CHAPTER 6 Bound by fate

Twenty-two years ago in the magical realm

 Lord Davon Lungu has found himself in a grand gathering in the Royal Ballroom. Normally lord lungu would avoid such gatherings but this time he can't. The King himself sent him an invitation to travel to Talsyn, the capital city of the Crystal Kingdom, and stay at the palace for a week participating in different games. Today's ball will conclude the visit and he will be able to go back to his ward.

The room is filled with an array of different species, each with their unique abilities and powers. As he gazes at the detailed paintings adorning the walls, Lord Davon can't help but feel a sense of unease.

The room is alive with energy, as the guests mingle and converse in hushed tones. Lord Davon recognizes some of the most powerful beings in the kingdom, from the elegant elves to the fierce dragons. Each one exudes an air of power and authority.

 The air is thick with the scent of power and ambition, and he knows that he is surrounded by beings who would stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

The room itself is a masterpiece of luxury, with crystal chandeliers casting a soft, golden light over the gathered guests. The tables are laden with exotic foods and rare wines, and the sound of laughter and music fills the air. But beneath the surface of this grandeur, Lord Davon senses a tension that he can't place.

As he makes his way through the crowd, he can't help but notice the way that the other guests look at him. Some with curiosity, others with suspicion. Lord Davon Lungu has inherited his ancestor lord Stephen Lungu's name of the death bringer. Lord Lungu's wolf is huge and it is black as coal. Many species tremble In its presence. A lot of species try to avoid angering lord Lungu while some try to find ways to provoke him.

But Lord Davon is not one to be intimidated. He holds his head high and meets the gazes of those around him with a steely determination. He knows that he belongs in this room just as much as anyone else, and he would not let anyone make him feel otherwise.

Despite the jovial atmosphere and the sound of laughter and chatter filling the air, Lord Davon can't shake the feeling of being an outsider among his kind. Some of the species present at the gathering are known to be two-faced, pretending to be friendly with him while secretly harboring ill intentions.

As a warden of one of the most powerful wards, Lord Davon is used to navigating the complex social dynamics of the magical realm. He is well aware of the politics and power struggles that often play out behind closed doors. But on this particular evening, he can't help but feel a sense of isolation and loneliness.

 Despite his reservations, Lord Davon knows that he must talk to other species as protector of the pure vampire magic he has to have a few friends to call upon in times of need. He mingles with the other guests, exchanging pleasantries and engaging in polite conversation. But deep down, he can't shake the feeling that something is amiss. He has been feeling nervous the whole day like something big is going to happen.

As the night goes on, Lord Davon finds himself drawn to a mysterious figure standing in the shadows. The figure is cloaked in darkness, their features concealed from view. Intrigued, Lord Davon approaches the figure, his curiosity piqued.

To his surprise, the figure reveals themselves to be a powerful seer who has been watching Lord Davon from afar. 

"I have heard about you," lord lungu says to the seer.

"I know, I was close to your father, he often came to me for advice." Seer Kangwa says with pride. Seer Kangwa is known as one of the most powerful seers in the magical realm. His visions are always accurate. He is respected and loved by many.

"Did he tell you about the plan to cast the forbidden spell that killed him?" Lord Lungu asks the seer. Lord Davon Lungu's father died six years ago after casting a forbidden spell to destroy the Brotherhood, a faction that Started the war that almost wiped out the entire magical realm.

"Yes, I knew of it. I am the one who told him about it. Your father knew he was going to die after casting the spell but he did it anyway. If your father hadn't cast the spell, the brotherhood would have managed to get to the pure vampire magic, and all of us would have been doomed. Your father and all the witches and warlocks who performed that spell knew they were going to die. They sacrificed themselves so that we can live." The seer explains.

"I had a feeling he knew he was going to die, I just didn't want to believe it." Lord lungu says.

"I am sorry that you didn't get to say goodbye to your father." The seer says putting his hand on lord Lungu's shoulder.

"Thank you."

"You are welcome, my lord." Lord lungu can feel the seer's eyes on him as he looks at the women talking a few feet from him and notices his mate Lady Ruby smiling at what one of the ladies has said. Lady Ruby is a beautiful woman but something is missing in their bond. Maybe it's because she is not his fated mate. When they first became mates he thought their bond would grow but it kept becoming weak with each passing day. There is a gap between them that keeps on growing every day.

"One of your daughters is the child of prophecy." The seer suddenly states interrupting lord Lungu's thoughts.

"What do you mean by that?" Lord lungu asks.

"Have you ever heard of the prophecy of a god who will be born from two powerful bloodlines to bring peace to the magical realm?" The seer asks.

"Yes, I know of it, it has been told from generation to generation for a thousand years. They used to talk about it even before the war."

"Yes, that's the one. Many don't think it will come true but it will and your family will be the one to fulfil it. It's also one of the reasons that your father had to cast that forbidden spell. To protect her even before she was born. Your father had a dream where Pelah the god of nature told him to protect the pure vampire magic because the god who will be born will need it. It was the same day that I had a vision of you holding a baby girl with a crown on her head. I saw all the kings and queens bow to her." Lord Davon listens intently, his heart racing with fear.

