05:37Fine.
05:38But if you fail, I'll throw you into the pit myself.
05:42The pit.
05:42Deepest level beneath the palace.
05:44Where they kept the most savage war dragons.
05:47No one survived a night down there.
05:48Not a flicker of fear on my face.
05:50I won't fail.
05:51His tall blazed with firelight and music.
05:54Valkari war chiefs sprawled across long benches.
05:57Eyes hungry on the dancing girls.
05:59Black iron candle a jibs.
06:01Concord banners draped the walls.
06:03Smothering the palace's white stone and gold leaf like scars.
06:05I was the last to enter.
06:07I did not dance.
06:07The doors swung wide.
06:09I walked in holding an iron chain.
06:11On the other end, a war dragon in full fury.
06:13Two men tall.
06:14Firelight slid across black scales.
06:16Sulfur colored smoke leaked from the corners of its jaws.
06:20Every goblet in the room froze midair.
06:22Including those of the princes seated on the high platform at the far end of the hall.
06:25I swept my gaze across the room.
06:27In the most insignificant corner, I spotted Dorian and his precious Lysera.
06:31The once proud princess had shed every shred of dignity.
06:35She knelt beside him like a servant, lifting a wine cup to his lips.
06:39The instant Dorian saw me, disbelief flooded his face.
06:42A silent accusation.
06:43How are you here?
06:44Right.
06:45I should have been passed around until I broke.
06:47No business being in a prince's feast hall.
06:49A flash of dark hatred crossed Lysana's face.
06:51But I'd already looked away.
06:53I walked to the center of the hall and unshackled the dragon.
06:56The room sucked in a collective breath.
06:57Someone knocked over a goblet in panic.
06:59Others reached for blade hiss.
07:01The dragon roared.
07:03Banners on the vault ceiling shithered and lunched at me.
07:07Its open jaws wide enough to bite a man in half.
07:10I didn't step back.
07:11I parted my lips and let out a low dragon tongue call.
07:16Barely a whisper.
07:17A resonance that seemed to rise from deep beneath the earth.
07:20The moment dragon tongue left my throat, my consciousness cracked open like glass.
07:25I felt it.
07:26Its rage.
07:27Its terror.
07:27Its loneliness.
07:28Like something locked in darkness so long it had forgotten what color light was.
07:32I know.
07:33Me too.
07:34That had the dragon stopped.
07:35Its pupils contracted to slip.
07:37The massive skull lowered, inch by inch, until the ridge of its brow pressed against my open palm.
07:42A thin line of warm blood slipped from my nose, tracing over my lips.
07:46I didn't wipe it.
07:47I stood straight.
07:48Theros' gaze nailed itself to me.
07:50He spoke, slow and deliberate.
07:52What is your name?
07:53Cold satisfaction settled behind my ribs.
07:55My chance for vengeance.
07:57Not just personal, but for a kingdom drowned in blood.
07:59I lifted my veiled face, revealing those eyes I'd carefully painted to echo the Cyrenee Queen at his side.
08:05Sarah.
08:05Theros' breathing tightened.
08:07His gaze didn't move.
08:08Tonight, you'll stay and serve.
08:10A lazy, low voice cut him off.
08:13A red carinagium drop hanging from one pointed ear.
08:16Sharp canons barely visible behind a careless grin.
08:18A face carved from angles and danger.
08:21Why don't you let me have this one, brother?
08:22There it was.
08:23The real catch had taken the bait.
08:25In my last life, Kale was a prince no one took seriously.
08:29But his methods were ruthless.
08:30His combat skill unmatched.
08:32Even Theros had to give him room.
08:34He was the real prize I was fishing for tonight.
08:37Theros' expression darkened.
08:38Still deliberating.
08:40Kale vaulted off the high platform in one fluid motion.
08:43Landing in front of me.
08:45He drew the dragon bone whip and pressed its tip beneath my chin.
08:49Forcing my head up.
08:50Forcing me to meet that face.
08:52All ackles, no mercy.
08:53I want her.
08:54His tone as casual as breathing.
08:56It's just a slave girl, brother.
08:58Surely not worth souring things between us.
09:01The cold whip tip pressed against my jaw.
09:03I couldn't stop my body from going roged.
09:05Kale locked his fingers around my wrist.
