Chapter 28: First Scent

Yuqi adjusted the strap of her purse, feeling its weight against her shoulder, as she stepped into the bustling mall alongside Kelly and her friends. The air vibrated with the hum of animated chatter, bursts of laughter, and the rhythmic clatter of footsteps echoing off the gleaming polished tile floors. Shoppers flowed in vibrant waves from storefront to storefront, arms laden with colorful bags, their eyes sparkling with the hopeful energy of the weekend rush. Initially hesitant about joining this social outing, Yuqi had finally acquiesced to Kelly's persistent encouragement.

“You need a break,” Kelly declared that morning, her arms crossed and her expression firm, as if she were a determined coach rallying her team. “Some retail therapy will do you good.”

Julia had even chimed in, her demeanor unusually cheerful as she pressed a shiny credit card into Yuqi’s hand. “Just promise me you won’t go overboard,” she added, a playful glint in her eyes, softening the wise caution behind her words.

Now, enveloped by the vibrant displays of soft sweaters in rich hues, rows of glittering accessories that sparkled under the bright lights, and the playful banter of Kelly’s friends, Yuqi felt the tension begin to loosen from her shoulders. The comforting normalcy of it all, while strange, wrapped around her like a warm embrace. She absently ran her fingers across a delicate lavender knit, letting the soft fabric slip through her fingers like water, while Kelly engaged in a lively debate with one of her friends about which pair of boots was the more fashionable choice.

Then it struck her—like a sudden surge of electric energy coursing through her veins, igniting every nerve ending with a fierce intensity.

The scent sliced through the air with startling clarity—a fusion of smoke and spice, rich and wild, reminiscent of something ancient and untamed. Her nostrils flared involuntarily as instinct kicked in, pulling her deeper into the moment. It enveloped her like a long-buried memory that had just refused to surface. Suddenly, she froze, her breath hitching in her throat; the lavender sweater slipped silently from her grasp, forgotten.

Her flame stirred within her, awakening in response to the mysterious allure of the scent that whispered secrets of a life she had never lived.

Deep in her chest, the familiar warmth flared into heat. She felt it bloom like fire in her ribs, crackling along her spine. Her senses sharpened in an instant. Every sound grew louder, every color more vivid. She wasn’t just reacting—she was hunting. Her eyes scanned the store, then the hallway beyond, locking onto every passerby as she searched for the source.

Another dragon.

The realization coursed through her veins like wildfire, igniting a fierce blend of exhilaration and dread. She had encountered this knowledge in the ancient scrolls—how dragons, with their instinctual prowess, recognized one another by scent, how mates could traverse great distances, drawn to each other without a spoken word. But to comprehend it in the soothing light of theory, and to feel its truth pulse within her very blood, was a profound chasm of difference. If she could detect their presence in the air, then certainly, they could sense her too.

Her heart raced, a wild drumbeat against her ribcage, as they navigated through the vibrant maze of the food court. Each scent grew deeper and more complex, wrapping around her senses like an exquisite silken shawl, sumptuous and rich, drawing her in with every purposeful step. It was intoxicating, a fragrant tapestry of spices, sweet confections, and savory delights that beckoned her, as if invisible strings tethered her to an uncontainable force of culinary magic. Beneath her skin, her own magic fluttered with a palpable excitement—curious, eager, and laced with an undertone of thrilling fear that sent a shiver cascading down her spine, igniting her every nerve ending.

As her gaze swept across the bustling crowd, she suddenly caught sight of her—a figure standing out like a beacon amidst the chaos.

Nestled at a quaint table near the edge of the bustling food court, a girl around her age reclined in her chair with an air of effortless ownership, as if the entire space revolved around her. Her long, raven hair cascaded down her shoulders, catching the light and revealing glimmers of midnight blue that danced with each subtle movement. Her sapphire-colored eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and intensity, igniting the air between them.

The moment their gazes intertwined, her expression shifted dramatically—eyes widening in surprise before softening into a tender warmth that felt almost reverent. She tilted her head with an enchanting grace, her lips forming an inviting smile that hinted at secret knowledge, then slowly sultrily traced her tongue across her lips, as if savoring the anticipation of what was to come. It was as if she already understood the intoxicating end to this unspoken encounter.

In that moment, the cacophony of the bustling mall—the sound of distant chatter, the clattering of shopping bags, and the faint strains of music from a nearby store—faded into a soft murmur, rendering everything around me insignificant. The vibrant colors of storefronts and the flickering lights overhead blurred into a kaleidoscope of distraction, eclipsed by the profound clarity of my thoughts. Time seemed to stretch, allowing me to soak in the stillness of that singular instance, where nothing else mattered but the profound realization unfolding within me.

