The Reborn Witch had a nice 'Tea Time' with the Dragon Queen today-Chapter 11: Pride (3)

"Remember our promise, Demond?" Leona's voice was gruff, yet there was an underlying softness that hinted at the depth of their bond. The witch nodded solemnly, the weight of the words unspoken hanging heavily in the air.

"We speak of living till we see peace for our comrades, till we watch the sun rise upon a world where humanity can live without fear of the skies." The wolf chuckled, as if reminiscing an old joke between them. The weight in her throat grew heavier, yet she knew honesty would not presuade her master, for her master...she was ever the stubborn one.

"I will attend the peace banquet, Master." The wolf queen spoke with a finality that left no rooms to return to. The lie scorched deep into her torso's scar, burning more intensely than the ashes of her lost comrades. But for peace's sake, she would swallow the bitterness. For her master's sake, she would bear the consequences of deceit.

The master's gaze casted downward. Naive, how naive. They have journeyed for the past 50 years, shed blood in the war for the past 35 years, witnessed the ascension of the wolf queen herself for the past 22 years. And yet, she hoped. Hoped that her ally, her companion, her...last party member won't leave her.

"I understand, Leona." The witch nodded, a hint of sadness in her eyes. She knew the wolf queen's true intent, but she also knew that Leona had made her decision, a decision driven by the same unwavering loyalty that had made her a legend.

"Good. I will trouble you once again, my partner." The Wolf Queen smiled with her eyes, before turning her gaze to the dragon, before the dragon trembled a bit. Not out of fear, but of shock at the words echoing in her mind.

Adrei gritted her teeth. This is an unfamiliar frustration. Her kind had always been straightforward, yet here she was, tangled in a web of unspoken words and ancient loyalties. She felt a pang of guilt for the wolf's sacrifice, for the silent burden she had unwittingly placed upon her.

But then, Adrei nodded. She has been a keeper of peace for the past twenty years with the daugher of her saviour. It is obvious to her what she should do.

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

"Now, it is better to take care of...that wound on your feet." The wolf's voice was firm, as she stepped up to the throne, her eyes never leaving Adrei's. The dragon felt a warmth spread through her, conveying gratitude that the dragon knew she did not deserve.

The wolf didn't know. Adrei had no intention of playing the pride's game with the wolf. Her vow is with her wife, Demond, not Leona the Wolf Queen. For Demond, she will respect the Wolf Queen's pride, but not before the wolf insulted the honour between their bonds.

"There is a cold bath at the room to your far right, my master. The healing effects proved useless to my scars, but I've heard it helps with more...minor ailments." Leona's words were laced with sarcasm, but there was an unmistakable warmth in her gaze as she looked at Adrei.

"Do take her there, Queen of Dragon. Now, leave me to my slumber." At the end, Leona's gaze remained on Adrei's, as if she was trying to imprint the dragon's image into her mind. The dragon nodded solemnly, as if understanding the wolf's intent.

"Adrei." As Demond reached out to her, feet now wobbling and the pain clearly etched in her eyes, the dragon took her hand gently, her eyes stilled even as the wolf queen rested herself in her arms.

"Demond. Let's talk later." Adrei's voice was soft yet firm as she glanced at the witch. She knew the witch is no fool, but also that she could not have predicted the extent the wolf will go for her master's heart. But that was considered a folly instead of a betrayal, she would not be angered, just...frustrated at the wolf's selfishness.

Pride, is it? She too had a pride of her own. Adrei smiled to herself, as she took Demond's hand, leading themselves to the room of the cold bath, the witch's eyes filled with understanding, as if trusting her companion for her silent judgement upon the foolish old friend.

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The icy marble stones of the bathroom felt cold under Adrei's paws as she helped Demond into the frigid water. She watched the witch's expression contort in pain as the water hit her bruised feet, but she remained silent, allowing the healing magic of the cold to work its wonders. The room was dimly lit with flickering torches, casting an eerie glow over the frosty surfaces and highlighting the tension between them.

Smiling, the dragon queen had an excellent idea for openness to ease the tension. There was a tint of playfulness in her, but she knew better than to show it yet. The witch's eyes searched hers, and she knew she had to tread lightly, lightly on the lines that bordered on an non-existent treachery she was about to commit.

And so, the dragon's claws dug into her own royal robes. Adrei had felt the warmth of her scaled hand slipped through her sleeve on the waist, before she pulled it over her head, revealing a figure that was more human than beast. The fabric fell to the ground like a sigh of relief, leaving her in a simple tunic, before...she took it off as well.

The witch's eyes widened in shock, her breath hitched at the sight of her friend's bare torso. The scars of battles, the marks of her transformation, and the bruises she had received from the dragon's own fire, all laid bare.

Smiling like a veteran succubus, the golden dragon's step was light as she treaded on the edge of the cold pond, before she gradually let herself sink into the icy embrace. Her scales rattled slightly as the cold water kissed her body, but the warmth from her heart remained unfazed, as the gaze of a witch kept her company.

It was a nice diversion. The dragon remarked as she observed the confused, blushing witch. Her reddened cheeks were tomatoes that even the finest farmers could not harvest in years, and her frowning, trembling eyes spoke volumes of the embarassment she bore. Yet, the witch's gaze remained transfixed on Adrei, not from the cold, but from the dragon's audacity to strip before her.