Djinn Dragon

In Love Without The Bond

Yusa and Thera kissed softly, their hearts racing as they slowly pulled apart.

“I… I’m sorry,” Thera whispered, her cheeks flushed.

“It’s okay, Thera,” Yusa said gently. “I’ve always wanted to taste your lips… to know what it would feel like to kiss you.” He smiled faintly. “I think I’ve fallen for you, Thera. Truly fallen. And I want you—all of you.”

Thera gasped, speechless for a moment. Her heart pounded as she whispered, “Yusa… I think I’ve fallen for you too. I love you.”

Yusa brushed a strand of hair from her face, his eyes warm.

“Thera,” he said softly, “I need to tell you something. But first, you have to promise me you won’t freak out.”

She looked at him nervously. “You look so serious… is everything okay?”

“I’m fine,” he replied. “Just promise me you won’t panic.”

Thera hesitated, sensing his unease. Yusa’s expression softened—he wasn’t sure how she would react, or if she might run from him once she knew the truth.

“It’s alright,” he said finally, reaching for her hand. “Please, just tell me you’ll listen.”

Is something wrong?,” Thera said softly.

“Do you promise me?” Yusa asked.

“Yes, I promise,” she replied.

Yusa took a deep breath. “Thera… I’m a dragon.

Thera stared at him, wide-eyed, then suddenly burst into laughter. “You’re a dragon? What do you mean? Is that a nickname or something?”

He shook his head seriously. “No, Thera. I mean it. I’m truly a dragon.”

Seeing her disbelief, Yusa sighed. “Fine… I’ll show you.”

Before Thera could speak, Yusa transformed into his true form. His body shimmered, his eyes glowed, and scales rippled across his skin.

Thera gasped in shock, stumbling backward. Fear took hold of her, and she ran from the room, locking herself inside her room.

Yusa stood there, heartbroken. He had feared this reaction, the look of terror in her eyes.

Hours later, Thera slowly came out, her hands trembling. She approached Yusa cautiously.

“Yusa,” she whispered, “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have run away. I was just… scared. But now, I’ve accepted you for who you are. I’m not afraid anymore.”

Yusa’s expression softened. “Thera…”

She smiled faintly and stepped closer. “I love you, Yusa.”

Then, they kissed once more—this time, without fear.

***********************************

Yusa and Thera had grown even closer than before. The villagers often noticed their closeness, and every time they went to the market, there was an undeniable aura around them.

Most of the women admired Yusa, not only because he was kind and strong, but also because he was impossibly handsome. Their envy often turned into jealousy whenever they saw Thera beside him.

One day, Thera went to the market to buy some fabrics for their home. As she passed by a group of women near a tailor’s shop, she overheard them whispering.

“Look at her,” one woman sneered. “So shameless. She’s always at that rich merchant’s house.”

Another woman scoffed. “Who knows what she’s really after? She probably wants to seduce him.”

Thera froze in place, their words stinging deeply. She lowered her eyes, fighting the tears threatening to fall. She wanted to defend herself, but part of her knew it would only make things worse.

See? She’s a shameless woman,” one of them said cruelly. “How can a maiden visit an unmarried man’s house every day and still have the courage to walk around like nothing’s wrong?”

Thera heard it all. Her heart broke as their words cut through her. Fighting back tears, she hurried home, her chest tight with hurt.

Yusa saw her running and quickly went after her.

When he reached her, she was crying. “Thera, what’s wrong?” he asked gently.

Through sobs, she managed to say, “It’s about you, Yusa. Every time I go to the market, people talk about me. They insult me, call me names, say horrible things… I can’t bear it anymore.” She wiped her tears and whispered, “I’ll be leaving today. I’ve overstayed my welcome.”

Yusa shook his head firmly. “Thera, you only stayed with me because you were injured. But you’re fine now, and you can go home if you wish—but please, don’t let their words define you. I understand, and I don’t care what people say.”

I really love you, and I won’t let anyone speak ill of you. I have you now, my sunshine.”

“I love you too, Yusa,” Thera replied softly.

They kissed and spent a passionate night together.

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

The next day, Yusa said to Doan, “I think she’s my mate. I’ve fallen deeply in love with her, and I want to give her the Shanti Flower.”

“My lord, that’s wonderful news,” Doan replied. “But remember — the flower will only bloom and grant her protection if she’s truly your destined one.”

“I didn’t think of that,” Yusa admitted, smiling. “But she loves me and has proven it. She accepted me even after learning I’m a dragon… she opened her heart completely to me.”

Doan raised a brow. “My lord, do you mean you spent the night with her?”

You mean… you two were together?” Doan asked carefully.

“Yes, why?” Yusa replied.

Doan’s eyes widened. “My lord, Thera is now a turned dragon. She slept with a created dragon, which means she is now a turned dragon. Turned dragons are extremely rare — our kind are the first to mate with humans.This hasn't happened before in centuries that we have reigned,it's only the females of other creatures that can be turned and now thera is one of them .I just hope your love stands,but the Shanti flower decides your fate.”

Yusa frowned slightly. “What does that mean for her?”

“It means her fate is now bound to yours,” Doan explained. “If she’s truly your mate, the Shanti Flower will glow and grant her protection. But if she’s not, the flower dies and that means she is the intended of another. Offer it to her and let her touch it. Once she does, we’ll know the truth.”

Yusa nodded. “Thank you, Doan.”

“No problem, my lord,” Doan replied respectfully.

***********************************

Thera, darling, I have something for you,” Yusa said.

“What is it, honey?” Thera asked with a smile.

“I got you this flower,” Yusa said, holding it out gently. “Before I give it to you, I just want you to know that what we shared last night was special. I really love you.”

“I love you too,” Thera replied warmly.

But the moment Thera touched the flower, it turned to ashes. Yusa froze, shock and heartbreak washing over him. Thera gasped, staring at the remains of the Shanti Flower in disbelief.

The truth was undeniable — Thera was not his mate.

They cared deeply for each other, but fate had chosen differently. Even if two true mates hate each other, the bond of the Shanti Flower keeps them connected and leads them back to love. But in Yusa and Thera’s case, they had fallen for one another without the bond. Their love was real… but they were not destined mates.

“Yusa, is everything alright?” Thera asked softly, her voice trembling.

Thera looked confused. “I don’t understand. Why did the flower turn to ashes?”

“It turned to ashes because… because we—” Yusa hesitated.

“Because we what? Come on, tell me. Did I do something wrong? Say something, please.”

Yusa sighed deeply. “It turned to ashes because we are not true mates, Thera.”

Thera’s eyes widened, her voice trembling. “What do you mean? We love each other. We care about each other. How can you say that?”

“I don’t know,” Yusa said softly, his heart aching. “But I’ll try to find out. I’ll go see the sorceress.”

× × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

“My lord, you sent for me?” Doan asked.

“I gave her the Shanti Flower,” Yusa said quietly.

“Did it work?” Doan asked, already sensing the answer.

“When she touched the flower, it turned to ashes,” Yusa said bitterly. “She is not my mate.”