Chapter 15 - Chapter 15 - Dragon of the Dragon Flames

-In Valentine Duchy; Garden-

In the serene garden of Valentine Duchy, the sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground as I sat across from her, who held a delicate tea cup in her hand.

"Cillian, have you been well?" Liara asked, her smile warm and inviting.

"Of course, I have. Thank you for asking," I replied, taking a sip of the fragrant tea while glancing around the lush garden, the vibrant flowers swaying gently in the breeze.

Liara leaned in slightly, her left index finger resting thoughtfully on her chin, a curious expression lighting up her features. "The fact that Princess Luxana of Domino awakened her powers... is true, isn't it?"

I took another sip, my mind drifting back to that fateful day. The day Luxana awakened her powers was etched in my memory, but I had been on my way back to Domino when it happened. The rain had poured down heavily, and the horse I was riding slipped just a mile from the inn. Before I knew it, that damned coachman was begging me not to go, claiming His Majesty the Emperor would have his head if we didn't reach Elmir as soon as possible. By the time I finally arrived, I was buried under a mountain of official work. A week had passed in the blink of an eye, and here I was, sipping tea with Liara."And how must I know?" I asked, feigning ignorance."Well... I thought you would, because from what I know... she is quite your type," Liara replied, a teasing lilt in her voice.My eyes widened in shock. "WHAAAAAAAAAA—" I exclaimed, unable to contain my surprise."What? It's true," Liara insisted, a playful grin spreading across her face. "And now, it's clearer—you like her!""What? No way! I don't!" I protested, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.Liara sighed, her expression shifting to one of exasperation. I looked down, feeling the heat of my face deepen."Hey... I'm fine if you want to break off this engagement... I really don't mind," Liara added, her voice softer now, tinged with an unexpected vulnerability.

Liara's words hung in the air, tinged with an unexpected vulnerability that caught me off guard. Her voice was softer now, a stark contrast to the playful banter that had filled the garden moments before.

I felt a pang of guilt at the thought of breaking off our engagement. While it was true that I had never seen Liara as anything more than a sister, the idea of losing her friendship altogether unsettled me. We had grown up together, our families intertwined by duty and circumstance, and the thought of severing that bond was not one I took lightly.

Yet, the nagging suspicion that Liara might be right about my feelings for Luxana gnawed at me. Could it be possible that I was drawn to the Princess in a way that went beyond mere curiosity or admiration? The thought both thrilled and terrified me, for Luxana was a woman who seemed to defy convention and expectation at every turn.

I opened my mouth to speak, to offer some reassurance or explanation, but the words caught in my throat. How could I possibly articulate the tangled web of emotions that threatened to consume me? Liara deserved honesty, but I was not even sure I could be honest with myself.

So instead, I reached out, placing my hand atop hers where it rested on the table between us. Her eyes met mine, and in that moment, I hoped she could see the unspoken apology in my gaze. I may not have been able to give her the answer she sought, but I could at least offer her the comfort of my presence, the reassurance that she was not alone in this.

For now, that would have to be enough. But one thing was clear - I could not continue to hide from my own heart. Whatever lay in store, I would face it head-on, even if it meant risking everything I had ever known.

-Evening in Amoria Palace; Luxana's Room-

Luxana's room, adorned in simple hues of white and blue, was now cloaked in shadows as the sun dipped below the horizon. She sat despondently on the floor beside her bed, her head resting heavily on the soft mattress as she stared blankly at the pillows. Her once vibrant eyes now held a deep gloom, as if the spark of her soul had been extinguished, leaving only an empty shell. Her long hair, unbound and untamed, flowed over the bed and cascaded down to the floor, a stark contrast to her still, forlorn figure. It was as if all the life and energy had been drained from her, leaving her a mere ghost of her former self.

"I think... I don't... know anymore... who... am... I... again?" She murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she were mourning the loss of herself.

