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Chapter 424
~Zara’s POV~
Kaid sighed beside , rubbing the back of his neck. "Serpent Cranes, Forbidden Bog, and then the Dragons," he muttered. "Sounds like a damn fairy tale from hell."
I shot him a look. "If you’re backing out, now’s the ti."
He snorted. "Please..." he drawled dramatically. "I said I’d help, and I ant it. But you better pray your ex appreciates the lengths you’re going to for him."
I smirked. "I don’t need his appreciation. I need his life."
Kaid’s expression shifted, sothing indistinct passing over his features before he nodded. "Then, let’s not waste any more ti."
Siona raised her hands, and a map appeared between us—a glowing projection of the lands we were about to cross.
"The Serpent Cranes are your first trial," she explained. "A vast marshland filled with creatures that sense movent from miles away. You must not disturb the waters, or you will not leave it alive."
The glowing image shifted, revealing the next location.
"The Forbidden Bog. A place where lost souls wander, unable to cross into the next realm. They are drawn to the living, hungry for warmth, for life. You must not—under any circumstances—look them in the eyes. If you do, they will latch onto your soul."
A cold dread crept over , but I nodded, absorbing every word.
"And finally," Siona murmured, her voice softer, "the Realm of the Dragons."
The projection flickered, revealing a land covered in endless mist. Massive shadows moved within it—too large, too powerful, unseen but felt.
"Not all dragons are enemies," Siona said. "But the Golden Scale you seek belongs to a High Lord of their kind. Azareth, the Crimson Sovereign. He is not known for rcy, and the price he demands may not be one you are willing to pay."
I swallowed hard, pushing past the fear clawing at my chest. "Then I’ll make sure I don’t leave without what I ca for."
Siona studied for a long mont before inclining her head.
"Very well," she said. "Your ti begins now. May the goddess walk with you."
I turned to Kaid, my heart steady, my mind focused.
"Let’s go."
Without another word, we stepped out into the night, venturing into the unknown. On my way towards Kaid’s car, I imdiately texted Mr. Hunt, Snow’s Vice CEO, telling him Snow was indisposed and I would be traveling with him for a while.
Without giving much detail, I knew he knew what to do. Besides, I had tendered my resignation to Snow. It’s just that the big bull of the man I loved, refused to accept my resignation.
Still, his company ant a lot to too.
Almost imdiately, a response was sent.
Mr. Hunt: I understand. My best regards to Mr. Zephyr. I will ensure the company is run smoothly and report to you just in case.
Zara: I trust you. He will hear of it. Thanks.
I hit send and did the sa with Taylor. She was Snow’s secretary after all.
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We headed straight into Kaid’s mansion as soon as we alighted from his car. He picked up a few essential things already prepared for him in a backpack. He changed his outfit to suit our travel and then we headed towards the back.
The cold night air whipped against my skin as I followed Kaid toward the helipad, the rhythmic thumping of the rotor blades growing louder with each step. The Lycan King didn’t waste ti. Neither did I.
"We’ll save hours if we take my helicopter," he said over the wind, his eyes gleaming under the landing lights. "We don’t have ti to waste."
I nodded without argunt. Every second mattered now.
Kaid opened the door for , and I climbed in, buckling my seatbelt as the powerful machine humd beneath us. He slid in beside , his fingers moving swiftly over the controls before grabbing his phone.
I glanced at him as he dialled. He was calling Richard.
"Richie... I need you to go to Zara’s apartnt. Her address has been sent to your phone before," Kaid instructed the mont Richard picked up. His tone was sharp and direct.
"I am already on my way there."
"Good. Once you arrive, take Siona and Snow’s body sowhere safe," he ordered.
"Snow’s body? Alpha Snow is...?"
Kaid ignored and continued giving instructions. "Make sure no one disturbs her until I return."
There was a beat of silence on the other end before Richard sighed. "And where the hell are you going?"
Kaid’s lips curled into a smirk. "On a quest."
Richard scoffed. "A quest? What kind of quest, Kaid?"
"To bring the dead back to life."
Richard must have gotten the whole scenario because his next question was on point. "And why the hell are you helping your love rival?"
Kaid chuckled, his grip on the controls firm. "Because Zara is worried and desperate. And because if saving Snow ans seeing her smile again, then I’d be a fool not to do it." He turned slightly, his eyes flickering toward before continuing, "But don’t get wrong—I won’t give up on her either. I want a fair fight for her heart and love, not just one dropped on my lap by chance."
"Fate," Richard corrected. "And the Kaid I know before would have lept at such an opportunity."
"What can I say? I am a changed man for love. No longer the man who used allure on her."
My heart clenched at his words. He didn’t lower his voice. He didn’t try to hide it. He wanted to hear him.
Richard exhaled on the other end. "Fine. I’ll do my best to protect the Alpha until you return."
Kaid nodded. "Thank you." Then, after a mont, he added, "My throne, my people... In case we don’t return—"
Richard cut him off imdiately just as I blurted out, "We will return."
"You will return," Richard repeated firmly.
Kaid let out a laugh. "Damn, you both really don’t have faith in my dramatic farewell, huh?"
"Shut the fuck up, Kaid," Richard snapped. "I don’t want your crown. I don’t want the damn burden of your throne. So fucking, return in three days, find a wife because I see you losing already, and sire a damn son to take over. Got it?"
I blinked at Richard’s words, but Kaid? He just laughed louder. "You really do not have faith in winning Zara over?"
"Only a fool would contend with another man for a woman who is willing to do anything to bring back the man she loves to life."
My guilt ate at my heart as I lowered my gaze. I was asking too much of Kiad, and I wasn’t giving anything in return.
If there was anything, Snow’s death proved to that I loved him, and I will always love him.
"Kaid," I called, tightening the hold on my belt.
Before I could speak, Kaid cut off. "Then I am a fool for her."
"Sigh, good luck and co back in one piece, My Liege."
"Aye, got it, best friend."
"Stay safe, best friend," Richard responded before hanging up.
Kaid’s smirk slowly faded, his expression turning serious as he faced forward, gripping the controls.
"Alright," he muttered, eyes narrowing at the horizon. "Let’s go save that bigheaded ex-husband of yours."
And with that, the helicopter lifted into the night sky, carrying us toward the most dangerous mission of our lives—the Dragon Realm.
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