"Are you trying to tell me that one of my two daughters is a god? But why haven't I noticed anything?" 

"I have told you that one of your daughters is a child of the prophecy, I didn't say that she has already been born or not. If she is already born her powers will manifest when she is ready. If she is not yet born, you will have to wait. Don't tell anyone about this, not even your mate."

"But my mate needs to know, she is their mother after all." Lord lungu says.

"You don't know whether she is the mother or not."

"What do you mean seer?" Lord lungu asks, confused by the seer's statement.

"Things will change for you tonight lord lungu. Remember to embrace and enjoy every gift the gods give you. I will take my leave now. Don't forget what I have told you." The seer says as he leaves lord lungu confused about everything.

"Dav are you okay?" A voice asks. Lord lungu doesn't need to turn to know who the voice belongs to. There is only one person who calls him Dav, General Peter Chanda, his friend of so many years. Lord lungu and his army general Peter Chanda have been friends since they were young. They did everything together growing up. Most species who did know them would think they were a brother.

"I am fine, I just feel a little uncomfortable in this crowd." Lord lungu says giving his friend a reassuring smile.

"I can tell that you are uncomfortable but I feel like there is something else troubling you." 

"Nothing is troubling me, Peter, I am alright."  The two stand in silence watching people engaged in conversation. A waiter passes them and they both get a glass of the finest wine being offered.

"Does what's troubling you have anything to do with Lady Ruby?" General Chanda asks after some time.

"You are not going to let it go are you?" Lord lungu asks in frustration.

"Not until you tell me what's going on." General Chanda replies.

"Fine. You are right it's about Lady Ruby. I feel like our bond is getting weak instead of getting stronger. Some days I find myself trying to avoid her presence. We have been mates for six years but I still can't find myself to care about her as I should."  Lord lungu says looking at his mate who is talking to the ladies including General Chanda's mate lady Sharon.

"It's not your fault that you can't have strong feelings for her. She is not your fated mate. Stop worrying your bond will grow strong with time." General Chanda comforts his friend.

"You are right, maybe I am just overthinking things." Lord lungu says even though he does not think that his relationship with Lady Ruby will ever grow.

"Have you heard the rumor?" General Chanda asks in excitement. Lord Lungu's heart skips a bit worried that the rumor could be about the prophecy seer kangwa told him about. 

"What is the rumor about?" Lord lungu asks feigning interest.

"Whispers are going around that the dragon princess is going to attend the ball. She arrived in Crystal Kingdom later today and will join the ball later." General Chanda explains.

"I haven't heard of that rumor." 

"Well, that's because you prefer standing alone in the shadows than interacting with other guests." 

"Why are you even telling me about the dragon princess? If your mate hears you she is going to skin you alive."

"She is not going to hear about it. And I am telling you about the dragon princess not because I am interested, it's just out of curiosity." General Chanda explains.

"I see," lord lungu states in amusement.

No one outside the oval kingdom, which is the kingdom of dragons, has ever seen the princess. But there are rumors of her unmatched beauty. It is said that she takes her beauty from both her mother who was a very beautiful and powerful witch and her father who was a magnificent dragon king. It is believed that the king and queen hid her from the outside world to protect her from other species. She can only leave the Oval Kingdom now that both her parents who were so protective of her are dead and her beloved brother is the new king, who has allowed her to explore the world.

"Are you even a little bit curious about her?" General Chanda asks.

"No, I have no interest in anything concerning her." Lord lungu says with a bored expression.

"You have turned into an old wolf, you are not fun anymore." General Chanda says with a smile.

Lord lungu is about to say something when he smells a scent that almost knocks him down.

"Can you smell that?"

"Smell what?" General Chanda asks, confused by his friend's question.

"I can smell the most alluring scent that I have ever smelt. It's taking over all my senses, it's like it's calling to me." Lord lungu says as he tries to take a step to find the source of the beautiful scent. His step is stopped by his friend's hand.

"Don't." General Chanda says in a low voice not to attract the attention of the other guests. Even though the room is spelled with the magic that prevents other species from eavesdropping on private conversations, General Chanda can't help but be cautious. Because what he is about to tell his friend is something that no one should hear about.

"Why are you holding my hand, Peter?" Lord lungu asks in anger, his wolf can be seen in his eyes, its green eyes visible.

"Calm down and listen to me, the scent you can smell. I think it belongs to your fated mate. I also felt the same when I met Lady Sharon three years ago." General Chanda explains. Lord lungu feels a cold chill run through his body after hearing what his friend said. How can the gods make this cruel joke on him? Why didn't they give him his mate six years ago before mating with Lady Ruby? What is he even going to do now?

"Is that what he meant?" Lord Lungu asks no one in particular.

"What do you mean Davon?" General Chanda asks.

