Page 21 of World At War

“I know that look. What did you see?” Tia moves before her cousin.

“The moment I extinguished his life, I saw his last major interaction. He had met with an elf named Oberon. Do you know him?” Her question made Aurora drop the vase she was looking at and it shattered on the floor.

Chapter 15

Tiamat

Back in theIce Dragon Court…

With Nikita’s help, she opened several portals, depositing everyone where they needed to be. My mates were sent back to the Bronze Dragon Court, my mother and I went back to the Ice Dragon Court. I needed to speak to my father and grandfather and to see my children again.

Standing on the balcony of our ancestral home within the Ice Dragon court, I feel the weight of centuries of history bearing down upon me. The icy winds whip around me, carrying with them the whispers of the past and the echoes of my ancestors’ struggles.

My mother stands beside me, her presence a comforting anchor in the tumultuous sea of my thoughts. Together, we have faced countless trials and tribulations, but now, as I gaze out over the snow-covered landscape, I cannot shake the feeling that we are being used as pawns in a larger game.

Oberon, the master manipulator behind the scenes, has orchestrated our lives with a cunning hand, weaving a web ofdeception and deceit that stretches back through generations. We have been his instruments, his weapons in a war that spans realms and dimensions.

But now, as I look down at my hands, shifting between the armored gauntlets that symbolize my dragon heritage and the delicate fingers of my human form. I cannot help but wonder what our true purpose is. Are we nothing more than tools to be discarded once our usefulness has expired?

The thought sends a chill down my spine, and I know I cannot ignore it any longer. I need to speak with my mother, to share my fears and uncertainties with her. Together, we must confront our family’s legacy head-on.

Turning to her, I see the determination in her eyes, the same fire that burns within my heart. She nods solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation, and together, we make our way to a secluded chamber where we can speak freely.

As we enter the room, I am struck by the sense of history that hangs heavy in the air. The walls are lined with tapestries depicting scenes from our family’s illustrious past. But now they serve as a reminder of the burdens we carry and the choices we must make.

Taking a seat opposite my mother, I draw in a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation that lies ahead. My grandfather and father sit nearby, their expressions grave as they await my words.

“I cannot shake the feeling that we are being used,” I begin, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging within me. “Oberon has manipulated our bloodline for generations, and now I fear we are nothing more than tools in his hands.”

My mother’s eyes widen in understanding, and I can see the same fears reflected in her gaze. “It is true,” she agrees, her voice tinged with sorrow. “We have been pawns in a larger game, but that does not mean we must continue to play by Oberon’s rules.”

My grandfather nods in agreement, his weathered face a mask of determination. “It is time we took control of our own destinies,” he says, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom. “We cannot allow ourselves to be manipulated any longer.”

With a sense of purpose burning within me, I turn to my father, seeking his guidance and support. “What do you suggest we do?” I ask, my voice echoing through the chamber.

He smiles sadly, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and regret. “We must forge our own path,” he replies, his words a beacon of hope in the darkness. “We must stand together as a family and face whatever challenges may come our way.”

As Ladon rushes into the sitting room, his embrace offers a momentary comfort amidst the storm of uncertainty swirling within me. His presence is reassuring, a steadfast protector in our family’s time of need. “What do you need me to do?” Ladon’s voice is filled with concern as he searches my face for answers. I meet his gaze, grateful for his unwavering support, but I know that this burden is mine alone to bear.

“Nothing, Ladon,” I reply, my voice soft but resolute. “I need you to protect the family. Keep them safe while we confront this threat.”

My father’s attention is drawn to my words, and he moves closer, his eyes reflecting a mixture of worry and determination. He takes my hands in his, his touch grounding me during the turmoil. “What are you sensing, Tia?” His voice is filled withfatherly concern, and I can sense the weight of his anticipation hanging in the air.

Closing my eyes briefly, I draw in a deep breath, searching for the words to convey the urgency of our situation. “I know what we need to do,” I begin slowly, my mind racing with possibilities. “But I’m not sure how to do it.” A soft sigh escapes my lips as I lower my gaze, grappling with the enormity of the task that lies before us. The solution eludes me, slipping through my fingers like grains of sand.

“It may be unconventional, but I believe I have an idea,” Nicodeamus interjects, his voice cutting through the heavy silence that hangs over the room. He moves to sit before me, his expression grave but determined.

“We need to seek out Elka,” he continues, his words carrying a sense of urgency that cannot be ignored. “They are the only dragons that the Fae cannot control.”

My grandfather’s words hit me like a bolt of lightning, igniting a spark of hope within me. Elka, the elusive and enigmatic Farie dragons rumored to possess powers beyond comprehension. If anyone can help us break free from the Fae’s influence, it is they. The fire in my grandfather’s eyes mirrors the determination burning within me, and I know that this is a path we must pursue without hesitation.

Rising to my feet, I meet my father’s gaze with unwavering resolve. “We must act swiftly,” I declare, my voice unwavering. “Elka may hold the key to our salvation, and we cannot afford to waste a moment.”

With a shared understanding passing between us, my family gathers their strength, ready to embark on this perilous journey.Together, we will face whatever challenges lie ahead, united in our quest to reclaim our freedom and protect those we hold dear.

As my grandfather confirms our destination, a surge of anticipation courses through me, mingled with a sense of urgency. I grip his hand, drawing strength from his presence as we prepare to embark on this crucial mission.

“I do, and it will be quicker if you fly us all there,” he responds, his voice resolute. His words fill me with a sense of pride, a reminder of the trust and confidence placed in me.

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