Love The Way He Lied

In the black stone halls of the Western Empire of Drexenthur, torches flickered against jagged walls. Storms churned outside, but within, the atmosphere was still—until a voice broke the silence.

"Your Majesty," one of the elder ministers began cautiously, "this story of the Elixir… surely it's only a myth. Dragons are gone, and none can grant wishes."

Emperor Kaelith Vorgrath, dressed in obsidian armor, said nothing. His silence pressed heavier than steel.

Another minister stepped forward, younger and bolder. "It's not a myth. The Elixir exists.

The man continued, "A thousand years ago, dragons ruled the skies. Among them was their king—Zeradros, the Black Dragon with eyes of sapphire. He had the power to grant any wish... but in return, a life had to be sacrificed."

The council fell quiet.

"When the world learned of this, empires turned greedy. Kingdoms rose and fell trying to control him. In the end, only three empires remained: Drexenthyur, Altherion, and Velmoria."

Kaelith narrowed his eyes. "Go on."

"Velmoria's king Aurelius Therald made no attempt to enslave Zeradros. Instead, he met the dragon and made a different request."

The Legend of the Pact

Under a starless sky, the king stood before the Dragon.

"Come to my empire," he said. "But not as a weapon. As silence."

Zeradros lowered his head. "Is that your wish?"

The king nodded. "I will give my life in return. Turn yourself to marble. My bloodline will guard your essence. Only one of my blood may release you again."

Zeradros watched him with ancient eyes. "Very well."

In a flash of light and fire, the dragon's body turned to black marble, pulsing faintly with power. The king fell dead at his feet. Thus, the pact was sealed.

"The dragon sleeps still," the minister said quietly. "Somewhere beneath Velmoria. But the Elixir that can awaken him… is."

He looked around the room.

"It's The Blood Of Current King."

"Eyan Lucien Therald."

Emperor Kaelith rose slowly. "So. To awaken Zeradros… we need the marble, and the blood of Velmoria's king."

"But Eyan is no ordinary ruler," another minister said. "He commands the Black Wolf Army—elite, merciless. They say he once slaughtered a hundred men with a single sword."

"And he has no known weakness," another added. "No queen. No heir. No allies. The man is a fortress."

A hand rose.

Kaelith turned. "Yes, my son?"

Prince Velcon, dressed in a deep crimson coat, stepped forward with a calm smile. "If we cannot conquer Eyan… then let us befriend him."

The room stilled.

"You mean diplomacy?" Kaelith asked.

"I mean infiltration," Velcon said smoothly. "Send me to Velmoria. I will form a bond. Earn his trust. Friendship opens more doors than force ever could."

A minister scoffed. "Even if you do, do you believe he'll give you his blood?"

Velcon smiled wider. "He won't.

We only need to find his weakness."

"And if he has none?" another challenged.

Velcon's voice dropped to a whisper. "Everyone bleeds. Even kings. You just have to know where to cut."

Kaelith stared at his son a moment longer… then nodded.

"So be it."

In the quiet of the royal study, Hans entered, bowing low. "Your Majesty," he said, "a message from the Western Empire. Prince Velcon wishes to attend your birthday banquet."

Eyan's crimson eyes narrowed as he turned away from the window. "Velcon?" he repeated slowly. "What does Drexenthur want… now?"

(Later that night)

Eyan turned to the shadows. A low whistle followed, and three figures stepped forward—silent, powerful.

"Talon. Fen. Mara," Eyan commanded. "Go to Eva. Guard her well. She's healing, and she has a habit of sleepwalking. I cannot be with her tonight."

With a flick of his hand, the wolves disappeared into the night.

At Eva's home, she slept peacefully—until midnight. She began wandering.

Fen moved to block her path, but she stepped squarely on his tail.

He winced in silence. Mara tugged her gown gently and guided her to bed.

As she lay down, still dazed, her eyes met Mara's.

"You're beautiful," she whispered.

Mara froze, paralyzed by the gaze.

Eva smiled, her voice soft and slow. "This is not the first time I've seen you…"

She reached out, ran her fingers through Mara's fur, and placed a sleepy kiss on his head.

Then, without warning, she wrapped her arms around him and fell back asleep—using him as a pillow.

Mara blinked twice, completely still.

Fen looked at him with wide eyes.

Talon, standing by the door, slowly shook his head in disbelief.

The next morning, the sound of something sizzling woke Eva.

She rubbed her eyes and sniffed. "Kyel…?"

In the kitchen stood her husband, sleeves rolled up, flipping breakfast in the pan.

"Good morning, Princess," he said with a small smile.

"Good morning, sweetheart…" she yawned. "When did you come back?"

"Just a little while ago," he said, plating her food. "Come, sit. I made your favorite."

They sat together and began eating.

Then, Eva set her fork down and frowned. "Kyel… I had the strangest dream last night."

He looked up. "What kind of dream?"

"I think… I kissed a wolf."

Kyel's eyes widened. "You what?"

Eva blinked.

"I think there was a big black wolf in my room.... and I kissed him.

Then I used him like a pillow and fell asleep."

Kyel nearly dropped his fork. "Princess… you kissed the wolf?!"

"Yes!" she said, laughing. "He was so fluffy. And warm."

Kyel's voice rose in disbelief. "You kissed him? And slept hugging him?!"

"Why are you shouting?!" Eva winced. "You're hurting my ears." "That was Just a Dream"

"You—! That's—! Even if it's a wolf, he's still male!"

Eva burst out laughing. "Oh, Kyel… are you jealous of a wolf?"

Kyel crossed his arms and looked away. "That's not the point."

Eva leaned over and kissed his cheek. "You're being adorable."

He pointed to his lips. "That's not where I wanted it."

She grinned and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. Just as she was about to pull away, Kyel wrapped his arms around her waist and deepened the kiss, pulling her close.

The kiss lingered—gentle, possessive, real.

Later that afternoon, inside the palace's private chamber, Eyan stood with arms crossed, glaring at his three wolves.

"Talon. Fen. Mara," he said slowly.

"I gave one command—don't reveal yourselves to her."

The wolves lowered their heads.

"But not only did one of you show yourselves… you got kissed. And hugged. All night."

Talon and Fen slowly turned… and pointed their paws at Mara.

Eyan raised a brow. "So… you, Mara?"

Mara whined and looked away.

"And you," Eyan said, turning to Fen. "Why are you limping?"

Fen let out a series of strained howls.

Eyan sighed. "She stepped on your tail?"

Fen gave a mournful little yelp.

"Oh come on," Eyan muttered. "She's light as a feather. How did that hurt?"

Fen gave a high-pitched whine, dramatically turning his head.

Eyan laughed under his breath and knelt. "Alright, alright."

He sliced his palm and let a drop of blood fall on Fen's tail. Instantly, the injury vanished.

Fen wagged his tail again.

"There. Happy?"

The king stood, watching the blood on his hand.

"If only this could heal her too," he said quietly. "But my blood only heals you."

The three wolves looked up at him, their loyalty unwavering.

"They say the dragon gave you to my ancestors," Eyan whispered. "Three wolves who never age, never die… bound to every king who takes this throne."

He stepped back. "Now go. Disappear. And stay hidden."

The wolves bowed their heads and vanished into shadow.

But Eyan stood there a moment longer, thinking of the girl who kissed him without knowing… and wondering how long he could hide the truth.