Vainqueur the Dragon - Chapter 148: Drifting Lights

“Commander Lu, there are rumors that we are sleeping together, we have a fling!”

Who said that virtual online games are outdated?

Cold-blooded competition, warm daily life, clouds of beauties, all brothers, isn’t that pretty?

- Description from novelbuddy

Lin Yun, 36 years old, a widower, a mid-level manager in a private enterprise, is a single father, who has recently felt that he is encountering a mid-life crisis. Professionally, he faced adversity; domestically, he was in a cold war with his 14-year-old daughter; physically, he suffered from periarthritis and spoke daily of his agony. In the past few days, he had also uncovered a secret — his daughter was being a “Magic” girl. With the body of a young maiden, she battled extraordinary monsters and protected the city from attacks — this is the common perception of a “Magic” girl. But he was very aware that being a “Magic” girl came with life-threatening dangers. Should he stop her, or respect his daughter’s choice and find other ways to protect her? Gazing at the Heart Flower in his wardrobe, now covered in dust, Lin Yun, the former “Magic” girl who retired 19 years ago, was facing the third major decision of his life.

Elia is a poor university student until the night she’s taken to the world of the Anima—ruled by humans whose ancient hearts pulse with the blood of animals. There she’s forced into a battle to the death. But when Elia survives, and refuses to kill her final opponent, the King must either kill Elia himself, or take her as his mate.

Reth, the brutal King of the Beasts with the blood of lions, shocks everyone when he chooses the weak, human Elia to become his Queen. He promises her every comfort of his wealth and position—but he is clear: She will not warm his bed. He chose her to defeat those that were trying to corner him into blending his Leonine line with the Wolves.

Elia needs the help of the Anima to become stronger and rule them well. But the vengeful Wolves see only a weak human that brought them shame. As Elia and Reth grow closer, the wolves are determined to destroy her. Will Reth and Elia admit their feelings for each in time to fight for the Kingdom—and their lives—against the villainous wolf-tribe? Or will the wolves kill Elia and steal the throne?

[Mature content - no sexual violence]

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He stalked towards her, chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur collar of his vest. His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle, so he peered at her through it like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn’t make a sound.

“Wh-who are you?” Elia stammered, backing away, her hands up. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her—and didn’t stop until he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

“I am the Leonine King.” His voice was a dark, husky gravel. Behind him a chorus of wheezes, howls, and chirps of agreement rose from the people watching. “And you are?”

“Elia,” she breathed.

“Elia,” he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. “I am Reth.” He said the name with a strange, guttural roll in his throat. “I am King of Beasts. I am Clan Leader, and I am Alpha of WildWood.” Several snarls rose from the crowds behind him then, but he ignored them.

Elia swallowed as he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek. “I am the King,” he said, “And you will be my mate.”

The forest behind him erupted.