The Dragon Kingdom was nothing like Arven.
Daya stood at the gates of the capital, her breath caught in her throat. Towers of black stone rose toward the skies, crowned with banners of crimson and gold. Lava veins glowed faintly beneath bridges of obsidian, and above them — dragons soared, their wings blotting out the sun.
Her knees weakened. This was not a kingdom for fragile hearts.
"This way," Vanda's voice commanded, deep and steady. He rode at the front, his stallion unbothered by the heat that shimmered across the land. His very presence seemed to bend the air around him — a man who belonged to fire.
Daya clutched her mother's hand tighter. The older woman, frail from illness, looked just as overwhelmed. Servants had already promised to take her to a healer, but Daya's chest still ached with worry.
At the palace gates, soldiers dropped to one knee as Vanda passed. Their eyes flickered to Daya with confusion, some with disdain. Whispers began immediately.
"Who is she?"
"A maid?"
"Impossible. He brought her into this kingdom?"
Daya lowered her head, wishing to vanish. But Vanda did not pause, nor explain. He strode forward as though daring anyone to question him.
Inside, the palace shimmered with both beauty and menace. Black marble floors gleamed under the firelight of enchanted torches. Dragons carved from stone lined the halls, their jeweled eyes watching intruders.
A man in dark robes awaited them at the grand staircase. His hair was silver, his eyes sharp as a hawk's. He bowed deeply.
"Welcome home, Your Highness," the man said smoothly. "The court awaits you in the great hall. They… are eager for an explanation."
Vanda's expression did not flicker. "Let them wait. I will see to my guests first."
The man's gaze slid to Daya, lingering a moment too long. His lips curved faintly, almost mocking. "Of course. Your… guests."
Daya's heart pounded. She felt small, misplaced, like a lamb among wolves.
But when her eyes dared to lift, she found Vanda's gaze already on her — steady, burning, unyielding.
And though she could not understand why, for the first time since leaving Arven… she felt as though she might survive.