Chapter 246 - New Co-stars

    (3rd Person POV)

    As the After-Party progressed, Arthur found himself surrounded by a throng of nobles, royals, and elites, each vying for his attention.

    While many sought to forge connections with the talented filmmaker, others harbored ulterior motives, eager to persuade Arthur to part with his newly acquired dragons.

    Despite the undercurrent of ulterior motives, the overall atmosphere remained festive, with guests indulging in the lavish offerings and engaging in lively conversations.

    Amidst the revelry, Delaney, the gracious host of the After-Party, took to the stage once more. "I am delighted to see everyone enjoying themselves at this gathering, a joint effort between myself and the esteemed Alicorn Group."

    A hush fell over the crowd as Delaney continued, her voice carrying a note of warmth and sincerity. "This event serves not only as a celebration of the auction''s success but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of our community. It is through gatherings like these that we forge lasting bonds and create opportunities for growth and collaboration."

    Her gaze then shifted to Arthur, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "And of course, we cannot overlook the most remarkable victor of this year''s auction—Mr. Pendragon."

    Beside Arthur, Firfel felt the weight of Delaney''s gaze upon her, and she instinctively averted her eyes, a flicker of unease crossing her features.

    Delaney pressed on, her voice filled with admiration. "Mr. Pendragon''s acquisition of not one, but two of the three dragons on offer is a feat that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come." She paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. "And let us not forget the significant contribution his generous bids have made to our charitable causes. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to those in need, a testament to the true spirit of this gathering."

    A round of applause erupted from the crowd, the guests nodding in approval and raising their glasses in a toast to Arthur''s generosity and the event''s philanthropic aims.

    As the applause died down, Delaney''s expression turned curious. "While it may be beyond my station to inquire, I cannot help but wonder about Mr. Pendragon''s intentions for the dragons. Is it, perhaps, to form a blood pact with these magnificent creatures, as many of us have speculated?"

    Every eye in the room turned to Arthur, the air thick with anticipation. The question on everyone''s mind was clear—what could a filmmaker and businessman possibly want with two dragons?

    Arthur, sensing the weight of their collective gaze, spoke with a calm assurance that belied the extraordinary nature of his revelation. "In truth, I acquired the dragons with the intention of casting them in an upcoming film production."

    A stunned silence fell over the gathering, the guests exchanging looks of disbelief.

    The absurdity of Arthur''s statement hung in the air, the notion of using dragons, creatures of immense power and mythical status, as mere actors in a movie seemed almost sacrilegious.

    As the initial shock subsided, the room erupted into a cacophony of murmurs and gasps, the guests struggling to comprehend the audacity of Arthur''s plan.

    "Dragons? In a film? Has he lost his mind?"

    "The sheer arrogance! To think he would reduce such majestic beings to mere props!"

    Even Delaney, usually the picture of composure, found herself momentarily at a loss for words, her eyes wide with astonishment.

    Across the room, Azazel and Apollonia stared in disbelief at Arthur''s announcement, rendered momentarily speechless.

    Amidst the chaos, Arthur remained calm and confident, a smile playing on his lips as he led Firfel and Shafel to the refreshments.

    Laughter, harsh and mocking, echoed from the dragons. "We need only wait for your magic to wane, and we shall break free of this accursed Pocket Vault!" the white-gold dragon declared.

    "Precisely!" the crimson dragon agreed.

    Arthur''s grin widened. "Is that so?" With a casual flick of his wrist, he poured an immense surge of magical power into the Pocket Vault.

    The dragons roared in surprise and pain as the overwhelming pressure engulfed them.

    ~Ten Minutes Later~

    "This... this cannot be! You possess such tremendous magical reserves?!" the crimson dragon gasped, its voice strained.

    Triumph gleamed in Arthur''s eyes. "Indeed, my magical power is vast. I can keep you contained indefinitely, especially with this Ancient Ring at my disposal." He held up the Devourer Ring, ensuring the dragons took note of its presence. "Of course, I could also forge a blood pact and make you my companions."

    Faced with the undeniable proof of Arthur''s magical prowess, the dragons'' defiance crumbled, replaced by a subdued wariness.

    ***

    Days passed, and Firfel and Shafel returned to Horn Kingdom just as preparations for the Lord of the Rings production kicked into high gear.

    In the bustling VFX Studio, Arthur gathered the cast and crew for a momentous announcement.

    With a dramatic flourish, he revealed an ornate, gilded sphere that pulsed with an otherworldly glow. Gasps of amazement turned to cries of terror as two colossal creatures emerged from the device, their scales glinting in the studio lights.

    Panic seized the room as the realization dawned—dragons, real dragons, stood before them.

    Even Firfel and Shafel, despite their long association with Arthur, couldn''t suppress the primal fear that gripped their hearts. Had Arthur lost control?

    "Everyone, please calm down!" Arthur''s voice boomed over the chaos. "These dragons mean us no harm. Look, they''re not even interested in attacking."

    True to his word, the dragons remained stationary, their eyes scanning the room with an air of detached curiosity rather than aggression.

    As the initial shock subsided, Arthur addressed the gathered crew. "Meet your new co-stars," he announced, gesturing to the crimson and white-gold dragons. "We''ll call them Red and Yellow for simplicity''s sake."

    George stepped forward, his eyes wide with a mix of awe and disbelief. "Arthur, as your mate for years, I thought nothing could surprise me anymore. But this?" He shook his head, a laugh escaping his lips. "You actually convinced dragons to act in our film?"

    Vivienne, her voice trembling slightly, chimed in. "How in the world did you manage to acquire these creatures, Arthur?"

    Arthur merely smiled, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

    At the back of the crowd, Lewis Light felt his heart pounding against his ribs. He''d known from the script that dragons would play a role in Lord of the Rings, but never in his wildest dreams had he imagined Arthur would cast actual, living dragons.