"In times of darkness, find the strength within to reignite your spirit," a deep, resonant voice echoed through the room, sending a chill down her spine.

Luxana jolted upright in surprise. "Who... who's there?" she asked, her heart racing as she scanned her surroundings, searching for the source of the voice.

"Life's beauty is in the journey, not just the destination. Cherish each moment, lesson, and growth, letting your experiences guide you," the voice replied, with a tone that was both haunting and comforting.

Confusion twisted into anger as Luxana shot up to her feet, her fists clenched. "Who are you? And what do you want?"

"Life and death are two sides of the same coin. Embrace the gift of life, for it is fleeting, and leave a legacy that echoes through eternity," the voice continued, undeterred by her frustration.

"If life and death are the two sides of the same coin, then the person who has that coin must be you, right?" Luxana shot back, unaware of how profound her words had become.

"The true flame burns bright, illuminating the path of truth. Speak honestly, for truth shall prevail and be rewarded. Let lies be doused in the waters of justice, for deception shall not go unpunished," the voice intoned, its depth resonating within her.

Luxana stood quiet for a moment, grappling with the surreal situation as the light of the sunset faded, leaving the room in deeper shadows.

"Hear me, child, for I am the ancient voice that echoes within the chambers of your heart. I am the guiding light that dwells in the depths of your soul, where your true self, Roxana, resides. Seek me there, and thou shalt find direction and enlightenment. Embrace thy true nature, and together we shall unlock the power that is rightfully thine."

As those words lingered in the air, a chill ran down Luxana's spine. Suddenly, the balcony door flew open with a powerful gust of wind, causing everything in the room to shake and rattle. The pages of the Ancient Tome, "The Secrets of the Dragon Flame," began to flip rapidly before coming to a halt on a page entitled "The Dragon."

Compelled by an unseen force, Luxana approached the book resting on her desk. As her fingers brushed the page, fiery light erupted from the tome, illuminating the room in a warm glow. The text read: "The ancient Dragon of the Dragon Flames, a mythical creature of legend, resides within the deepest recesses of the Enchanted Caverns, where magic and mystery converge. This magnificent beast, a guardian of ancient secrets, is said to be deeply connected to the emotional realm of its owner. It senses their feelings, their hopes, and their desires, as if they were its own. The Dragon Flames, a reflection of the owner's soul, can be found deep within the caverns, hidden in a chamber bathed in ethereal light. There, the dragon awaits, ready to ignite its flames and guide its owner on their journey, offering strength and enlightenment."

"So... you're the Dragon of the Dragon Flames, huh?" Luxana said, squinting her eyes in disbelief as she processed the revelation. "To think, I'd be talking to a dragon right now."

"Come, seek me while the moon still shines bright and the path remains clear. For soon, the shadows may obscure the way, and the opportunity to find what you seek may fade. Hesitation is the enemy of discovery, so embark on this journey with haste, for the rewards that await are worth more than the sum of their parts.

Luxana squinted her eyes, letting out a sigh as she walked toward the balcony, the fading light of the sunset casting an eerie glow across her features. She touched the cool railing, grounding herself for a moment, before turning her head back to look into her room. The shadows seemed to deepen, wrapping around her like a shroud, and she felt a surge of determination rise within her. 

With a swift motion, she raised her right hand into the room, her fingers curling into a fist as she summoned the fire that lay dormant within her. "If so, be patient. I'm on my way," she declared, her voice steady and resolute.

KABOOM!

The moment she unleashed her power, flames erupted from her hand, engulfing the room in a brilliant blaze. The fire danced with life, swirling and creating a mesmerizing display that filled the room with light and warmth. The once serene space was transformed into a chaotic inferno, the flames licking at the walls and furniture, consuming everything in their path.

Luxana watched as the fire devoured her belongings, the soft fabrics of her bedding igniting with a crackling sound, sending sparks flying into the air. The flames twisted and turned, illuminating the darkness that had once suffocated her. 

