AUTHOR NOTE: EXPECT TWO CHAPTERS EARLY IN THE MORNING ADIOS.
BACK TO PRESENT
(MARCH 2024)
As Hadrain raced through the forest with Jayden in his arms, his heart pounded not only from exertion but from sheer terror. He could feel Jayden's life slipping away, his skin growing colder by the second. Every step felt like a race against time. The trees blurred past them, but Hadrain was focused on one thing—saving Jayden.
After what felt like an eternity, he finally stumbled upon a small, abandoned cottage deep within the woods. Its roof sagged, and vines crawled up the walls, but Hadrain didn't care. It was shelter, and maybe, just maybe, it held a solution. He kicked open the door, cradling Jayden close to his chest as he laid him gently on the floor. Jayden's breath was shallow, his eyes barely open, and Hadrain's desperation mounted.
Hadrain scanned the room, his hands shaking as he searched for anything—anything—that could save him. His magic surged through his veins, wild and untamed, but he needed more. He needed a miracle.
"Stay with me, Jayden," he whispered, kneeling beside him. His hands hovered over Jayden's body, his magic flickering as he tried to heal him. But it wasn't enough. The wound was too deep, the damage too severe.
Jayden's eyes fluttered open, and for a brief moment, a weak smile tugged at his lips. "Hadrain… you're here…"
"I'm not leaving you," Hadrain vowed, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm going to save you, Jayden. I swear it."
But Jayden's breathing grew weaker, and panic clawed at Hadrain's chest. He pressed his hand to Jayden's heart, feeling the faintest pulse. Tears stung his eyes. No, he couldn't lose him. Not now. Not after everything they had been through.
Desperation gave way to a sudden idea—a faint memory of something he had once heard. There were legends of a cure, a magical means to heal the most grievous wounds. It was said to be hidden in the depths of an ancient forest, guarded by powerful magic.
Hadrain's mind raced, piecing together fragments of those stories. He had no other choice.
With renewed determination, Hadrain closed his eyes and reached out with his magic. He whispered ancient incantations, summoning the hidden powers of the forest around him. His body glowed with a faint blue light as he cast the spell, his magic flowing into the air like tendrils of energy, seeking out the hidden cure.
The ground beneath him trembled, and the air around them thickened with an ancient, powerful presence. Hadrain held his breath as the earth shifted, revealing a hidden compartment in the floor of the cottage. A soft glow emanated from within, and when Hadrain opened it, he found a small vial—a liquid so pure it shimmered like liquid moonlight.
"The Elixir of Life," Hadrain whispered in awe, the stories he had heard now becoming reality.
He knelt beside Jayden, carefully uncorking the vial. "This will save you," he whispered, his voice trembling with hope. "Drink this, Jayden. Please."
With trembling hands, Hadrain lifted Jayden's head and poured the elixir between his lips. The liquid shimmered as it slid down his throat, and for a moment, nothing happened. Hadrain's heart sank, his hope wavering.
But then, slowly, Jayden's breathing steadied. The color returned to his cheeks, and the coldness of his skin faded. His wounds began to heal before Hadrain's eyes, the magic of the elixir working its miracle. Jayden's eyes fluttered open, and this time, they were clear, full of life.
"Hadrain…?" Jayden's voice was soft but strong.
Hadrain let out a choked sob of relief, pulling Jayden into his arms. "You're okay… You're going to be okay…"
Jayden weakly raised his hand, resting it against Hadrain's cheek. "You saved me… again."
But before they could even celebrate the victory, the room suddenly darkened. A chill ran down Hadrain's spine as he sensed a malevolent presence surrounding them. He stood up, his magic flaring once more as shadows flickered at the edges of the room.
"Who's there?" Hadrain demanded, his voice sharp.
Out of the darkness, five figures emerged—cloaked in shadows, their forms barely discernible. Their eyes glowed with a sinister light, and their presence exuded danger.
"You've meddled too far, Hadrain," one of the shadows hissed, its voice like nails on a chalkboard. "Jayden's life was meant to be claimed. And now… you will both pay the price."
Hadrain stepped forward, positioning himself between Jayden and the shadows. "I won't let you take him," he growled, his hands glowing with magic. "You'll have to go through me."
The figures chuckled darkly, their laughter chilling. "We intend to."
Before Hadrain could react, the shadows surged forward, their movements impossibly fast. They overpowered him in an instant, their strength unlike anything he had faced before. Hadrain fought back with every ounce of magic he had, but it wasn't enough. One by one, the shadows pinned him down, their cold hands wrapping around his arms, forcing him to the ground.
"Hadrain!" Jayden cried out, struggling to get to his feet, but he was still weak from the elixir.
The leader of the shadows stepped forward, his hand gripping Jayden's throat, lifting him off the ground effortlessly. "Surrender yourself to the Black Dragon cult," the shadow growled, tightening its hold. "Come willingly to Ivory… or watch Jayden die before your eyes."
Hadrain's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing. He was trapped, his magic drained from the battle. Jayden's life hung in the balance, and the weight of the threat crushed him. He had no choice.
"Stop!" Hadrain shouted, his voice desperate. "Don't hurt him! I'll… I'll turn myself in."
The shadows paused, their leader smirking as he loosened his grip on Jayden's throat. "Wise choice," the shadow sneered. "But remember, Hadrain… your fate is sealed. Ivory awaits."
With a flick of the leader's wrist, the shadows vanished, taking Jayden with them. Hadrain collapsed to his knees, his hands trembling. Jayden was gone, and now, he had no choice but to surrender himself to the Black Dragon cult. And with the disappearance of the shadows and Jayden Hadrain let out a dark smirk.
" Sorry Peter Lockwood it seems I outsmarted you once again."
And in the shadows Jayden came out smiling and they fell on each other embrace relishing on each other scent.
" Don't you think Peter will find out that wasn't me." Jayden queried.
" Oh don't worry before he will realize he has been deceived we would have been long gone." Hadrain smiled triumphantly whispering the last hunting words.
" The battle was far from over."