09:07Iron grip.
09:08No room to pull free.
09:09And dragged me back up to his seat on the platform.
09:11Dorian stared at me.
09:12Multiple times.
09:14I didn't return a single glance.
09:15Night deepened.
09:16The wine flowed thicker.
09:18Valkari war drums pounded to a chrismendo.
09:20War chiefs tore off their fur-edged cloaks and chased the dancing girls.
09:25The girls scattered like prey.
09:27Their sobs tangling with the men's laughter.
09:30Echoing through the halls of a palace that used to be ours.
09:33I twisted my hands together in my lap.
09:36Wouldn't let them shake.
09:37One day, I'll get them out.
09:39Aerolaris is gone.
09:41But we can build something new.
09:43Kale took his time with his wine.
09:45His fingers tapped the rim of his silver cup.
09:47Unaconscious habit.
09:49The only tell that he wasn't truly relaxed.
09:51Afraid?
09:52Still calculating the right answer to please him.
09:55When he scooped me into his arms and stood.
09:57Therese's voice dropped from the platform.
09:58Dark and cold.
09:59Leaving so soon, little brother?
10:01Taking her to do what needs doing.
10:03Kale carried me through the corridors.
10:05Back to his chambers in the east wing.
10:07Those iron arms released.
10:09He tossed me onto the bed and disappeared into the bathing room.
10:12I stared at the carved stone ceiling above me.
10:14Thinking about what happened next in my last life.
10:17Kale had raised a rebellion.
10:18And lost.
10:19Died at Dragon Thorn Pass.
10:22He wasn't what he pretended to be.
10:23The reckless drunk.
10:24The woman-ire who couldn't be bothered.
10:26He was hiding his claws.
10:28Manufacturing weaknesses on purpose.
10:29The bathing room door opened.
10:31Kale walked out.
10:32A black linen robe draped loosely over his figure.
10:35Open.
10:35Honey-tuned skin long.
10:37Pouthing underneath.
10:37Water droplets rolled down the deep blue war tattoos on his chest.
10:41Disappearing below his waistline.
10:43He looked down at me.
10:44Amber eyes deep and unreadable.
10:46An unfamiliar predatory energy rolled off him in waves.
10:49I left the door unlocked, little dragon traper.
10:51He tilted his head slightly.
10:53Either you're very brave or very stupid.
10:55Which one should I hope for?
10:57I held his gaze.
10:58Kept my voice steady.
10:59Your highness.
11:00I have a name.
11:01It's Syrah.
11:01Those amber eyes flickered.
11:03Light and shadow shifting.
11:04And what does Syrah want to say to me?
11:06I spoke calmly.
11:07I want to help you take the throne.
11:08The entire dominion.
11:10All of it.
11:11Kale laughed.
11:12Canines glinting.
11:13Do you have any idea what you just said to me?
11:15I didn't flinch.
11:16Met that terrifying gaze head on.
11:18Even smiled.
11:18I want to make a deal.
11:19I want to make a deal, your highness.
11:20I help you become the most powerful man on this continent.
11:23And in return, you let me go.
11:25He bared his teeth in something between a grin and a snore.
11:27You're a slave.
11:29What could you possibly offer me?
11:30My trump cod.
11:31Not a chance I'd reveal it.
11:32Just tell me.
11:33Do we have a deal or not?
11:35Kale laced his hands behind his head.
11:37A few heartbeats of silence.
11:39How much do you even know about me?
11:41To dare make a deal.
11:42I didn't know much about him.
11:43But I knew what was coming.
11:44His amber eyes shifted.
11:45Something turbulent beneath the surface.
11:47I'm not the High King's son.
11:48Cold.
11:49Perfectly flat.
11:50What?
11:50He and Theroply flat.
11:51No blood relation.
11:52Shock flickered across my face.
11:53I buried it fast.
11:54Kale seemed to have expected it.
11:56A dry skull.
11:57The High King found me on a battlefield when I was three.
12:00The Oracle prophesied I'd one day unite the continent.
12:02So he kept me.
12:03Like a dog you raised because a priest told you it might bite your enemies.
12:06No one in Valkar wants me alive.
12:08I'm a threat with no power, no blood right, no allies.
12:11He lifted his gaze, staring straight into mine.
