Page 54 of Tempest Awakening

Master Burke's words hit me like a physical blow. I stumbled back a step, my mind reeling. Bonded? With Thalon? The implications were staggering, almost too much to process. My gaze darted to the massive dragon beside me, seeking confirmation or denial.

“It's true, Tess,”Thalon's voice resonated in my mind.We are bonded now.

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. "I... I don't understand," I managed to croak out, my voice barely above a whisper. "How can this be?"

Master Burke's steely gaze bore into me, his scarred face impassive. Before he could respond, the crowd burst into a flurry of whispers and exclamations. The other applicants, momentarily stunned into silence, now surged forward.

A tall, broad-shouldered applicant near the front of the crowd took a menacing step forward, his fists clenched at his sides. "This can't be right," he growled, voice rough with barely contained fury. "Dragons don't bond with humans. It's not possible.”

I felt myself shrinking under the scrutiny, wishing I could disappear.

Master Burke's jaw clenched, his eyes sweeping over the increasingly agitated crowd. "Enough!" he bellowed, his voice cutting through the cacophony like a blade. "This day's trials are over. All applicants are to return to their quarters immediately."

A collective groan rose from the gathered hopefuls, punctuated by muttered complaints and curious glances in my direction. Slowly, reluctantly, they began to disperse.

Kane stepped forward, his face set with determination, though he carefully maintained his distance from me. "Sir," he addressed Master Burke, his voice firm, "as the son of the Lord Protector, I believe it's my duty to stay and witness these proceedings. My father would want a full report."

Mason moved closer to my side, his presence offering silent support. "And I'm staying with Tess," he added, his voice steady despite the tension in his shoulders.

Master Burke's eyes narrowed dangerously. "This is not a request, boys. It's an order."

"With all due respect, sir," Kane replied, his tone cool and measured, "this situation is unprecedented. It requires proper documentation."

“And I’m not leaving my friend alone in this,” Mason added.

A muscle twitched in Master Burke's jaw as he regarded us. After a moment of tense silence, he spoke again. "Very well. But make no mistake, this is a serious matter." His gaze shifted to me. "You, come with me. We need to discuss this... bond... in private."

As Master Burke turned to lead the way, a low, rumbling growl filled the air. We all turned to see Thalon, his massive form tense, eyes fixed on Master Burke. The message was clear—he wasn't letting me out of his sight.

Master Burke's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he masked it. He glanced between Thalon and me, clearly reassessing the situation.

"It seems," he said slowly, "that we'll have to conduct this discussion here." He cast a meaningful look at the few remaining onlookers. "Clear the area. Now."

As the last of the spectators hurried away, the beating of powerful wings filled the air. I looked up to see several dragons descending from the sky, each bearing a rider clad in the distinctive uniform of the Dragon Rider Guild's instructors. They landed in a wide circle around us, their scales glinting in the afternoon sun.

Two figures joined us after dismounting. The first was impossibly tall and lithe, with long silver hair braided intricately down his back. Even from a distance, I could see the battle scars that marked his pale skin. His pointed ears marked him as a High Elf. Beside him, moving with a predatory grace, was a woman with an athletic build and intense eyes.

Thalon's voice resonated in my mind. “The one with silver hair is Aelar,”he informed me silently. “The woman is Karina Alvarez. Both are instructors here.”

The dragons shifted restlessly behind their riders, picking up on the tension in the air. Thalon's presence at my back was a comfort, but I could feel his wariness through our bond. The other dragons seemed to respond to his unease, some backingaway slightly while others puffed themselves up, as if preparing for a confrontation.

Instructor Aelar broke the tense silence first, his voice as smooth and ageless as his appearance. "Master Burke," he said, inclining his head slightly. "Perhaps you could enlighten us as to the nature of this... unusual gathering?"

Instructor Alvarez’s eyes never left me as she spoke, her voice carrying the sharp edge of command. "And explain why a human woman seems to be at the center of it all?"

Kane stood slightly apart, his posture rigid and his expression unreadable as he observed the unfolding scene. Mason pressed closer to my side, his proximity offering a small measure of comfort.

Master Burke cleared his throat, drawing all eyes to him. "Now," he said, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere, "let's get to the bottom of this... unprecedented situation. Human, explain to us exactly what transpired during the Compatibility Challenge.”

Mason growled. “Her name is Tempest Whittaker.”

Master Burke's eyes narrowed at Mason's interjection, but he nodded curtly. "Very well. Ms. Whittaker, please explain what happened."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of everyone's attention. "I... I was watching the challenge when Valen and Selena pushed me into the starting area. I didn't mean to interfere, I swear."

Instructor Alvarez interjected, her intense gaze never wavering, "And how did you end up bonded to one of our most powerful dragons?"

I took a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. "Thalon approached me. When our eyes met, it was like... like everything else faded away. Selena attacked me with a spell, and I just... I wanted to protect myself, and Thalon, I think he wanted to protect me too. When we touched, there was this incredible connection, and then there was this golden light..."

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