The Dragon King's Heart

Laina smiled a little. A swirl of black flame replaced the purple. Without Thorne's signal, she did not dare to let go.

"Laina... Laina, open your eyes."

When she did, she was surprised to find herself in a mindscape. She was certain it was not her own.

"Where..."

Thorne, who stood before her, grabbed hold of her hand. He brought her to a door.

"Where are you taking me-"

He did not let her finish.

"We don't have much time. Would you like to see Dante?"

"Yes... yes of course I do," she said without hesitation.

Thorne nodded, "He's in the dream state now. You should be able to have a few minutes with him."

He gave her a wink and smile as he pushed open the door. A bright light enveloped both of them. Laina shielded her eyes. She could feel a pair of hands pushing her, moving her through the door.

When she finally regained her sight, she was stunned by what she saw before her.

"I... I know this place..." she muttered to herself.

There was a beautiful fully bloomed cherry blossom tree a distance ahead of her. As the spring wind blew, the petals danced in the air. In a different life, Dante and Laina made a promise to one another under that cherry blossom tree. It was also known as the Tree of Devotion.

The words they had exchanged echoed in Laina's mind.

"...I will only love you, my one and only, in this life and every life after. Even if we're separated by death, I will find you and make you mine."

Just a few feet in front of her, she noticed a familiar back view. Laina broke into a run. She could feel streaks of tears rolling down her cheeks as she closed the distance between them. Moments before she was about to reach him, he turned around to face her.

Laina ran straight into Dante, causing both of them to fall to the ground. She hugged him tightly, cradling his head with one hand while holding onto him with the other. Putting the pieces together, she realized she was in Dante's dream.

She knew he would not get hurt, but still, she worried for him. Before Dante had time to react, she leaned in and kissed him on the lips. She cupped his face they deepened their kiss together.

Though it was just a dream, she could still smell her favorite scents off him. The same could be said for Dante.

"Am I..." he tried to speak between kisses, "Am I dreaming?"

Laina chuckled, "It's really me."

Dante wrapped his arms around Laina's waist as he sat up as they parted lips. He reached out to touch her face while shaking his head.

"You're just the dream version of Laina, aren't you, my love? My sun drop."

Hearing him call her by the nickname he had so lovingly given warmed her heart. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She chuckled a little.

"It really is me, my moon kiss. What can I do to prove to you I'm real?"

Dante paused for a moment, "Tell me you love me."

Laina's expression turned sullen instantly. She pouted as she punched him gently on the arm before crossing her arms.

"You know I can't," she muttered.

Dante grinned as he leaned in and planted kisses on her cheek, "You're real. It really is you!"

She was not quite ready to forgive him just yet. How could he play such a cruel joke on her? Realizing she really was angry with him, he quickly apologized. He kissed her on the lips to show how apologetic he was, nuzzling on her neck.

He held her close, held her tight, hoping she would come to understand how much he missed her. Though they had not been apart for very long, it felt like forever.

"I can never stay mad at you," she whispered to him as she returned his embrace.

They were so close, she did not ever want to let him go. But Thorne's words echoed in her mind. They only had a few minutes to spare. A quick glance at her surroundings confirmed Thorne's words. Soon their connection would be cut.

"Dante, I can't stay for long..." she proceeded to explain what he had done.

She also told him how she knew he had ascended the throne to become the Emperor.

"Laina, I..." he wanted to explain himself, but she stopped him.

She did not need him to explain his actions. Now, she understood why he did it. He gently caressed her face, wanting to remember how she looked for as long as he could.

"I just need to find a way to get to you," she said with determination.

Dante brought here close, touching foreheads with each other.

"I know you will. And I think there's something you can try."

He whispered into her ear, giving her the crucial information she needed. As he finished his last sentence, Laina could feel their time together was coming to an end.

"I'll give it a shot. Wait for me, Dante," she hugged him tightly, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to blur her vision.

Dante leaned his head down on her shoulder, kissing her one last time.

"I'll see you again."

When Laina reopened her eyes, she had tears streaming down her cheeks. She was in the fetal position, resting on the bed. There was a slight shadow overcast on her. She tilted her head up, surprised to see that it was Thorne. He was holding her hand.

Shortly after, he stirred awake too. He was just about to get up and move away but Laina held onto his hand.

"Wait, don't go," she whispered.

Thorne stopped in his tracks and laid back down, facing her. Laina could feel the warm rays of sun streaming through the window, warming up the room. She knew the work that awaited her, and the task she had to accomplish.

But just for a few moments, she wanted to rest.