12:14So, do you still want to make a deal with a dead man walking?
12:17I walked toward him, slowly, held his stare and drew the obsidian danger from beside him.
12:22At this distance, if I was fast enough, I could put it through his heart.
12:26But I only dragged the blade across my own aurum.
12:29Blood welled up, dark and warm, as I swore.
12:31I will help you take the throne, and you will keep your promise to me.
12:34He seemed genuinely stunned.
12:36He leaned back into the dragonhide chair.
12:39Candlelight gilded that striking face.
12:41The red carnamine at his ear swayed, catching light in a way that was equal parts dangerous
12:44and hypnotic.
12:45Our faces were almost touching now.
12:47What do you actually want?
12:48To leave.
12:49That's all?
12:50You don't want me to fight your battles for you?
12:52If I could use his blade.
12:53Why wouldn't I?
12:54Yes.
12:54I want that too.
12:55Kale grinned.
12:56All rogue.
12:57Seal it.
12:57His finger tapped his lips.
12:59I don't trust words.
13:00I trust teeth.
13:01I drew a breath.
13:02Stepped forward.
13:03Pressed my mouth to his.
13:04His arm coiled around my waist, deepening the kiss.
13:07He didn't let go until I was breathless.
13:08Lips swollen red.
13:09His eyes darkened.
13:10Thumb tracing my lower lip.
13:11I don't take unwilling women.
13:13You want to leave.
13:13I'll have someone walk you back to the cells.
13:15But once I've touched you, you're mine.
13:18Under the weight of his waiting gaze, I kissed him again.
13:20Then bit down gently on his throat.
13:22Right over the pulse.
13:23I'm willing.
13:24Only if he was completely captivated would the rest of my plan hold.
13:27My body for his protection.
13:28A fair trade.
13:29Nothing more.
13:30He pinned me against the desk, pressing into the small of my back.
13:33Teeth closed on the bare skin at the nape of my neck.
13:36I couldn't see Kale's expression, but instinct screamed danger.
13:39The body above me was a predator.
13:41One twitch from tearing out my throat.
13:43His fingers traced along my neck.
13:45I don't care why you came to me.
13:46His lips brushed my ear.
13:48A low laugh.
13:51Sarah, surprise me.
13:52As for your dear betrothed, Lizara, I know what you want.
13:55Starting tomorrow, she serves you.
13:57I woke the next morning.
13:59Kale was already gone.
14:00Torn clothes scattered across the floor.
14:02Bite marks and bruises covered my body.
14:04The mark on the back of my neck still throbbed, but infinitely better than last time.
14:09Last life.
14:10After they were done with me, I burned with fever for days.
14:13No one cared whether a slave lived or died.
14:15I begged the guards to find Dorian.
14:17They told me Lysala was sick too.
14:19Dorian couldn't come just yet.
14:21Three days, I held on.
14:23Dorian finally showed up.
14:24He looked at my ashy face and frowned.
14:26You're stronger than this, Sarah.
14:28When did you get so fragile?
14:29Lysala's been sick for days too.
14:31I can't be in two places.
14:32Darian, please take me with you.
14:36They'll kill me.
14:37My hands shaking, I pulled open my collar, showed him the damage.
14:41Darian turned his face away.
14:42Brow knotted tight.
14:43The kingdom is gone.
14:45Where would I even take you?
14:46Besides, if I take you, what happens to Lysara?
14:49Every word out of his mouth was aid-peeling skin from bone.
14:52My lips wouldn't stop trembling.
14:54In his heart, I would never matter as much as Lysala.
14:57I just kept lying to myself.
14:59Needed a reason to keep breathing.
15:00Kale had left a Valkar hand-lived to attend me.
15:03Maren saw the marks covering my body.
15:05A faint blush crept across her cheeks.
15:07My lady, the bite mark on your neck.
15:09In Valkar, it means you belong to the prince.
15:11No one in this palace will dare touch you now.
15:13Belong to him.
15:14No.
15:15This was just a shield.
15:17Maren lifted a garment.
15:19This is from the second prince for you, my lady.
15:22And these as well.
15:23She opened a wooden box.
15:24Inside, ruby eardrops and several dragonbone hairpins.
15:28I glanced down at the dress.
