CHAPTER 8 – The Hunter Enters the Capital
Kael's office door banged open.
"My lord! A man demands audience—claims he's a dragon tracker."
Kael groaned. "Turn him away."
"We tried… he ignored us."
Of course.
Moments later, the same hunter from the forest casually strolled in.
"Lovely palace, Lord Kael. Shame if a dragon burned it down."
Kael's jaw tightened. "Choose your words carefully."
"Oh, I always do." The hunter dropped something on Kael's desk.
A scale. Black. Ancient.
"What is this?" Kael asked.
"The signature of a living legend."
Kael frowned. "The Black Dragon is dead."
"Is she?" The hunter smirked. "Old magic is awakening. And it's close. Very close."
"State your purpose."
"I'm hunting a monster. She's here, hiding in human skin."
Kael slammed the desk. "Baseless accusations—"
"Oh? Then you should keep an eye on your fiancée."
Kael froze.
The hunter tipped his head. "Dragons bond deeply. They get attached. Makes them terribly easy to track."
"Get out," Kael growled.
"Gladly. I enjoy the chase."
As he left, Kael stared at the scale—its surface glowing faintly.
If this is true… Velene… what danger are you in?
Across the palace, Velene sneezed.
A puff of smoke came out.
"…Oh no."
[CHAPTER ENDS]