The Dragon King's Heart

"Dante," Margaret called out to him just before he was about to knock. 

He turned around to face her. From the look on his face, Margaret realized how serious he looked. Whatever he was going to tell her, it was very important. She did not have any inkling of what it might be, but she felt like she had to say something. 

"Laina is strong. She can take care of herself. She will believe anything you tell her," Margaret bit her lip, she did not know why she was saying this. 

But it felt right. 

"She can bear being apart from you, but only if you promise you will return. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" 

Perhaps at that moment, Margaret didn't know what was the point she was trying to bring across. All she knew was that it had to be said. 

Dante seemingly understood. He did not verbally reply to her. He merely gave her a nod, before knocking on the door. As soon as a muffled reply came through, he pushed open the door and entered the room. 

Dante carefully closed the door behind him. When he looked up, he was about to open his mouth to speak when he felt a pair of arms wrapped around his waist. 

Laina buried her face into his chest as she held him tightly, refusing to let go. She squinted her eyes shut. She was ready to hear what Dante had to say. A thousand scenarios flooded through her mind with each passing second. 

No matter what he was about to say, Laina stilled her palpitating heart. She hung on his reply. When the silence continued to linger, Laina pursed her lips. She could not wait any longer. It was killing her!

"If you're going to leave, I just-"

"I'm not."

"You're not?" she looked up at him, her eyes filled with hope. 

Dante carefully traced the shape of her face with his fingers. His cold touch did not cause her to flinch. Laina was used to it by now. He could feel the warmth radiating off her skin. 

"I'm not going anywhere. I promised you, remember?" he said softly as he gazed into her eyes. 

But Laina knew better. She wanted to take a step away from him. But she was locked in his arms. She averted his gaze. 

"There's something else, isn't there?" she sighed. 

Without giving any word of warning, Dante lifted her off her feet and brought her to their shared bed. He sat her on the side of the bed, while he got down on one knee, facing her. 

"What are you doing?" she asked, surprised by his actions. 

Her heart was pounding in her chest. She did not know what to expect. Dante held onto Laina's hands. 

"You're right. There's a catch," he confessed. 

He could not look at her. They could be together for now. But it was not a permanent arrangement. Why did all good things have to come to an end? Laina knew something was bothering him. 

He was clearly deciding if he should tell her. Laina caressed his cheek, meeting his eyes. 

"Whatever it is, I only want to know the truth. No sugar coating," she said as she placed a finger on his chest, "Even if it's for my own good."

Seeing her resolve, Dante knew there was no point in keeping it from her. He took a seat next to her as he began to explain in great detail. He explained to her about the celestials and how he was one of them. 

"Every celestial has to go through a series of trials known as the Celestrial Tribulation. 

Some are lucky and they only have to go through it once. Others, aren't."

"So are you lucky?" Laina asked. 

Dante chuckled as he shook his head, "Luck is a fickle thing. Surviving it means you will be gifted with the powers the Universe gave you."

She tightened her grip on his hand, "And if you don't?"

He bit his lip. He was not going to hide the truth from her.

"There are things worse than death. Some are tormented. Others are crippled," he continued to explain, "Which is why preparation and training are very important."

Dante told Laina who was at the door. He explained to her why they had come for him. But to keep his promise to her, he chose to stay. Laina felt so guilty and he could see it in her eyes. 

He turned her to face him, "It is my decision to stay, don't beat yourself up over it." 

He held on to both of her hands tightly. 

"This is serious, Dante," as soon as those words left her lips, Laina realized something of grave importance. 

If Dante chose to return to the Celestial Realm for his training and preparation, the effects of the curse might accelerate. She looked into his eyes. Surely he must have known about that too, hence his decision to stay. She could not lose him. No matter what. 

A pit fell in her stomach. The curse weakened his body with each passing day. Even with the elixir, it could only slow down its effects. It did not solve the root of the curse. 

"I'll face the trials with you," Laina declared with determination. 

If they faced them together, she could lessen his burden. She could protect him. She could save him. Dante smiled, he caressed her cheek. 

"I appreciate your sentiment, but the trials have to be completed alone."

Dante brought Laina's hand to his chest, "But I won't be alone. Because I will have you in my heart." 

Laina blushed beet red as she shied away from him. Who knew the Dragon King could be so mushy, even when they were being serious. As they continued to further their discussion, Dante explained that he would train and prepare for the trials in Gaeia. 

All he needed was suitable conditions and training grounds. As it turned out, the surrounding snowy mountains here in Luzernia had some of the best conditions. 

"The trials would likely be more of an endurance test, freezing temperatures that can instantly freeze anything and almost everything," Dante explained. 

"Then all we need to do is to train you deeper in the mountains. With all this snowfall right now, I'm sure it's even colder up there," Laina added. 

This arrangement was perfect!