15:30If Aeroleus hadn't fallen, a dragon slave from the prince's estate would never touch fabric like this.
15:35In the last life, at the estate, one of Lysara's young dragons died suddenly.
15:38She ran to father in tears, swore she'd seen me shove poisonous herbs into the hatchling's mouth.
15:43I never did.
15:45She'd poisoned it herself, because the creature only bonded with me, not her.
15:50Stepmother made me kneel, had servants slap me across the face until they nearly took my hand.
15:55I couldn't defend myself.
15:57Father stood there, silent.
15:59Lysara locked me in with the most vicious man-eating dragon for three days.
16:04Doran didn't visit once.
16:06Much later, he told me.
16:08Why would she lie, Sera?
16:10She has no reason to hurt you.
16:12Now I finally understood.
16:13He'd already fallen for the innocent, kind-hearted Lysara by then.
16:17That's why he was blind to every poisonous thing she did.
16:20Maren informed me that Lysara had been standing outside since before dawn awaiting my orders.
16:25Only then did I remember.
16:26Last night, Kale had given Lysara to me.
16:28Starting today, she was my slave.
16:30They dragged her before me.
16:32Eyes full of venom.
16:33Lysara opened her mouth and struck first.
16:36Up late, bedwarmer?
16:37The prince must have kept you busy last night.
16:40I let out our family's laugh.
16:41You clawed your way out of the cells on Dorian's back.
16:44Though I suppose that's the only kind of riding you're good at.
16:46Oh, I forgot.
16:48You're not a princess anymore.
16:49Just a slave.
16:50Blood rushed to Lysara's face.
16:52Don't you dare compare us.
16:54Your precious Dorian worshipped me from the moment he first laid eyes on me.
16:58Did you really think he loved you?
16:59He was yours in name, but his heart was mine from the very first day.
17:02He chose me over you.
17:04His own bride-to-be.
17:05I told him not to touch me.
17:06And he sleeps on the floor every night without a single word of complaint.
17:08That's love, sister dear.
17:10Something you've never had from him.
17:11I listened to every word.
17:13Felt nothing.
17:14The place in my chest where this used to hurt had gone numb, scar tissue too thick to cut.
17:18Dorian had sacrificed his inconvenient fiancé to finally have the Lysama he'd traved for years.
17:23Probably felt like the most natural thing in the world to him.
17:25Just letting the current carry him where he already wanted to go.
17:28I assigned Lysara to the outer courtyard.
17:30Rough labor.
17:31Laundry.
17:32Hauling water.
17:33Emptying chamber pots.
17:34Those hands of hers, long, pale, delicate.
17:37Once used only pluck a gilded harp.
17:38Back when Eralus still stood, she'd soak them nightly in moonbloom essence mixed with dragonfat cream.
17:43I knew this intimately.
17:45Because the person who rose before dawn every morning to collect moonbloom dew for her was me.
17:50Rain or snow.
17:51Never missed a day.
17:53One midsummer the heat was brutal.
17:55The flowers wouldn't open.
17:56No dew to harvesters.
17:58That spoiled princess had us held under the water in the cooling pools pinned down until we were half drowned
18:03and barely conscious.
18:04Only then did she wave her hand and let us go.
18:06So making her scrub floors.
18:09Watching those hands crack and callous.
18:11That was worse than killing her.
18:12I inspected the clothes she'd washed.
18:14Stains still there.
18:16Might as well not have touched them.
18:18I turned to Maran.
18:20Send it back.
18:21Tell her to wash it again.
18:22Until it's clean.
18:23By evening, Lasana's hands were swollen red and raw from a full day at the washboard.
18:28She came in to attend my bath.
18:30The moment my back was turned, she snatched up a basil of scalding water and urged it at me.
18:34Maran's foot shot out and kicked her arm aside.
18:36The boiling water poured down over Lasana instead.
18:38Lysara shrieked.
18:40Eyes burning crimson.
18:41Locked on me.
18:42You're nothing but a whore who spread her legs for a crown.
18:45If I'd been the one in that hall with the dragon, I'd be in his bed, not you!
18:49I smiled.
18:50As if she hadn't done the same in my last life.
18:53After I died, my soul lingered in this world for a while.
18:56And during that time, I saw some very interesting things.
