---
Deep within the once-grand palace of Calasthea, beneath layers of marble halls and gilded chambers, a prison of shadows existed—a cell carved from the bedrock of betrayal itself.
Here, **Irkalla**, the Third Princess of the shattered empire, knelt in chains. Cold iron manacles bound her wrists, etched with runes meant to sap the will and magic of even the strongest. Her once-glorious emerald gown was reduced to tattered remnants. The proud fire that had defined her gaze flickered, dimmed but not extinguished.
The cell door creaked open, and a figure entered—a gaunt man draped in black and gold, his eyes glinting with fanatic madness.
"Grand Inquisitor Morval…" Irkalla spat the name like venom.
Morval smiled, a humorless curl of thin lips. "Your grace, still so spirited? I had hoped hunger and solitude would temper your tongue."
"I'll bite yours out before I yield."
The Inquisitor chuckled. "Oh, I do admire your resilience. But soon, none will speak your name but in curses. The Church will see your memory burned away, and *she* will sit the throne."
Irkalla's jaw clenched. *Selene. My sister… where are you?*
---
### **A World Above**
Meanwhile, beyond the palace walls, rebellion stirred. From the horizon, the rebel banners drew ever closer—Ashfall had fallen, and with it, the illusion of imperial invincibility.
In the rebel command tent, Yuki stood over a map of the capital, claws lightly tapping the table. His silver eyes narrowed.
"They're hiding her deep. The Grand Inquisitor has no intention of using her as a bargaining chip," he murmured.
Kael, newly appointed General of the Rebellion, nodded. "My scouts say the same. They're tightening the net. But the people… they want this to end. If we show them you've freed their true ruler, they'll rally."
Lumi grinned from where she lounged, polishing her blades. "So, dragon boss, what's the plan? Smash through the gates like last time?"
"I'd prefer not to level the city *before* we claim it," Yuki said dryly. "Besides, Irkalla deserves more than brute force."
Elira, standing nearby, tilted her head thoughtfully. "I can weave a veil of moonlight. We could slip in through the catacombs—if Sylvaeria shields our presence."
Sylvaeria smiled. "I thought you'd never ask."
---
### **The Nightfall Assault**
Under cover of twilight, the group moved like specters.
Elira's **Mystic Veil** draped them in shadows that danced like living smoke. Sylvaeria's **Spirit Wind** masked their scent and sound. Even the city's elite sentries saw nothing but a gentle breeze stirring the banners.
Yuki's power simmered beneath the surface, held tightly in check.
"Irkalla's scent is faint," he growled lowly. "But I can trace it. Follow me."
The tunnels beneath the city stank of damp stone and old blood. Lumi cracked a joke to ease the tension. "Ugh. Smells like Seiris's socks in here."
Seiris, who led point with deadly focus, didn't turn. "I don't wear socks."
"Worse."
Despite the banter, their pace never slowed.
---
### **The Chamber of Chains**
They reached the hidden cell in a breathless silence. The guards outside fell without a sound, Seiris's blades glinting briefly in the gloom.
Yuki stepped forward and shattered the enchanted locks with a swipe of a claw. The heavy door groaned open.
Inside, Irkalla looked up, expecting another tormentor.
Her eyes widened as she saw Yuki's silhouette framed by Sylvaeria's light.
"Y-you…"
"Shh," Yuki murmured, his voice gentle for once. "We're here to end this."
Lumi slipped inside, grinning. "Told you we're good at this whole rescue thing."
Tears gathered at Irkalla's eyes, but she blinked them away, her pride refusing to break. "Took you long enough."
Yuki lifted her chains, crumpling them in his claws as if they were paper. He wrapped a wing around her trembling form. *Never again,* he vowed silently. *No more chains for you.*
---
### **The Return to the Light**
As they emerged from the tunnels, dawn broke across the city.
News spread like wildfire—the true Empress had been freed. The people flooded the streets, casting down the Church's banners and hoisting the rebel colors. Soldiers once loyal to the throne laid down their arms. Even the winds seemed to carry a new promise.
Selene appeared at the palace steps, golden crown gleaming, and embraced her sister fiercely. "Irkalla…"
Irkalla clutched her just as tightly. "We have work to do."
And behind them, Yuki watched—his harem, his new family, gathering around him.
The dragon who had once ruled only himself now ruled the hope of a nation.
---