The Blind Dragon

Preface：（I'd always thought Elena was just naturally cold, that she wasn't used to the ways of the Divine Clan, which was why she shied away from my touch.

It wasn't until later that I learned the truth—Elena hated me.

She hated me for choosing her.

The two sisters who'd sat trembling in that ritual boat had both fallen in love with my brother at first sight.

I was never in her heart.）

Every god of the Divine Clan who reaches a thousand years of age may select a bride from among the beast clan maidens sent as offerings.

I was no exception. The maidens who arrived on the ritual boat wore varied expressions. My brother and I each chose one of a pair of wolf clan sisters.

I chose Elena. My brother chose Emma.

When Elena looked at me, her eyes were full of expectation and shy sweetness. I thought that light was meant for me alone, but I'd forgotten that my brother was standing right beside me.

He whispered to me that he liked Emma. Only one thought filled my mind—capture that beam of light.

I never imagined it would breed endless resentment.

In the end, I died on an ordinary night.

Elena had made me a bowl of sweet soup with her own hands. She brought it to my lips, looking at me shyly as she said, "Adrian, won't you try it? Tell me if it tastes good."

I couldn't refuse. I drank from her hand.

And lost consciousness to her gentle smile.

When I opened my eyes again, it was because of searing pain.

Elena, usually so cold and distant, was standing over me holding a sharp knife, staring at me with complete indifference.

I tried to move, but found my whole body weak.

My chest had been cut open. Blood was pouring out in great gushes.

"Why?" I asked, my voice trembling.

She glanced at me like I was already dead, then said mockingly, "Naturally, I need your heart as medicine for your brother."

"Adrian, thank goodness for all that heart's blood you fed me every day—otherwise, how would I have known your heart would work so perfectly!"

With that, she plunged the knife down again. Blood splattered across her face. She didn't even seem to notice.

Before I lost consciousness, I heard her say with mad joy, "It worked! Now Sebastian will be saved!"

When I opened my eyes again, I was standing in a corner of the Divine Hall, listening to Elena chat with a group of other brides.

One of them said to Elena, "I really envy you. The family you're going to is dragon clan royalty, and Adrian treats you so well."

Elena laughed coldly. "If you want this blessing, you can have it."

"Why are you being so hostile? Adrian's practically your lapdog."

"Who cares? I don't even like Adrian. If he hadn't chosen me first, with my abilities, I definitely could have become Sebastian's bride. It never would have gone to my useless sister."

That's when I realized—I'd been reborn. Reborn on the afternoon before she carved out my heart.