The roar tore the sky open and shook the ground, stripping the Practitioners of whatever hope or will they still held.
After consuming the blood, it not only regenerated its melted body but also hardened it to a dark, glassy sheen, and the fires that had once been hot enough to melt it now only fluttered against its hide, thin and less effective.
Zephan, understanding there was little choice left, turned to the two Lunari Practitioners and spoke in a heavy, resolute voice.
"Go and find my daughter. Return to the kingdom and take others to the Midlands."
He made his decision: while this dragon was still alive, there was no place they could live in the Outer Region.
"Your will is ours to carry out, my Lord… But…" The two Practitioners bowed, shoulders folding with respect while a private fear clenched behind their ribs. Their voices were firm, yet the unspoken question tightened their throats.