Yuqi became blissfully unaware of the cacophony of voices or the biting chill of the air conditioning swirling around her. There was only the girl—the very embodiment of attraction. Her inner flame surged, awakening with a primal roar that echoed like a beast rousing from a deep, restless slumber. A low, instinctive growl escaped her lips, a sound that surprised her yet felt as natural as breathing. Her body moved with a will of its own, drawn forward, irresistibly, like a magnet to iron, as an insatiable hunger coiled tightly within her stomach.

The girl met herwords with a smile that sparkled in her eyes, her laughter a melodic echo that danced around them, as she replied with a warmth that mirrored her own.

She stood slowly, a vivid, entrancing figure, her sapphire eyes unwavering as they locked onto Yuqi’s. With an elegance that seemed both calculated and natural, she tilted her head to the side, baring her neck—a silent, instinctual gesture of submission that sent a jolt of energy coursing through Yuqi. Her breath hitched audibly, hands trembling as she took another step forward, closing the distance between them. It was instinctive, utterly unplanned, yet undeniable—a collision of souls that felt as right as destiny itself.

Her lips brushed against the delicate skin of the girl’s throat, an electric sensation igniting in the air around them. The atmosphere buzzed with an energy as fierce and chaotic as the cracking of thunder before a storm. It surged between them, a palpable force that sent a shiver down Yuqi’s spine, making her knees tremble with a dizzying intensity. Her inner flame flickered and danced in exuberant delight. The claiming was complete.

And then, just as abruptly as it had started, the vibrant tapestry of the world snapped back into sharp focus, colors intensifying and shapes crystallizing, as if the veil of distortion had been lifted to reveal life's intricate details once more.

A sudden, forceful tug on her arm jolted her from the mesmerizing moment, yanking her back to reality. She blinked rapidly, her senses scrambling to catch up as confusion washed over her. Turning to her side, she found Kelly staring at her, her eyes wide and shimmering with shock and disbelief, as if she’d just witnessed something utterly unimaginable.

“What the hell, Yuqi?” Kelly whispered urgently, her voice tight and tense, as if they were standing on the precipice of danger. The shadows around them seemed to thicken, amplifying her unease. “What’s going on here?”

Yuqi blinked slowly, as if emerging from a delicate dream still woven into the fabric of her consciousness. The remnants of that ethereal haze lingered in her mind, soft and elusive, while her heart raced fiercely within her chest, like a wild stallion breaking free from its confines. “What did you say?” she breathed, her voice still thick with the lingering echoes of that electric connection, each word laced with both confusion and a hint of longing.

Kelly's eyes darted anxiously between Yuqi and the girl standing nearby, emanating an aura of calm serenity. The girl stood with her hands gracefully folded, her head held high, exuding an air of quiet confidence that seemed to command respect. “You kissed her neck,” Kelly accused, her tone a piercing blend of disbelief and reproach. “In public. Do you even know her name?”

The girl, whose very presence radiated an enchanting allure intertwined with a palpable strength, was the first to break the silence. Her sapphire eyes, vibrant and piercing, locked onto Yuqi’s with an unwavering intensity that seemed to illuminate the shadows around them. “I’m Sapphire,” she declared, her voice flowing like a gentle whisper, soft and soothing, akin to velvet gliding against Yuqi's skin. “And that was… inevitable.” The air around them crackled with unspoken energy, making every word feel heavier, laden with meaning.

Yuqi took a deep breath, the air filling her lungs as she steadied herself. With a measured grace, she straightened her back, reclaiming the confidence she felt slipping away. “I’m Yuqi,” she said, her voice flowing more steadily now, like a calm stream after a storm. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sapphire,” she added, her heart still racing like a drum, echoing in her chest as she locked eyes with her new acquaintance. The room felt charged with an electric anticipation, heightening every word exchanged.

Kelly's eyes widened in shock, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. “You actually kissed her without even bothering to learn her name?”

Sapphire’s smile wavered just a fraction as she pivoted her gaze toward Kelly, her brows knitting together in curious contemplation. “Who is she?” she asked, her voice carrying an undertone of irritation that danced in the air between them. “And why does she bear your scent so profoundly, as if she’s wrapped in the essence of you?”

Yuqi’s cheeks blossomed with a deep shade of rosy pink, the hue creeping upwards as she instinctively stepped forward, positioning herself protectively between her sister and Sapphire. It was as though she was forming a barrier against any unwelcome gazes. “That’s my sister, Kelly,” she declared, her voice resonating with a surprising strength, even as a whirlwind of emotions swirled inside her. “And this,” she continued to Kelly, the warmth of her determination infusing her words, “is my mate.”

Kelly’s jaw dropped in astonishment, her eyes widening as a wave of bewilderment swept across her face. “Your what?” she finally stammered, her voice shaking with a blend of disbelief and incredulity, as if she were trying to grasp the enormity of the revelation.

Turning back to Sapphire, who stood with an air of patient confidence, exuding a calmness that seemed to invite understanding, Yuqi whispered, “It’s complicated, Kel. Let’s get some food first. We’ll explain everything after.” There was a determined softness in her eyes, a silent promise that everything would be okay.

