2024-09-10 00:40:53Sophia stared in disbelief as the car pulled up in front of a massive, elegant villa.
"This… this is where you live?" she asked, her voice filled with awe.
Elijah glanced at her and nodded.
"Arthur Palace," he said casually. "Home, for now."
He loved Sophia’s bewildered state.
Sophia’s eyes widened as she took in the towering pillars, the sprawling gardens, and the grand entrance. She had never seen anything like it.
"I thought… I thought you were just some arrogant soldier," she muttered.
It’s not that she was from a poor family but it was more than her expectations.
Elijah smirked.
"A soldier, yes. But arrogant? Maybe," he said with a shrug.
"I like to keep people guessing. Come inside."
He encouraged Sophia to walk ahead.
Sophia felt the cool air as they stepped in and smelled the fresh flowers that decorated the luxurious interior. She couldn’t help but feel out of place.
"Why are you helping me?" she asked cautiously.
"You don’t even know me," her voice was mixed with surprise.
As if she couldn’t believe that anyone would accept her.
Elijah stopped and turned to her.
"Because I owe you," he said simply.
"And because you deserve better."
He reached for her veil. Sophia instinctively pulled back.
"What are you doing?" she gasped, her hands flying to her face.
"Let me see," Elijah said, his tone softer.
"You don’t need to hide."
She hesitated, fear gripping her heart.
"I don’t like people seeing… this," she murmured, her fingers trembling on the fabric.
She was afraid to be mocked by Elijah like others did with her.
"Trust me," Elijah said, his voice gentle but firm.
Slowly, she allowed him to remove the veil. She watched his face closely, expecting disgust.
Surprisingly, she couldn’t find that in his eyes.
On the other hand, Elijah didn’t flinch.
He looked at her scarred face with calm eyes, and momentarily, she saw something like compassion.
"Does it hurt?" he asked gently.
Sophia blinked, shocked.
"N-not anymore," she whispered, her voice wavering.
"Good," Elijah said. "Because we’re going to fix it."
Sophia’s heart skipped a beat.
"Fix… it? How?" she asked, unsure whether to feel hope or fear.
Elijah nodded. "I’m going to help you heal," he said.
"But you have to trust me."
She studied his face, searching for any hint of mockery or deception.
Finding none, she nodded slowly.
"Okay… I trust you," she replied, though a part of her still felt nervous.
He led her to a room with a large bed and motioned for her to sit.
"Take off your clothes," he instructed, his tone matter-of-fact.
Sophia’s eyes widened, and she clutched her dress.
"W-What? W-Why?" she stammered.
"Are you trying to humiliate me?"
Elijah sighed, shaking his head.
"Relax, Sophia," he said.
"I need to treat your burns. The medicine needs to be applied everywhere."
She still hesitated, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"Turn around," she muttered.
Elijah smiled and turned his back to her.
"I’m not here to hurt you," he said over his shoulder.
"I just want to help."
Sophia took a deep breath and slowly began to undress, feeling exposed and vulnerable.
"Okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Elijah turned back around and carefully applied the medicine to her burns and wounds, his hands gentle.
"This might sting a bit," he warned.
Sophia winced, but his touch was surprisingly tender.
"Why are you so different from what I expected?" she asked, her voice soft, almost shy.
Elijah chuckled.
"And what did you expect? A brute who only knows how to fight?" he replied, smiling.
"Something like that," Sophia admitted, a small smile playing on her lips.
"You’re not what you seem."
Elijah wrapped her in gauze, his expression thoughtful.
"Neither are you," he said quietly.
"You’re stronger than you think."
...
Days passed, and Sophia’s wounds began to heal.
During her ten-day recovery, Elijah was always there, making her laugh, sharing stories, and even cooking meals.
She found herself smiling more and more.
"I think I’m falling in love," she thought to herself, blushing.
Elijah seemed to sense the change.
"You seem happier," he remarked one evening as they sat on the terrace, watching the sunset.
Sophia nodded, her cheeks pink.
"I am. Thanks to you," she said.
He smiled at her slightly, guessing that he was able to give her happiness.
...
Ten days later, Elijah carefully removed the gauze from her face and body.
As he peeled away the last layer, Sophia saw herself in the mirror.
Her reflection took her breath away.
Her skin was smooth, her scars nearly gone.
She looked… beautiful.
"Is this… really me?" she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.
Elijah stood behind her, smiling.
"Yes, Sophia. This is you," he said.
"The real you."
Sophia turned to him, her heart swelling with emotion.
"Thank you, Elijah," she said, her voice choked with gratitude.
"Thank you for giving me back my face."
Elijah reached out and gently touched her cheek.
"No one will ever hurt you again," he promised.
"Not while I’m around."
Sophia’s eyes shone with tears.
"I… I believe you," she whispered.
Later, Sophia decided to take a bath.
"I need to clear my head," she said, trying to steady her emotions.
She slipped into the warm water, feeling more at peace than she had in years.
