The square trembled under the weight of the demon horde. The leader- a towering beast with jagged horns and burning crimson eyes lifted its blade of obsidian and roared, sending a wave of terror and fear through the villagers.
Kael's heart pounded. The necklace in his hand burned hot; the silver cracks glowing brighter with every second.
Lira stumbled beside him, gripping a broken spear. "Kael... It's now or never!"
Theron's voice was steady, though his hands shook as he leaned on his staff. "The dragon chose our bloodline for moments like this. But you must be willing to carry its burden."
The demon leader charged, claws tearing through the cobblestone.
Kael closed his eyes, remembering the dragon's shadow in the sky. The heartbeat he had felt wasn't his own. "If this is the only way... then I choose to protect them!"
With a sharp breath, he raised the necklace high and smashed it against the dragon statue's stone chest.
A flash of silver light exploded outward. The chain shattered into sparks, and a force like a roaring storm engulfed Kael. His body lifted from the ground as silver scales crawled across his skin. His fingers turned into claws; his back arched as massive wings of shining metal burst forth.
The villagers gasped. The demons staggered back, shielding their eyes.
The Silver Dragon has returned.
Kael's roar shook the valley, and for the first time the leader of the demons felt what true fear was like