Inside the cave, silence had fallen. The thick black walls and Rion's heavy breathing echoed in the darkness. The dampness in the air, the water droplets seeping down from the rocks—all of it deepened the gloom.
Rion looked at Noa, who was lying unconscious beside him. Her crimson eyes slowly opened, then shut again. Rion asked in a low voice:
Rion: "What did you say?"
Noa's lips barely moved. Her voice was so faint that even in the deathly stillness of the cave, only Rion could hear it:
Noa: "We need… to escape now… I'll explain everything later… but for now… we must leave…"
Rion stared at her for a moment. His face showed seriousness, but also hesitation. Then he closed his eyes. At that moment, golden light began to gather around his entire body. From his broad shoulders downward, a powerful tremor spread. Moments later, two enormous wings, drenched in blood, burst from his back. They glowed crimson, unfurling with a roar that shook the cave and tore through the air.
Rion: "I never wanted to do this," he muttered, his eyes flashing. "Because the moment I reveal my wings, they'll find me. But… it doesn't matter anymore. They've already been watching."
He gently lifted Noa onto his shoulder. His body was strong, yet he carried her with utmost care, heading toward the narrow passage ahead. Each step made the rocks groan beneath his weight.
Once they emerged from the dark cave, a vast forest opened before them. Towering trees reached for the sky, their leaves whispering in the wind, while the night spread its enchantment. Above, thousands of stars gleamed. Among them, two shone brightest—Siamond and Ruya. Siamond glowed closer, lower in the sky, while Ruya burned higher, further away, radiating an aura of dominion.
Rion raised his head toward the heavens. His heart sank for a moment: those two stars had always been omens for dragons. Near and far, warm and cold—they had always stood opposed to one another.
Rion (thinking): Perhaps the path ahead for us will be just as divided.
He drew a deep breath, then bent his knees and pushed off with great force. His crimson wings spread wide, launching him skyward with immense power. The gust churned, rustling the branches below.
Noa lay limp on his shoulder, still unconscious, yet faint crimson light continued to radiate from her body. Those lights unsettled Rion's heart.
Rion (to himself): "What kind of power is this..?" He frowned.
The higher he climbed, the stronger the wind lashed against him, the smaller the trees became beneath. The sun had already set, and night ruled with full authority. Only the stars and the two great companions watched them.
As Rion soared, black clouds drifted at his side, the storm winds clawing at his wings. No matter how high he rose, he could not shake off the heaviness within him.
Rion (murmuring): "Noa… your aura frightens even me… But I still cannot abandon you."
Noa, half-conscious, half-dreaming, seemed to hear his voice. Her lips parted with a faint whisper:
Noa: "I… will explain everything later… but… I must go to the grave…"
Rion narrowed his eyes. In his gaze was no cruelty, but burning resolve.
Rion: "Very well. First, we'll find a safe place. Then we'll go where you ask."
His crimson wings stretched across the endless night sky, carrying them toward an uncertain path.
---
Inside the Castle
At that very moment, the soldiers who had fallen behind finally reached the fortress. Their faces were pale, their eyes bloodshot with fear. Entering the lord's hall, they fell to their knees and rushed to speak over one another:
—"My lord, we saw him… He is no ordinary dragon!"
—"His aura… it was terrifying. A thirst for blood!"
—"This is not a power we can confront, my lord!"
The castle lord fell silent for a long time. His face revealed no emotion, yet in his eyes a spark of memory flickered.
Lord: "A crimson aura, you say?" he asked slowly.
"Yes, my lord! Just like yours… but twisted toward bloodlust."
The lord's lips trembled. He turned toward the window. Outside, Ruya and Siamond burned in the sky. He whispered to himself:
Lord (to himself): "The boy once called talentless and cursed… the exiled prince… has awakened such a power? I thought they would take him away swiftly. That was the very reason he was sent here. So… he is still alive…"
The soldiers exchanged confused looks, not understanding his words.
The lord rose and strode heavily out of the hall. His gaze was cold, his heart filled with rage and dread.
Lord (thinking): "If this boy is truly who I think he is… he must never be allowed to live. Because he could overturn the future itself."
---
In the Sky
Rion was still flying. Over towering mountains, across vast valleys, above dark forests he soared. The wind lashed against his face, his wings strained but did not falter.
Noa slowly opened her eyes. In her crimson gaze lay exhaustion, but also deep torment. She looked up at Rion's shoulder.
Noa: "Rion… I couldn't control my aura. It awakened on its own…"
Rion tried to offer a smile, but the seriousness in his face never faded.
Rion: "You don't need to tell me. I saw it. And it's dangerous—perhaps too dangerous."
Noa fell silent. She lifted her eyes to the heavens. The stars Siamond and Ruya seemed to gaze back at her.
Noa (softly): "I… must go to my parents' grave. Maybe there… I'll find the answer."
Rion nodded slightly.
Rion: "All right. Wherever you ask, that is where we'll go."
