Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 225: The Fight Against The Queen, Part II

Chapter 225: The Fight Against The Queen, Part II

Tru’s body shrunk back to its baby form, his almost inaudible whimpering was heartbreaking. He was in a lot of pain but he tried to stay strong for his master.

"Taru!" Aideen cried again, embracing his small, almost lifeless body covered in bruises and cuts. His once-brilliant eyes were now dim, his small body trembling. Tears blurred the princess’ vision as she cradled him. The queen’s laughter echoed in her ears, a haunting reminder of her overwhelming power.

"It’s over, Aideen," the queen sneered. "You never stood a chance. Accept your defeat and let the fate take care of the rest."

Despair threatened to consume Aideen, but a flicker of something ancient and powerful stirred within her. She closed her eyes, reaching out with her mind, seeking the bond she shared with Taru.

Taru, can you hear me?

Silence answered her call at first, but then, faintly, she heard his deep voice again.

Master... I’m sorry...

Don’t be. Just hold on. I will do something... I must do something!

As she connected with Taru, the world around her faded. She found herself standing in a vast, ethereal realm bathed in a soft, otherworldly light that resembled the color of her mana. Before her stood Utar, the founding dragon she met in the cave of the Dragon Mountain, his majestic form radiating an aura of wisdom and strength. Beside him were other dragons, those who lived before him; those who lived beside him; their eyes filled with ancient knowledge and power they were ready to impart to their last child.

Aideen, you must not give up, Utar’s distant voice resonated within her. You carry our legacy, our hopes, and our strength. You are our last hope.

Another voice, gentler yet equally powerful, joined in right after. It was Navia, the notorious mage and Utar’s beloved wife. Her presence was serene, her eyes kind but firm as she spoke as well,

If I had doubted you, I would never have chosen you as the vessel of my lineage, Navia said. You have the heart and the strength to wield this power. Believe in yourself, as we believe in you. Fight for what is right. Just keep on fighting.

Aideen felt a surge of determination envelope her like a protective veil. She then heard the voice she longed for the most—her mother, Yuliana.

Aideen, my brave daughter, Yuliana’s voice was warm, filled with love and encouragement, the princess could almost feel her presence. Fight to protect the people, fulfill your destiny, and show the world what true strength looks like.

Then, there was only silence.

Aideen’s eyes snapped open, filled with renewed purpose. She could feel the strength of her ancestors flowing through her, their hopes and dreams merging with her own. She couldn’t give up—not now, not ever.

As she stood up, she focused all her remaining strength, her mind filled with thoughts of her ancestors and their legacy. The air around her began to vibrate with an intense energy. Light blue mana swirled around her, enveloping her in a radiant cocoon. Her eyes flickered with a bright green light, and her dark red hair turned a shimmering blue with silver highlights.

She had finally become the snow dragon she was meant to be.

The queen’s laughter ceased as she watched in disbelief. Aideen’s transformation was awe-inspiring, her presence now radiating an unstoppable power.

"This ends now," Aideen declared, her voice echoing with the might of the dragons and mages before her.

With newfound strength and magic, she launched herself at the queen. Her movements were a blur, a harmonious blend of grace and raw power. Fleur retaliated, her formidable powers lashing out in desperate fury, but Aideen’s dragon vision allowed her to anticipate and counter each attack.

The princess’ light blue mana clashed with the queen’s dark energy, the battlefield illuminated by their intense struggle. Taru, sensing the surge of his master’s power, stirred weakly, his eyes opening to witness the battle.

Master...

Stay with me, Taru. We’re almost there.

Drawing from the core of her being, Aideen channeled the collective strength of her ancestors. Her mana flared brighter, her attacks becoming more precise and devastating. The queen, despite her formidable powers, was slowly being overwhelmed.

"You cannot defeat me!" Fleur screamed, her voice tinged with panic. "I am the supreme witch!"

"And I am the Snow Dragon!" Aideen replied, her voice steady and resolute.

With a final surge of energy, she unleashed her ultimate attack. Light blue mana erupted from her, spiraling into a massive dragon-shaped form that roared with the fury of countless dragons. The ethereal dragon surged forward, engulfing the queen in its icy embrace.

The queen’s screams were drowned out by the roar of the magic creature. Her dark energy was no match for the ancient power Aideen wielded. As the light faded, the queen lay defeated, her power utterly extinguished.

Aideen, now fully in control of her dragon form, stood tall and resolute, her blue hair fluttering in the wind. She looked down at the fallen witch, her expression one of solemn victory.

"This is for all the lives you’ve destroyed," she whispered. "And for the future we will build without fear and tyranny."

She turned to Taru, who had watched the battle with childish awe and pride. Slowly, he regained his strength, his form growing larger once more. He approached the princess, nuzzling her affectionately while the princess exhaled loudly, relieved of all the panic and fright.

"We did it, Taru," Aideen said softly, stroking his scales. "We honored our ancestors and protected the innocent."

With the queen defeated and her power dissipated, the battlefield grew silent. The first rays of dawn began to break over the horizon, casting a golden light over the land. Aideen stood amidst the aftermath, a beacon of hope and strength.

She had embraced her destiny and become the Snow Dragon, a true guardian of her people.

As she looked towards the rising sun, Aideen felt a deep sense of peace. She had proven herself, not just to her enemies, but to herself and her ancestors. And with that knowledge, she knew she could lead her people toward a brighter, united future.

"Now... Let’s go see Tillian. This war... has come to an end."