Frostbond: Rejected by the Cursed Dragon Prince

Arla It was a busy Halloween night. And it was pretty chilly too. The night bustled with numerous costumes of fantasy outside. This was the night the impossible came to life but for me— what made tonight pop was the fantasy-themed orders at the Lukas Baking Stop. The holiday noises droned out as I watched the showglass counter of cakes. Beyond the showglass counter were the tables and chairs where guests enjoyed treats. And now, we had quite a handful. My gaze shifted to the brunette lady, spotting a spider-themed witch hat. She squinted at the show glass with an air of intense deliberation. When I cleared my throat, she looked up at me. “Um… Have you any Halloween spider-themed cakes left?” I let out a small sigh, shaking my head sadly. “I’m sorry but we are all out.” She frowned disapprovingly so I offered a suggestion. “Try our vampire themed cakes. It's perfect with the fang decors and all.” I smiled patronizingly. Her frown deepened to reveal disgust at my offer. “No, thanks.” She walked out, the bell at the door jingling as it closed shut. I distracted myself with the guests feasting on their treats, wanting to pick out if anyone needed anything. But the door chimed again, attracting my attention. My eyes widened as my lips parted in surprise. Instead of another costume-clad customer, I saw Lukas walking with a boring gray tee tucked into his black trousers. He was nothing like the celebration. “Lukas!” I exclaimed my voice a bit high and loud to attract a few stares my way. Realizing that, I lowered my voice to a whisper, barely audible as he came to rest elbows first, on the show glass counter. “What are you doing here?” He gave a casual shrug, grinning from ear to ear. “Thought I’d stop by and see how you and Rosa are handling things.” Lukas was my employer and guardian for the last five years. He always left us to handle the holiday rush. Except when my birthday was the next day. I looked at the wall clock. It was barely 7:30pm—he never came this early. “Because it's my birthday tomorrow, right?” Lukas grinned and winked. “You always were a smart one.” His lips parted to speak but he held out a finger as his phone rang out. A while later, he whipped it out and moved towards the door to answer. Just as he did, a customer came over to the counter. “Yes, more treats?” The male customer grinned. “It was fabulo…” Only to be rudely cut off by a loud yell from Lukas. “Everybody, get out!” Lukas’ voice was sharp and demanding. I barely registered what he said when he stormed the sitting section, furiously. Without warning, he snatched their cups and plates, dumping them into the trash despite the shocked glances. “Out! Now!” Lukas roared, his voice cold and his expression threatening. “Get out!” I hurriedly went around the counter to appeal to him. Before I reached him, he overturned the tables, completely unnerving the guests as they cursed and stormed out. “f**k you!” Someone cursed. “Just f**k out.” Lukas cursed right back. “What the hell are you doing, Lukas?” I called out, as the customers began to troop out angrily. Shocked and torn between appeasing the customer or the frantic Lukas. But before I could make up my mind, he reached for me, his fingers digging into my wrist. The sudden pressure made me yelp in pain. . “You're hurting me.” I cried out. “Let me go, Lukas.” He looked at him with iciness and heavy ragged breaths. “You don’t understand. Remember those stories I tell you… Those stories about myth, werewolves and… and…” His voice was softer but his eyes contained a certain madness that I could not comprehend. “What stories? What do they have to do with any of this?” I tried to keep my voice calm but inwardly I was panicking. “Because they are real.” Lukas roared in my face and I flinched. With his free hand, he began to gesticulate, raving like a mad man. “Those stories... I told you. I told you. I told you t-that… when the Alpha can only become by the might of their sheer will or be passed by childbirth inheritance o-or by death. If an Apha is challenged to death and he is killed.. y-you become.. you become.. you become…” “Uncle.” I shivered, tears rushing out my eyes as his grip tightened again. “Please, let me go. You need help, please… I am going to call for help.” But he yelled into my face. “I am not crazy!” His expression softened just now, as I winced again, more warm tears running down my cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I just… your parents…” Just then, I heard the sound of quick heavy footsteps echoing from the outside. Panic fluttered in my chest as I glanced at the door and to Lukas. “Lukas, someone is coming.” The color drained from his face and his grip loosened again. I tried to tug free but something stopped me. For the first time I’d known Uncle Lukas, he was scared-- terrified. “You can hear them too?” His voice croaked like a tiny whisper. “They’re not supposed to be there this fast. There are wards in place. They’re not supposed to have found you this fast.” “Wards?” I murmured. “Uncle Lukas, are you sure you're alright? Is it those nightmares again?” “Your parents just died. They challenged your Father, Alpha Donna, and they killed him but you’re not supposed to hear that.” “What?” I stared at Lukas, disbelievingly. “What are you saying? I am an orphan. You took me in then and for the last 5 years.” Lukas sighed,leading me towards the door. “That was a lie, Arla. It was all meant to protect you.” “W-what?” I gasped, feeling choked. My chest felt tight. A thousand questions swarmed in my head as I tried to comprehend what I had just heard. But try as it did, nothing made sense. “Lukas, this does not make any sense.” I tugged, breaking free from his grip. “It will, eventually,” Lukas replied, glancing anxiously toward the door. “I promise—I’ll explain everything. About your parents, your heritage, and why you live outside The Veil. Just get in the car, and I’ll tell you everything.” The footsteps sounded dangerously close. A cold knot twisted in my stomach, every instinct screaming that something was wrong. “Lukas,” I whispered, pulse racing. “They’re coming. Whoever it is, they’re getting closer.” Lukas froze, his eyes widening in alarm. “You can still hear them?” “What? How could anyone not hear it?” I hissed. “It sounds like a whole army charging for us!” Lukas shook his head, a dark fear flickering over his face. “You’re not supposed to hear them.” Then his gaze hardened as he yanked my wrist out through the door. “Don’t you get it? Your parents are dead. You’re their only heir, and they’re coming to wipe you out. You’re not supposed to hear them coming.” He let out a frustrated groan. “We have to go— now— before it’s too late.”