The morning sun cast its familiar blue glow through the cave entrance as I bounced into the family breakfast area, full of energy. My family's silent stares followed me as I grabbed a piece of meat and began chewing.
"Brother Blazefang," Irontail whispered, "am I the only one who feels he's growing much faster? He's already our height."
Blazefang twisted a piece of meat in his claws, scowling. "I don't get it either. Just a month ago, he was half our size. What's he eating? Is Mother giving him special treats? That's unfair."
Emberheart, who had been quietly watching, stepped closer. Her expression carried the same sharpness I usually saw on Mother.
"You've been different lately, little brother. What's your secret? Can you tell us?"
It was the first time my brothers had ever spoken to me in such a polite tone. My chest fluttered nervously, but I forced my voice to stay steady.
"I've been practicing more… and eating better," I replied carefully.
"Practicing where? We haven't seen you in the training chambers," one of them pressed.
"Of course you wouldn't," I said vaguely. "I train inside my room chamber, doing muscle exercises."
Sparkwing laughed. "What kind of muscle training can you even do in your room, brother? Hoping to teach sister some glow-up tricks?"
"Nothing special. Sister Sparkwing is already beautiful—her glowing face can't be compared," I said quickly, flattering her. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Mother observing silently, her gaze sharp and calculating.
Her eyes narrowed, nostrils flaring as she tested the air around me. Her voice was quiet but piercing.
"My little flame… good. You're growing up. The only problem is… your scent is unusual." She murmured to herself, as though detecting something unfamiliar.
That should have been my warning to be more careful.
"I smell fine," I said dismissively. "Can we talk about something else?"
The conversation shifted, but Emberheart's sharp amber eyes remained on me, studying me with growing suspicion.
At noon, as I prepared for my secret expedition, excitement overpowered caution. I waited for Scarletface to begin his northern patrol, then slipped out through my underground route. The flame forest path had become so familiar I could walk it in complete darkness. My improved strength let me move faster, silent as shadow.
From the back window, I slipped out as usual, unnoticed.
Pallet was already there, practicing flame patterns that swirled into gorgeous spirals of red and gold, like a living firework display.
"You're getting better at that," I said admiringly, settling beside the warm rock.
"Grandmother's teaching," she replied with a bright smile. "And speaking of getting better, you look wonderful today. Even more confident than usual."
"I feel wonderful," I admitted. "Everything's been perfect lately."
As we shared food, Pallet spoke softly. "Sometimes I imagine what it would be like if there weren't any territorial boundaries. If families could just be friends without all the political problems."
"That would be amazing," I agreed, though part of me wondered if it would make our friendship less special. The secrecy gave it a thrill that ordinary bonds lacked.
But neither of us noticed the massive form hidden in the shadows beyond the crystal formations. Neither of us sensed the sharp intake of breath, or saw the expression of heartbreak on a familiar face.
It wasn't until we prepared to leave that I caught a scent that froze my blood—the warm, familiar smell of volcanic flowers and protective love. Emberheart.
"Pallet," I whispered urgently. "I need to go. Now."
But it was too late. Mother stepped out of hiding, her massive form filling the clearing. Her amber eyes held love, disappointment, fear, and sorrow.
"Hello, little flame," she said quietly. "I think it's time we had a talk."
I froze, perspiring nervously. "Mother… how did you find this place?"
She sighed. "How? This was once my home. The secret routes you've been sneaking through were dug by me."
Pallet quickly moved in front of me, trembling but brave. "Please don't be angry with him. This was my idea as much as his. I brought the fire-fruits, I suggested the meetings. If anyone should be punished, it should be me."
Emberheart studied Pallet with surprising gentleness. "You must be Pallet. I can see why my son enjoys your company. You're beautiful and brave, even standing before me."
"Mama," I pleaded, "I can explain—"
"I'm sure you can," Emberheart said, sadness heavy in her tone. "But first, come home with me."
I looked at Pallet with reluctance, but we both knew I couldn't stay.
After returning home, silence hung between us. The lava spring that once felt comforting now felt like a place of judgment.
"A whole month," Emberheart finally said. "You've been deceiving me for a whole month. I am very disappointed, Rider."
The pain in her voice hurt more than anger. Tears welled in my eyes.
"I didn't want to deceive you," I said miserably. "I was just bored. Other wyrmlings mock my strange color. Pallet is the only one who likes me for it."
"My son, if you feel lonely, play with your siblings. I am here for you. But instead, you ran into danger. Do you understand how dangerous my brothers can be?" Emberheart's voice was firm yet pained.
I lowered my head. "Sorry, Mother. I was tired of everyone's pitiful gazes."
She was quiet for a long moment. Then her voice softened. "Oh, little flame. Is that truly how you feel? That we see you as defective?"
"Don't you?" I blurted out. "Everyone talks about my delayed growth, my strange coloring, my weak abilities. Even when you encourage me, there's always doubt in your voice."
Emberheart lowered herself beside the lava pool, her massive form seeming vulnerable.
"You're right—we've been worried. But not because we see you as defective. It's because we love you too much to watch you struggle."
"But I haven't been struggling," I argued. "Look at me, Mama. I'm stronger, my fire-breathing is improving, I'm happier—all thanks to Pallet."
Emberheart's eyes studied me carefully. "And that," she said sadly, "is what makes this situation impossible."
"What do you mean?" I asked nervously.
"Your friendship with Pallet is beautiful. It brings me joy to see how happy you are together. But politics and territorial disputes taint even innocent bonds. Your uncle Scarletmane has grown suspicious. If he learns of this…"
"What would happen?" I whispered.
"To you? Stricter supervision. But to me, your father, and our family? The consequences with the Lavaforge clan could be severe." She shook her head sadly.
The weight of responsibility pressed down on me. My innocent friendship had become a dangerous secret.
"What should I do?" I asked quietly.
Emberheart's eyes were filled with love and sorrow. "I don't know, little flame. But from now on, no more sneaking out until I permit it."
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