CH43-50 Dragon Maid Hidden Flame

Chapter 43 – "The Advisor's Shadow"

Lord Kaien was no ordinary noble. He hailed from the far north, where dragon lore was still whispered around winter fires. With sleek black robes and a serpent-ringed staff, he roamed the palace grounds, often staring too long at Mei.

Rei invited him to tea, subtly probing. "What brings you to our palace, Lord Kaien?"

Kaien smiled. "History, Your Highness. And perhaps... prophecy."

Their conversation danced around truth. But when Kaien left, Rei found a note on his own desk: "She burns too bright to hide."

Chapter 44 – "A Letter from the Flames"

Mei opened her window to find a parchment charred at the edges fluttering in. She caught it before it was consumed. Pressed upon its center was a seal she recognized from half-remembered dreams: the ancient crest of the Flameborne—a dragon tribe thought extinct.

The letter read: They still hunt us. Beware the one who knows.

Her heart pounded. Were there others like her? Did someone send this from exile, or was it bait?

Chapter 45 – "The Blood Moon Ball"

Velvet draped the ballroom like crimson waves. Guests wore silver masks, and whispers echoed with court gossip. The Blood Moon Ball had begun.

Mei stood at the edge, eyes scanning for danger. Rei, clad in midnight blue, danced with diplomacy among the nobles.

Suddenly, she sensed it—a shadow sliding across the floor toward Rei. An assassin, blade drawn, hidden behind a dancer's form.

Mei leapt, intercepting the strike. Her eyes blazed golden, hair swirling as heat shimmered. She flung the assailant back with a blast of wind-laced flame—but only briefly. One noble caught a glimpse of scales beneath her sleeve.

Gasps filled the room. Rei grabbed her hand. "Run."

Chapter 46 – "The Hidden Library"

They fled to the west wing, into forgotten corridors. Behind an old tapestry, Rei uncovered a hidden door he once saw in a childhood dream.

Dust choked the air as they descended into the hidden library—scrolls and tomes stacked on marble shelves. At the center lay an obsidian book etched with fire script.

Mei opened it. It spoke of a prophecy: A dragon child shall awaken beneath royal blood, and her fire will choose the next ruler.

Rei stared at the lines. "This… this is about you."

Chapter 47 – "Tears of the Past"

Memories surged. Mei dreamt of her mother—tall, proud, wings cloaked in gold. She remembered fleeing through burning forests, her mother's lullaby, the chains that followed.

She woke in tears, heart aching. She'd been left at the palace not by fate, but by desperation. Her mother had hidden her in plain sight… among the humans.

Chapter 48 – "Whispers Beneath the Throne"

Kaien knelt before the queen. "She's the Flameborne. The creature of prophecy."

The queen wavered. "She saved my son. Protected the people."

Kaien pressed. "And yet, she may burn us all. Make your choice."

In the shadows, a loyal servant overheard and slipped away to warn Rei.

Chapter 49 – "Rei's Stand"

Rei stood in court, voice firm. "Mei is under my protection. Any who raise a hand against her raise it against me."

Nobles murmured. Some protested. Others remained silent.

Kaien stepped forward. "Then prepare for the throne to turn to ash."

Chapter 50 – "When Flames Weep"

The final confrontation erupted beneath the palace in the ancient vault. Kaien summoned chained spirits to bind Mei.

But her fire surged—not wild, but tempered. Controlled.

Scales shimmered over her skin as she faced him, eyes glowing.

"I am not your prophecy. I am my own fire."

She struck, flame meeting shadow. Kaien fell, broken by the force he tried to control.

But in the aftermath, Mei wept. Her secret was no longer hidden. And the world had begun to choose sides.

End of Chapter 50