Chapter 2: A Panther’s Secret

Chapter 2: A Panther's Secret

Silvia's POV

Silvia shifted uncomfortably as the massive black panther continued to block her path. The way it gazed at her, golden eyes gleaming with intelligence, made her uneasy. The connection she felt to it was unnatural, an unfamiliar warmth stirring deep inside her.

Her body still ached from the battle, but she no longer felt the searing pain she had expected from her wounds. In fact…

She lifted her hand, turning it over slowly. Her arm, which had been slashed open just hours ago, was now smooth. No scar, no pain—just the lingering memory of the attack.

"What the hell…" she whispered, flexing her fingers.

The panther rumbled in response, stepping closer. Silvia instinctively stepped back, her heart racing. "Stay back, big guy."

The beast huffed, clearly unimpressed, before sitting down in front of her like an oversized housecat. Its tail flicked lazily behind it, its ears twitching in amusement.

Silvia narrowed her eyes. "Alright, what's your deal?"

The panther simply tilted its head, eyes unblinking.

Frustration bubbled in her chest. "Fine, be mysterious. I don't have time for this—I need to get back to the city."

The moment she tried to walk around him, the panther stood again, stepping into her path.

Silvia groaned. "Oh, come on!"

The panther gave a low, almost amused growl.

"Alright," Silvia muttered, crossing her arms. "You're acting way too smart for a regular monster. I don't suppose you can talk, huh?"

The beast just blinked at her, completely still. Then, after a long pause, it did something that sent a chill down her spine.

It smirked.

Her breath hitched. "No way…"

Before she could process what was happening, the air around the panther shifted. A dark mist swirled around its body, curling and twisting like living shadows. Silvia stumbled back, eyes wide as the massive creature shrunk and changed shape.

Within seconds, the panther was gone.

In its place stood a man.

Tall, muscular, and impossibly handsome, he exuded an air of effortless confidence. His jet-black hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail that just brushed his broad shoulders. Golden eyes—the same ones the panther had—locked onto hers with an intensity that made her stomach flip.

Silvia sucked in a sharp breath, her mind reeling. "You—"

The man took a single step toward her, his smirk deepening. "Took you long enough to figure it out."

Her jaw clenched. "You were the panther?"

"Brilliant deduction." His voice was smooth, rich—almost teasing.

Silvia's hands curled into fists. "Who the hell are you?"

He placed a hand over his chest in mock innocence. "I'm wounded, truly. I saved your life, healed your wounds, and now you're looking at me like I'm the villain."

Silvia narrowed her eyes. "Answer the question."

He exhaled, tilting his head slightly. "Dragon Bromson. Son of Brom. Though, you can just call me Dragon."

She blinked. "Dragon? That's your name?"

He chuckled. "Fitting, isn't it?"

Silvia took another step back. Everything about him set off alarms in her head. He was too calm, too comfortable, as if he knew something she didn't. And something about that infuriating smirk made her want to wipe it right off his face.

Her gaze darted to his bare chest—because of course he was shirtless—before quickly snapping back up to his face. "Alright, Dragon. Why did you help me?"

His smirk softened slightly, and for the first time, there was something unreadable in his eyes. "Because you're mine."

Silvia's stomach flipped violently. "Excuse me?"

Dragon stepped closer, his gaze locked onto hers like a predator sizing up its prey. "When I healed you, something happened. Something irreversible."

Silvia's pulse pounded. "What are you talking about?"

His expression turned serious. "We're bonded."

Silvia's heart skipped a beat. "What?"

"Your magic latched onto mine during the healing process," he explained. "It's rare, but among my kind, it means one thing." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "You're my mate."

Silvia took a shaky step back. "Nope. No. Absolutely not."

Dragon arched an eyebrow. "I don't make the rules, sweetheart."

Her head spun. This wasn't happening. It couldn't be happening.

She turned away, pressing her fingers to her temples. "This is insane."

Dragon chuckled behind her. "I prefer 'destiny,' but sure, let's go with insane."

Silvia whipped around, pointing a finger at him. "We are not bonded. I don't care what your weird monster biology says."

His grin returned. "I like that fire in you. This is going to be fun."

Silvia groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "I need a drink."

Dragon's golden eyes gleamed mischievously. "I can think of better ways to relieve tension."

She gaped at him, heat rushing to her face. "Oh my gods, you are impossible."

Dragon laughed, the deep sound reverberating through her. "You have no idea."

Silvia let out a long, exhausted sigh. "Fine. If we're 'bonded,' then you're stuck with me. But don't expect me to roll over and accept this without a fight."

His smile widened, something almost hungry flashing in his eyes. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Silvia crossed her arms. "Good. Now put some damn clothes on."

Dragon smirked. "Admit it—you don't mind the view."

She threw a nearby rock at him.

He dodged effortlessly, laughing. "Oh, Silvia, this is going to be fun."

Silvia scowled. She was going to kill him.

If she didn't fall for him first.