The wind howled, clouds rolled over the snowy peaks, the sky clearing and closing again. At last, Rion descended, landing gently at the foot of the mountains. On his shoulder, Noa still lay, breathing deeply though her eyes remained closed.
Rion inhaled sharply. The surroundings were calm. Only the murmur of a small stream flowing from the mountain, and in the distance a cry like that of a leopard, broke the stillness. He laid Noa gently on the ground, scanning the area for a safer shelter.
Soon, he found an old stone cave. Its entrance half-open, its inner chambers sheltered from the wind. Carrying Noa inside, he felt the chill of the stone walls, yet it was better than the bitter gusts outside.
Rion gathered branches and dry leaves. He directed the heat of his wings upon them until a small fire flared to life. The cave filled with light, shadows dancing along the walls as if hiding secrets.
Noa stirred slightly in the warmth of the fire. A soft breath escaped her lips.
Rion (quietly): "Your aura has drained your strength. You need to rest."
Noa did not reply. The flickering flames upon her face made her appear at times crimson, at times pale.
---
The First Day
When dawn broke, a white mist cloaked the mountain's foot. The air was cold with dampness, the wind carried the scent of snow. Rion rose early. Noa still slept soundly.
He stepped outside. Birds chirped faintly among the trees. At the stream, he splashed cold water on his face, then filled his flask.
Rion (muttering): "We need to gather enough strength."
Returning to the cave, he sat by the fire, gazing at Noa's face. Though her eyes remained closed, her color seemed slightly improved. Rion allowed himself a faint smile.
Rion (softly): "You're still so young, yet the world refuses to leave you in peace."
Throughout the day, he gave her water, gathered wild berries and roots, boiled a simple soup. With the heat of his dragon's breath, he cooked a light meal.
By nightfall, thousands of stars shone above, snowy peaks glowing in silver light. Rion sat at the cave's mouth, gazing at the heavens.
Rion (thinking): Noa always looked at the stars… She truly loved the sky. Even I never watched it with such care. Such a pure child…
---
The Second Day
Noa awoke in the morning, her crimson glow dimmer but calmer. She tried lifting her hand, though her body still felt heavy.
Noa: "Rion… where are we?" she asked, her voice weak.
Rion: "At the foot of the mountains. A safe place. We'll rest three days, then continue our journey."
Noa nodded faintly, then fell silent, her eyes fixed on the fire.
Rion: "What was that aura?"
Noa: "I don't know… I can't control it… Is it against me?"
Rion sat down beside her, placing his hand on her shoulder.
Rion: "The aura isn't against you. It's simply a part of you. You cannot defeat it. You can only understand it—and control it."
Noa looked at him quietly. Then a faint smile curved her lips.
Noa: "You understand me more than I ever expected."
That day, Rion did not push her to walk. Instead, he guided her through small exercises: breathing deeply, halting her aura's flow, listening to her heartbeat. Slowly, Noa began to sense control.
That night, they sat side by side, holding their hands to the fire as cold winds blew. Storms raged on the peaks, lightning flashing across the sky. Noa lifted her eyes to the heavens.
Noa (softly): "Whenever I think that my parents rest beneath these stars… my heart aches."
Rion said nothing, only clenched his fist tightly.
Rion (thinking): I will bring you to their grave. That is my vow.
---
The Third Day
Noa awoke more refreshed. She rose to her feet and stepped outside. The air was still cold, but the spark of life had returned to her eyes.
By the stream, she washed her face. Seeing her reflection—crimson eyes, weary features, and the lingering power pulsing in her chest—she shivered inwardly.
Rion appeared at her side.
Rion: "It's time we continue. The hidden gate to the capital lies beyond these mountains."
Noa looked at him.
Noa: "A gate? What kind of place is it?"
Rion's lips tightened, and he fell silent for a moment.
Rion: "An ancient legacy of the dragons. It can only be activated by blood. I cannot open it alone. I'll need you as well."
Noa nodded, fear lingering within her but her resolve firm.
Noa: "If that gate can lead me to my parents' grave… then I'm ready."
After three days of rest, they prepared once more for their journey. Rion spread his wings, gazing toward the sky. The wind seemed to call him, the mountain peaks to watch in silence.
Meanwhile, Noa thought to herself:
Noa (thinking): These three days have been a trial. But now—I will no longer run.
And so, they were ready to set out toward the capital.
---
Inside the Castle
In the hall where soldiers had gathered, the doors opened. A tall, broad-shouldered man entered—his hair white, cut short, his eyes black. He wore armor traced with black and gold. He was the lord of the castle.
He looked over the soldiers.
Lord: "The exiled prince… Noa, the dragon. He killed two young soldiers and escaped. You must capture him—and when you do, kill him. It must appear as an accident."
Soldiers: "Your command is our honor, my lord!"
The lord, inwardly:
Lord (thinking): "Damn it… what shame. To be forced to kill my own prince…"
Hello, dear readers,
The lord is being forced to kill the prince… but why? Who is giving him such an order? And why does he feel guilty about it?
Apologies for the delays—I'll do my best to speed things up. The truly exciting parts are just beginning now, so stay tuned!
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