While she bathed, Doug arrived at Arthur Palace.
He handed Elijah a folder. "Here’s the information about the four major families," he said.
Elijah took the folder but didn’t open it.
"Thanks, Doug," he said.
"But I’m not interested right now."
Doug raised an eyebrow.
"You’re not? That’s new. What’s changed, Marshal?" he asked stunned.
Elijah chortled.
"I came here for peace, not war. At least for now," he said, glancing toward the bathroom where Sophia was.
"I just want to spend time with her."
Doug nodded, understanding.
"Alright, I’ll head back to the South. Call me if you need anything."
Elijah inclined. "I will."
Before leaving, Doug added with a sly grin, "You’re going soft, Dragon Marshal."
Elijah smirked.
"Maybe," he said, "or maybe I’m just finally waking up."
Doug laughed. "Fair enough. But don’t go too soft. The South still needs its Dragon."
He was trying to maintain his posture to show respect to the Marshal.
Elijah's eyes darkened a bit, but he smiled.
"I know, Doug. But right now, this is what I need."
That evening, Sophia joined Elijah in the garden.
They walked together under the stars, the cool breeze brushing against their skin.
"You’ve been so good to me," Sophia said, her voice filled with sincerity.
"I never thought I’d feel this… safe again."
Elijah stopped and looked at her.
"I meant what I said," he replied.
"You’re with me now. And I don’t plan on letting you go."
Sophia blushed, her heart fluttering.
"Elijah… would you… would you marry me?" she asked, her voice trembling with hope.
Elijah smiled, his eyes softening.
"Yes, Sophia," he said.
"I will marry you."
They stood there for a moment, the world around them fading away.
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The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 6. The First Steps of Revenge
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The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 8. The Next Move
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The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 11. The Power Play
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357. No More Goodbyes
“Elijah…” A soft voice broke the quiet evening. Elijah stood at the edge of the city, watching the last light of the sun fade into the horizon. The sky burned with hues of orange and deep crimson, a reflection of the journey that had brought him here. The wind carried a familiar scent, one that stirred memories he had buried deep. Years had passed since the war ended. Evendore had changed under his leadership, rising from the ashes of corruption into something new. The people called him a legend—the Black Dragon who had defied fate and rewritten history. Statues had been built, songs had been sung, and yet none of it truly mattered to him. Because for all his victories, a part of him had remained empty. He turned at the sound of his name, his breath catching in his chest. Sophia stood a few feet away, bathed in the golden light of dusk. She had changed, yet she was still the same—strong, beautiful, and filled with a fire that had never faded. Her eyes held a depth that spoke
356. A New Dawn
“The world is finally changing, Sir.” Doug stood beside Elijah, overlooking the city from the tallest watchtower. Below them, the streets of Evendore bustled with life. Merchants called out their wares, children played freely, and workers repaired buildings that once stood in ruins. The scars of war remained, but hope had taken root. Elijah’s gaze swept across the city. “It’s changing, but not fast enough.” Doug crossed his arms. “Progress takes time.” Elijah exhaled, his shoulders tense. “Time isn’t always on our side.” The past few months had been filled with rebuilding, restructuring, and keeping order. He had expected resistance, and he was right. Not everyone welcomed the new Evendore. Former enemies lurked in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. A soldier approached, saluting. “Marshal, we have visitors at the southern gate. They claim to be old allies.” Elijah exchanged a look with Doug. Doug’s expression darkened. “Old allies? Or old enemies?”
