SPELLBOUND

Zolan knew that he had to take Evie away the moment he saw the dark dragon approaching the watchtower. Even more so, it was because the figure riding on that dragon was Lucius, but yet… not Lucius! Currently, there is no predicting what could happen once Evie's 'father' come closer with that dragon he was riding on. Zolan is willing to bet his right arm that nothing good would come out of it, though.

He knew he could no longer delay. He must stop with his ridiculous blind faith in her that she would somehow be able to change something. He must take her away now before it is too late!

However, just as Zolan was about to make his move to grab her and leap away, he saw a glowing light coming from her chest. And it seemed as though that glow is slowly spreading from its source. The sight halted him in his tracks and hesitation gripped him hard. What is happening here?

Remembering that the glow was exactly the same as the glow coming from the necklace that Prince Gavriel had him investigate not too long ago, Zolan immediately realized she was wearing the necklace and had tucked it under her dress. But why was it glowing only now? Was there something nearby that triggered it to behave this way? Or was it something within her which is causing this phenomenon to occur again?

The vampire's eyes widened when he realized it glowed even brighter when the Dragon began to approach them. He whipped his head back and saw the dragon getting closer and closer, making him almost certain in his mind that it was truly aiming for the watchtower. The princess! He had been distracted from his aim in protecting Evie after seeing that glow coming from her necklace.

Panic filled his eyes and he had made a decision right there and then. He was going to take her away now. If something happens to her, even a single scratch… it would be over! To be more specific, his life would be over. His Highness Prince Gavriel would flay him alive.

Zolan finally moved, at that same moment the archer released an arrow to shoot at the approaching dragon. But then again, Zolan was unable to move his feet any further at the sight that welcomed him the second he looked back at the princess with the intention on taking her away.

The glow which was initially centred on her chest was not coming from just that area anymore. She was literally glowing! Her whole body was now shimmering so brightly that she suddenly looked like a real magical being right now! Her amber eyes had also started shining so intensely, Zolan could not help but freeze even when he knew they were in a critical moment right now.

He did not know what to do anymore. His mind was telling him not to take her away and watch what she could do. He reasoned to himself that this might be what he was waiting for. Since that night he saw the gem glowing at the mere touch of her skin, Zolan had somewhat confirmed within himself that the princess was no ordinary human being. On top of the matter of her and the special characteristics of her blood as well. He had realized now why she always made him feel strangely inferior since the first time he had met her. Zolan was certain, he was not the only one who felt that way towards her. It made no sense at first because on the outside, all that could be seen was just a human. How could a mere human – a fragile female to boot – make him feel inferior? He initially thought that it was perhaps because she was now the wife of their master. He knew that it was ridiculous thinking on his part. Because he, more than anyone else, knew that a person's social status barely made any difference to him. He chose to serve Gavriel even when he did not know that he was the true blood royal. He had decided to follow Gavriel because from the first time he met the prince, Gavriel's demeanour and strength was much superior to anyone else he have ever met.

Back then, there was no other explanation. But now, it was different. This woman was definitely not just a mere human. She was more than that. And now, she was finally beginning to show what or who she really was. If he takes her away now… they might never find out what she was truly capable of! This might be the only chance!

Rooting himself to the floor, Zolan braced himself. He decided to continue believing in her, knowing that at this rate, he might end up protecting her with the cost of his life here and now… if he ends up being wrong. Of course, there was that small possibility of him being right. But oh well, he had thought if he was meant to die here, it was something that could not be helped. This was war after all. Any of them could die at any moment.

Glancing at the glowing princess one more time, Zolan faced the dragon so he would see the moment it might breathe fire towards them. He saw the dragon wailing from the shot into its chest.

The archer immediately reloaded another huge arrow and that was when Zolan saw the guardian roar out in anger and the dragon's mouth opened.

"F*ck!" he cursed, and the dragon's fire came at them. Everything was way too fast!

Like a blur, Zolan reached Evie, but the fire was also as fast as him.

He covered Evie with his body, quite thankful that the princess had such a small frame. His body would be more than enough to shield her as he pushed her down the watchtower and the vampire he instructed a while ago who was now stationed at the spot where the princess would most likely fall waited to catch her there.

Without wasting a moment, Zolan stretched his hand to push her but before his hand could touch her, the princess screamed, and the glow that was surrounding her blasted outwards.

The amber lights zinged past Zolan in multiple bright rays and then collided against the dragon's fire.