19:00I saw Dorian humiliated in public by a Valkari officer.
19:03That same night, Lycia slipped into Tharys' chambers, offered herself willingly.
19:07But Tharys only ever truly wanted his Syrian queen.
19:09Lycia tried every trick, every seduction.
19:12Used and discarded every time.
19:13But she lapped it up.
19:14Wore the title of the first prince's bed weight like a badge of honor.
19:17Dorian died on the battlefield not long after.
19:19While he bled out on some nameless field, Lasana was in Tharys' bed begging for his attention.
19:23This time around, I knew Dorian's ending, and I had no intention of saving him.
19:27A few days later, Lasara poisoned my wine.
19:30But Maren, who'd been watching her like a hawk, caught it.
19:32Maren dragged Lasara before me, forced her to her knees.
19:35I looked down at her with cold indifference.
19:37What did you put in the wine?
19:39Lasara's expression steeled for a suckle second.
19:41Then her teeth clenched.
19:42I don't know what you're talking about!
19:44You touch me, and Dorian won't let it go!
19:46Still denying it, I kept my voice flat.
19:49Then drink it.
19:49Her jaw locked shut.
19:51Wouldn't open.
19:51My lady, shall I pour it down her throat?
19:53With the second prince behind you, no one will dare say a word.
19:56No.
19:57Letting her die that easily would be too kind.
19:59Something I only learned after dying the first time.
20:02On the night of the winter solstice, Dorian had actually planned to come for me.
20:05But Lasana found out.
20:07She clung to him.
20:08Insisted he take her to the temple to pray.
20:10Then she went behind his back and tipped off the Valkagi.
20:12Told them I was planning to escape.
20:14Asked them to discipline me properly.
20:15Break me into obedience.
20:17My death was Lasara's doing.
20:18Directly.
20:19No rush.
20:20Everyone who owes me will repay slowly.
20:22She won't drink.
20:23Hang her up.
20:24She can come down when she's ready to swallow.
20:26The hatred in Lasana's eyes could have stripped bone.
20:28She'd been the highest princess in the land.
20:30I'd been the thing beneath her foot.
20:32A living stepstool for her dragon carriage.
20:34Now the positions were reversed.
20:36She had no choice but to kneel before me and beg.
20:38They were about to string her up when Dorian crashed through the door.
20:41Shoving past the guards.
20:42Dorian, save me!
20:43She's trying to kill me!
20:44Lasara threw herself into his arms, sobbing.
20:46She's been torturing me every single day!
20:49Look at my hands!
20:50Dorian looked at her swole fingers, took them gently into his palms.
20:53His face twisted with pain.
20:55He turned on me, fury blazing.
20:57Sarah, when did you become so vicious?
21:00Laughable.
21:01I hadn't forced Lasara to kneel as my stepping stone.
21:05Hadn't made her rise before dawn to pick flowers.
21:08One stem short.
21:09One lash earned.
21:10And this was vicious?
21:11As if her becoming a slave had nothing to do with his treason?
21:14When I didn't react, his anger curdled to something uglier.
21:17She's kind!
21:18She's innocent!
21:19She's never hurt anyone!
21:20You've always been harder than her, stronger than her!
21:22You don't need to destroy someone lesser just to feel powerful!
21:24His voice rose to a near shout, practically a command.
21:28Sarah...
21:30Kneel!
21:31Apologize to Lasara, now!
21:33Those words coming from Dorian's mouth, not surprising at all.
21:36In Lasira's presence, he was a trained dog.
21:38Would shove his own fiancé into hell just to earn one smile from her.
21:42My laugh came out cold.
21:43You're asking someone who wants her dead?
21:45To apologize?
21:46Shock.
21:46Then his face turned to iron.
21:48Lasara curled into his to iron.
21:50Don't push me, Sarah.
21:51Don't make me regret ever standing by you.
21:53Eyes brimming, tears perfectly balanced on the edge of falling.
21:56It's fine.
21:57I'm just a slave now.
21:58I shouldn't be alive.
22:00Let me die.
22:00Don't stop me.
22:01That pushed Dorian over the edge.
22:03His hand swung toward my face all those years.
22:06When he was injured in training, I scoured an entire mountain for herbs to make his salves.
