The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Vault of the Hidden Flame

She grabbed a book before Hyran even reached the first landing.

He was already running, which meant she had been right. The blood oath required him to try and stop her.

She opened the book, read at alpha speed, downloaded what she needed, and slid it neatly back onto the shelf, her lips twitching.

Then she zipped back down the stairs, passing Hyran on her way down.

Standing back in front of the dragon on the fireplace, Serena closed her eyes and reached for Velkaris.

She’d only be able to do this with her bonded without practice.

His energy found her almost immediately. Easier than expected.

She took a breath of courage.

Channeling his energy was going to hurt like a motherfucker.

Her arm rose toward the dragon.

She winced before anything even happened. Then her hand opened.

Flame poured out.

The mark on her arm flared in response, burning hot as the fire formed. She gritted her teeth and held it, refusing to let go.

The dragon on the hearth answered, flashing gold.

It twisted in on itself, its form folding and unraveling in one smooth motion, and the hearth vanished. In its place stood an archway.

The mage-librarians gasped.

She tried to school her expression but failed to hide the grin that threatened to take over. She was entirely too pleased with herself.

The fireplace had fully transformed into a massive archway, and she was fairly certain she knew how to open it.

Dex ran into the library at that moment, worry written plainly across his face.

Serena turned toward him, but before she could ask what was wrong, he pulled her into a tight hug.

"Are you alright?" she asked, kissing him softly.

He pulled back just enough to look at her, like he wanted to strangle her and kiss her at the same time, and dragged a hand through his hair.

"I have something for you," she announced, grinning.

Whatever frustration he had evaporated instantly. He grinned back at her, unable to help himself.

She picked up the sheathed sword. "It’s the First Dragon King’s, and it’s meant to be yours."

Some mage-librarians clapped excitedly.

He looked at her, stunned, blinking like his brain was catching up. Then he laughed and shook his head. The blade was considered a myth. Of course she would find it.

Serena, on the other hand, was oblivious to that. Her excitement stemmed from the fact that she was giving him a gift for the first time.

He reached for the sword, feeling it call to him. The second his fingers touched the hilt, it flashed bright white, and a vibration echoed through the library.

He knew this sword was his. Knew she had given it to him in another life. He felt it in his core, a certainty that defied explanation.

Before he could say anything, before he could even thank her, she spoke.

"I think it has special properties," Serena continued. "And I know where to look if you do not."

He froze.

"Never mind," she said with a sigh. "Do not tell me."

It was getting annoying. Truly. Which, unfortunately, only made her want to know more. She was going to find out with or without permission.

She turned back to the fireplace, her eyes still green, and spoke from her own knowing, reciting what she believed would open it in Draken-Vorah.

"Vault of the Hidden Flame, Set by the First Dragon King for the First Dragon Queen. A bearer of fire stands for entry."

The dragon answered in a low, layered whisper, the voices of ancestors pressed together. The mark on her forearm burned. She thought she was the only one who could hear the dragon, but she was wrong.

North bears. South burns.

Serena answered in Draken-Vorah.

"Draken-bound. Blood-bearer. Fire-made."

If the bearer proves unworthy,

The flame shall consume.

"Then let the flame judge, For if I burn, I am not worthy."

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