Omega's Rebirth-Chapter 577: Shadow Dragon ()

King Jian did not respond, however his aura took a dive from something imposing to downright wrathful.

Neveah sensed the change and everyone else in the hall did too. King Jian was already agitated with all the successive events,

The silence that dawned over the hall was oppressive and King Jian’s silence made it all the more eerie.

Neveah also did not wish to provoke him further, but this was a topic that needed to be discussed at any cost.

However, Neveah knew Demevirld was a sensitive topic for King Jian and so she took a different approach.

"I would like to speak with His Grace and Lord Xenon alone." Neveah broke the silence after a short moment.

"This meeting will reconvene in a short time." Xenon announced, calling an abrupt halt to the gathering to allow Neveah the privacy she needed.

Xenon got up to his feet and the dune enforcers were quick to follow, they did not need to be told twice before they took their leave from the hall swiftly.

Cassian and Menarx also left on Xenon’s urging, or perhaps King Jian had given the order through their mind link, Neveah could not tell.

But in a moment, the meeting hall was evacuated save for Neveah, Xenon and King Jian.

Only then did King Jian provide Neveah an answer.

For the first time since Neveah had lost consciousness in the light hall, her gaze met King Jian’s as he finally turned to face her, his intense gaze finding hers instantly.

Neveah did not avert her eyes, she held King Jian’s gaze, though it was no easy feat given their intensity.

In his eyes, she could decipher but a few emotions. And the most prominent of them all was guilt...there was guilt in his eyes as he stared at her.

Guilt so potent, Neveah could practically feel it.

"Are you truly asking that because you do not know? Or are you just intent on pushing my limits?" King Jian asked Neveah in a low tone.

"I will admit there have been times when I intentionally aggravated you, but that is not the case now." Neveah replied honestly.

King Jian grunted beneath his breath but nodded his head to indicate he did not doubt Neveah’s words.

His oppressive aura also eased as he acquired a measure of calm.

"The matters have to be settled in the right order. I was not in the best state of mind earlier today, but now I must know."

"Will avoiding me make last night go away?" Neveah asked first.

Neveah knew King Jian was not a man of many words. He most likely did not even know what to say to her and so he had chosen to give her space, space Neveah did not believe she had any use of.

Initially, Neveah had been angered, but Xenon’s words helped her understand better. Neveah was equally a predator by nature, she could relate to the instincts... and she had more or less done the exact same time to Xenon, though for very different reasons.

The only similarity Neveah could relate to was the fact that, in that very moment when her wolf took control to mark Xenon, there was nothing she could have done about it, even if she did not agree.

King Jian had it even worse, his predator side was not a separate entity but instead twisted and tangled up with his very soul that it was impossible for even he to tell one from the other.

And so while Neveah could shift the blame, he did not have that luxury.

King Jian’s eyes widened slightly at Neveah’s direct confrontation.

"I am aware it does not go away. I do not expect you to let go of my wrong that easily... neither will I." King Jian murmured in response.

Neveah was comforted in the fact that King Jian at least admitted it had been wrong to proceed with his intentions without her consent.

But King Jian declaring that he would not easily forgive himself for what had happened greatly bothered Neveah.

"You were wrong to initiate the merging without seeking my consent." Neveah agreed.

King Jian winced visibly but he nodded in understanding.

"And I was wrong to take action without informing you of my whereabouts, despite being fully aware that our bond at this time is... fragile and tasking on you." Neveah admitted.

"We have both made poor choices... and probably will make more." Neveah continued.

"So...you do not hate me? I have given you more than enough reason to, and now yet another." King Jian said, more to himself than to Neveah.

Neveah hesitated for a moment but her wolf’s insistent urgings to comfort their mate moved her feet across the room till she was standing only a short distance from King Jian.

King Jian watched Neveah in silence, he made no moves even when Neveah was within reach, not until Neveah asked for it.

"Hold me, Jian." Neveah said quietly, gazing up at King Jian.

King Jian complied without hesitation, pulling Neveah into his arms, he held her tightly, like if he did not hold on tight enough, she would disappear.

"I am angry, disappointed...but I will not hate you... Jian. I have had a long time to achieve that and if I was capable, I would have done so." Neveah murmured beneath her breath.

King Jian breathed a quiet sigh of relief at Neveah’s words.

"I hurt you... forgive me." King Jian whispered.

"I already have." Neveah reassured.

King Jian nuzzled his head into Neveah’s neck tenderly and despite her better judgement, Neveah flinched slightly.

It was just a momentary reaction, but it certainly did not go unnoticed by King Jian.

King Jian breathed a sigh and slowly pulled away from Neveah.

"Your instincts have identified me as a danger... I will not rush you. Take your time... till you feel at ease with me again." King Jian said in understanding as he retreated and took his seat.

Neveah passed a helpless look to Xenon, but Xenon shook his head slightly, dissuading Neveah from pursuing it any further.

Neveah also took a seat and she glanced between Xenon and Jian for a moment before she spoke.

"I know neither of you are in support of this, but Demevirld’s power could hold the barrier for just enough time to move the squadron and the mages."

"Do you not think we have reason enough to give it a trial? There is so much at stake here." Neveah reasoned.

"I will not give in to your request beloved. I will find another way...a better way." King Jian maintained his stance.

"We do not have the luxury of time. Fort Blazed has been gone for a year already...even a day more is a risk." Neveah looked to Xenon for assistance but Xenon’s expression was even more adamant than Jian’s.

"Demevirld is a danger. More than a danger, he is a parasite... the moment you expose yourself to him, he will take firm root."

"Demevirld is the kind that will just keep taking and taking to strengthen himself, even if it kills you in the process. And you wish for us to allow you to be vulnerable to him? I will not hear of it."

"Demevirld will be extracted as planned, Veah. The elders to carry out the procedure will arrive soon." Xenon said adamantly.

"If not Demevirld, then what other options do we have?" Neveah asked with a sigh.

The doors to the meeting hall came open and Cassian as well as the Dune enforcers all returned to their place, most likely summoned back by King Jian.

The only person who was missing was Menarx.

Just as they were seated, King Jian made his plan known.

"I will not advance the squadron into the dark lands. I have summoned my battle lords to the Dunes for a different battle..." King Jian murmured.

Neveah frowned in confusion, glancing between King Jian and Xenon.

"Xenon, it is time. Summon Verothrax to the Dune Castle as soon as he arrives." King Jian ordered, getting up to his feet.

"My Liege, do you really intend to unleash Verothrax?" Cassian asked, his gaze trailing King Jian.

"You are extremely protective of him and would not summon him even during the Dwarven war, not even when I requested it of you." Cassian added.

King Jian passed Cassian a glare at the unnecessary information.

"Have you a better idea?" King Jian demanded.

"Summoning Verothrax is right, he will make quick work of this hunt lest the number of bodies grow." Rodvan agreed.

Neveah was at a loss to what was being agreed upon.

"I do not disagree..." Cassian began to defend his words but chose not to carry on with whatever he had to say in light of King Jian’s glare.

"Summoning Verothrax is an affair to be cautious about,"

"Regardless...his abilities are beyond even his own control and will do no good being in human proximity for too long." Rodvan added

"Don’t I know it?" King Jian murmured in response.

"Who is Verothrax?" Neveah interrupted in complete confusion.

The dune dragons exchanged glances at Neveah’s question but Xenon was the one who provided an answer.

"The shadow dragon." Xenon revealed.

"Shadow dragon? Like the dragon version of the Grimm reaper? The same shadow dragon that ferries the souls of the deceased dragons to the other side?" Neveah asked in astonishment.