The citadel's inner halls seemed to breathe as Kael stepped cautiously across the cracked stone floor. The wind whistled faintly through the ruins, carrying the distant echoes of battles long past, whispers of dragons, humans, and elves whose stories had faded into legend. The trio followed close behind, their wings brushing lightly against the walls, eyes wide with wonder and excitement.
Selara leaned forward, her claws tracing the faded etchings along a column. "These markings… they tell stories, but not all of them are clear. I can feel something watching us," she murmured. Her tone was soft, tinged with caution, yet her eyes glimmered with excitement. "Not danger, exactly… but anticipation."
Nyxara scoffed, her tail flicking in mock irritation. "Anticipation? You're imagining things. The only thing watching us is whatever keeps the traps active. Watch your step, or we'll all end up in pieces." She gave Kael a pointed look, teasing him about his usual careful pace. "Are you planning to overanalyze everything like usual, or can you let me do the fun part?"
Kael's golden eyes flickered briefly toward her, expression unreadable as always. "Observe," he said quietly. A single word, yet it carried authority, causing Nyxara to roll her eyes in exasperation. Even Selara and Aurielle seemed to acknowledge it, though they whispered among themselves, plotting how to make the stoic dragon's attention waver.
Aurielle, serene as ever, moved with grace past a series of pillars that seemed to hum faintly under her touch. "Patience revals the truth," she said softly, her fingers skimming the carvings that hinted at the history of Primordial dragons. "The energy here is old, woven into the stone itself. It responds to presence, to blood, to intent. Kael… you may feel it more strongly than any of us."
Kael's gaze darkened slightly. The ruins pulsed faintly in resonance with him, not loudly enough for the others to perceive fully, but enough for him to sense a recognition buried in the stone—a subtle acknowledgment of his heritage. He moved forward, silent, guiding the trio deeper into the citadel's heart.
As they reached a wide chamber, the floor glittered faintly with dust that seemed suspended in the air like stars. A pedestal rested at its center, but this one was different from the glowing pedestal they had encountered before. Its surface was etched with unfamiliar symbols, and faint tendrils of light curled around it as if alive.
Selara approached first, leaning over slightly to inspect the carvings. "I can feel power here… restrained, waiting," she whispered. "Whatever this is, it isn't meant for ordinary dragons, or humans… or any creature I know." She glanced at Kael, her eyes searching for a reaction.
Nyxara hopped onto the pedestal's edge, her dark scales gleaming in the faint light. "Then it's clearly meant for him," she said boldly, winking at Kael. "Don't look so calm, Kael. I can see your eyes twitching. Admit it—you're curious."
Kael's jaw shifted imperceptibly. He did not speak, yet his golden gaze swept over the pedestal, reading the magic and the history embedded within. He understood instinctively: the trials of this chamber required more than strength—they required insight, judgment, and an attunement to powers long forgotten by the world.
Aurielle stepped beside him, her calm presence anchoring the moment. "Together," she murmured. "We must approach with care, yet unity. Only by moving as one can we discern the path ahead."
The first trial revealed itself almost immediately. Faint, shadowy shapes emerged from the floor, flickering like echoes of dragons long extinct. Each step Kael and the women took caused the shapes to shift, blocking paths, or curling into barriers. Kael remained motionless for a heartbeat, analyzing their patterns, while the trio exchanged glances of excitement and exasperation.
Nyxara grinned, launching herself forward with a playful snarl. "Watch this!" she darted between the shadows with catlike agility, narrowly avoiding their grasp. Selara followed, her movements precise, teasingly brushing past Kael's side, while Aurielle floated just behind, observing and guiding them with soft, whispered instructions.
Kael's hand brushed a rune on the pedestal, activating a faint pulse of energy that cleared a path through the shadows. The trio exchanged impressed glances, their playful competitiveness giving way to respect, yet the teasing and childish antics never ceased.
Selara poked Kael gently in the side. "See? You're useful when you want to be. Admit it."
Kael's lips twitched. "Observation does not require acknowledgment," he replied softly, though the faintest warmth lingered in his voice.
Aurielle giggled, hiding her smile behind her fingers. "He's always like this," she whispered to the others, a mix of amusement and exasperation in her tone.
Nyxara rolled her eyes dramatically but leaned into Kael anyway. "We'll get you to admit it eventually, stoic dragon. And when we do… you won't know what hit you."
Hours passed as they navigated the chamber, deciphering runes, avoiding ancient traps, and uncovering fragments of long-lost relics. Each discovery revealed more of the history of dragons, humans, elves, dwarves, and other mystical creatures, with hints of alliances and betrayals that had shaped the world. Shadows whispered of the Veil Sovereign, but its presence remained distant, patient, and ominous.
Finally, they reached a massive door, etched with glowing symbols that pulsed faintly at Kael's approach. The runes shimmered like stars, their light reacting only to him. He stepped closer, feeling the weight of centuries and the echo of a name that had not been spoken in eons: Primordial.
Selara, Nyxara, and Aurielle clustered around him, playful squabbles breaking out about who would be closest when the door opened. Kael's hand rested on the central rune, golden eyes scanning the intricate patterns. The air thrummed with magic, and the faint whispers of dragons past echoed softly through the chamber.
Aurielle leaned her head on his arm, a small smile playing on her lips. "Whatever lies beyond… we face it together, Kael."
Nyxara, ever the impish one, tugged at his cloak. "Together, yes, but don't think you get to hide behind me. You're still too serious. You need to lighten up."
Selara, elegant yet mischievous, brushed her fingers lightly along his shoulder. "Or perhaps… we are the light that reaches you, whether you wish it or not."
Kael's lips curved ever so slightly, a ghost of a smile, the warmth reserved only for them. The massive door loomed ahead, silent and patient, promising challenges and secrets that awaited only the blood of the Primordial.
And as the four of them stood together, laughter, teasing, and whispers mingling with the hum of ancient magic, Kael allowed himself a fleeting thought: the trials of Aelthrys were only the beginning, but with them at his side, even the shadows of the past could not extinguish the spark of what was to come.