The next day, Xylos and I were invited to Damon’s coronation. Posing as my brother–in–law, he had been designated by the King as the next heir. Though he still needed the approval of the Dragon Clan’s heavenly mandate to complete the ceremony and receive the ancient power, in ne’s eyes, including his own, it was a done deal.
everyo-
He stood there now, clad in shimmering silver armor, his arm around an equally exquisitely dressed Serena, greeting the gues
with a
triumphant
smile.
Chapter 2
I looked at him and couldn’t help but think of my past
life.
06.16
The King had once asked Damon if he felt any resentment about Caelus being named Crown Prince. At the time, Damon had sworn, “My brother is righteous and kind, exceptionally talented, and far more capable than I. It is only natural that he becomes the Dragon Prince. As his younger brother, I am completely content.”
His actions now were a stark contradiction to those words. I shook my head and smiled bitterly. To think I had been so blind to such a hypocrite.
Soon, Damon and Serena made their way over to us. He glanced at Xylos, a flicker of jealousy in his eyes, and said pointedly, “Phoebe, I know you still think about my brother, but you were the one who insisted on remarrying. You should focus on your new life.”
Before I could speak, Xylos replied lightly, “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, but Phoebe is very good to me.”
A warmth spread through my chest. I looked at their smug smiles and said, “Your… Highness. Are you certain you will be able to receive the inheri-
tance today?”
Serena’s brow furrowed immediately. “What do you mean by that? Phoebe, are you cursing us?”
Damon’s glare was filled with hatred. But with so many eyes on them, he simply held Serena back and said gently, “Don’t lower yourself to her
level. Let’s go.”
level.
I sighed and leaned against Xylos, saying no more.
The coronation began. Damon ascended the steps, one by one, and stood before the King, his eyes greedily fixed on the crown that symbolized his new status. The High Priest began the incantation, his voice booming, “We beseech the heavens to bestow the sacred inheritance.”
BOOM!
Thunder rumbled overhead. Just as the Phoenix Clan’s leader must undergo a rebirth by fire, every Dragon King must be baptized by heavenly lightning. If approved by the heavens, the King and Queen would emerge unscathed.
Damon held Serena’s hand as they stood in the center of the altar.
CRACK!
The first bolt of lightning struck.
I saw it clearly. The color drained from Damon and Serena’s faces.
Then came the second, the third…
Serena coughed up a mouthful of blood and collapsed to her knees, unable to rise. Damon’s face was ashen.
murmur.
The King and Queen shot to their feet in shock. The clan members below began to murmur.
“The last Dragon King didn’t suffer like this when he received the inheritance.”
“Could it be that the Prince and Princess are not recognized by the heavens of the Dragon Clan?”
There were eighty–one bolts in total, meant to be a blessing, but now they were a torment.
By the tenth bolt, Damon was on his knees beside her.