The ornate curtains billowed as they caught fire, the fabric curling and blackening as they surrendered to the flames. The wooden furniture groaned under the heat, splintering and cracking as the fire spread, casting flickering shadows that danced across the walls. Luxana could see the remnants of her life being reduced to ash—a once-pristine sanctuary now a chaotic mess of burning debris.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery glow across the sky, an unsettling heat began to radiate from Luxana's room in Amoria Palace. The air grew thick with smoke, curling tendrils creeping into the hallways, causing a stir among the palace staff. 

In the nearby servant quarters, the maids gathered, their chatter filled with concern. "Did you hear about the confrontation between Princess Luxana and the King?" One maid whispered, her eyes wide with intrigue.

"Yes! I heard it was quite heated," another replied, glancing nervously toward the princess's chambers. "But I never expected it to escalate like this."

Suddenly, a third maid interrupted, her face paling. "Wait... do you smell that? It smells like smoke!"

The group fell silent, their eyes widening in alarm as their heads snapped toward the source of the smell, a sense of urgency gripping them. Panic began to ripple through the maids as they exchanged worried glances. 

"Fire! There's a fire!" one of them shouted, her voice rising in alarm.

The commotion quickly spread through the palace as the news reached the butler, who rushed into the room with urgency. "What is happening?" he demanded, his brow furrowed with concern.

"The Princess's room is on fire!" one of the maids exclaimed, her voice trembling. "We need to get the Princess out of there!"

Without hesitation, the butler barked orders, his voice commanding. "Everyone, to the princess's room! We must ensure her safety!"

As they rushed down the corridor, the heat intensified, and the smoke thickened, swirling around them like a living entity. The once-grand hallways of the palace were now filled with chaos, the echoes of shouting servants and the crackling of flames creating a cacophony of fear.

"Princess Luxana!" the butler called out as they reached her door, the heat radiating from within. "Are you alright?"

The door swung open, revealing a scene of utter destruction. Luxana stood in the center of the room, her right hand raised, flames swirling around her like a tempest. The fire consumed the furniture, the curtains igniting in a brilliant blaze, while the walls were painted with flickering shadows. The room was transformed into a chaotic inferno, the air thick with smoke and the scent of burning wood.

"Princess!" the butler shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos as he rushed into the room, followed closely by the maids, their faces pale with shock.

Luxana gazing at the Ancient Tome, her expression unreadable amidst the chaos. It's pages glowing with an otherworldly light, untouched by the fire that consumed everything else.

The butler's eyes widened as he took in the scene. "Your Highness! You must leave at once!" he urged, but Luxana remained still, her gaze fixed on the book.

"Do you believe me now, Luxana?" The Dragon's voice echoed through the room, deep and resonant, as if it were woven into the very fabric of the fire that surrounded her.

Luxana nodded her head slowly, acknowledging the truth of the Dragon's words without a hint of emotion. 

But Luxana stood firm, the flames swirling around her in a mesmerizing dance. The chaos of the burning room engulfed her, yet she stood unwavering amidst the destruction, a beacon of resolve. 

The butler stepped closer, urgency in his voice. "Your Highness, please! We cannot stay here any longer! The fire might burn you!"

As the flames roared and crackled, Luxana finally turned her gaze toward the butler, her voice calm and steady. "Let it burn," she said, her words almost drowned out by the sound of the fire. "This is my choice."

The butler's heart sank as he realized the depth of her resolve. "But, Your Highness—please, we must go!"

"Leave, now!" Luxana commanded, her voice carrying an authority that brooked no argument.

They watched helplessly as the flames continued to consume the room, illuminating the darkness with a fierce glow. And before they knew it, the fire crept out of the room and began spreading through the entire Palace.

As the fire raged on, Luxana stood at the center of it all, a figure of defiance against the chaos, while the flames swept away everything remaining in the Palace, transforming it into an abandoned wasteland.

To be Continued...