In the Holy Dragon’s Lair

  The majestic Holy Dragon turned his massive, scaled head, his golden eyes gleaming with fury as he addressed his soldier. "What did you say? That bitch left her cave?" His voice reverberated through the cavern, shaking the very walls.

  The soldier, trembling slightly, bowed low and replied, "Yes, Majesty. She has left her cave and is currently residing with a human. However, her seal remains intact."

  The Holy Dragon's sharp cws tapped against his throne, a malicious grin spreading across his face. "Good... Let her grow attached to that lowly human. Let them build their bond, their trust, their happiness. Then, we will strike. I will kill him in front of her, break her spirit, and remind her why she was sealed in the first pce."

  The soldier hesitated. "Majesty, how long should we wait before proceeding?"

  The Holy Dragon leaned back, his golden eyes narrowing with cruel delight. "Two months. Give her two months to bask in her foolish hope. Then, the hunt begins."

  ---

  At Arthur’s New Home

  The morning sun bathed the small wooden house in a warm glow. Yamikage called out to Arthur from the doorway, her bck hair shimmering in the light. "Arthur, there are some guards from the mansion here."

  Arthur stepped out to greet the guards, who saluted him respectfully. "Greetings, young master. We have a letter from the Duke for you," one of them said, extending a sealed envelope.

  Arthur accepted it with a polite smile. "Thank you for delivering this. It must have been quite a journey."

  The guard gave a formal nod. "It is our duty. With your permission, we’ll take our leave now."

  As the guards departed, Arthur broke the seal and read the letter. His expression darkened slightly as he finished. Yamikage, noticing the change, approached him with concern in her ruby-red eyes. "Arthur, what's wrong? You look upset."

  Arthur sighed, folding the letter. "It’s from my father. He’s officially decring my brother the sole heir to the Bckthorne family and hosting a party in his honor in fifteen days. He also wrote that if I want to remain part of the family, I need to humiliate myself and beg for forgiveness during the event."

  Yamikage frowned, her eyes fshing with a mix of anger and sympathy. Without saying a word, she pced her hand gently on Arthur’s head and started patting it.

  Arthur flushed in embarrassment. "Y-Yamikage! What are you doing?"

  "Comforting you, of course," she said with a soft ugh.

  Arthur brushed her hand away, his cheeks burning. "Enough of that! We need to go shopping."

  "Shopping?" Yamikage tilted her head, confused.

  "For clothes," Arthur crified, his gray eyes determined. "You’re coming to the party with me as my dance partner, and Yuki is coming too. So, we need to find something suitable for both of you."

  Before Yamikage could reply, a small voice interrupted them. "Daddy… did… you call me?"

  Arthur turned to see Yuki standing in the doorway, rubbing her sleepy blue eyes. Her silver hair shimmered as she shuffled toward him.

  Arthur picked her up, cradling her gently. "No, dear. You can go back to sleep."

  Yuki nodded sleepily and wrapped her small arms around his neck, falling asleep again almost instantly.

  Yamikage chuckled softly at the sight. "You two look so much like father and daughter."

  Arthur turned red, gring at her. "Sh-Shut up!"

  Yamikage giggled again, her ughter light and teasing. "You’re adorable when you’re flustered."

  Arthur grumbled under his breath but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips.

  To be continued.....