Under a violet sky, the sun dipped behind the western horizon, casting a fading golden glow across the icy peaks. The last rays shimmered off the snow like molten diamonds, painting the mountains in ethereal light.
At the heart of these peaks, Phoenix Mountain stood tall, crowned by a cave at its summit. Inside, the Eternal Frost Flame flickered quietly, waiting, for its destined heir.
Below, at the base of the mountain, Thalgar slept soundly. His colossal body, blanketed in shimmering white scales like snow-forged armor, stretched across the valley floor. His flanks pressed into the cold stone hills on either side. His long neck curled gently to the left, and deep, rumbling snores echoed faintly around the frozen slopes.
Pop!A sudden crunch of snow followed as the trio reappeared—right beside Thalgar's neck.
The dragon stirred lazily, lifting his head. His massive blue eyes opened halfway, just in time to see a flurry of shadow daggers and ice lances hurtling toward his face.
