Dawn broke over the Silverwood Forest, golden light filtering through the canopy of silver leaves. Kael stood in the clearing outside the Tree of Life, wearing a simple elven tunic Merlin had procured for him. The air hummed with natural magic—soft, gentle, yet powerful.
"Good morning," a voice said.
Kael turned. The elf who'd led them to Elder Elron stood nearby, her bow slung over her shoulder. Her silver hair was tied back in a braid, her silver eyes sharp and curious.
"Leah, right?" Kael asked.
She nodded. "I'll be your trainer. Elder Elron says your dragon fire is raw—untamed. Elven magic is about balance. We'll teach you to work with the forest, not against it."
Kael grinned. "Lead the way."
Leah led him to a small clearing, surrounded by flowers and trees. A stone fountain bubbled in the center, water glowing with blue magic.
"First lesson," Leah said. "Feel the magic around you. The trees, the flowers, the water. It's alive. It's part of everything."
Kael closed his eyes. He took a deep breath, focusing on the sounds of the forest—the rustle of leaves, the chirp of birds, the gurgle of the fountain. He felt a gentle energy wrap around him, warm and calm.
"I feel it," he said.
"Good," Leah said. "Now, try to mix it with your dragon fire. Summon a flame, but let the natural magic flow into it. Don't force it—let it blend."
Kael nodded. He summoned a small flame in his palm. He focused on the natural magic, willing it to merge with the fire. The flame flickered, turning from orange to a soft green.
"Wow," Kael said. "It's… calmer."
"Balance," Leah said. "Dragon fire is destruction. Natural magic is creation. Together, they're unstoppable."
She stepped forward, pointing to a flower. "Try to heal it. Use your flame—blended with natural magic."
Kael knelt beside the flower. It was wilted, its petals brown and dry. He held his hand over it, the green flame glowing softly. He focused on the natural magic, willing the flower to heal.
Slowly, the flower perked up. Its petals turned pink, vibrant and alive.
"Perfect," Leah smiled. "You're a fast learner."
Kael grinned. "Thanks to a good teacher."
Leah's cheeks flushed slightly. She looked away, clearing her throat. "Let's try something harder. Defend yourself—using both magics."
She raised her hand, and a small vine shot toward Kael. He reacted on instinct, summoning a green flame shield. The vine hit the shield and wrapped around it, then stopped, as if frozen.
"Good," Leah said. "Now, counterattack. But don't hurt the vine—redirect it."
Kael focused. He sent a pulse of natural magic through the shield, guiding the vine back toward Leah. She stepped aside, laughing.
"Nice move," she said.
They trained for hours—healing, defending, attacking. Kael's dragon fire grew stronger, more controlled, and the natural magic flowed through him like a river.
By midday, they sat by the fountain, drinking water.
"Where did you learn to fight like that?" Kael asked.
Leah shrugged. "I'm a scout. I've spent years patrolling the Silverwood, fighting monsters and humans who dare to enter."
She paused. "I've heard about you. The human who awoke dragon blood. The one who stood up to Prince Julian."
Kael nodded. "It's not as glamorous as it sounds. I was just tired of being laughed at."
"You're brave," Leah said. "Most people would have given up. But you fought back."
Kael smiled. "I had no choice. Julian wants to destroy the realm. I can't let that happen."
A rustle of leaves.
They turned. A young elf stood at the edge of the clearing, her silver hair flowing loose, her eyes wide with curiosity. She looked to be about Kael's age, with a scar on her cheek.
"Lila," Leah said, frowning. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be helping the healers."
The elf—Lila—stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Kael. "You're the Emberborn. The one with dragon blood."
Kael nodded. "I'm Kael."
Lila smiled. "I've never met a human with magic before. Especially dragon magic."
She stepped closer, her eyes scanning Kael's face. "Elder Elron says you're the one who will save us. Is that true?"
Kael hesitated. "I don't know. But I'll try. I'll do everything I can to stop Julian."
Lila nodded. "Good. Because we need you. Julian's men have been attacking our scouts. They're getting closer to the Silverwood."
Leah's face darkened. "What? When?"
"Last night," Lila said. "A group of them ambushed a scout party. Three elves were injured."
Kael stood, summoning a flame in his palm. "We need to help. To warn the others."
Leah nodded. "Come on. Let's go to Elder Elron. He needs to know."
They hurried back to the Tree of Life, Lila following close behind. The forest was quiet, but Kael could feel a tension in the air—a sense of danger, lurking just beyond the trees.
When they reached the Tree of Life, Elder Elron was already waiting for them, his face grave.
"I know," he said. "Our scouts just reported. Julian's men are camped at the edge of the forest. They're planning an attack."
Kael's jaw tightened. "When?"
"Tonight," Elder Elron said. "They're waiting for the moon to rise."
Merlin stepped forward, his staff in hand. "We need to prepare. Set up defenses. Gather the warriors."
Elder Elron nodded. "Leah, take the scouts and set up traps. Lila, help the healers prepare for the injured. Kael, Merlin—come with me. We need to plan our strategy."
Kael nodded. He looked at Leah, who gave him a reassuring smile.
"Be careful," she said.
"You too," Kael said.
They turned and followed Elder Elron into the Tree of Life. The fire in Kael's veins burned bright—ready, willing, and able.
Julian was coming.
And this time, Kael was ready to fight.
For the elves. For the realm. For himself.
This was his destiny.
And he wasn't going to let anyone stop him.