The Dragon's Shield

Lynaria was startled when she realized she had entered the wrong room. She hadn't noticed that it was the King's private chamber. Her face paled, and she quickly apologized, hurriedly attempting to leave. However, Kaelron stopped her with a calm yet commanding voice.

"Are you sure you want to leave now? Aren't you afraid that tomorrow the rumors will spread faster than the wind? Stay here for the night. I promise I won't touch you," Kaelron said, his gaze firm and unyielding.

Lynaria swallowed nervously. She knew she couldn't defy the King's command. Slowly, she climbed back into the bed, though anxiety gnawed at her heart.

The next morning, Kaelron invited her to the hot springs at the peak of the ice mountain. It was one of the King's private training grounds for refining his combat skills. Lynaria didn't know what to expect, but her curiosity outweighed her fear.

"Today, I will teach you how to channel the energy within you and turn it into a weapon. This energy will be invaluable when combined with the Sacred Dragon Sword," Kaelron said, his sharp gaze fixed on her.

"Understood, my lord," Lynaria replied, trying to mask her unease.

"Step into the water," Kaelron instructed.

"What?" Lynaria asked, confused.

"You need to soak in the hot spring to open your meridians. I cannot channel my energy into you unless your pathways are open."

Lynaria hesitated, feeling a little anxious, but had no choice but to obey. She stepped into the warm water, with Kaelron following behind her.

"Close your eyes and let the water enter your body. Do not resist, stay calm," Kaelron said, his voice flowing with authority.

Lynaria shut her eyes, focusing as he instructed. After a while, her body was surrounded by a soft, blue glow. Kaelron, noticing the signs of energy gathering, quickly shed his clothes and stepped into the water next to her. He began channeling his golden energy through her back. The flow was slow but deliberate.

"You must endure the pain. If you falter, both our lives are at risk," Kaelron commanded, his voice growing sharper.

Lynaria felt the excruciating pain, as if thousands of needles were piercing her body. Every pore felt as though it were being invaded, but she held on, determined not to fail. After what felt like an eternity, Kaelron ceased the flow of energy. Lynaria, exhausted, passed out from the strain.

When night fell and Lynaria regained consciousness, her body was stiff, but an overwhelming hunger forced her to get up. She made her way to the kitchen and grabbed a few fresh fruits. As she returned to her room, a conversation she overheard caught her attention.

"How could you give half your power to that girl? Aren't you afraid of dying?"

"I trust her. She will protect the Dragon Jewel within her," Kaelron's calm voice answered.

"But that jewel is the core of your power! If you give it to someone else, you will die!"

"No, not if I give it to my mate."

"What do you mean? Have you chosen her as your mate? But how could that be? She's human, nothing like us—immortal dragons."

"That's exactly why I gave it to her."

Lynaria was stunned. A jewel? A mate? This was more complicated than she had imagined. She quickly slipped away, hoping she hadn't been caught eavesdropping. Back in her room, she summoned the ancient dragon and the winged lion from the Sacred Dragon Sword. Both were surprised but concerned.

"You possess the Dragon King's jewel?" the ancient dragon asked, its voice filled with worry.

"What does that mean?" Lynaria asked, confused.

"That jewel is the core of the Dragon King's power. If it is transferred into someone not of the dragon lineage, a curse will be placed upon them. And now, blood of a dragon flows in your veins. You are a half-dragon," the winged lion explained gravely.

Lynaria fell silent, processing everything. The ancient dragon added, "And if another man touches you, he will die if he loves you. But if you touch another man and you don't love him, you will die instead."

Lynaria was stunned. All of this felt like an unavoidable fate. But before her anxiety could overwhelm her, the winged lion spoke again.

"There's something more important, my lord."

Lynaria focused, "What is it?"

"Since your energy is now sufficient, you must perform the union of the three sacred items. With the Dragon King's jewel, the union will be much more complete," the winged lion said.

"Tonight, during the festival, everyone will be busy. It's the perfect time to go to the mountain and perform the union in secret."

Lynaria thought carefully, uncertain. "Why the mountain?"

"During the union process, an immense flow of energy will occur. You don't want to draw attention, do you? There is a hidden place in the mountain where you can perform the union without anyone noticing."

Lynaria nodded slowly, understanding. The time had come. That night, during the festival, she decided to sneak away with caution. However, as she passed the castle gates, someone caught sight of her.

"Where are you going in the middle of the night? The festival is the other way."