22:10When stepmother stripped his knighthood, I gave up my own inheritance to buy back his future.
22:14And now, for the woman in his arm, he would hit me.
22:16You're nothing but a whore warming a prince's bed.
22:19Lasara is worth ten of you.
22:21She's clean.
22:22She's pure.
22:23His hand never reached my face.
22:24The second prince's woman is not yours to touch.
22:27Dorian's head snapped to the side.
22:29His chest heaved.
22:30I pointed at the cup.
22:31She poisoned it.
22:32She tried to kill me.
22:33His neck went stiff.
22:34Where's your proof?
22:34Lasara wouldn't bother killing someone like you.
22:36You want to shield her that badly?
22:38Then take the punishment for her.
22:40My voice.
22:40Ice on stone.
22:41Past or present.
22:42His choice was always Lasala.
22:44I ordered his mouth gagged.
22:45Thirty flashes.
22:46Each one harder than the last, tearing across his back.
22:48His eyes burned with hatred and something harder to name.
22:51Fixed on me the entire time.
22:52He probably regretted ever knowing me.
22:54The feeling was mutual.
22:56After the whipping, Lasara made a show of cradling him.
22:58Dabbing the cold sweat from his forehead with trembling fingertips.
23:01That crumb of kindness was enough to devastate him.
23:04His devotion doubled.
23:05He watched her hand on his brow like it was something holy.
23:08I'm fine.
23:09How could I let the princess dirty her hands for someone like me?
23:12Lycera helped him to his feet, biting her lip in a performance of barely contained tears.
23:16Then she turned her head toward me, eyes cold as a blade's edge.
23:19Don't get too comfortable, Sarah.
23:21Everything you have, I will take it from you.
23:24So, she was planning to kick Dorian aside and climb to a higher branch.
23:27Dorian, oblivious, leaned into her, still moved to his core.
23:31I smiled.
23:32Let's see what show these two put on next.
23:34That night, Kale didn't come.
23:36I lay alone in the dark.
23:37Faintly, through the stone walls.
23:39A woman's voice.
23:41Half scream, half sob.
23:42It went on and on, bleeding through the silence.
23:45I found Maren in the morning.
23:46Last night, did you hear a woman screaming?
23:49Maren's expression didn't change.
23:50Like this was routine.
23:52That's Queen Elevin, the Siren Queen.
23:54Why does she sound like that?
23:55The first prince has certain tastes.
23:57He enjoys breaking people.
23:58Queen Elevin was taken from Sirene by force.
24:00In all these years, no one has ever seen her smile.
24:03The first prince says,
24:04Taming a woman is like taming a wild dragon.
24:06You burn out their will until they stop fighting.
24:09Maren's voice dropped lower.
24:10In bed is especially brutal.
24:12And he likes to invite his men in to watch.
24:13To make her subneered.
24:14Elowen saved my life once.
24:16I couldn't look away.
24:17That night, Kale returned.
24:19The bed ground beneath us.
24:21Skin against burning skin.
24:22Kale gripped my hips.
24:24Dissatisfied, pressing harder.
24:25The pain pulled me back from my thoughts.
24:27Straight into those amber eyes.
24:29Deep as a wolf's in the dark.
24:30What are you thinking about?
24:31Kale's teeth on my shoulder.
24:33Voice low and rough.
24:35Northern men.
24:35All wildness.
24:36He liked to bite.
24:37Liked to leave marks all over me.
24:39My voice came out just as soft.
24:41Just as raw.
24:42I want to save Queen Elowen.
24:43Sweat traced down his jaw.
24:45He shifted me in his arms until I faced him.
24:47The blue war marks I'd traced a dozen times by now.
24:50Those beast pale eyes lowered, fixed on my face.
24:53Why?
24:54You're not that selfless, little dragon trapper.
24:56Have you met her before?
24:57His gaze rested on me.
24:59Unhurried.
24:59Teeth grazing my neck.
25:01Like it was a passing thought.
25:02Nothing more.
25:03I kept my voice steady.
25:04She's the one thing Faris truly cares about.
25:07If she disappears, imagine the look on his face.
25:11Clever.
25:11But my brother keeps her under lock and key.
25:13Even I can't get near her.
25:14What's your plan?
25:15I shifted.
