The Dragon King and His Fallen Star novel Chapter 175

Chapter 175: Glow and Guilt

KIERYGAN’S POV

The world narrowed to wind and motion as I dove, talons locking around Eirlys.

$25 Points.

I shifted midair, landing hard just a few feet from the ground, my arms still clamped around her. I

set her down-rougher than I meant to-and caught her wrist before she could move.

Without a word, I started marching her inside.

Her wings fluttered, struggling to steady her and keep pace with my stride. I glanced down-her

hair was disheveled, cheeks flushed from the rough flight.

“You promised,” I said, voice flat, controlled. “You promised you’d actually listen this time.”

She blinked, breath catching. “I did,” she said softly, “I only-”

“Only what?” I cut in, my tone sharp and brittle. “Only ignore orders because you felt curious

tonight?”

Eirlys suddenly stopped and wrenched her hand free. She folded her arms, lifting her chin. “Yes, I

wanted to see the pretty lights up close,” she said. “So what?”

My jaw clenched-partly in anger, partly to hide the faint amusement tugging at me. “So what?” I

echoed. “We had an agreement, Eirlys. You could have gotten yourself into serious trouble flying

alone at night. You should have waited for me.”

Her glow flared faintly beneath her skin, betraying her anger. “Then you should have come home earlier,” she shot back. “And besides… what are you still so afraid of? Who are you trying to protect

me from?”

“From yourself,” I snapped. “From that endless stubbornness of yours-trying to save everyone while caring so little for your own safety.”

I exhaled slowly, the words catching in my chest. “I watched you being ripped apart, Eirlys. I thought I was going to lose you.” My gaze hardened. “And you ask what I’m still so afraid of? I’m afraid of that happening again.”

Her mouth parted in shock, her glow dimming. The look on her face-hurt, confusion, guilt-made my chest tighten. I hated seeing it, and yet it was for her own good.

I didn’t need her asking questions right now. I needed her to listen. I needed her to be safe.

I let out another sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Look, it’s been a long day. I was out there dragging my council through rebuilding plans, signing treaties, and negotiating to keep you safe,” I said. “And what do I find when I get home? My mate, who’s still recovering, is defying my orders again.”

III

1/5

Chapter 175. Glow and Guilt

Her breath hitched, guilt written across her face. “I wasn’t trying to.”

+25 Points

I softened slightly, recognizing that I’d achieved the reaction I wanted. Though I hated myself for it

-for redirecting the issue-it was a necessary evil.

My hand closed around her wrist again. She didn’t resist this time. I dragged her back to our chambers, wordless but purposeful.

When we entered the chambers, my eyes immediately fell on the unfinished tray beside the bed.

The bread was half-torn, the fruit barely touched-and from the faint teeth marks, I could tell she’d

even tried to make her rabbit finish them.

Eirlys followed my gaze, and guilt flickered across her face. Whatever traces of stubborn defiance she’d held onto melted into quiet remorse, as if she already knew what I was thinking.

“I tried,” she said softly.

سالت

I exhaled and drew her closer to the bed. Sitting down, I guided her to perch on my lap. My hand

came up to her cheek, tilting her face toward mine. “What am I going to do with you?”

She said nothing-only lowered her eyes.

I pulled her against me, easing her head to rest on my shoulder. Her body went rigid at first, then slowly softened as her breath steadied.

“If you can’t bring yourself to eat what’s given to you,” I murmured, my voice low, deliberate, “then

take from me instead.”

Her head snapped up, eyes wide. “What?”

“Don’t argue,” I murmured. “If it’s the only thing you can keep down-if it steadies you…” My gaze flicked to her lips before returning to her eyes. “Then take what you need.”

الذي

She blinked, hesitating. “But won’t it drain you if I keep doing this?”

My thumb traced the line of her jaw, slow and deliberate. “You couldn’t, even if you tried,” I said softly. “I regenerate fast.”

Her expression wavered, uncertainty mingling with something else-hunger, maybe, or need. Her

irises dilated, catching the faint light. I guided her gently, tilting her head back toward the crook of

my neck.

Eirlys inhaled, brushing her nose against my skin before her fangs sank in. A sharp sting followed, brief and electric. My fingers slid into her hair, tightening instinctively as heat coursed through me. The sensation was maddeningly intimate-too much, and not enough.

I looked down at her, her glow faint beneath her skin. “No more scaring me half to death,” I said quietly.

2/5

Chapter 175: Glow and Gult

She only whimpered in response, her mouth still pressed to my throat.

+25 Points

Eirlys drifted to sleep not long after, her head nestled against my chest. Her breathing was steady,

her face soft-unguarded in a way that always undi me.

I brushed a strand of silver hair from her cheek, watching it catch the moonlight. She murmured

something incoherent and curled closer, seeking warmth even in sleep. The small, trusting motion

twisted the knife deeper.

What kind of protector lies to the one he’s trying to protect?

I’d meant every word about fear. I was terrified. But somewhere between fear and truth, I’d

crossed a line. I’d seen her guilt, her vulnerability-and I’d used it. Turned it into something that

would make her obey.

Because it was easier than admitting the real reason.

If what we suspected proved true, then nothing-not even me, not even her-could stop what was

coming.

I lowered my head until my forehead rested against hers. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, though the words

barely left my lips.

EIRLYS’ POV

A soft touch brushed against my shoulder.

I stirred, groaning softly as the heaviness of sleep clung to my limbs. When my eyes fluttered open, the first thing I saw was him-kneeling beside the bed, his dark hair pulled back into a loose bun, already dressed for travel.

The sight tugged at something in my chest. He was leaving for Solmere again.

“Can’t you let Orryx handle the rebuilding, just for today?” I asked, my voice still thick with sleep.

He chuckled, adjusting the clasp of his cloak. “It won’t take long this time,” he said. “The foundations are laid, the pillars stand. The witches can handle the rest with their enchantments.”

I pushed myself up on my elbows, rubbing my eyes. He reached out, taking my hand in his.

“I’ll be back early. I promise,” he said. “In the meantime-”

I cut in with a sleepy grin. “I won’t wander. I won’t fly at night. And I’ll try to eat.”

The faintest smile curved his lips. Then, with that familiar teasing glint in his eyes, he reached forward and pinched the tip of my nose. “Let’s see if you’ll actually follow through.”

I wrinkled my nose at him, but couldn’t help smiling back.

|||

3/5

Chapter 175 Glow and Guilt

+25 Points

He hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on me. Then, before I could speak again, he leaned

in and pressed his lips softly to mine-a kiss that fet both a promise and a quiet apology.

“I’ll see you later,” he murmured as he drew back.

HO

And then he was gone-his footsteps fading down the corridor, the faint rush of wind that followed

his departure leaving me staring at the empty space he’d left behind.

I swung my feet over the side of the bed and forced myself to eat-just enough to keep my

stomach from protesting-before bathing and dressing for the day.

Nibbles was still asleep in his little nest, his nose twitching as if he were dreaming. “Sorry, Nibbles,”

I murmured, scooping him into my arms. “You can finish your nap in the library.”

We stepped out of the chambers, determined to return to the books I hadn’t finished yesterday. I

trusted Kierygan’s concern for my safety, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was hiding

something from me.

The moment we entered the corridor, Nibbles wriggled in my arms and leapt down with a soft thump, darting ahead.

“Nibbles!” I called, hurrying after him. “Wait up!”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify