EL'S

ceremonial gowns. After searching for a while, she pulled out an off shoulder black gown and returned to me. "I hope you like this," she said, looking at me intently. "Does it matter?" I replied coldly. "You have such a sharp tongue," she said, staring into my eyes. I stepped into the gown carefully, and they pulled it over me and zipped up the back. Soon, one of the maids stepped forward with a glass containing a dark liquid. "You should drink this. It will help reduce the pain." Without saying anything, I took the drink and gulped it down. It tasted awful, but I was not in the mood to argue. This was my last day on earth, and I wanted to stay calm. DRAVON'S POV I stood at the window, looking over the vast lands of Eldorado beneath the night sky. Today was the ceremony, and it would begin soon. My thoughts drifted back to the girl who had never left my mind since the moment I laid eyes on her. I knew I was drawn to her in every possible way, but it was forbidden. This was for both realms, and I had to accept it. I needed to get over whatever feelings had made their way into my heart. A knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts. "Come in," I said. "Your Highness, the king is ready and requests that you get ready soon to avoid being late for the occasion," the guard said hesitantly. "Tell him I will be done soon," I replied. After he left, I picked up the black cloak on my bed, put it on quickly, and rushed out of the room. Downstairs, I found my father standing beside the carriage, looking as young as ever. Dragons had long lifespans, and his appearance proved it. "Son, what kept you so long?" he asked, eyeing me curiously. "I woke up a little late," I lied, knowing fully well that I had not slept properly for days because her thoughts haunted me. Soon, the guards opened the door of my carriage, and I stepped inside. My father entered his own carriage. My younger brother, Aiden, was already seated in his, but he did not bother to greet me or ask how I was doing. I did not let his behavior bother me. We had never been on good terms. As the carriage jerked into motion, every step closer to the sacrificial tower reminded me that the safety of both realms rested on my shoulders. I had to do what was needed and lock away whatever crazy feelings were forming in my head. HAZEL'S POV After what felt like forever, we stepped out of the room and were led through the prison hallway. My thoughts drifted back to Mahir and Adriel. I had not seen them since we were brought here. I could not understand why they separated us, but I knew it was to prevent any form of contact between us. We walked past several cells filled with different prisoners. Most were dragon shifters, as I could sense the same aura I had felt from the dragons that transformed into fully grown men. Some prisoners had a different aura that I could not place. Growing up, I never imagined there were creatures other than humans, but as my mother always said, new discoveries always come with surprises. My thoughts drifted to the dragon whose looks stirred something in me. He had not shifted into his human form, yet he still affected me, making me wonder how he would look as a man. "Hey, beautiful," a voice called from one of the cells. I turned to see a