Married To The Last Ice Dragon-Chapter 240: Querencia

"Ioas..." Sage’s jaw dropped as she gazed at the red-haired man, his wide grin captivating her attention and leaving her utterly speechless.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Sage. Coming here is a significant step as the Mage Queen."

Sage’s eyes widened in stunned silence as she gazed at Ioas, her mouth agape in a soundless gasp.

The likeness was uncanny, as if she was gazing into a male mirror image of herself. Every feature, from the porcelain skin to the fiery hair and piercing green eyes. The similarity was so striking, it was downright unsettling, sending a shiver down her spine.

However, the realization that he was her ancestor made it less terrifying.

"What steps must I take?" She asked, her tone serious.

Ioas’s smile broadened. "I admire your belief in this. However, lifting the curse may have a negative impact on your strength."

Sage was stunned. "What?"

She did not want that! She needed to be strong enough to...

"Wait! When you say "my strength," do you mean my fire core?" She felt compelled to ask. The mere thought of her fire core sparked an idea in her mind.

"Yes." Ioas responded with a nod.

"The Ice gods and Statkus mages want my fire core, which is the only thing capable of killing the ice dragon. The ice dragon, on the other hand, wants to kill me because my fire core is the only thing capable of killing him. He’s demon state..." She paused, clutching her fists.

"His birthday is approaching, and I need to get rid of his demon state before he can get my fire core."

"Taking on the ice gods will be impossible without the full strength of your fire core, Sage." Ioas was absolutely stunned. He shook his head. "It is impossible to win against gods without full strength."

"Which is why I need your assistance." Sage was adamant.

Her resolve was unsettling, driven by a fierce determination to succeed. She was unwilling to accept defeat, unwilling to see her efforts come to nothing, and unwilling to suffer the loss of those she cared about.

"How?" Ioas raised an eyebrow.

"Your fire core." She demanded.

Ioas and Genevieve widened their eyes.

"When my fire core weakens, I will need your help to defeat the enemy. I have to save Antica, and once she is restored, I must also protect Querencia. Even if I successfully eliminate the ice gods, we will not be safe if I allow the Statkus mages to roam freely."

"How sure are you that this will work? It is never been done." Ioas disregarded it.

"It seems too dangerous, Sage." Genevieve had to say something.

Sage forced a smile as she looked at her mother. "I am prepared to take the risk. But I will not die for the sake of my husband and everyone who loves me."

Genevieve parted her lips, hesitant to stop her daughter, but sighed and looked at Ioas, who looked rather proud.

Sage fixed her gaze on him. "Please?"

"Very well." Ioas agreed, sending a rush of relief through her.

"May we begin?" He asked, stretching his hands towards her.

She smiled. "Yes." And she rested her hands on his.

As soon as he clasped her hands, a surge of fire shot out of them both, their eyes taking on a fiery red glow.

Genevieve swiftly vanished from sight, leaving both fire mages to their tasks.

Their eyes erupted into blazing infernos, spewing forth a cataclysmic storm of fire and wind that decimated the paradise. The paradise was immediately consumed by a raging sea of flames, leaving only a scorched and blackened wasteland in its wake.

Sage focused her mind, and a potent surge of energy coursed through her veins, leaving her breathless but determined. Though she struggled to harness it, she knew she could master the power.

Suddenly, a more powerful blaze burst forth from them, and she and Ioas found themselves poised atop the sea of blood, their bodies aglow with a fiery light that brightened the dark landscape.

This caught the attention of Cyrus, Katherine, River, and Arthur, who were still standing at the shore. They froze, watching them, in shock.

All of a sudden, a powerful flash of light shot out from the bodies of the fire mages, blinding everyone for a minute while still allowing them to hear the ear-piercing screams that started to erupt.

As the light dimmed, all eyes turned to behold the sea, now a dazzling canvas of cerulean hues, its tranquil waters reflecting the brilliant blue sky, adorned with a bright sun that shone with unbridled splendor.

The whole realm had become a paradise. And above the ocean, Sage, now alone, lay unconscious in mid-air.

"Sage!" Katherine let out a scream, wanting to manipulate the water to get her to safety.

However, Cyrus moved more quickly. The water beneath his feet froze gently as he ran quickly on it, and he leaped up to embrace his wife.

As soon as he landed back on the ice, he looked at her, his eyes filled with concern as he waited for a single movement, just one!

Fortunately, those emerald eyes popped open, widening at the sight of his concerned expression. Then she smiled and raised her hand to his cheek. "Cyrus."

"Well done." He smiled with great pride.

"I am grateful for your faith in me."

"Always." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

He made his way back to the shore, settling her gently onto her feet.

Katherine embraced her. "You made it!"

Sage returned the hug while simultaneously trying to catch her breath. She had really lost energy, just as Ioas had predicted. It was a really unpleasant sensation. She felt nauseated.

Katherine slowly released her, and they turned their gaze to the trees, which were teeming with birds and squirrels.

"This is indeed Querencia." Katherine laughed. "This is our realm."

Arthur transformed into his dragon form, and they all climbed aboard, hanging on as he took off into the skies.

Sage and Katherine were both excited. They had never seen such a lush tapestry of green, such a brilliant blue sky, or seen the sun without the ominous veil of snow clouds.

Looking down, they saw a thriving world, large flower fields, serene ponds and lakes, and a diverse array of creatures, all frolicking in abundance.

"Those are unfamiliar species." River reflected as he watched in amazement.

"The curse must have kept them trapped here. It is fortunate that the realm maintained its significant touch." Cyrus commented.

"Look!" Katherine cried out, bringing everyone’s attention to the massive city that was nestled within a vast lake’s embrace, with enormous ice walls standing proud and unbroken.