The firelight flickered against the cold stone walls of Kaerys's chamber, casting shadows that danced like restless spirits. The massive dragon egg sat atop a pedestal, wrapped in protective runes and enchanted cloth, its dark surface rippling faintly as if breathing.
Kaerys paced slowly, her mind weighed down by the revelation. The strange markings on the egg told a story of lost Valyrian sorcery — a curse that bound the hatchling to a fate of darkness and destruction.
Neron stood nearby, his face grim. "If the curse is true, this dragon could turn on us the moment it hatches."
Kaerys shook her head, determination burning in her eyes. "No. We will control it. We must. If this power is ours, it could tip the scales against the Targaron heir forever."
System Insight — Cursed Power
The Arcain system buzzed urgently, registering the egg's unique magic.
Level: 37 — Keeper of Forbidden Flame
Experience: +2900 (Uncovered cursed dragon egg, resisted dark magic)
New Skill Unlocked:Shadow Bind — Binds an enemy's magic temporarily, reducing their power by 50%.
Dragon Bond Level: 16/20 (New challenge: corrupted bond risk increased)
Inventory Update:
Ancient Valyrian Grimoire (Contains rituals to cleanse curses)
Runed Blade of Flame (Increases fire magic potency)
The Council's Doubt
The following day, Kaerys convened her inner circle in the war room beneath the city. Maps, scrolls, and artifacts littered the table.
Lady Mirana's eyes narrowed. "A cursed dragon? This is folly, Kaerys. The risk could destroy everything we've built."
Jaro's voice was quieter but firm. "Magic like that is unpredictable. Are we prepared to face the consequences?"
Kaerys met their gazes. "We have no choice. Power never comes without risk. We either seize it, or watch our enemies claim it instead."
Neron nodded slowly. "Then we must prepare the cleansing ritual. I'll gather the rare ingredients."
A Late-Night Confession
That night, as the city slept beneath a veil of stars, Kaerys confided in Serenthis, her dragon resting nearby.
"Trust is the hardest magic to master," she whispered, running her hand along the dragon's scaled neck. "I must learn to control the darkness within this egg — or it will consume us all."
Serenthis's deep rumble was a comforting answer in the silence.
The fragile balance of power was poised on the edge of a blade — and Kaerys's greatest challenge yet was only just beginning.
End of Chapter 62