CHAPTER 16: CARING DRAKON

Shirley's breath came in ragged gasps as she tried to make sense of the immense power that had just coursed through her veins. Her fingers trembled, still clutching the sword tightly. The air around her crackled with residual energy, and the ground beneath her feet bore scorch marks due to the booming force she had unleashed. Darkness crept at the edges of her vision, and she felt her legs give way. Before she hit the cold, hard ground, firm hands caught her. Her world spun, and the last thing she remembered before succumbing to the deep sleep was the warmth of Drakon's touch and the concerned look in his eyes. When Shirley woke, she found herself in an unfamiliar yet comforting environment. She first noticed the soft, luxurious bed beneath her, contrasting the forest floor she had last been conscious of. The room was dimly lit, and as her eyes adjusted, she recognized it as Drakon's bedroom. She tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through her head, forcing her to lie back down wi