GODDESS OF PEACE

Chapter 12

Without wasting another moment, Ju Long crashed his lips onto mine, his body pressing urgently against mine. I gasped between kisses, trying to catch my breath. "Ju Long, what are you doing?" I managed to whisper between his relentless movements.

He didn’t pause. "Don’t you know what I’m doing? If you really don’t—let me spell it out for you. We’re committing adultery," he said playfully, biting my earlobe.

"Ahh..." I let out a soft moan, the sensation overwhelming.

"Ju Long, please," I whispered breathlessly. "Don’t do anything before our marriage."

He groaned softly, his breath warm against my neck. "Babe, even your father gave us permission. What are you waiting for? Let’s make the most of this night." His mouth moved lower, and he bit my breast gently. I groaned again, caught between pain and pleasure. My fingers instinctively threaded through his hair, pressing him closer.

As his hands began to explore further, I trembled beneath him, unsure of where this night would lead.

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The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I stirred slowly and found myself lying next to Ju Long, his arm draped protectively over my waist. For a moment, I just watched him—peaceful, warm, and breathtaking.

Smiling, I leaned in and kissed his forehead. Then I blinked, confusion setting in. My clothes... they were still perfectly intact. I was still dressed. My eyes widened. Had nothing happened last night?

Just then, Ju Long opened his eyes and smiled. "What are you thinking about so early in the morning?"

I turned toward him, bewildered. "Didn’t we... commit adultery last night?"

He chuckled, sitting up slightly. "What? No, sweetheart. We didn’t do anything. But if you want us to—" he winked mischievously, "—I’m more than happy to oblige."

"No! That’s not what I meant!" I quickly protested, blushing.

He leaned in closer until his lips nearly brushed mine. "Let me guess—you had a wet dream about me, didn’t you?"

"No! I didn’t! It was... just a misunderstanding!" I stammered.

"Mmhmm... if you say so," he teased. "Want me to check?"

"No! We need to get ready. We have a flight to catch!" I said quickly, cutting him off.

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Later that morning, I helped my mom prepare breakfast. After eating together, we said our goodbyes. It was a bittersweet moment, leaving home behind again. At the airport, Ju Long told me to wait while he went somewhere briefly. I waited for half an hour before he returned, smiling as if nothing had happened.

We boarded our flight to China.

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When we landed in China, no one was there to pick us up. A bit annoyed and tired, we decided to head straight to the apartment that I shared with Min Ai. But when we got there, Min Ai was nowhere to be found.

"Where did that girl disappear to now?" I muttered.

Ju Long tried calling her, but her phone was switched off.

"Maybe she’s enjoying some time alone," I suggested. "Let’s freshen up first."

But by late night, she still hadn’t come home. My unease grew. I called again—still switched off. "Ju Long, something’s not right. She’s never like this."

He frowned. "Does she have any other close friends here?"

"No. I’m the only one she really talks to."

"Alright. Bring me a bowl of water."

"What?! I’m telling you your sister is missing, and you're asking for a bowl of water?" I said, exasperated.

"Just do it. Trust me," he said seriously.

Grumbling, I fetched him a bowl. To my shock, he pricked his finger and let a few drops of blood fall into the water, then added a bit of his saliva.

"Eww, Ju Long! You’re ruining the bowl!"

But before I could say more, his eyes glowed a fierce, golden hue.

"She’s in danger," he said abruptly, his voice tight. "I have to go. Don’t open the door for anyone. Don’t even peek outside. And for heaven’s sake—don’t remove that locket, no matter what."

He locked me inside the room and took the key with him.

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While pacing nervously, something shiny caught my eye near the corner of the room. It sparkled, drawing me toward it like a moth to a flame. Just as I reached out to touch it, a loud blast echoed outside.

My breath caught in my throat. Panic surged.

"Bharathi," came a voice—smooth, eerie, and close. "I know you’re here. Come out. I won’t hurt you. I promise. Just come with me."

Terror seized me. I didn’t make a sound. I dropped to the floor and crawled under the bed, pressing my hands tightly over my ears.

Suddenly, I heard more sounds outside. Through the peephole in the door, I saw Ju Long and Min Ai—they were in their dragon forms, their majestic bodies radiating power. They were fighting someone—a faceless man with massive black wings.

Min Ai attacked relentlessly, her strikes quick and merciless. The faceless man groaned, struggling to say something before Min Ai knocked him down again. He flapped his wings and fled, vanishing into the sky.

Moments later, the door burst open, and Ju Long rushed in, pulling me into a fierce hug.

I felt the fear in his trembling arms. The thought of losing me had shaken him deeply.

"I’m okay," I whispered. "I’m alright now."

Min Ai approached, quiet and reserved.

"Are you okay, Min Ai?" I asked.

She simply nodded, her eyes lowering to the locket on my neck.

"Ah, I’m still wearing it. Don’t worry," I said quickly, touching the charm.

She nodded again and walked silently to her room.

"What’s wrong with her?" I asked Ju Long.

"Maybe she’s still in shock. Give her time. She’ll be alright," he said gently.

"Alright. I think I’ll go to bed then."

"I’m not leaving," he said firmly. "Not tonight. I need to be near you."

I smiled faintly. "Okay... can we just cuddle and talk for a while?"

We lay down together, his arm curled around me.

"Baby," I said quietly, "can you tell me more about dragons?"

He chuckled softly. "Now someone’s curious. Alright, listen closely. Some dragons are good—some, not so much. My stepbrother, for instance... he’s one of the bad ones. Dragons aren’t easy to handle. But when they love, they love deeply. They’re fiercely loyal.

"But some of us can be manipulative and cruel. That’s why we were cast out of heaven. The gods punished us for the actions of a few. But some dragons, like me, were spared and forgiven. That’s why I became the leader of the exiled ones."

I turned to face him. "Why does your brother want to kill me?"

He sighed. "He was raised without love. All he knows is power. And killing you... it would make him stronger."

I gasped. "Wait, you mean I’m special?"

He smiled tenderly. "Yes, babe. You are. You’re the only one who can calm a dragon’s fury. You’re like a... goddess of peace to us. "Your blood is unique."

I blinked, stunned. "So, if I talk to your brother... can I stop the fighting? Calm him down?"

"Logically, yes," he said. "But... I don’t know why he’s still targeting you even after meeting you. There’s something else going on. Something deeper."

I stared up at the ceiling, heart pounding with the weight of it all. What did the future hold for us—for me?

Whatever it was, I knew one thing:

I wasn't just an ordinary girl anymore.