25:16Straddled him.
25:16This kills two birds, your highness.
25:19I reached the palace high tower and was stopped at the stairs.
25:22Theris forbade anyone from approaching Queen Elowen without permission.
25:26Fortunately, I recognized the attendant.
25:28I'd already bought his favor.
25:30He escorted me past the guards.
25:32Queen Elevon sat in plain white, playing a harp.
25:35Silver hair draped over her shoulders.
25:37Her face distant as frost on glass.
25:40She finished her piece.
25:41Only then did her ice blue eyes settle on me.
25:44That's how we first met.
25:45You're the one who tamed the dragon that night.
25:47Why are you here?
25:48Her slender fingers plucked two more strings.
25:51I'm as much a prisoner as you are.
25:53I can't help you.
25:54As if placing distance between us.
25:56So I gave her the gentlest smile I could.
25:58I don't need help.
25:59I only want to keep you company.
26:00Over the next several days, that's all I did.
26:02Sat with her.
26:03She rarely spoke to me, just played her harp, lost in herself.
26:07The guards were wary at first.
26:08But after a few days, they stopped watching.
26:11But the good times didn't last long.
26:12One day I arrived to find Theros had just stormed out.
26:16Elowen lay crumbled on the floor.
26:17Her gown torn.
26:19Fresh wounds mapped across bare skin.
26:21I moved before I could think.
26:23I wrapped my robe around her body.
26:25I turned to the handmaid.
26:27Fetch the healing salve.
26:28Now.
26:29Elowen trembled beneath my hands.
26:31I kept my voice low, soft enough that only she could hear.
26:34Don't be afraid.
26:35I'll find a way to get you out.
26:37She went still.
26:38Then looked away.
26:39As if she'd heard nothing.
26:40I took the salve from the handmaid and began applying it.
26:43Carefully.
26:44Gently.
26:45I found old marks lay beneath her torn white cloth.
26:47All Theros' work.
26:49I accompanied Elowen behind the curtain to change clothes.
26:52Theros' planted handmaid moved to follow.
26:54I fixed her with a sharp look.
26:56This time, I would not let them follow.
26:58It's three steps behind a curtain.
26:59Unless she sprouted wings, she's not anywhere.
27:02She stopped.
27:03Finally alone.
27:05Elowen's ice-blue eyes rested on me.
27:07I feel as though I've seen you before.
27:10Then, calm as still water.
27:12I can feel it in you.
27:13The hum.
27:13You're one of the dragon bond.
27:15I didn't deny it.
27:16Do you believe some people live more than once?
27:18I waited her answer.
27:19I had a dream.
27:20In that dream, things ended badly for you.
27:22I couldn't stop thinking about it.
27:24Elowen was quiet for a long moment.
27:26I believe you.
27:28But Theros watches me like a hawk.
27:30I nodded.
27:31I'll tell her everything.
27:32I've tried before.
27:33They caught me every time.
27:35I kept my tone warm.
27:37In a few months, a merchant caravan will pass through the city.
27:40You slip in with them and disappear.
27:42They come from a dozen different lands.
27:43Theros won't know which direction to chase.
27:45Before that, someone needs to take his attention off you.
27:49And I have the perfect person in my mind.
27:51The plan was finally beginning to take shape.
27:53Days later, Theros' most trised war dragon fell ill.
27:57Ashwing, the great grey-winged beast, lay collapsed in the dragon vault.
28:01Eyes shut.
28:01Wouldn't eat.
28:02Wouldn't move.
28:03Dragon sleep.
28:04Every dragon master in the palace stood over it.
28:06Useless.
28:06I found Theros' head dragon master myself.
28:09I can wake it.
28:10Skepticism in every line of his face.
28:12That's the first prince's ashwing.
28:13Worth more than this entire wing of the palace.
28:15If it dies under your hands, you die with it.
28:17Let her through.
28:18If anything goes wrong, I'll answer for it.
28:20I drew out the dragon bone needles, hollow, thin as a strand of hair.
28:23Inserted them into three blood-runs-close points along the dragon's neck.
28:27Pressed my palm flat against the cold scales and pushed my own life force in.
28:31A violent backlash tore up my spine.
28:33My vision blurred for one second.
28:35Then, Ashwing's eyes opened.
