In the morning, by the campfire, Mayuri screamed in her sleep.
Her body twitched motionless, her hand clenched her coat, and fear lurked in her eyes, as if something were gnawing at her soul. Inside her mind, surrounded by darkness, she saw fire—flames swirling around her, consuming her memories.
A figure approached out of the fog—a mage in the robes of the Empire, his face covered, but his voice clear.
— Your body... your magic... belongs to us...
Mayuri awoke from her sleep with a scream.
— NO!
The morning was cool. She sat by the dying fire with her knees drawn up to her chest. She was silent, staring into the ashes. From a distance, Valdor watched her in silence. After a moment, he approached and sat down beside her.
— It wasn't just a dream, was it?
Her eyes remained downcast.
— Not everything can be explained, Valdor...
Shortly thereafter, Kael returned to the camp.
— The Empire is combing through the ruins. They're close. We have to move.
Valdor rose without a word, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. A flash appeared in his eyes.
— It's time to respond.
The journey led them to an old settlement, now abandoned and ruined. Their footsteps echoed on the old boards and stones.
Mayuri stopped at the scattered toys and overturned stool.
— These aren't just ruins... Someone once lived here.
Valdor picked up a piece of parchment. It was a child's drawing — a dragon hovering over a house. He clenched his fist.
Kael froze. His eyes scanned the wall — he noticed a carved symbol.
— It's a trap! Everyone up! NOW!
The ground beneath them exploded in a flash of enchanted magic.
Imperial soldiers, armed to the teeth, leaped out of the ruins. The fight was fierce. Valdor struck down one of them with his sword, while Mayuri created barriers to shield Kael.
One of the mages froze, staring at Valdor in horror.
— He's alive! It's... the dragon prince!
The team rushed to escape through the caves, running through the rocky tunnels. Behind them echoed screams and the clanging of armor.
Kael turned and cast a spell. The stones collapsed the passageway.
— They won't be back here anytime soon.
Valdor stopped, breathing heavily.
— We can't just run away...
Mayuri placed her hand on his shoulder.
We have to survive. Not yet...
They reached the underground lake—an oasis of calm amid the ruins. They rested among the boulders. Mayuri meditated with her eyes closed, while Kael sharpened his weapon, sitting in the shade.
Sitting by the fire, Kael stared into the flames.
— I used to believe in the Empire. I was one of their knights... an elite one. From the Black Guard.
He paused for a moment, then finished quietly:
— They burned my village. My people. That's when I realized what they really were.
Valdor sat down next to him.
— I don't need a knight. I need a friend who will stand by me not by order, but by choice.
Kael looked at him and smiled sincerely for the first time
In the distance, behind the rocks, a shadow moved. It was watching. Observing.
The signet ring of the Empire glistened on its hand
— I found them... — whispered a voice from the darkness.
At the same time, Mayuri heard a voice, quiet, slipping into her mind like a shadow.
— Come back... you are part of us...
Her eyes flashed red for a moment.
Valdor noticed this and saw Mayuri standing alone, her silhouette trembling slightly in the glow of the dying fire.
He slowly approached her and placed his hand on her shoulder. The girl turned around, but the tension in her body revealed that she had heard his every step.
— Hey...— he said quietly. — You're not alone, Mayuri.
She remained silent.
— I know something is awakening inside you. That something is fighting inside you. But I won't let it take you away. Not the Empire, not that shadow...— His voice was firm but warm. — If I have to, I'll stand against the whole world to protect you.
Mayuri was silent for a moment, then turned her head and blushed slightly. Her eyes were moist, but calmer than before.
— Thank you... Valdor.
The boy smiled slightly.
Kael gazed at the stars, as if searching for something.
At dawn, they left the camp and climbed the mountain. The three stood at the edge of the ravine. Far away, on the horizon, the silhouette of the Empire's fortress loomed.
— That's where we'll start. Their fortress... will be our beginning.