Page 13 of Eluvonia
The cold reality sinks in—I am so screwed.
Chapter 4
HIM
The morning light filters through the ornate windows, casting streaks of gold across the stone floor. My boots barely make a sound as I stride down the corridor, hands tucked behind my back. This time of day, the palace feels oddly serene—a quiet before the storm. I reach my father’s study and push the heavy door open without hesitation.
Inside, he sits behind his imposing desk, a scout leaning over a map spread out before them. His sharp gaze lifts to meet mine as I step in. His graying hair catches the light, but his presence remains unyielding as ever. “Ah, good.” He gestures for me to approach. “There’s been a report of Fae movement in Arboriscyne Forest. I need you to investigate.”
I move closer, standing beside him as he points to the map. The faint scent of ink and parchment mixes with the more subtle metallic tang of his silver armor hits my nose. “A small group was spotted returning from a huntin the western part of the forest,” he explains. “This isn’t just reconnaissance. There have been reports from nearby towns—pillaged villages, tradesmen slaughtered.” His voice sharpens, and he meets my gaze. “This is a find-and-eliminate mission.”
My jaw tightens, and I mutter a curse under my breath.Damn Fae. They’ve perfected destruction into an art form.I pull my hands behind my back, nod once, and turn sharply on my heel. “Consider it done.”
I’m already heading for the door. As I step into the corridor, I roll my shoulders, letting the tension bleed away. Shadows gather instinctively at my feet, curling up my legs like living things drawn to their master. A guard at the far end of the hall spots me and snaps to attention, though the slight tremor in his hand betrays him.
“Unit B,” I order, my voice cutting through the silence. “Tell them to meet me in the courtyard. Ten minutes. Armed.”
He stammers out a quick, “Y-yes, sir,” before hurrying off, the clink of his armor fading down the hall.
I turn left, my steps purposeful as they echo through the stone hallway, I take my time, dragging my fingers along the cool stone walls of the castle, grounding myself in the feel of it. Solid. Strong. Centuries ago, this wouldn’t have been possible.
Back then, Dragons like me were trapped in our true forms—massive, untamed, bound to the skies and the mountains. No shifting, no walking these halls, no blending into a world not made for us. If not for the Ymirals blessing us with the ability to take human form, we’d still be that way.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m proud of what I am. My Dragon side is power, fire, and instinct. But even I can admit thereare some comforts I’ve grown fond of. A soft bed instead of cold stone. A well-cooked meal instead of raw meat torn fresh from the hunt. Little things. Luxuries I’m not eager to give up.
Shaking myself from my thoughts, I head toward the second-to-last door on the right. Without bothering to knock, I push it open and step inside.
“You’d think after twenty-two years, you’d have learned basic manners,” Declan—my only friend— drawls, his golden hair catching the light from nearby sconces. He’s slouched in his chair, quill in hand, surrounded by a sea of documents. He leans back with a dramatic stretch, arching a brow at me. I grunt in response, folding my arms across my chest.
“Mission. You coming?” Shadows creep toward his desk, curling up the legs like eager vines.
Declan glances down at them, his expression unimpressed. “It’s really creepy when you do that,” he mutters, tossing his quill onto the desk.
“They have a mind of their own,” I reply gruffly, rolling one shoulder.
He hums, unconvinced, and gestures at the papers in front of him. “I think I’ll sit this one out. Someone has to sign these missives while my father’s away.”
My gaze flicks to the pile of documents, then back to him. “Sounds thrilling,” I deadpan, turning on my heel.
As I step out, his voice follows. “Someone has to be responsible around here!” I wave him off without looking back.
Ten minutes later, I stand in the courtyard, surrounded by twenty-four Dragon warriors. The weight of their attention presses in, the air heavy with anticipation. I let the silencelinger before speaking.
“This is a find-and-eliminate mission,” I begin, my voice steady, cutting through the tension like a blade. “The Fae in Arboriscyne Forest have been destroying nearby towns, slaughtering innocents.”
The warriors exchange muttered curses, their anger bubbling to the surface. I let it simmer, feeding the fire.
“For centuries, we’ve taken the defensive, hoping for peace while they wreak havoc on our lands and our people.” My voice lowers. “No more. Today, we remind them who we are. Let’s show them how terrifying Dragonkin can be!”
A roar of approval rises from the group, followed by the symphony of bones cracking and muscles shifting. Colors erupt around me as warriors transform into their Dragon forms—greens, reds, blues, browns. The ground trembles beneath their weight, and I let my own transformation take hold.
Pain lances through my body as my bones realign, skin hardening into scales as black as midnight. My wings spread wide, casting a shadow over the courtyard, and I roar, a deep, guttural sound that echoes across the palace grounds. Taking to the skies, I lead the flight, my wings cutting through the crisp evening air. The world below blurs as we soar, the lands of Eluvonia sprawling beneath us. The forest appears on the horizon, its dense canopy a dark, impenetrable mass.
I signal to the green Dragon at my side, communicating with a glance.The forest is dense. Some of you need to partially shift and take the ground. Surround the area, I’ll take the north. No stragglers.
He dips his wings in acknowledgment, veering off with a group of warriors to carry outthe order. I follow suit, descending toward the northern edge of the forest. My wings beat steadily as I land, the transition from Dragon to human grating but practiced.
A guard tosses me a pack, and I dress quickly. The forest looms ahead, its shadows deep and unwelcoming.
