The Dragon King and His Fallen Star novel Chapter 131

Chapter 131: What the Star Sensed

EIRLYS’ POV

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I sat stiffly in King Lucius’ study, arms crossed tight over my chest, brows drawn together so hard it hurt. The round table felt too large, too empty-with only Evander and Scylla seated across from me, separated by two conveniently vacant chairs, as if a few feet of wood could mute the tension crackling between them.

I could feel their eyes on me-amused, no doubt-at the storm written plain across my face.

Let them look. I didn’t care.

What I cared about was the man crouched in front of me.

Kierygan’s gaze was steady. Patient. Infuriatingly so. “You can stop pouting now,” he said, his voice clipped. “We’ll be gone a short while. Just need to return the tome to the tower. We’ll be back before you even realize it.”

My fingers dug deeper into my arms. “And what if Morwenna and Mirael show up again?” My voice came out sharper than I meant, but I didn’t bother softening it. “What if they try to sabotage us like before?”

“That,” he said evenly, “is exactly why I don’t want you there.”

My frown eased. “I just don’t feel good about this,” I admitted quietly.

Kierygan sighed. “None of this has felt good,” he said. “But someone has to stay behind and guard the other half of the grimoire.” His eyes flicked toward the table.

I followed his gaze.

There, at the center, lay the book-our half of the Arcana Omnia.

And sprawled across it, ears twitching lazily, was Nibbles, grooming one paw with the solemn air of a creature who believed he alone was entrusted with guarding an ancient relic.

A reluctant breath slipped from me as I leaned back, defeated. “Fine,” I muttered. “Just be quick about it.”

Kierygan’s lips twitched, like he was fighting back a laugh. Across the table, Scylla and Evander-though they hadn’t spoken a single word to each other-wore matching smirks.

Heat crept up my neck, but I lifted my chin anyway. Let them think I was being difficult. Let them think I was just being clingy. They didn’t see the dread coiling inside me.

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Kierygan leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the crown of my head. “See you in a while,” he murmured, just loud enough for me to hear.

I forced myself to nod; my throat was too tight to speak. He straightened, gave me one last lingering look, and then he was gone-vanishing through the doors alongside Ulyanna, King Lucius, and Prince Draven.

The door shut behind them. Silence fell.

Without Kierygan to bristle at, the air felt charged, but in a different way.

Evander leaned back in his chair, arms draped lazily along the rests, though his eyes were anything but relaxed. Sharp and watchful, his gaze slid toward Scylla. She, in contrast, lounged with feline ease, pretending not to notice.

I observed them silently, the soft, steady sound of Nibbles grooming the only noise breaking the stillness.

It was Scylla who finally shattered it. “You shouldn’t worry so much, Eirlys,” she said, voice smooth, almost coaxing. “They’ll be fine. All of them are capable, even if those witches decide to stir up trouble again.”

I forced a smile. “I know.”

But even I didn’t believe it.

Still, she offered a faint smile of her own, propping her chin in her hand. “And once this is over, we can finally go back home. To Solmere.”

Evander’s voice cut in, sharp and sudden. “Home?”

He arched a brow, studying her like a puzzle he’d already solved. “No plans to stay here, then? That’s surprising, given how very comfortable you’ve seemed in the prince’s company.”

Scylla gave a bored smile, drumming her fingers on the table. “I go where I am needed, butcher.”

Evander’s smirk was all teeth. “Oh? And my brother doesn’t need you anymore?”

Her lashes lowered, the corners of her mouth curving slyly. “Let’s just say we’ve fulfilled each

other’s needs.”

She paused just long enough to let it land. “Though I will admit, the prince has quite a lot of demands,” she added breezily. “I had to stretch myself and bend over backwards more than once.”

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Evander’s gaze sharpened, his eyes flashing crimson before slipping back to honey-gold.” Right. And now you’re ready to move on.” His tone was flat, clipped. “I sometimes forget you’re a nomad-you hop from one place to another. Maybe even from one bed to-”

“Evander!” I shrieked, cutting him off before the words could land. My hands slammed on the table, the sound sharp as my cheeks burned hot. “That was uncalled for.”

Scylla only chuckled, low and amused. “I don’t understand why you’re so ruffled, butcher. I was minding my own business.”

Their voices tangled, rising sharper with every word, until they blurred into noise. I stopped listening. Because that feeling, that same heaviness in the air, pressed down on me again. The prickling along my skin. The tightness in my chest.

And then the scent hit me, musty and cloying, like rot and ash drifting on the wind.

Morwenna and Mirael.

My heart stuttered. “Stop,” I said, voice low, urgent.

Neither of them heard me, too caught up in their argument.

Only Nibbles reacted. He bolted from the tome and darted toward me, tiny paws scrabbling at my skirts as if urging me to move.

The pressure mounted. My lungs seized. Panic flared hot in my chest.

“STOP!” I screamed, my voice cracking with desperation. “Both of you, shut up!”

At last, silence fell. Evander and Scylla froze mid-argument, their heads snapping toward me

at the same instant.

“Something’s wrong,” I said, louder now, pulse racing. “I can feel it.”

They traded wary glances, but I didn’t wait.

“Stay here. Both of you.” My gaze flicked between them, willing them to understand. “Guard

the tome.”

“No, Eirlys. You’re not going anywhere.” Evander was on his feet in an instant. “Kierygan’s orders. He’d kill me if I let you slip from my sight.”

But I was already moving, Nibbles clutched tight against my chest. My chair scraped loudly as I stood.

“Eirlys!” he shouted, then blurred, his form phasing into motion.

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On instinct, I raised a hand. Power surged through me, solidifying into a wall of light. Evander slammed into it at full force. The impact cracked through the study like thunder. He was flung backward, crashing into the far wall with a grunt.

My chest heaved. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, guilt twisting in my gut. “But I have to.”

Behind me, Evander roared, his voice laced with fury-and fear. “Eirlys! Come back!”

But I was already through the door.

KIERYGAN’S POV

The wind sliced through my wings as I circled overhead, each beat scattering silver ripples across the black water. Below, the boat rocked gently as Lucius and Draven paddled toward

the lake’s heart.

I kept my eyes on them, every muscle taut, ready to unleash fire the moment anything-or anyone-dared interrupt their task.

Back on the docks, Ulyanna stood watchful, her gaze fixed on the boat. To anyone else, she might have seemed calm. But I knew better. I recognized the tension in her jaw, the stillness in her stance. She was just as ready to strike.

The boat stilled at last. Father and son pricked their fingers, letting blood drip into the lake- thin red threads trailing into the deep.

The water stirred. First a soft ripple. Then more, growing faster, harder.

Bubbles broke the surface, scattered and hissing.

Until at last, the lake churned into froth… And stone began to rise.

The sharp crown of a tower pierced upward, followed by jagged battlements and spires, climbing higher and higher until an entire citadel stood revealed, dripping with the lake’s dark

sheen.

I narrowed my eyes, circling lower, shadow passing over the fortress, Draven and Lucius phased together onto the third level, where the ritual table waited. I saw their hands moving, the flare of magic curling in the air before they laid the tome upon the stone. Everything, so far, was going as planned.

Then I heard her.

“Stop!”

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