They made their way to the bustling food court, the festive atmosphere now overshadowed by a heavy stillness that had settled among them. The air was thick with unsaid words and unasked questions as they took their seats, introducing Sapphire to Kelly’s friends, who watched with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The usual vibrant energy that characterized their gatherings had vanished, replaced by an uncomfortable silence punctuated only by the sound of burgers being consumed, each bite heavy with unspoken tension.

Halfway through the meal, Sapphire rose gracefully from her chair, her presence almost magnetic. “I need to make a call,” she murmured, brushing her fingertips along Yuqi’s arm as she passed, an electric touch that seemed to linger in the air. Her warm gaze held Yuqi’s for a moment longer, filled with an unspoken connection that felt both intimate and vulnerable.

Without missing a beat, Kelly whipped out her phone and stepped aside, her voice growing serious. “Mom? Yeah. You need to come to the mall. Yuqi… she found her mate. I don’t know what to do.” The urgency in her tone carried a note of frantic concern, echoing the swirling emotions in the pit of her stomach.

Meanwhile, word had already reached Sapphire’s parents. When they heard the news, it was as if time stood still. Without hesitation, they dropped everything and raced to the mall, their worry propelling them forward.

As the minutes strolled by, Kelly’s friends exchanged furtive glances, the weight of the situation too heavy to ignore. One by one, they excused themselves, mumbling about shoe sales and making a hasty retreat. Perhaps it was for the best; their presence only added to the tension.

Left alone, Yuqi found herself entirely enveloped in Sapphire’s warmth. They conversed like old friends reunited after years apart—soft laughter punctuating the air, casual touches igniting sparks of connection, and lingering glances that spoke volumes without uttering a single word. The atmosphere felt surreal, as though they had stepped into a moment outside of time.

Then, the doors swung open, and the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

Sapphire’s mother, Jessica, made her entrance first, her heels clicking sharply against the tile with each assertive step. Her gaze zeroed in on Yuqi, a discerning look that narrowed as she took in the scene before her, before flicking to Julia and Thomas, her expression a mix of apprehension and determination. Following closely behind was David, his posture rigid and tense, the air around him crackling with a barely contained magical energy that hinted at the storm of emotions within.

“I was adopted,” Yuqi said simply, her tone steady as a tranquil river, silencing the murmurs that threatened to erupt. “That’s why I don’t resemble my parents.”

Julia moved closer, her expression fierce with maternal pride. “This is my daughter. My real daughter.”

Sapphire stepped up beside Yuqi, her smile radiating warmth. “These are my parents—Jessica and David.”

With a purposeful gesture, David raised his hand, and a shimmering cone of silence encased them like a protective bubble. The bustling noise of the mall faded away, replaced by an eerie stillness that wrapped around them, a quiet heavy with significance.

He fixed his gaze on Julia, his eyes dark and serious, like storm clouds gathering. “How much do you truly know about your daughter?”

Julia paused, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. “We know she’s a dragon. And that her birth mother… wasn’t ordinary.”

Before anyone else could interject, Yuqi spoke up, her voice steady and self-assured. “They know enough. For now.”

Her gaze held steady on David, calm and unshakeable, as if she stood at the edge of an ancient precipice. “Why are you in the city?”

Jessica answered for him. “We were transferred here by my husband's company. Nothing more.”

Yet the way they looked at Yuqi had shifted—an electric prickle of recognition filled the air around them, acknowledging her latent power. She didn’t need to vocalize her strength; it resonated from her very being, an undeniable flame flickering with potential.

Jessica’s voice grew cautious, slicing through the tension. “So… you claimed our daughter?”

Yuqi nodded, conviction radiating from her. “I did. She submitted, and I claimed her. Our bond was immediate and unbreakable; even if I’d wanted to, I couldn’t have stopped it.”

Julia’s eyes darted between them, the weight of confusion hanging in the air. “Can someone please explain what that means?”

David turned to her gently, his tone softened yet serious. “It means they’re fated. Mates, bonded for life. It’s a dragon thing.”

Thomas raised an eyebrow, disbelief etched across his features. “So… what? Marriage? Forever?”

David nodded solemnly. “Yes. In time, that’s where this will lead. There’s no separating them now.”

Jessica studied Yuqi intently, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “Who was your mother?”

Yuqi met her gaze unwaveringly, her fountain of confidence bubbling forth. “The Jade Queen. Before she ascended. Some now call her the Jade Goddess.”

Sapphire whispered under her breath, her voice barely audible yet laced with awe, “I’m mated to the Queen…”

David exhaled slowly, the breath a deep sigh of realization. “I think this conversation needs to continue somewhere private. This is… bigger than I anticipated.”

No one argued, the gravity of the moment evident in their solemn nods. The group left the mall together, the air around them crackling with unspoken truths, an electric hum of destiny just beginning to unfold with the promise of the unknown.