The candlelight flickered against the cold stone walls of the war chamber, where Kaerys faced her most dangerous challenge yet — convincing the fractured factions to unite under one banner.
Lord Daven's voice cut through the murmurs. "You ask us to trust a queen forged in shadows. Why should we?"
Kaerys's gaze was steady. "Because without unity, we all fall to ruin."
The Weight of Command
Neron paced restlessly, the weight of leadership pressing on his shoulders. His mind raced through alliances won and lost, battles fought and blood spilled.
"A kingdom divided is a kingdom doomed," he muttered, "and the dragons sense weakness."
The Heart of the Dragon
Deep beneath Cair Volakar, Kaerys and Jaro prepared the Heart of the Dragon for the ritual. The gem pulsed with a fierce light, as if alive and aware of their intent.
Kaerys whispered, "This power will bind the dragons to our cause — or consume us all."
A Meeting of Flames
Under the storm-darkened sky, Kaerys and Neron met in secret, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames of a burning pyre.
"We gamble everything on this," Neron said.
Kaerys's reply was fierce. "Then let the dragons decide who will reign."
The Roll of the Dice
As the ritual began, the skies above Volantis ignited with fire and fury — dragons awakening, wings beating against the tempest, and the fate of an empire hanging in the balance.
End of Chapter 40