Chapter 2: Return to the Empire
Part 1: The Arrival
The sky above Virethia shimmered with silver moonlight as Queen Virella Moonveil prepared for the journey ahead. Standing at the balcony with her sons, she turned to Sylvara, now ten, her silver eyes calm but resolute.
"It is time, Sylvara," Queen Virella said gently, resting a hand on her niece's shoulder. "Your destiny awaits in the Dragon Empire. You must begin the path to reclaim what is yours."
Sylvara nodded. She didn't speak much—but her silence was not from fear. It was the calm of someone carrying purpose.
The journey across the lands was long, but when they finally approached the gates of the Dragon Empire, the sight took Sylvara's breath away.
Golden towers pierced the skies. Great red banners bearing the Drakonis crest waved in the wind. The air shimmered with warmth and ancient power.
As the royal carriage rolled into the streets, thousands lined the roads. The people of the Empire cheered and bowed. Flowers rained down. Children shouted her name.
"She's the daughter of Elenaria!"
"The heir to the Dragon Throne!"
Sylvara, dressed in silver and crimson, peeked through the carriage window, astonished. "They know me?" she asked softly.
Her eldest cousin, Prince Vaelen, chuckled. "You are your mother's daughter. They've waited years to see you."
They arrived at the grand palace, its gates opening with thunderous fanfare. Waiting there, tall and unflinching, was Commander Baleron Blackfyre.
The great Black Dragon crest was emblazoned on his dark armor, and though age lined his face, his presence commanded the air itself.
He bowed deeply before Queen Virella. "Your Majesty, it is an honor."
"Commander Blackfyre," Queen Virella nodded. "The child has grown."
He turned his eyes to Sylvara and gave a solemn nod. "And her father would be proud."
Sylvara stepped forward, gazing at him. She had heard the stories, had seen his letters—but this was the first time they met. "You knew my father," she said.
"I served him all my life. And now, I serve you."
That night, a grand dinner was held. The palace was filled with light and music, but Sylvara remained quiet. She barely touched her food, her eyes drifting toward Commander Blackfyre. She longed to ask him about her father, the truth behind the seal, the burden she now bore—but the moment never came.
Part 2: New Friendship
Later that night, in her chamber, Sylvara sat on the window ledge, watching the stars. They seemed brighter than those in Virethia—closer, somehow. But despite the beauty, her heart felt distant.
She didn't know why her father had never returned. Why she had been sent away. Why she bore the mark of a dragon across her chest. All she knew was that her mother had died the day she was born—and that loneliness had followed her since.
A soft knock came at the door.
Sylvara turned, voice calm. "Come in."
The door opened slowly. A boy, a few years older, stepped in. He was tall for his age, with dark hair and sharp eyes, dressed in the uniform of a young soldier. He hesitated when their eyes met.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Your Highness," he said quietly. "I'm Kaelen… son of Commander Blackfyre."
Sylvara gave a small nod. "You didn't disturb me."
Kaelen stepped further inside. "I just wanted to see… what you were like. I've heard about you for years."
"Have you?" she asked.
He was about to reply when a loud voice interrupted.
"Kaelen! Are you seriously sneaking off again?"
A girl pushed past the door, her hands on her hips. She was around Sylvara's age, with wild black hair and fierce amber eyes. She walked in like she owned the place, brushing past her brother.
"Forgive my brother," she said with a half-bow and a grin. "He's awkward around new people."
Kaelen groaned. "Kaida—what are you doing here?"
Kaida ignored him and turned to Sylvara. "I'm Kaida. Also a child of the great Commander Blackfyre. It's an honor, Your Highness."
Sylvara blinked. "You two speak freely."
Kaida smirked. "We were curious. That's all."
Sylvara studied them both—the serious boy and his bold sister. They didn't treat her like porcelain. Not like the others had.
"I don't know anything," she admitted suddenly. "About my father. About why he never came back. Or what lies ahead."
Kaelen stepped forward, sincerity in his voice. "Then we'll learn together. You're not alone."
Something in Sylvara shifted then. The ache in her chest dulled. For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel like a ghost in a palace of memories.
She gave them both a quiet smile. "Then stay. Just for a while."
And in that moment, the daughter of the dragon flame began her first bond of friendship—one that would carry her through the darkest trials yet to come.