"Are you okay, Your Highness?"
Seeing the worry on Kala's face, Caspian nodded, not wanting to alarm her. He would deal with this threat as he had with all the others.
They soon reached the base of the cliffside, moving through narrower, tightly packed streets.
Houses were stacked almost on top of one another, crammed so closely together it felt claustrophobic.
The streets bustled with life—mothers tending to children, fathers rushing off to work. Though there was little organisation, the chaos felt authentic and vibrant, a refreshing change of pace.
"This way! The central market should be just ahead!"
Kala called out as she tugged Caspian along.
The central market was the heart of commerce. Stalls sprawled in every direction, random buildings converted into shops, and vendors sat on the ground selling their wares.
It lacked order and structure, but the chaos gave it a unique charm.
Caspian, however, couldn't enjoy it.
He was on full alert.
He extended his senses, scanning for the threat closing in.
They don't know I'm aware of them. That gives me the advantage.
If they're planning to kidnap Kala, it's to use her against me.
Which means they'll strike when we're separated.
Realising this, Caspian stayed close as Kala examined each stall with quiet fascination, her eyes shining with excitement.
Suddenly, the sensation of being watched crawled up his spine.
He turned—
A hooded figure stood nearby, staring at him with a provocative expression.
Caspian glanced back at Kala—
She had already moved a few steps ahead.
And that was all it took.
A lean, black-scaled dragon emerged from the shadows as if he were made of them.
A cloak concealed his face, draped over two small wings folded against his lower back.
In a blink, he seized Kala and dragged her down into the darkness with him.
"No! Kala!"
Caspian shouted, sprinting after the fleeing shadow, barrelling through the crowded market as he knocked people aside and sent stalls crashing over in his reckless pursuit.
The shadow vanished into a narrow alley, plunging deeper into the slums.
______
Kala felt herself submerged in darkness.
Her vision blurred, her body restrained by something unyielding.
She struggled desperately.
Yet even through the fear, her thoughts went to Caspian.
Your Highness…
Then something new ignited inside her.
A resolve born from his faith in her.
A refusal to remain powerless—to be trampled simply because someone else was stronger.
Clarity struck.
She recalled the spellbook she'd been studying.
Forcing one hand free, she willed the mana to respond.
Azure light flared—unstable, imperfect.
But real.
Two Water Bullets formed.
Without her staff, control was harder, but she pushed through.
The element answered her call as if it were instinct.
As if it belonged to her.
The Water Bullets streaked through the darkness like twin stars.
The kidnapper's eyes widened.
Still moving at incredible speed, he dodged—but not completely.
One bullet grazed his face.
Blood spilled.
"Fucking bitch," he snarled.
The shadows tightened again, crushing in around her.
Despite failing to escape her fate, Kala felt no regret.
She had at least challenged it.
____
Caspian burst into the slums, crude wooden structures scattered chaotically around him.
The stench was foul, but he ignored it, pressing forward.
Two hooded figures stepped into his path.
Both radiated suffocating pressure.
Level 3 Evolved.
Their bloodlines were as potent as their arrogance.
One—a bulky dragon whose thick horns tore through his hood—snarled as earth wrapped around his fists, forming massive stone gauntlets.
He slammed them together.
The thunderous impact rattled nearby homes, sending residents scrambling.
"Let's get this over with," he rumbled.
The second was lean and agile, shorter horns framing a sharp gaze.
He raised a bow—empty.
Then drew the string.
Lightning condensed instantly, forming a crackling arrow.
"Can't believe we have to take this half-breed seriously," he scoffed.
"Get out of my way!"
Caspian growled, watching the shadow retreat farther away.
Both Level 3…
System. Options. Now.
I can't use my true dragon transformation here. Too tight. No time.
I need them gone—fast.
[Host can access the True Angelic Dragon form.]
[Warning: Duration limited to a few seconds.]
[Host is currently unable to sustain this form.]
[Extended use will result in severe backlash.]
Do it.
Kala's in danger.
Urgency flooded his thoughts as each second widened the distance between them.
[Unlocking…]
The world seemed to hold its breath—
As something new was about to be born.