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Chapter Seven: The Shadow's Mark
(Chinese: 影子的印记)
The forest was darker than usual, the lingering mist weaving between the trees like restless spirits. Mei moved cautiously, her sword ready, yet her eyes darted to the skies where Ying Long's emerald scales glimmered faintly under the silver moonlight. For days now, shadows had been stirring across Linhai's outskirts, growing bolder with each passing night. Mei could feel the weight of the dragon's presence behind her, a silent reassurance and yet a reminder of the danger that lay ahead.
"They are changing," Mei whispered, almost to herself. "These aren't ordinary shadows anymore."
Ying Long's golden eyes narrowed. "They are being guided," he rumbled, descending closer. His wings stirred the mist, sending it curling around Mei like a protective cloak. "Something—or someone—is marking the land before it strikes. I've not felt such dark manipulation in centuries."
Mei clenched her fists around her sword hilt. "Then we need to find the source before it's too late."
Together, they moved deeper into the forest, shadows twisting around them, flitting between trees like living smoke. The closer they went, the heavier the air became, saturated with a malevolent energy that made Mei's skin prickle. Each step was calculated, each movement precise. She had trained for battle, but this felt different—a blend of magic and malice she couldn't yet name.
Suddenly, the shadows coalesced into shapes: tall, humanoid forms with eyes like blackened glass. They advanced silently, cutting off their path. Mei's heart pounded, but she didn't falter. Ying Long's massive form loomed beside her, wings unfurling to shield her from any surprise attack.
"They test us," he growled. "Stay close, and trust your instincts."
With a shared glance, they launched into battle. Mei's sword flashed in arcs of silver as she parried and struck, her movements a perfect rhythm with the dragon's sweeping claws and bursts of flame. Every time she faltered, Ying Long was there, his massive wings or tail deflecting blows and clearing the way. Every time he hesitated, Mei struck true, saving them both from what could have been fatal mistakes.
Amidst the chaos, something unexpected happened. One shadow lunged at Mei, but Ying Long intervened, taking the full brunt of the attack. Flames licked the ground, smoke stinging Mei's eyes, yet she felt her chest tighten—not with fear, but with something far more profound. She realized how deeply she had come to care for the dragon beside her, and how much he must care in return.
"Mei!" Ying Long's voice was a rumble of concern, and she knew, without looking, that his eyes were searching for her, his heart marking her safety as if it were his own.
Finally, the last shadow fell, dissolving into the mist as if it had never existed. The forest was quiet again, save for Mei's ragged breathing and the low hum of Ying Long's wings.
"You fought well," Ying Long said, lowering his head near hers, scales brushing softly against the air. "Better than anyone I have seen in centuries. You… you are more than I expected."
Mei's cheeks warmed, and she looked up into his golden eyes. "And you are… more than I imagined," she replied softly. Her heart thrummed in a way that had nothing to do with battle.
A strange, fragile silence fell between them. Neither spoke, but the unspoken acknowledgment of trust and growing emotion lingered like a spark in the dark.
Then, from the shadows of the trees, a figure emerged: tall, cloaked, with eyes that burned like obsidian. The air shifted, colder, heavier, the forest itself holding its breath.
"You think you can defy me?" the figure hissed. "The dragon's heart will burn, and the mortal will have to choose: survive… or die with him."
Mei's grip tightened on her sword, her pulse racing. She glanced at Ying Long, whose wings flared instinctively, flames licking along the edges of his body. Their gazes met—unspoken, fierce, and resolute. Whatever came next, they would face it together.
And in that moment, Mei understood fully: the mark of shadow was not just on the forest, not just on the land. It was on them, on their hearts, testing the trust, courage, and the bond that had begun to form between warrior and dragon.
The storm was coming again, but this time, it was personal.
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