The Hidden Bond

I knew all too well the ways of noble families, power, and advantage above all else.

A mighty white Wyvern could significantly bolster Noxeria's might, so what was the loss of one expendable daughter to them?

However, remembering how I once nourished the Wyvern with my own life's essence to keep Noxeria strong, at the cost of my own years, only to meet my end at Yasmin's hands, I could not suppress the coldness creeping into my heart.

Then, under the titan ape's intimidating gaze, they were quick to cast me aside, and my heart sank.

I shot back, "Isn't it convenient to pin everything on a scapegoat when you need someone to blame? I don't even have a magical guardian bound to me. How could I possibly have destroyed Ebonwave Island? It was clearly Yasmin's Wyvern that did it!"

Yasmin, displeased, retorted, "You lack the skills, but it's not just about that, is it? You're bitter because Father locked you up and took away your chance to bond with those magical guardians. And you're green with envy because I've got the Wyrm Lord on my side. So, you're out for payback against him and me! Hiding behind your princess title, you swiped the white Wyvern egg, acting like you never stepped foot off Ebonwave Island.

"However, what you didn't see coming was today's Wyrm Lord's big debut, and he's already teamed up with me. When he found out a little thief like you took his egg, he was ticked off. He's out for blood, ready to give you the traitor's due.

"Titan Ape, you see right through it, don't you? The whole mess at Ebonwave Island, that's all Selena's doing!"

The Titan Ape's stare weighed on me, a pressure that could have squashed me flat, and I was left speechless, unable to plead my case.

However, I did not admit to anything. Even with my insides feeling like they were in a vice, I would not take the fall for someone else.

"Ha ha ha, you're a tough one, girl. How about it, want me to be your magical guardian?"

In the midst of the tension, the Titan Ape eased up, zipped right in front of me, and started goofing around, scratching his head and making circles around me.

Everyone was gobsmacked. Yasmin gave it a shot: "Your Excellency Titan Ape, she's-"

"Zip it! I've got zero patience for fibbers!

"You think I don't know what's going on outside just because I'm stuck in a jungle? I was just sizing you all up."

That's when it clicked for me. I bit into my finger and declared, "Titan Ape, let's make a pact!"