**************
CHAPTER 442
~Zara's POV~
It was hard, I had to admit. I risked being wrong, but I had to trust my gut about this. Varian charged, his claws tearing through the sand as he lunged straight for me.
I didn't move.
Kaid shouted my name in panic. The crowd tensed.
But I stood my ground.
Varian slowed the moment he reached me. His massive form loomed over me, silver eyes locked onto mine. He roared, his mouth opening as fire crackled at the back of his throat, ready to consume me whole. I snapped my eyes open and met his gaze.
And I didn't flinch.
I didn't run.
I didn't cower.
Seconds passed.
One. Two. Three and more, then… the fire died. Varian's breath evened, and the air shifted. The dragon's fierce and primal gaze softened for just a moment.
Then, slowly, he lowered his head.
Varian let out a low, rumbling sound—a sign of submission.
Then, before my eyes, the golden light returned, surrounding him like a burning halo.
