Page 15 of Tempest Awakening

As we strolled along the neatly tended pathways, Pippa pointed out key areas. The sprawling arena that served as the Training Grounds caught my eye, where dragons and their riders engaged in aerial maneuvers that made my head spin. Just beyond stood an imposing edifice of stone and wrought iron—the Dragon Rider Guild.

"That's where applicants and newly accepted riders are trained," Pippa explained.

I drank in every detail, my mind spinning with possibilities and the dizzying scope of it all. A dragon soared overhead, its crimson scales glittering like rubies in the fading light.

"Magnificent, aren't they?" Pippa murmured.

"I met one yesterday," I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them. "A dragon, I mean. And its rider."

Pippa's eyes went comically wide as I recounted the accident in Sacramento. By the time I finished, she was practically dancing from foot to foot.

"Wait," she gasped, a look of realization dawning on her face. "You're the one who got Theron in trouble! Oh, this is too delicious!"

Before I could ask what she meant, we arrived at the dormitories. Pippa ushered me through heavy doors into a warmly lit foyer. "This is where you'll be staying," she announced with a bright smile.

My suite was a dream. From its spacious living area to the small but efficient kitchen, every detail seemed meticulously curated to provide an atmosphere of comfort and elegance. A large picture window framed a breathtaking view of the distant mountains.

And waiting on the neatly made bed, whiskers twitching and tail swishing in lazy contentment?

"Whiskey!" I cried, scooping him into my arms and burying my face in his soft fur. He purred loudly as I cuddled him close, the familiar warmth banishing the last shreds of my lingering unease.

My meager possessions had been neatly arranged, lending the space a sense of familiarity. Little touches for Whiskey—a new cat tree, a plush bed, even a discreet litter box—made it clear that great care had been taken to make us both feel at home.

After Pippa left and I'd indulged in a luxurious bath, I settled onto the small loveseat with a contented sigh and the plate of food that had been left for me. As I ate, the events of the past two days washed over me. It felt surreal—yesterday, I was trapped in a life that felt increasingly suffocating. Now, I was embarking on an adventure beyond my wildest dreams.

Eventually, with my belly full and my muscles pleasantly lax, I stretched out on the plush mattress alongside my dozing familiar.

Just before sleep claimed me, a slight shift in the atmosphere sent an uneasy frisson down my back. My eyes flew open, and I found myself staring at a quivering shadow in the far corner—darker than it should be, almost... substantial.

Unease prickled along my nape, but it was quickly supplanted by an inexplicable sense of safety. Like I was being watched over, protected. As my eyelids grew heavy once more, I knew, with strange certainty, that no threat lingered here.

Chapter 6

Tess

I stepped out of my suite in The Dormitory, the events of the past two days swirling in my mind. Just yesterday, I had been oblivious to this extraordinary world. Now, I stood in the heart of the Dragonne Library. Taking a deep breath, I steeled my resolve.

Today marked the beginning of my new reality.

As I wandered, the Library's enchanting presence seemed to beckon me forward. Rounding a corner, I found myself in what appeared to be a gallery. Glass cases lined the walls, each containing an assortment of magical relics. An ornate dagger caught my eye, its blade etched with intricate runes that seemed to shimmer with an inner glow.

"I wouldn't touch that if I were you."

The sharp rebuke startled me. I whirled around to face a statuesque woman with piercing emerald eyes and regal features. It was Aurelia, the elf I’d met yesterday.

"These artifacts are infused with potent magic," she continued, her tone clipped. "Careless handling could unleash catastrophic consequences."

Embarrassment heated my cheeks as I quickly withdrew my hand. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean any harm. I was just... admiring their beauty."

She scrutinized me with unveiled disdain. "And what business does a human have admiring such treasures?" Her words dripped with contempt.

My cheeks flushed. "I... I was just exploring. I'm the new archivist Moriyana hired."

Aurelia’s delicate brows arched in disbelief, and a derisive snort escaped her lips. "A human? Entrusted with our most sacred knowledge?" She shook her head. "Clearly, the Grand Luminary has lost her senses in her old age."

My hands clenched at my sides. Before I could formulate a retort, however, a voice piped up from behind me.

"Miss Whittaker!" A young man hurried towards us, his youthful features etched with concern. "There you are. I've been looking everywhere for you."

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