Page 22 of World At War

A smile plays at the corners of my lips as I nod in agreement. “Of course, let’s get going.” With a determined stride, I move to leave the room, eager to set our plan into motion.

Before I can take another step, my mother’s voice stops me in my tracks. Her hand tightens around my wrist, drawing my attention as she fixes me with a serious gaze. “Do you need to feed?” Aurora’s question hangs in the air, her concern evident in every word. It’s a question that weighs heavily on my mind, a reminder of the primal instincts that lurk within me.

Oddly, the hunger that once gnawed at my insides seems to have abated, replaced by a newfound sense of balance. “No,” I reply, a sense of wonderment coloring my words. “I think I am adjusting to my new form, and I fed heavily in the Drow's dungeon.”

My mother’s smile is both reassuring and proud as she nods in understanding. “Okay, be ready to leave in twenty,” she declares, her voice filled with determination. With that, she turns and leaves the room, leaving me to contemplate the journey that lies ahead.

As I stand alone in the room, a whirlwind of emotions swirls within me. The weight of our mission presses down upon myshoulders, a reminder of the stakes at hand. But alongside the apprehension, there is also a glimmer of hope, a beacon guiding us toward a brighter future. With renewed resolve, I gather my strength, ready to face whatever challenges await us on our journey.

As the twenty-minute mark approaches, time seems to speed up, slipping through my fingers like grains of sand. With a sense of urgency, my mother’s voice cuts through the air, commanding our family to assemble and prepare for departure.

Stepping out into the courtyard, I cast a glance around, taking in the familiar surroundings that once served as the backdrop to my carefree youth. Nostalgia washes over me, mingling with a tinge of sadness for the innocence I left behind.

My transformation begins slowly, a gradual shift that ripples through my form as I grow in size, my dragoness emerging from within. With each passing moment, I tower over the courtyard, my massive form dominating the surrounding space.

As my family gathers below, I watch as my mother, father, and grandfather approach, their faces set with determination. With practiced ease, my grandfather and parents climb my scales, finding purchase amidst the ridges and crevices of my armored hide.

I feel their weight settle upon me, a reassuring presence amidst the chaos that surrounds us. Together, we are a formidable force. With a powerful beat of my wings, I lift off from the ground, the rush of air whistling past as we ascend into the sky.

Beneath us, the courtyard shrinks into insignificance, a mere speck in the vast expanse below. Ahead lies our destination, a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty.

As we soar through the clouds, I can’t help but feel a sense of exhilaration coursing through my veins. The wind rushes past, carrying with it the promise of adventure and possibility.

With each passing moment, the landscape shifts beneath us, a patchwork of forests and mountains stretching out as far as the eye can see. Below, the world continues to turn, oblivious to the struggles that unfold in the skies above.

As my grandfather positions himself between my horns, his words hang heavy in the air, laden with the weight of centuries of knowledge and experience. I absorb his wisdom like a sponge, allowing Gallus’s memories to fill in the gaps, painting a vivid picture of the challenges that lie ahead.

“The Faire dragons are elusive and dangerous,” he begins, his voice tinged with a hint of caution. I nod solemnly, fully aware of the formidable adversaries we are about to face. Despite their diminutive size, Faire dragons are renowned for their cunning and guile, making them a formidable foe even for the most seasoned of warriors.

“Our battle against the Fae will not be easy,” my grandfather continues, his tone betraying a hint of doubt. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability from a dragon who has faced countless trials and tribulations throughout his long life. Yet, even in the face of uncertainty, his resolve remains unshaken, a testament to his unwavering determination.

Leaving my mates behind to tend to their fathers’ remains was a prudent decision. As much as I trust their abilities, their volatile tempers could easily provoke the ire of the Faire Dragon leader, Elka. In such a delicate situation, diplomacy, and tact are our greatest weapons, and I cannot afford to risk any missteps.

With a sense of determination, I steel myself for the challenges that lie ahead, drawing strength from the unwavering support of my family. Together, we will face whatever trials await us, united in our quest for justice and redemption.

As we soar through the skies, the landscape below unfolds like a tapestry, a patchwork of forests and mountains stretching out as far as the eye can see. In the distance, the silhouette of the Faire Dragon’s domain looms ominously on the horizon, a stark reminder of the perilous journey that lies ahead.

With each passing moment, the tension in the air mounts, anticipation mingling with apprehension as we draw closer to our destination. Yet, despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, I cannot help but feel a sense of excitement coursing through my veins, fueled by the promise of adventure and discovery.

As we descend towards the heart of the Faire Dragon’s territory, I brace myself for the challenges that await us. The air crackles with energy, charged with the power of ancient magic that permeates the very fabric of this otherworldly domain.

With a deep breath, I steel myself for what lies ahead, drawing upon the strength of my ancestors and the unwavering support of my family. For we are more than just individuals — we are a force to be reckoned with, united in our quest to confront the darkness that threatens to engulf us all.

With a mighty roar, I signal our arrival, announcing our presence to the Faire Dragons and their enigmatic leader, Elka. As we touch down upon the hallowed ground of their domain, I can’t help but wonder what trials await us within the shadowy depths of their lair.

But one thing is certain—no matter what challenges lie ahead, we will face them together, as a family.

Chapter 16

Tiamat

I feela sense of relief wash over me, grateful to once again inhabit my human guise. With practiced ease, I shift back, allowing the weight of my dragon form to dissipate into the cool forest air.

At the edges of the forest, the human forms of the Faire Dragons watch us with keen interest, their eyes alight with curiosity and apprehension. Among them stands Elka, a striking figure with flowing black hair and a regal demeanor. My grandfather steps forward, his presence commanding respect as he introduces me to the enigmatic leader of the Faire Dragons.

“This is Elka,” he announces, his voice ringing out with authority. I study her closely, taking in every detail of her appearance. She exudes an aura of power and wisdom, her eyes holding the secrets of centuries past.

“And this is my granddaughter, Tiamat Andrea Kraus Stormbringer,” my grandfather continues, his words carrying the weight of my lineage. “Direct descendant of the Blood Queen.”

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