Elanor's heart skipped a beat. The weight of the chains made her fear and unease painfully clear. The dragon guards approached her in silence, pulling her chains as they led her toward Draven's chambers.
The corridor was long and lined with stone, the fires on the walls casting trembling light along the path. As Elanor walked quietly, thousands of thoughts collided in her mind.
My brother… will he be all right?How long can I endure this place?What does Draven want? Will he kill me… what am I supposed to do now?
When they reached his chambers, the guards opened the door and brought Elanor inside, still bound in chains.
The room was vast and cold, its stone walls carved with dragon motifs. As Elanor was positioned inside, still restrained, she paused and took a deep breath. Fear, anxiety, and curiosity tightened around her heart all at once. Above all else, this was now her new reality—and if she was going to survive, she would have to learn everything about it.
She whispered to herself in her thoughts:
All right… I have to be strong. I can't let my fears take control.
Left alone in Draven's chambers, bound in chains, a crushing sense of helplessness began to settle over her. What would happen when Draven came?
At that moment, the ring on her finger began to vibrate faintly with a crimson glow.
At first, she couldn't understand it. She moved her finger, but the light did not fade.
Then Sergie's voice echoed in her mind, like a whisper.
Sergie:"Be brave, Elanor… Close your eyes now and take a deep breath. I see you. I hear you. You are not alone."
Elanor clenched the ring, fighting back tears.
Elanor (whispering):"Sergie… They're very powerful here. I won't be able to escape these chains. Draven's eyes… it feels like he can read straight through me. I don't know what to do."
Sergie:"Do not underestimate Draven—but do not fear him either. He is not only the king of dragons; he is a creature driven by pride. If you hide your fear, you will capture his interest. Just like you did with your dance… Despite the chains, you made freedom felt. That is why he chose you."
Elanor took a deep breath.
Elanor:"What about the chains? What if he kills me?"
Sergie:"The chains may seem like they limit you, but in truth, they protect you. They will be your shield. Appear weak, but keep your spirit strong. Draven despises weakness, yet he admires strength of the soul. When you speak to him, do not avert your eyes—but do not challenge him either. Maintain a delicate balance."
Elanor's mind slowly began to calm.
Elanor:"So… he won't harm me?"
Sergie (in a lowered tone):"Draven does not wish to kill you… He wants to understand you. And that is your advantage. Do not let him unravel you before you unravel him. Watch quietly. Listen… and wait for the right moment."
Elanor sat on the cold stone floor of the chamber, still bound in chains. The faint warmth of the ring lingered on her finger as Sergie's words continued to echo in her mind:
Hide your fear. Do not look away… but do not challenge him. A delicate balance…
Suddenly, the door burst open with a heavy sound. The screech of metal scraping against stone pierced the air.
Draven entered, and with his steps, the atmosphere of the room shifted. Even the shadows seemed to part for him. He was in human form, yet his walk and posture carried unmistakable draconic power. When his sapphire-blue eyes locked onto Elanor, it felt as though even the sound of her chains fell silent.
Elanor's heart raced—but she remembered Sergie's words: Do not show your fear.
She did not lower her head. She did not look away. But neither did she meet his gaze with open defiance. Controlling her breath, she simply watched him.
As Draven approached with slow, measured steps, the corner of his lips twitched—just slightly.