The Dark Knight's Desire – Volume 3: Dragon Diplomacy & Heartstrings
Lumeria was on the brink of chaos again. Not because of invading armies or rogue magic, but because Kael and Elara had been summoned to negotiate with the Kingdom's council of dragons.
"Yes, dragons," Kael muttered, staring at a massive golden-scaled creature wearing a monocle. "Because nothing says diplomacy like fire-breathing aristocrats."
Elara tried to hide her amusement, failing when a spark of magic set Kael's boots briefly aflame. "Maybe try saying 'please'?" she whispered.
The council was… eccentric, to say the least. One dragon insisted negotiations required afternoon tea and a poem recited in rhyme. Another demanded a dance-off. And yet another critiqued Kael's brooding demeanor as "overly dramatic but oddly charming."
Amid the chaos, Kael couldn't stop glancing at Elara. She sparkled in the sunlight as she explained magical treaties to dragons who couldn't care less, yet somehow, her charm worked. Kael's stoic heart began to ache—not from fear, but from something far more dangerous.
"Stop staring," Elara hissed, noticing him mid-gawk.
"I'm… observing strategy," Kael muttered, though his flushed cheeks betrayed him.
Just when diplomacy seemed manageable, a dragon bellowed, "The prophecy! The Dark Knight must choose between power and love!"
Kael froze. Every head turned toward him, and Elara's eyes widened.
"Power… or love?" Kael whispered under his breath. He had spent his life avoiding attachments, yet here, standing beside her, the choice felt impossible.
Before he could respond, a sudden shadow streaked across the chamber—faster than any dragon or human should move. A whisper of magic brushed his ear: "Your heart is the key, Kael… but beware the cost."
Kael grabbed Elara's hand instinctively, and for a heartbeat, time seemed to freeze. The dragons murmured, the air shimmered, and a new danger loomed just beyond their sight.
Some battles weren't fought with swords or spells… and some decisions weren't as simple as right or wrong.