355. A Leader’s Burden
“Elijah Norton, the world is waiting for your next move.” Elijah glanced up from the map spread across the table. Across from him sat an elder statesman, his expression calm but expectant. Others in the council chamber watched Elijah closely, their gazes filled with a mix of respect and uncertainty. Doug stood at Elijah’s side, his posture rigid. He could feel the tension in the room. The war was over, but leadership brought its own kind of battle. Elijah leaned back in his chair. “The world doesn’t need me to rule it,” he said. The elder gave a knowing smile. “Perhaps not. But it does need someone to guide it.” Elijah tapped a finger on the table. “Evendore must rebuild first. There are still families in mourning, cities in ruin. People need stability, not another ruler.” A younger council member frowned. “But without you at the forefront, chaos could return. Power-hungry men will see this as an opportunity.” Doug finally spoke, his voice firm. “The Marshal is not a kin
354. The Final Goodbye
“I have to leave.” Sophia’s voice was quiet but firm. The air in the room seemed to shift, as if even the walls understood the weight of her words. Elijah stood by the window, his back partially turned. He had expected this. The moment she woke up different, he knew. Still, hearing her say it felt like a blow he wasn’t ready for. Doug stood near the door, tense but silent. He watched his Marshal closely, waiting for his response. Elijah inhaled deeply before turning to face her. “Where will you go?” Sophia hesitated, as if the answer wasn’t clear even to her. “I don’t know yet. But I need to figure out who I am now.” Her fingers gripped the fabric of her sleeve. “Everything feels… wrong. Familiar, but different. I can’t stay like this.” Elijah studied her carefully. The woman before him was still Sophia, yet there was a distance between them, an invisible wall that had not been there before. Doug finally spoke, his tone careful. “Miss Sophia, the city is still in recover
353. A World Without Chains
“She’s waking up.” Elijah turned at Doug’s words. His hands, stained with ink from writing orders, clenched slightly. He had spent days dismantling the last of the corrupt families, ensuring Evendore would never fall into the same darkness again. But none of it had mattered more than this. He pushed the heavy door open, stepping into the dimly lit room. Sophia lay on the bed, her skin no longer deathly pale, but there was something… different. Her eyes, once warm and familiar, now held an eerie stillness. She blinked slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Elijah.” Relief surged through him, but it was laced with caution. He sat beside her, studying her carefully. “You’re awake.” She exhaled, as if testing the very act of breathing. “I feel… strange.” Doug remained near the door, standing guard as always. “Marshal, should I call the healer?” Elijah shook his head. “Not yet.” He looked back at Sophia. “What do you remember?” She frowned slightly, as though pulling me
352. The Price of Victory
"It's over." Doug's voice carried across the battlefield, but no one responded. The silence was heavy, broken only by the crackling flames and the distant groans of the wounded. Elijah stood still, staring at the Warden’s lifeless body. His hand was clenched at his side, his knuckles white. Victory had come, but at what cost? Doug stepped closer, his face grim. “Marshal, we should regroup.” Elijah exhaled slowly. “What’s the status?” Doug wiped the sweat and dirt from his forehead. “We won, but barely. Our forces are in bad shape. Too many losses.” He hesitated before adding, “Lando… he’s gone.” Elijah’s gaze snapped to him. “Gone?” Doug nodded. “Vanished after the fight. No one knows where he went.” Elijah’s jaw tightened. Lando had always been a threat lurking in the shadows. If he was still alive, this war wasn’t truly over. “We’ll find him,” Elijah said, though exhaustion pulled at his voice. Doug gave a firm nod. “Understood, Sir.” A sudden gasp made them tu
351. Breaking the Cycle
"You were never free, Elijah." The Warden’s voice echoed through the ruined battlefield. Dust and ash hung in the air, swirling around his towering figure. Sophia stood beside him, her expression unreadable. Elijah’s grip tightened on his sword. “Enough of your lies.” The Warden chuckled. “Lies? No, Marshal. Only the truth. You and Sophia—your entire existence has been leading to this moment.” He gestured around them. “Did you really think your survival was coincidence? That your strength was simply fate?” Elijah’s jaw clenched. He had spent years fighting, carving his own path through blood and loss. The thought that someone else had been pulling the strings made his stomach turn. Doug stepped closer, his breathing ragged. “Sir… don’t listen to him.” But Elijah had to know. “Explain.” The Warden smiled. “Very well.” He turned his gaze to Sophia. “You, my dear, are the key. The final piece of a long-buried project. Your blood, your abilities—none of it was natural.” So
350. A Battle of Ideals
“The choice was always yours, Elijah,” the Warden said, standing tall amidst the chaos. “And you chose wrong.” Elijah gritted his teeth, his fingers tightening around his sword hilt. The battlefield around them was in shambles. Soldiers clashed, blades rang, and shouts of agony filled the night. Smoke curled into the sky, and the ground was slick with blood. Doug and the others fought desperately, their forces barely holding on against the Warden’s elite warriors. The battle had tipped dangerously out of their favor, and Elijah knew it. He could hear Doug’s grunts of effort, the sharp clash of steel, but he kept his focus on the man before him. “You think I’d ever stand beside you?” Elijah growled, his eyes burning with fury. “You’ve destroyed lives, torn families apart. And for what? Power?” The Warden chuckled. “Power is what shapes this world, Marshal. Not honor. Not justice. You cling to those things like a drowning man clutching a broken raft.” He spread his arms. “But lo
349. The Last Betrayal
“Sir, we’ve got a problem,” Doug said, his voice tense as he approached Elijah. “Something’s wrong.”Elijah’s gaze shifted from the map spread out on the table to Doug, his expression already darkening. “What is it, Doug?”“There’s been a breach. A leak,” Doug said, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Someone’s been feeding information to the Warden. They knew our plans, our movements.”Elijah’s heart sank. He had always trusted the men and women under his command, but now, doubt crept in like a shadow. “Who?” he asked, his voice tight with anger.“I don’t know yet,” Doug replied, his voice steady. “But we’re working on it. We’ll find out who’s behind this.”Elijah clenched his fists. “They betrayed us. They’ve been working for him all along.”Doug nodded grimly. “Yes, Sir. The Warden knew exactly when to strike. It’s too perfect.”The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the camp, and Elijah’s attention shifted. Sophia appeared, her face pale and her eyes wide with worry. “Elijah,
