Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow-Chapter 437: However Dangerous, However Vile

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Chapter 437

~Zara’s POV~

I forced myself to breathe through the tightness in my chest. Snow’s name still lingered in the air, and it felt like Davion had reached into my very soul and exposed the rawest part of me.

But there was no time to dwell on it. I had come here for one thing, and I wouldn’t leave without it.

I lifted my chin. "What must I do to get the Scale?" My voice was steady, but my fingers curled into fists at my sides.

Davion’s violet eyes gleamed with something unreadable. Amusement? Pity? Or was it just the weight of knowing things I did not?

He leaned back on his obsidian throne. "You must complete three trials."

Kaid’s head snapped up, his body tensing beside me. "Three trials?" His voice was sharp. "That wasn’t part of any agreement."

Davion tilted his head, smirking. "And did you believe you could simply waltz in here, demand one of our most powerful relics—my golden scale and walk away unscathed?" His gaze flickered between the two of us. "Everything has a price, wolf."

Kaid stiffened beside me. "What do you mean or want? I will give anything."

Davion scoffed. "You will face three trials," he announced. "Each designed to test your resolve, your strength, and your soul."

Kaid’s eyes darkened. "That’s ridiculous—" Before Kaid could argue further, two dragons from earlier stepped forward.

One had deep blue scales along his arms and streaks of silver in his black hair, while the other, with massive, storm-colored wings that twitched as he moved, immediately spoke up.

"Your Royal Highness, please," the blue-scaled one spoke with caution.

The stormy one chipped in. "You cannot give—"

Davion raised a hand, and they were silenced instantly, lowering their heads. "I can and I will," he said, his tone final.

Both dragons immediately stiffened, then lowered their heads. "Apologies, Your Royal Highness," they murmured, stepping back without another word.

Kaid stepped forward, his stance defiant. "Then I’ll take the trials in her place."

But Davion only chuckled, shaking his head. "Not you." His gaze locked onto mine, sharp as a blade. "She will take the trials. Let us see if her resolve to bring back the dead is strong. However dangerous, however vile."

My pulse thrummed. I knew what that meant. These wouldn’t be simple tests of strength or endurance. No—he meant for these trials to break me.

I didn’t hesitate. I met his gaze and nodded once. "I will take your trials, Your Highness." My voice didn’t waver. "However dangerous, however vile."

I could feel Kaid’s frustration from here. He had done his best so far for me.

He had gotten me here when there was a probability that he would lose me, but that did not deter him.

I knew, in his own little way, he was thanking Snow for saving her life, but still... with emotions like that, the dragon prince could read him.

Silence hung heavy in the throne room. No one dared refute their ruler, and neither did I. He held all the power here.

Then Davion lifted his hand, signaling to his right-hand man. "Varian."

From the shadows, a tall, lean dragon with golden horns stepped forward with silver eyes and an imposing presence. He held a parchment scroll, which he unrolled before reading aloud:

"The First Trial: The Mirror of the Forsaken."

I felt a chill crawl down my spine.

"Face your truth, or be lost to it."

I was to enter the Hall of Reflections, where the Mirror of the Forsaken awaited. This mirror was no ordinary glass—it was enchanted, designed to show me my greatest regrets, my deepest fears, and the truths I refused to accept.

Many had entered before, seeking wisdom or strength, but few had emerged sane. If I faltered—if I let the images consume me—I would be lost to the mirror forever, trapped in an endless nightmare of my own making.

Varian’s gaze darkened. "This trial does not test your body, but your soul. If your resolve wavers, you will never leave."

I swallowed and nodded.

"The second trial: The Dragon’s Reckoning. A dragon bows to no one. Show your worth, or perish."

I would face a High Dragon in combat. Not to win—but to survive.

Dragons respected strength, not words. If I showed hesitation, if I faltered even for a moment, I would fail.

Kaid took a sharp breath beside me, but Davion spoke before he could protest. "You must remember, on no point should he interfere. He cannot aid you, else you will lose the trial. You stand alone."

The dragon I faced would not hold back. If I wanted to live, I would have to prove myself through sheer willpower, instinct, and endurance.

"Trial Three: The Sovereign’s Choice. A dragon’s heart is not moved by power, but by something greater."

This was not a test of combat or endurance, but of character.

Davion would offer me an alternative. Neither he nor Varian mentioned what it would be; I would know when the time came.

If I passed all three trials, only then would Davion grant me his Golden Scale.

Davion leaned forward. "However dangerous, however vile."

I clenched my jaw, forcing away the creeping tendrils of doubt. "When do we start?" I straightened my shoulders. "I want to begin now."

Davion’s smirk widened. "Oh no, you can’t." He shook his head. "You are in no shape for this." His tone was mocking but firm. "You two shall be treated as guest prisoners tonight."

Guest prisoners? How lovely!

A polite way of saying we’ll keep you comfortable, but don’t forget where you are.

"You will be taken to your rooms for a bath and a change of clothes," Davion continued. "Rest well, because tomorrow will determine whether you die or survive to take the Scale."

I opened my mouth to protest—I didn’t need rest, I needed to start now. Snow’s life was on the line. I could not afford to waste another second.

All through this experience, I had tried to be calm since I needed their help, but this... Siona never told me this was how things would be.

Instead, we walked into a trap.

But before I could say anything, Kaid’s fingers wrapped around my wrist and pulled me back.

"Thank you for your hospitality," he said smoothly.

I glared up at him, but before I could snap at him, he pinched me—subtly, but just enough to make me bite my tongue.

"Behave," he muttered low enough that only I could hear. Then, his voice softened, though the warning in it was clear. "I told you before—don’t let your impatience cost you your life."

I clenched my fists, feeling frustration coil tight in my chest.

"There’d be no saving Snow if you lose."

There was no way in hell I could argue with that reasoning. Although my zeal was strong, my body was already getting weak from what I had endured.

Usually, Astrid’s strength would have filled and healed me but what went on in the Forbidden Fog put a drain on her.

And after what happened in the past with our rebirth, I just couldn’t ask more from her. Besides, I needed her to be in her best shape if we were to win these trials.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay still. Tomorrow, the trials would begin. "As you wish."

"Remember, however dangerous."

"However vile," I voiced with so much conviction.

"Good. See them to their rooms."