The Dragon King's Heart

A bow and arrows would be disadvantageous during a close combat fight. Hence, Laina summoned a sword from her spatial storage instead. She enhanced the weapon with a spell of fire, lighting up the blade. 

She held one hand out, "Colette, stay behind me."

The young child did as she was told, anticipating the fight that was about to unfold. The first beast approached. It was aggressive and relentless with its attacks. Laina wielded her sword with skill, carefully defending herself and Colette.

When she saw an opening, she took the chance to attack. The flame-covered sword pierced through the beast's hide, creating a wide gash on the side of its ribs. The creature growled in agony, limping a distance away in retreat. 

Adrenaline pumped through Laina's veins as the fight went on. She could not recall when was the last time she had participated in such an exhilarating battle. At the moment she let her guard down, another beast pounced towards her. 

Though Colette noticed it first, she did not warn Laina of it. As the beast slashed in Laina's direction, Laina lifted her arms to block the attack. 

"Argh!' she winced in pain as blood seeped out of the fresh wounds that formed on her arms. 

The gashes were deep. Laina dropped the sword in her hands and crumbled to the ground. While she still had some adrenaline left to stave off the pain, it was fading fast. 

"Laina!" Margaret yelled. 

She gritted her teeth, knowing she was unable to help Laina. 

She turned to Kol, "Kol, go help, Laina. I can take care of Titan."

Kol nodded and did as she asked. In the blink of an eye, Kol was by Laina's side. Colette, who had been enjoying the fight, was annoyed by Kol's rescue efforts. She was not about to let him spoil her plans. 

While Kol attempted to protect Laina from an incoming attack, he was thrown off balance and sent flying across the field. Colette pretended to scream in terror. Laina cursed beneath her breath. 

Seeing as the situation was getting out of hand, Margaret retrieved a flare spark from a saddlebag. She aimed it into the sky and set it off. A single bright red flare flew through the sky. Hopefully, the knights back at the resting spot would see their call for help. 

She was too careless, too cocky in the fight. She tried to lift her sword with her right hand but it was useless. The pain was too much to bear. In her greatest time of need, she wished Dante was by her side to protect her.

She subconsciously touched the pendant around her neck. She gripped it tightly as she looked up at the beasts who were ready to lunge at her. Laina looked back, the poor girl she was trying to protect was shaking in fear. 

Laina gritted her teeth. 

This was not the end. She did not need someone to rescue her. She had the power to fight for herself, to protect the people she cherished. Laina got back up on her feet. She used her other arm for support. 

The beasts were circling her, ready to pounce at any time.

Laina had no time to waste. 

As soon as she steadied herself, she could feel a familiar burst of energy coursing through her veins. An energy field formed around Laina, glowing bright shades of red and orange. Sensing the change in the energy, the beasts grew restless. 

They were beginning to cower in fear, hiding their tails between their legs. Colette's expression changed from one of excitement to annoyance. 

-Damn it!- she cursed to herself. 

She summons another spell, taking control of the three beasts. Their eyes turned purple, they were now under Colette's command. With a simple command, all three beasts lunged towards Laina. 

Their combined strength would have torn anyone into shreds.

Laina did not move from where she stood. She did not lift her hands. As the energy field glowed brighter and brighter around her, her eyes began to glow red. 

Moments before the beasts made contact with her, Laina whispered a single word.

"Burn."

Upon her command, a swirl of flames engulfed Laina and Colette, protecting them from the beasts. The flames formed into the shape of a phoenix. It flew up into the sky before plunging down on the beasts, completely incinerating them upon impact. 

Margaret watched in awe. It had been a long time since she had witnessed Laina's true powers. Colette, who was caught in the flames, could feel the heat. She did not expect Laina to have these powers, in this realm. 

Annoyed that her plan was ruined, Colette could not simply let this go. How could this be it? She had planned everything to run smoothly, but now she was left with nothing. A dagger materialized in her hands. 

She gripped it tightly and took a step closer to Laina. A malicious grin formed across her face. But just as she was about to stab Laina in the leg, she stopped. She looked at the flames that continued to swirl around them. 

She could feel the intense heat radiating from it. An even better plan formed in her mind. Colette dematerialized the dagger. She walked close to the fire and ran her hand through it. Colette cried out in pain as she crumbled to the ground in fear. 

Laina, realizing what had happened, quickly came to her senses. As swift as the flames had appeared, it all vanished into thin air just as quickly. 

"Colette!" Laina rushed to the child, cradling her in her arms. 

She could see the horrible scar burn on the child's arm. It was beginning to blister. Kol, who made it back to the clearing moments ago, came to their aid at once. He had learned a few healing spells from Margaret and was about to heal Laina's arm when she stopped him. 

"Heal Colette first."

He wanted to protest. But after seeing the worried expression on Laina's face, he kept quiet and did as she asked. As they attended to Colette's injuries, the knights finally arrived, with Nyx leading them. 

The royal healers also arrived shortly after the knights to tend to everyones' injuries. Titan and Colette were both brought back to the castle on stretchers for further treatment while two of the healers treated Laina's wounds. 

Laina could see how worried Margaret and Kol were, as they watched the healers dress her wounds. 

"I'm alright, don't worry about it," she reassured them with a smile. 

"Laina!" Margaret gasped in horror, catching everyone's attention at that moment, "Your… your… nose…"

When everyone turned to look at the Crown Princess, they too had a look of horror on their faces. Had she hit her nose? Laina did not recall that happening. When she felt the warm liquid trickling down her philtrum, the groove above her lips, she touched it with her fingers. 

As she lowered her hand so that she could see what it was, her vision began to blur. Her knees grew weak. The last thing Laina remembered seeing was a red stain on her fingers.

The last thing she heard was Margaret calling out her name.

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