Chapter 240: Rare herbs
Agara had healed the King of Alvonia and drawn out the poison, but its venomous impact was severe. Though his life was spared, the damage to his spine was irreversible, an affliction even Agara’s formidable magic could not mend a spinal cord.
Ren clasped the King’s hand, her voice heavy with sorrow. "You won’t be able to walk."
King Benkin flashed a crooked grin, defiant despite the pain. "But I can still fly," he quipped. Yet the humor in his voice fell flat, swallowed by the weight of the moment.
Reneira turned to Gloria, her tone brisk but her eyes soft. "Take him back to Jaigara. I’ll visit him soon."
Without hesitation, Gloria sprang into action, calling for Sunkiath’s aid. But before the dragon could even stir, Kai stepped forward, summoning a swirling cloud of shadow. It enveloped King Benkin like a protective cloak, lifting him gently into the air and placing him onto the saddle with spectral grace.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Gloria said, bowing respectfully to Kai before climbing onto Sunkiath’s back. She settled in behind King Benkin, her gaze briefly following him, drawn to the young vampire, Hector, who stood quietly beneath the shadow of the dragon’s wings.
With a powerful beat of his wings, Sunkiath rose into the sky, slicing through the clouds like a blade through silk.
Kaisun turned toward Sigaros, his expression firm. "Return to the Witch Island and claim your throne. Once your realm is calm, come back for the peace treaty."
Sigaros inclined his head in solemn agreement and stepped toward the shimmering portal Kai summoned, its swirling center pulsing with dark energy.
Just before stepping through, the wizard paused and turned back, his voice low with concern. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, go now! Agara is going with you," Kai urged, urgency sharpening his voice. "The castle’s magical barrier is weakening, you could be attacked by Phoria’s forces at any moment."