28 Challenge

Celestia's imperial metropolis was a thriving area teeming with powerful beings. The vast and imposing mansions and buildings, the smooth road decked with snow that covered the world, carriages drawn by horses.

Ophelia envied their oneness when it came to developing their nation and homes to be excellent in every way. In economic, political, and social terms. Even if it wasn't something Fireria lacked, she recognized Celestia's superiority.

Ophelia sighed as she took in the winter sight outside the moving carriage in the daylight. It was lovely. She recalled what her father had said about how the winter was severely reducing the number of fire dragons.

'You aren't meant to push yourself too hard; I am. You should concentrate on assassinating the Alpha heir while I concentrate on destroying the ice dragon.'

When she first learned about her mission, he had told her this. Was it really her fault that her father had an obsession? A significant portion of her did because he had a justifiable reason for wanting the ice dragon killed but an unjustifiable motive for wanting Nikolai killed. She needed to ascertain the true reason.

"I'm going to lose my mind over this." She grunted.

"Don't worry, I'll hold the reins for you." In a casual tone, Nikolai, who was seated next to her at the far end of the spacious royal carriage, said.

Ophelia rolled her eyes. "Delusional."

Nikolai's face darkened. "If you curse at me again, I'll throw you out of this carriage."

Ophelia shot him a piercing stare, which he returned with an amusedly wicked smile.

Ophelia looked at him as if he had horns. "Are you challenging me?"

"I challenge you." With his blazing eyes sparkling with mirth, Nikolai growled.

Ophelia narrowed her eyes. As her lips began to part, the carriage abruptly came to a stop, driving her forward to the hard wall, and just as her forehead was about to smash with it, she felt a powerful pull by her cloak and was drawn into a warm embrace, wrapped in his arms.

He grunted indignantly, and she held her breath the entire time. The carriage had been purposefully stopped in such manner by Rhaziel, who was riding it. Was he listening to their conversation?

Due to her anxiety about becoming comfortable, which she was, Ophelia moaned and struggled to yank herself out of his grip.

As soon as Nikolai let her go, the door was opened to reveal Rhaziel, who was as expressionless as always.

"We are behind the storage tower," he informed.

Nikolai nodded, and Ophelia stepped out of the carriage first, donning the hood of the black heavy cloak. She could hear the wind whistling in her ears and couldn't help but moan in frustration. Celestia was colder than Fireria!

They were in fact hidden behind a large, lone tower, surrounded by a snow-covered field. The field could be easily transformed into a battlefield. She shrugged even at the mere thought of it.

"You kept her locked up in the tower?" Ophelia inquired, shifting her gaze to Rhaziel, who nodded.

Nikolai was already standing next to the demon, his gaze fixated on Ophelia, who had her gaze back on the tower. Goddess! Why was she so breathtakingly beautiful?

"What are we doing behind the tower? Let's go inside." She motioned to move forward toward the tower, but Nikolai suddenly materialized in front of her. Gazing down at her as if he were about to devour her. Though startled, she remained unmoved in her demeanor.

"Think before you act, Fire Storm." He said, his lips forming a dazzling smile, "Up to fifty warriors are on duty to watch over this tower."

Ophelia's pupils dilated. "Are they aware that the princess is in there?"

"No." Rhaziel responded this time.

"Let's get rid of them then; I don't want to waste time." Without feeling guilty, Ophelia said, her lips pursed. "And I'm hungry, too."

Nikolai almost laughed. She was very tenacious. He did not undervalue her in the least. Although she was capable of murdering every warrior present, he preferred to stay away from that. It wasn't necessary. Yet.

"When we're done with this, we'll get you fed." Nikolai said, grabbed her wrist, and then they both disappeared from view and appeared in front of soldiers who had recognized the scent of the Alpha heir and a dragon.

Despite having a variety of weapons at their disposal, they were afraid to assault due to Nikolai's presence.

Ophelia grimaced as Nikolai freed her wrist before turning to face the warriors who were all waiting to slay her in particular. They were all shrouded in dark cloaks and mouth-covering masks.

"You brought me here to be murdered, right?"

Nikolai gasped dramatically, placing his hand on his chest. "I would never!"

She gave him a lethal glare. If looks could kill, he would have dropped dead. SPLAT!

"Your Majesty, we were not prepared for your arrival." Reluctantly, one of the warriors spoke up.

"I know," Nikolai said sardonically.

"You don't have permission to enter the storage tower, thus we're unable to let you in, your majesty." Another said. This one sounded brave.

"Title my ass!" Ophelia's eyes widened in shock as Nikolai snarled loudly.

Why was he prohibited from entering the storage tower? She couldn't understand...

An arrow was fired at her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. Her jaws were clenched, and her eyes took on their golden reptile-like form, sharpening with vicious determination.

"Hmm." Nikolai pulled out the arrow without warning, and she stomped on his foot without warning.

They exchange intense looks. Both of their pained faces clenched tightly.

More arrows were fired in her direction, and she and Nikolai reached out their hands at the same time. Nikolai's hand produced black smoke, while Ophelia's hand produced fire. Due to the combination, the attack on the approaching arrows erupted into an explosion, resulting in a force that sent most of the warriors to the ground while others yelled and grunted.

Ophelia was in utter disbelief as she glanced at Nikolai, who was wearing an unsettlingly brilliant smile that didn't extend to his eyes. She blinked, swallowed, and dropped her arm, taking a step back. What else could he possibly do? Just how strong was he?

The warriors shut off her thoughts once more. They were shrieking, growling, and snarling this time. They were moving in her direction with their eyes transformed into wolf like forms. They saw her as a threat. Not Nikolai.

"Stop!" They stopped in their tracks when Nikolai let forth a deep, menacing growl.

They looked bewildered, astonished, and afraid because Nikolai appeared to be prepared to kill them if they decided to take one more step toward her.

Celestia's greatest and most recent foes were dragons. They were scratching their heads in confusion as to why their Alpha heir was with a dragon, and to make matters worse, he appeared to be defending her.

"Your majesty! She is a dragon!" One of them screamed.

"Goodness gracious! Really?!" Nikolai deadpanned.

"Oh for fuck's sake." Ophelia breathed out and pulled her dagger from the pocket of her pants. She then stared at it, watching as her flame consumed it and transformed it into a ferociously flaming sword that glistened in her golden eyes.