28:36Gold vertical pupils.
28:38It let out a low rumber and rose to its feet.
28:40The dragon master went still, staring.
28:43Dragon's sleep required two treatments.
28:45First to wake.
28:46Second to stabilize.
28:47Today was only step one.
28:48Deliberate on my part.
28:49The bait needed to stay fresh.
28:51Word of Theris's healed dragon spread fast.
28:54Dorian found me.
28:55Half commanding.
28:56Sarah, you're already the second prince's concord.
28:59You don't need more attention.
29:00Give the credit to Lysara.
29:01Tell them she's the one who healed the dragon.
29:03Lysara trailed behind him.
29:04That pitiful mask firmly in place.
29:06We're sisters, Sarah.
29:08Blood is blood.
29:09Shouldn't we help each other?
29:10For you, this is just a cherry on top.
29:12For me, it could get me out of slavery.
29:14She wanted reach for my hand, eyes glistening on cue.
29:17Sarah, you'll say yes, won't you?
29:19The dragon healing, their begging, all part of my plan.
29:22But Dorian's tone, that entitled, commanding certainty, still scraped like broken glass in my throat.
29:28I was his sister, so naturally I should suffer.
29:31Hand over every advantage, especially to the woman who killed me.
29:34Sarah!
29:34Dorian's voice sharpened.
29:36Lysara is begging you.
29:37It's just a small favor, and you won't even do it?
29:40I looked at them both, not a trace of warmth on my face.
29:43You want me to give her the credit?
29:44Fine.
29:45She can have it.
29:46Just don't come crying to me after.
29:47Stealing credit from me wasn't going to come cheap.
29:49I wasn't the helpless girl from before, waiting for someone else to save her.
29:53The very next day, Tharos held court in the throne hall to publicly reward the dragon's healer.
29:58The dragon master who'd been in the vault had seen my face, but never learned my name or status.
30:04That gave Lysara her opening.
30:07Yesterday, who was it that healed my ashwing?
30:09Tharos' voice fell across the room.
30:11Lysara rose gracefully, glided forward, savoring every eye on her, and knelt before him.
30:17That sweet, delicate voice.
30:18It was me, your highness.
30:20I healed your dragon.
30:22Theros was clearly drawn in.
30:24Those narrow eyes appreased her.
30:26I've seen you before.
30:26The last princess of Auroras.
30:28I didn't know you had such talents.
30:32Lysara had rehearsed this, smooth and measured.
30:35I've always loved dragons.
30:36I studied under the royal dragon masters back in Eris.
30:39She never finished.
30:41A panicked attendant burst through the hall doors.
30:44Your highness, the ashwing is corralcing.
30:46Foaming at the mouth won't stop thrashing.
30:47Tharos' expression blackened.
30:50Lysara, still kneeling before him, had already started shaking.
30:54How did you treat it?
30:55Why isn't it healed?
30:56If my dragon doesn't recover by tonight, you'll be buried alongside it.
31:01Lysara's knees buckled.
31:03Her face drained white.
31:04It wasn't me.
31:06Someone else did it.
31:07It has nothing to do with me.
31:08Panic shattered her composure.
31:10She pointed at me.
31:11Features contorted.
31:12It was you!
31:13You're the one who treated it yesterday!
31:14You should be the one to die with it!
31:16Theros studied me with fresh interest, one brow arched.
31:19You?
31:20The one who tamed the dragon in the great hall?
31:23The one my brother took from me?
31:25Something nauseating stirred in the depths of his gaze, and right on cue, Dorian stepped
31:31forward.
31:31Not to protect me.
31:34Never me.
31:35Lysara.
31:36Your highness, you Mr. Stand-in.
31:37Sarah is the one who knows dragons.
31:39She treated the ashwing yesterday.
31:43It has nothing to do with Lysara.
31:45A fine rain drifted through the courtyard arch into the hall, settling on my skin, cold
31:50seeping down to the bone.
31:52As long as his Lysara was safe.
31:56Dorian would shove me toward death again and again.
31:59Theros walked up to me, lifted a strand of my hair between his fingers.
32:02Little slave, if you can't heal my dragon, you'll stay and warm my bed instead.
32:07Consider it compensation.
32:08Have a goodcott.
32:09nation.
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