I Only Tame Dragons

Chapter 154 Many Eyes and Thoughts

"good idea," von said, his grin widening. "i'm starving for something that doesn't taste like bark and dirt."

horizon smirked. "yeah, let's get some proper food first."

as they began walking, lydia chuckled, though there was a mischievous glint in her eyes. "too bad nyx is hibernating and can't enjoy this with us," she said, feigning sympathy. though it was clear she wasn't entirely sorry, she couldn't deny that she missed the bossy little dragon.

"even without her, we survived, didn't we?" von added, still riding the high of their success. "we deserve a feast for making it through that nightmare."

"alright then," horizon said, his voice steady yet filled with a hint of satisfaction. "let's go and celebrate."

lydia didn't wait for a second invitation. with a cheer, she sprinted ahead, leading the group toward the heart of the capital where the most renowned five-star restaurant awaited. the others followed, laughter breaking the tension that had weighed heavily on them for days.

as horizon's group sprinted toward their long-awaited celebration, they remained unaware of the watchful eyes observing them from various corners of the arena. some gazes were fueled by curiosity, others by suspicion, and a few burned with unrestrained hostility.

the first set of eyes belonged to members of the radiant church, their white golden accent cloaks gleaming faintly under the midday sun. though they didn't have definitive proof, they couldn't shake the nagging suspicion regarding lydia. she looked different, her features slightly altered, but something about her presence stirred an uncomfortable familiarity.

"she can't be . . ." one of them murmured, narrowing his eyes as if trying to peel back the mask of time.

"she shouldn't be able to hide her identity," said another, equally perplexed. "not here. the elven lands are protected by powerful wards—no illusion or disguise magic should work without being detected."

despite their doubts, the lack of evidence held them back. yet they knew they couldn't afford to be careless; if she truly was the thief who had stolen the sacred artifact egg, they would have to act soon. they couldn't risk causing a scene without certainty, not in front of so many influential guilds and dignitaries.

"but now isn't the time. we'll get our chance to thank him later," seraphina said.

but beyond the murmurs of guilds and the speculation of onlookers, there was one presence far more significant—and far more dangerous.

from the highest balcony overlooking the area, prince eryndorath von lyrandar-velorian, crown prince of the elves, watched with narrowed eyes. his gaze was locked on von, his expression a storm of anger and disbelief.

"that exile," eryndorath growled under his breath. "how is he here?"

his hand gripped the railing tightly, the veins in his arm standing out as he fought to contain his fury. according to the laws of the elven kingdom, von's very presence in their lands was a crime punishable by death. he had been cast out, stripped of his status and right to return. and yet, here he was, standing boldly in the competition.

"mother," he hissed, turning to the regal figure beside him. "he's exiled. he shouldn't be here. the punishment for his return is death."

queen eurodayle, serene as ever, remained composed. her gaze never left the assembly area, her expression unreadable.

"do nothing, eryn," she said quietly but firmly.

eryndorath clenched his fists, barely containing his frustration. "you can't expect me to stand by and do nothing while he flaunts the very laws we uphold!"

"the rules of this competition are absolute," the queen said, her voice calm yet laced with authority. "anyone is allowed to participate, even those we may deem as criminal. if you act now, you'll only expose him and draw attention to our . . . family matters. is that what you want?"

eryndorath glared at the arena below, his pride warring with his mother's logic. after a tense moment, he exhaled sharply, forcing himself to relax. "fine. but i hope you know what you're doing."