An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2652

Chapter 2652

The team moved slowly along the edge of the beach, the gravel under their boots crunching with every step.

Tristan walked in front, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, eyes scanning the surrounding vegetation.

After the scare with the man-eating plants, no one dared to relax. Even their breathing had become lighter, as if afraid of disturbing whatever lurked nearby.

Milton followed at Tristan’s side, a branch in his hand to push aside vines. His thin fingers brushed the plants carefully, his expression tense.

“Your Highness, the vegetation here is thicker than before,” Milton murmured. “Besides the scent of grass and trees, I can feel a faint chill in the air.”

“What did you notice?” Tristan asked softly.

“I’m not sure,” Milton replied, shaking his head. “But this island is too… ordinary. Other fairy islands have rare treasures but not so many hidden dangers. We should leave this flower zone and head for the forest. It might be safer.”

Before Tristan could answer, the sky suddenly dimmed. The sunlight vanished, and from the clouds a dazzling golden light shot downward, dragging a long tail like a meteor.

“It’s too bright—”

“What is that?!”

“Could it be a treasure?!”

The soldiers threw up their arms to shield their eyes, voices filled with shock.

Tristan’s gaze sharpened with excitement. He had a feeling this was no monster.

“Quick! Move to the landing site of that light!” he ordered.

Milton frowned at the anxious faces but could only follow, warning as he went. “Slow down! Don’t rush into a trap!”

They hadn’t gone far when a deafening roar split the air. The ground shook violently.

A massive blast of air rolled toward them like a solid wall. It struck Tristan first, hurling him backward. He hit the ground hard, his brocade robe torn by flying gravel, pain lancing across his back.

The soldiers were swept off their feet, some crashing into trees, others tumbling into the shallows. Shouts and groans rose everywhere.

Milton, slower but steadier, clung to a thick trunk, his old eyes wide with horror.

The windstorm lasted three full minutes before fading. The sky brightened again, but the air reeked of scorched earth.

Tristan pushed himself up, ignoring the pain. “Everyone! Up! Come with me!”

The soldiers staggered to their feet, bruised but alive. After a quick check, they pressed on.

The farther they went, the more cracked the ground became. The smell of burning grew stronger.

When they reached the center of the blast, they stopped dead.

A massive crater gaped before them, its walls smooth and blackened. Vegetation all around was charred, thin wisps of smoke curling upward.

And in the middle of the pit lay a crystal-clear coffin, glowing faintly blue. Sunlight glinted off its surface, making the whole pit seem unreal.

Tristan stared, frowning. He had expected a treasure. Instead, he had found a coffin.

“How can it be a coffin?” he muttered.

Milton stepped closer, eyes narrowing. “Your Highness, this is no ordinary coffin. Look—no impurities in the crystal, and see those lines? They’re like an engraved formation.”

Tristan followed Milton’s pointing finger. Fine patterns did cover the surface, weaving into something complex, though he couldn’t make out the full design from up here.

“Milton, who could be inside? Why would it fall from the sky?”

Milton shook his head. “I don’t know. But with an island already full of mysteries, a coffin like this could make things even worse. For safety’s sake, it’s best not to open it.”