The night sky burned with streaks of blue as the roar faded into the distance. The mist around Lioren and Rattle began to swirl faster, reacting to the tremor in the air. The orb inside Lioren's satchel pulsed wildly, glowing brighter with each heartbeat.
Rattle stumbled backward. Master, I think the shiny ball is panicking. Should I panic too?
Lioren looked calm, though his eyes reflected the faint blue light. Not yet. But be ready.
The ground beneath them shook again. Trees swayed and roots snapped as a gust of wind tore through the clearing. From above, a massive shadow drifted across the moon, stretching far beyond the treetops.
Lioren stared upward. The air itself seemed to hold its breath. Then, through the mist, two glowing blue eyes appeared.
They belonged to a dragon.
Its scales shimmered like cold metal, each one etched with ancient runes. Its wings spread wide, creating a storm of air that nearly knocked Rattle off his feet. The creature landed heavily, shaking the earth.
Rattle froze completely. Master, I would like to officially resign from this adventure.
Lioren took a slow step forward. His cloak fluttered in the wind. The dragon lowered its head, its gaze fixed on him.
For a long moment, neither moved. Then the dragon spoke, its voice deep and resonant, like thunder rolling through stone.
You carry my heart.
Lioren's grip tightened on the satchel. So it is true. You are the Dragon King.
The dragon's eyes narrowed. My name has been forgotten by mortals, but my power has not. The relic you hold was once my core, the source of my control over life and death. Return it, and I will grant you mercy.
Rattle whispered softly. Master, please say yes. Mercy sounds wonderful.
Lioren smiled faintly. I cannot. It chose me.
The dragon's wings shifted, stirring the mist into a spiral. You speak like one who understands nothing. That heart was forged from the souls of a thousand fallen warriors. You cannot control it. It will consume you.
Lioren's eyes glowed faintly. Then I will learn to master it before it masters me.
For the first time, the dragon's expression changed. Amusement.
Very well, mortal. Then let us test your resolve.
Before Lioren could respond, the dragon's claws struck the ground, sending a wave of blue fire rippling toward him. The heat was intense, yet strangely cold at its core. Lioren raised his hand and summoned a barrier of bone. The wall trembled under the impact, cracks spreading across its surface.
Rattle ducked behind a tree. I vote we call this a loss and retreat heroically.
Lioren ignored him, stepping through the crumbling wall. His eyes gleamed as he drew on the orb's power. Energy surged through him, and three skeletal knights formed beside him, their bones reinforced with a faint blue glow.
The dragon's gaze sharpened. You dare use death against me?
Lioren's voice was calm. Death serves those who understand it.
The dragon roared and lunged forward. Its claws smashed into the ground, scattering his summons. Lioren leapt back, chanting quickly. The fallen skeletons rose again, this time infused with darker energy. They climbed up the dragon's legs, their bony hands gripping its scales.
The dragon's body flared with light, shaking them off effortlessly. Its tail swept across the clearing, slamming into the ground with enough force to leave a crater. Lioren was thrown back, rolling through the dirt. He struggled to his feet, clutching the orb. It pulsed faster, almost frantic.
Rattle shouted from a distance. Master, the orb looks angry. Maybe it does not like dragons either.
Lioren focused, his mind sharpening through the chaos. He placed the orb on the ground and drew a quick circle around it. Runes flared to life. The orb's energy spread through the symbols, forming a radiant shield that expanded outward.
The dragon's next breath struck the shield head-on. Blue fire met blue light, and the forest lit up like a storm of magic. When the flames faded, both stood still in the smoke.
The dragon's massive form loomed over him, but its tone had changed. Impressive. Few mortals can resist my breath.
Lioren straightened. I am not most mortals.
The dragon leaned closer, its gaze filled with curiosity now instead of rage. Then perhaps you are worthy of its test.
Before Lioren could ask what it meant, the dragon's body began to dissolve into mist. Its voice echoed faintly. The heart has chosen, but it will demand a price. Survive it, and you may call yourself my heir.
The mist faded completely. Silence returned to the forest. The orb in Lioren's hand cooled, its glow soft and steady again.
Rattle peeked out from behind a rock. Is it gone? Please tell me it is gone.
Lioren nodded. For now.
Rattle stepped forward, still trembling. So, to summarize, we just fought an ancient dragon, survived its magic, and got a cryptic death threat as a reward. Sounds about right.
Lioren smirked. You are improving at handling chaos.
Rattle groaned. I am improving at regretting my choices.
Lioren turned toward the horizon where the mist was finally beginning to thin. The stars shone clearly again. He could still feel the dragon's power echoing in the air. The orb's pulse matched his heartbeat perfectly, steady and strong.
He whispered softly. If this is a test, then I will pass it.
Rattle sighed. I hope the next test involves less fire and fewer flying lizards.
Lioren smiled, stepping forward into the night. The shadows seemed to bend around him, and the faint sound of the orb's pulse followed like a promise.