The egg's silver light filled the chamber until even the shadows disappeared.
Ancient glowing symbols curled across the white shell like rivers of starlight, shifting in shapes Lily almost recognized—wings, waves, moons, and something deeper.
Older.
Powerful.
Alive.
Lily stepped closer, her heart racing.
The same warmth she had felt years ago beneath the darkness of the dream shore returned to her palms.
Behind her, Leon entered the chamber, stopping short at the sight.
The entire room shimmered in celestial light.
Even the curtains lifted as if stirred by invisible wind.
His dark blue eyes widened.
"This…" he whispered. "This shouldn't be possible."
Lily looked back at him.
"What do you mean?"
Leon approached slowly, his gaze fixed on the glowing shell.
"A dragon egg is not supposed to react like this before hatching," he said carefully. "The true bond forms only after the hatchling chooses its rider."
Lily frowned.
"But… mine already chose me."
