The infirmary was heavy with the scent of herbs and heated stone, flickering candlelight casting a warm glow over the tired faces of Kaerys's closest allies. Neron lay on a simple cot, his breath shallow but steady, a dark crimson stain spreading slowly beneath his tunic.
Kaerys sat beside him, her hand wrapped gently around his. "You must hold on, Neron. We still have a war to win."
He smiled faintly, eyes gleaming with determination. "I'm not done yet… and neither are you."
The Egg's First Pulse
Outside, the dragon egg began to stir. Soft tremors shook the pedestal, the golden light inside pulsing brighter with each heartbeat.
Kaerys approached cautiously, the Arcain system alerting her to the surge of power.
Level: 41 — Dragonlord Ascendant
Experience: +3600 (Survived battle, nurtured dragon egg's awakening)
New Skill Unlocked:Dragon's Call — Summons a dragon ally to aid in battle or reconnaissance.
Dragon Bond Level: 19/20 (Almost complete)
Inventory Update:
Dragon's Heartstone (Enhances bond strength)
Healing Salve x10
The egg cracked faintly, thin fissures spreading across its surface like lightning. Kaerys's breath caught. The moment she had waited for — the birth of a new force in the world — was at hand.
A Whisper in the Shadows
Yet, not all watched with hope. Far in the twisting alleys of Volantis, a cloaked figure met with Lady Mirana.
"The heir's power grows," the figure murmured, voice low and venomous. "But the cursed dragon's awakening may spell disaster for us all."
Lady Mirana's eyes flickered with conflicted emotion. "Then we must act before the scales tip irrevocably."
The Birth
Back in the chamber, the egg shattered with a brilliant flash, revealing a newborn dragon, scales shimmering black with streaks of fiery red — a living tempest of flame and shadow.
Serenthis bowed his great head, recognizing the hatchling as kin, while Kaerys extended her hand, the Arcain system thrumming in harmony.
"The future begins now," she whispered.
The fate of Valyria, and the world beyond, hung in fragile balance.
End of Chapter 66