Bound To The Ice Dragon King
Chapter 48: Side effect

Chapter 48: Side effect

As Draven cradled Rhea, she nestled her head against the curve of his neck, feeling a remarkable sense of ease. Perhaps it was due to his unwavering footsteps. Each step he took was resolute, without any hint of hesitation. The way he effortlessly supported her in his arms showed his strong presence.

Rhea looked up at his impassive face. If he were just an average man living among humans, he would be the living vision of every woman’s fantasy in the capital city. His face alone could make Adonis feel inadequate, but unfortunately, he was now a wanted fugitive in Birhhan.

Rhea pushed those thoughts aside and settled her head more comfortably against his neck, holding on to him tightly. Her eyes, focused on the side of his chin, began to slowly close.

Draven, who was walking, made an effort to avoid being distracted by Rhea’s gentle breath brushing against his neck, causing a slight tickling sensation. By the time he reached the end of the forest path, dawn had completely broken.

However, while half asleep, Rhea began recalling a blurry memory from years ago. It was the time when she was nearly executed and stoned for being accused of stealing a valuable item of a fire controller. Azure had also carried her away from the execution center.

At that time, after Rhea was freed from the execution center, she was exhausted and unable to walk properly. She struggled to keep her eyes open, but eventually succumbed to unconsciousness. When she regained consciousness, she found herself in the same position she was in now; being cradled in Azure’s arms.

Rhea couldn’t hold back her gasp of surprise, which Azure heard and warmly looked down at her, he then whispered, "Don’t worry, you are safe now. Nobody will hurt you again."

At that time, Azure’s tone brought an unforgettable warmth in her life. Everyone had talked harshly to her, yet he spoke to her with such a soft tone.

Back then, Rhea had thought she was the luckiest girl in the world to receive his care, but now...she was stuck with this dragon who had done nothing but put her life at risk.

Rhea’s thoughts drifted off to several places before she eventually fell fast asleep in Draven’s arms.

Draven continued walking without any breaks until it was noon, when he finally arrived at a deserted road. Despite the absence of people or vehicles, he noticed tracks left by wheels. It appeared that they were not too far from the next town.

Draven had initially intended to wake Rhea up, but as he looked down at her in his arms, he realized she was already deep in a peaceful slumber, even though she usually annoyed him, he refrained from disturbing her knowing fully well he would only awaken a feisty chatterbox.

Despite the scorching sun casting its heat upon him and causing sweat to trickle down his face, he quietly continued his journey along the seemingly endless road. Though he concealed it well, his arms were already aching and fatigued from carrying Rhea for an extended period. Nevertheless, he persisted in not rousing her or pausing to rest until he stumbled upon a deserted building standing lone alongside the road.

He entered the building and carefully laid her on the ground. Taking off his torn coat, he folded it and used it as a pillow under her head. Leaving the building, he headed towards the nearby forest to find something to eat and ease their hunger.

Before long, Draven came back holding a wild rabbit in one hand and firewood in the other. He found Rhea still lying in the same position he had placed her, fast asleep. She hadn’t moved at all. Assuming she must be exhausted from their previous night’s escape, he decided not to wake her. Sitting quietly a little distance away, he started a fire to roast the meat he’d brought.

Despite roasting the meat with it’s enticing aroma filling the area, Rhea still remained motionless and did not wake up. Draven couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.

A suspicious frown settled between his brows, he approached her to assess her breathing, only to discover that she was drenched in sweat. Her eyelids trembled slightly, as if she wanted to open them, but something was holding them shut.

Without hesitation, Draven turned her body over and gently nudged her, calling out, "Rhea?"

No response.

Her breathing suddenly turned shallow.

Draven’s heart raced in his chest, mirroring the rapid heart beat of Rhea’s and the shallowness of her breathing. He could feel her fear, she was scared of something.

Was she having a nightmare?

Draven swiftly lifted her upright and jostled her shoulders, urging, "Rheanna, wake up!" His worries ceased as Rhea abruptly snapped awake, breathing heavily and gasping for air. Beads of sweat streamed down her face. She held onto her chest, her eyes still displaying fear. Confused, she glanced around and tremulously wiped away the cold sweat from her forehead.

Draven’s gaze never left Rhea, seeing her actions, he asked, "What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?"

Rhea shook her head, she took a deep breath to slightly calm her beating heart, "I saw them again, they are back to disturb me just like before." She murmured more to herself.

However, Draven heard what she said, his brows drew together, "What do you mean?" He asked.

"I was pulled beyond the realm of the living by the ghosts..." She mumbled softly, slightly looking lost.

"Ghosts?" Draven asked, but he didn’t seem too surprised.

Rhea nodded her head, "Yes, when I was little, I frequently perceived and interacted with creatures from beyond the world of the living who most people know as ghosts and spirits. I was used to them back then..."

Despite Rhea’s calm demeanor, her heart continued to beat rapidly with fear. From a young age, she had the ability to perceive things that were beyond the ordinary person’s sight, but that gift had ceased after receiving a talisman from old man Ju. However, it appeared that the ghosts were once again haunting her dreams. Even though it was daytime, a specific ghostly woman continued to torment her in her sleep.

Rhea clutched her damp silver hair in frustration. Had she committed some sort of a grave sin in her previous life? or else how come troublesome situations and people were popping up one after another in her life.

First this dragon, now that annoying ghostly woman.

"For how long have you been seeing ghosts?" Draven asked seriously.

"Since my childhood. Some ghosts were after my life, while some would send me to deliver a message to their loved ones. My foster mother said it was a gift, but to me, it feels like a curse. I have no idea why I’m seeing them..."

"It’s called spectral sight. It’s like a side effect of the core in your body." Draven admitted.

Rhea’s head snapped towards Draven. "Side effect? You mean to say, your core is also the reason I’m seeing ghosts and monsters?!"

"...well, dragon cores worked differently in every individual’s body. It heightens ones senses and sights. In your case, I think it has over heightened your sights to the extent of seeing and sensing the presence of ghosts and spirits..."