"Seer Kangwa told me earlier that my life is going to change tonight. He knew I was going to meet her today."

"Oh, shit Dav. She must be someone important for one of the most powerful seers to have a vision about her." 

Whatever Lord Lungu is about to say does not come out when the scent grows stronger. It is a scent unlike any other he has ever encountered, a scent that seems to wrap around him like a warm embrace. Intrigued, he turns his head to find the source of the intoxicating aroma. 

His eyes land on her, a vision of beauty that takes his breath away. She is unlike any female he has ever laid eyes on, with long flowing hair the color of midnight and eyes that sparkle like the stars. She is wearing a gown that is shimmering in the light, accentuating her every curve and making her look like a goddess come to life.

Everyone's eyes are on her. She has this strong aura that makes everyone around her want to kneel to her. She seems to exude power and confidence. Her presence demands respect. It is as if she is carrying a certain fiery energy with her, sparking a sense of respect in those around her. 

Lord Lungu feels a strange pull towards her, a feeling of destiny that he can't quite explain. It is as if he has been waiting for this moment his entire life. He used to laugh at species who follow their mates around but now he undundes the power of such a connection.

From where he is standing he can sense the magic that surrounds her, a power that seems to radiate from her very being. She is no ordinary female, that much is clear. Her brown skin is glowing and Lord Lungu finds himself imagining feeling her skin against his. 

Their eyes meet and at this moment, Lord Lungu realizes that his life will never be the same. He has found his soulmate, his other half, the one who will complete him in ways he has never imagined. 

As they stand opposite each other looking into each other's eyes, Lord Lungu finds himself fighting every bone in his body from going to her. He can't believe that he has found his fated mate, his one true love, his other half the one created for him by Amorae and Avotalis the god and goddess of union.

The beautiful goddess continues to look at him with curiosity. She starts taking steps towards him when she suddenly stops and closes her eyes. When she opens her eyes again a burning fire can be seen in them. 

"Dragons do not share, wolf! You are mine and mine alone." The voice says in lord Lungu's head. "I can smell her on you. Take her out of here before I burn her alive" She finishes and walks away but not before looking at where Lady Ruby is standing. 

Lord looks at her retreating figure with mixed feelings. The strong part of him wants to run to her and embrace her while the other part of him wants to do what she told him to do. Take Lady Ruby out of the ballroom.

"The dragon princess is my mate," Lord lungu tells General Peter in a low voice who looks at him in shock.

"She is going to kill Lady Ruby, dragons don't share Davon," General says.

"I know, she told me before she left to take Lady Ruby out of here before she burns her alive." lord lungu says.

"What do you mean she told you? I didn't hear anything."

"I heard her voice in my head before she walked away."  Lord lungu explains.

"So the rumors are true," General Chanda says.

"What rumors, Peter?" Lord lungu asks in confusion.

"There are rumors that she is a child of the prophecy, the one that has been talked about for generations."

"I don't think she Is the child of the prophecy." Lord lungu says, remembering what Seer Kangwa told him earlier.

"But she could be."

"Maybe but you are forgetting that she is the daughter of one of the most powerful beings to ever exist. Her mother was a powerful witch, that explains her powerful aura." Lord Lungu explains.

"What about how she talked to you without even opening her mouth?" General Chanda asks.

"I am sure you have heard about dragons who can communicate with their mates without even opening their mouths."

"Oh, shit Dav. What are you going to do?"

"I will start with taking Lady Ruby out of here." Lord lungu says.

"What reason are you going to give her wanting to retire early?" General Chanda asks.

"I will think of something. Now, come on. And General no one should know about this, not even Lady Sharon." Lord lungu commands his general.

"As you say, my lord." General Chanda says, understanding the gravity of the situation. The friends nod to each other as lord lungu heads to where Lady Ruby is standing.

"My Lady,"  lord lungu greets her.

"My lord, is everything okay?" Lady Ruby asks her mate.

"I am okay, I just feel overwhelmed by the looks I have been getting the whole night and I would love to go back to our quarters." Lord lungu says.

"Okay, let me just say farewell to Lady Sharon and the others."

"Alright." Lady Ruby goes to a group of women and says farewell to them.

"Shall we?" She asks lord lungu as she comes back.

"Yes, please." He replies in relief. 

The pair starts to make their way out of the ballroom, saying farewell to those who stop to greet them. They are about to step out of the room when he hears her voice in his head once again. "Find a way to meet me after midnight in the east wing of the guest quarters. Don't worry you will be able to find me. And make sure to remove every trace of her scent on you." Lord lungu turns and finds her looking at him with anger in her eyes. 

"Is everything okay?" Lady Ruby asks.

"Yes, everything is fine," Lord Lungu responds, putting his hand on the small back of Lady Ruby as they leave the ball. Lord lungu looks back for a brief moment and finds the dragon princess still looking at him.

As they continue walking, lord lungu can't help but feel nervous and excited about meeting the dragon princess after midnight.