The garden had not yet awakened to the morning light. The cold breath of the night lingered silently among the trees. A gentle breeze passed through the air. In the center of the garden, on a stone platform, Kael lay quietly. He had not yet awoken, but the rustle of leaves above his head began to stir something on the edges of his awareness.
His eyes slowly opened—white irises marked by a crimson ring and a vertical black slit—signs unique to dragons, glowing softly in the dim light.
Kael was of average height. His silver hair fell just past his shoulders, and two slender horns—still undeveloped but undeniable in presence—emerged from his head. He dressed simply, yet uniquely: a light black tunic, a patterned belt at his waist, and strands of violet silk draping over his shoulders distinguished him from other dragons.
"You're awake, my son?" came a serene voice.
Kael lifted his head. A woman with snow-white hair cascading down her back and a face radiating peace smiled gently at him. It was his mother—born of the Ice Dragon bloodline. Her eyes were sky blue, and her voice calm, like the soothing frost.
Kael smiled faintly. "Mother… are you always here in the garden each morning?"
She slowly knelt beside him. "I come here to see you, my son."
Kael closed his eyes. Her presence brought warmth to his heart. After a pause, he spoke softly, "Mother… I still haven't been able to shift forms."
His mother did not seem surprised. She nodded gently. "I know, Kael. It's not uncommon for some dragons. Especially if they were born in their Niva state."
Kael took a deep breath. Niva—the natural, humanoid form of a dragon before they undergo a transformation. According to ancient laws, a dragon is born in the same form the mother held during pregnancy. In recent times, dragons had taken to living mostly in the Niva form, which meant new generations were being born that way.
Most dragons begin shifting forms by the age of three. Yet Kael, despite being a prince, had not been able to awaken his true dragon form.
"Others… they've transformed. I haven't shown any sign at all. Not even a shadow of wings on my back," Kael whispered.
His mother embraced him gently. "You are not like the others, Kael. Your form may still be dormant, but your heart holds immense power. We only need to be patient."
Suddenly, a loud voice rang from afar. A servant ran into view and bowed deeply. "Prince Kael, His Majesty the Emperor requests your presence at once."
Kael nodded. "Understood. Thank you."
He rose slowly and looked at his mother. "Will you wait for me?"
She smiled and nodded. "Of course."
Kael exited the garden. Along the path, he passed several other dragons—some glanced at him, others whispered behind his back. Among them were elder dragons with white beards—wise, yet skeptical in their gaze.
Kael felt their stares but offered only a faint smile. Yet inside, his heart was heavy. He knew rumors had begun to spread within the palace—whispers that the prince had failed to transform. Some even questioned whether he was truly capable at all.
As he neared the imperial palace, Kael's heartbeat quickened. Awaiting him was the ruler of the dragon empire—his father, the great Dragon Emperor.
Kael took a deep breath. When the grand doors opened, he stepped forward and bowed low.
"Greetings, Father."
The Emperor did not respond immediately. His sharp gaze studied Kael. There was no hatred, no joy—only a vague unease in his eyes.
"Why," the Emperor said finally, "have you still not shifted? You continue to avoid your training. You do not carry yourself like a prince."
Cold sweat formed on Kael's back. He remained silent.
"Why are you quiet?" the Emperor pressed. "Have you swallowed your tongue, my son?"
Kael froze. His father had never spoken to him this way before. After a moment's hesitation, Kael answered, "I'm doing everything I can, Father."
"Everything you can?" his father scoffed. "Until now, the only thing you've managed is breathing."
Kael clenched his fists. "I… I'm sorry, Father. I will work harder in my training from now on."
"Good," the Emperor said. "Train well. But if you keep running away like this… next time, you won't get off so easily. You might lose everything."
Kael lowered his head. "May I leave, with your permission, Father?"