Chapter 64 – A Tremor Beneath the Lotus Pool
Mei begins experiencing strange visions when meditating near the lotus pool. A soft humming emanates from the water—calling to something ancient within her. When she dips her hand into the pool, she sees flashes of a sealed realm: dragons in chains, a burning city, and a sword embedded in fire. Rei, growing increasingly worried, asks the Queen for access to the palace's sacred archives. She reluctantly agrees but warns that ancient truths could shatter them both.
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Chapter 65 – The Scales of Memory
Inside the sacred archives, Mei finds a journal left behind by a long-deceased royal seer. The entries speak of a "Dragon Maid who would burn the throne and heal the skies." It matches Mei's powers eerily. Kaien, ever watchful, learns of their research and sends a spy into the archives. Meanwhile, Rei discovers an enchanted bracer once worn by a guardian knight of dragons, now reacting to Mei's presence.
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Chapter 66 – Wings of Suspicion
Kaien gathers influential nobles and plants the idea that Mei may be a weapon planted by an old enemy kingdom. The nobles begin questioning Rei's loyalty. Meanwhile, a mysterious guest from the neighboring empire visits—their eyes sharp, as if recognizing Mei's aura. The court holds its breath.
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Chapter 67 – Fire Beneath the Veil
During a diplomatic banquet, Mei collapses, overwhelmed by the voice of the sealed realm. She sees the silhouette of her mother, wings tattered, whispering: "Find the Flamebound Gate." After waking, she realizes her transformation is accelerating. Scales now linger briefly on her arms after intense emotion. The Queen grows fearful. Rei insists Mei stay in the inner court where he can protect her—but Mei begins to fear she's becoming a danger.
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Chapter 68 – Petals and Prophecies
A wandering monk visits the capital, claiming to know the prophecy of the Flamebound. Mei and Rei meet him in secret. He reads Mei's aura and tells her she is not alone—other dragon-blooded beings were scattered when the heavens fractured. The Flamebound Gate is a divine rift said to reveal itself when three signs converge: tears of sky, fire of the earth, and blood of the faithful.
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Chapter 69 – Queen of Ashes
In a secret audience with the Queen, Kaien plants doubt about Rei's loyalty, suggesting he seeks to place Mei on the throne. The Queen, conflicted, places a test before Rei—a royal mission to subdue a growing rebellion in the west. Rei agrees, knowing this will leave Mei vulnerable in the palace. Before he departs, he entrusts Mei with the enchanted bracer and a whisper: "You were never just a maid."
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Chapter 70 – Whispered Flame
While Rei is gone, Kaien stages an incident: one of the palace's sacred relics is found scorched and cracked. He blames Mei. A tribunal is called. Mei must now defend herself before the nobles. With the enchanted bracer pulsing, she manages to recall a memory of her childhood: the burning of her village, her mother shielding her in dragon form. She shares the truth, and some nobles begin to doubt Kaien's intentions.
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Chapter 71 – Veins of Fire
As unrest spreads in the palace, Mei begins hearing the humming from the lotus pool once more. Following the sound, she uncovers a hidden passage beneath it—an ancient chamber lined with murals of dragonkind. There, a stone tablet reveals the full Flamebound prophecy. Her role isn't to conquer, but to awaken the sleeping bonds of fire—bringing balance between mortals and dragons. Above, Kaien begins preparing a purge.
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Chapter 72 – Embers of Judgment
Kaien's purge begins: servants loyal to Rei are imprisoned, and Mei is confined to her quarters. But she's not alone. The Queen's younger sister, once thought politically neutral, helps Mei escape. As they flee through hidden tunnels, a palace guard reveals he carries dragon blood too—passed down from a forgotten war. Mei is not alone, and the dragon line has merely been hiding.
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Chapter 73 – When the Lotus Burns
Mei returns to the lotus pool during the eclipse. The water ripples violently, and the chamber beneath cracks open further. Flames spiral around her—not to harm, but to protect. Her transformation ignites fully—horns, tail, and glowing eyes. She confronts Kaien before the tribunal as the Queen watches from the shadows. Her voice rings like a bell: "I am flame. I am truth. You will not burn me for your fear."