After discussing with his father, Zavrok went to inform his wife about their trip to the Dragon Empire.
The following morning, Zavrok and Aelira boarded a luxurious carriage and departed toward the dragons' realm. Throughout the long journey, they whispered plans back and forth, debating how to deal with the elders of the Dragon Empire if they tried to make things difficult. Neither could afford missteps—their son's life depended on it.
It took nearly a day and a half before the towering gates of the Dragon Empire came into view.
On the 23rd day of Zhavrik's disappearance, the two finally reached their destination. Inside the grand mansion of the empire, they sat in a vast hall, waiting for the arrival of the queen herself.
"Hello, Aelira. It has been so long since our last meeting. How have you been? What brings you here with your husband? I hope it isn't anything too serious."
The dragon queen entered the hall with regal composure, her voice smooth yet sharp. She directed her words toward Aelira, whom she recognized from past visits. Aelira had been acquainted with the queen's eldest daughter, Elva, and through that bond they had crossed paths a few times before.
"Your Highness."
Both Zavrok and Aelira rose from their seats and gave a polite nod. Though the Thaloreins and dragons were on poor terms, they could not afford to show arrogance before the queen—especially now, when they were the ones seeking aid.
"Ohhh, to think I would witness a Thalorein showing respect to a dragon. Indeed, the matter must be serious." Astrid Draken, the queen, smirked faintly. "Seeing as you are in a dire situation, let us not waste time with pleasantries. Speak."
Zavrok and Aelira exchanged a brief glance before Aelira stepped forward.
"Your Highness, we are here on a personal matter. I cannot reveal everything outright, but… would it be possible to meet with Elva first? I would feel more comfortable discussing such matters with her."
Aelira's voice was steady, though beneath it she guarded her fear. The fewer people who knew the details of their troubles, the safer Zhavrik would be. She trusted Elva, but not the queen—not yet.
"That is possible," Astrid replied, though her tone carried a subtle warning. "But I fear it will not serve you well. Elva is currently away on urgent business. She will not return for a day or two. Judging by your faces, I doubt you have the leisure to wait."
Both Zavrok and Aelira frowned.
"She knew we were coming. I spoke to her directly and confirmed she would be here. Are you saying she left without telling me?" Aelira pressed.
"Hmm…" Astrid tilted her head as if in thought. "An urgent matter arose that required her assistance. She personally asked me to attend to you until she returns. I do not mind helping you with whatever you need. You are our guests, after all. But if you do not trust me, you are free to wait for my daughter." Her words were accompanied by a faintly sorrowful smile, as though she regretted the necessity.
"I will speak with Elva myself," Aelira said curtly before stepping aside with her phone.
---
Aelira dialed quickly, her tone sharp the moment Elva answered.
"Elva, where are you? We've been waiting for you for so long. You knew we were coming, didn't you?"
"Aelira—listen, I'm sorry," Elva replied, her voice laced with guilt. "My mother specifically requested that I take care of something. I'm certain she did it knowing you would arrive today. Please believe me—I'll finish this as quickly as possible and return."
"But we don't have that kind of time," Aelira snapped. "Can't you cancel it and come back?"
"I can't," Elva admitted softly. "She… forced me. Blackmailed me, even. And I'm far from home now. Even if I fly, it will take half a day to return. Aelira, if things are that serious, please—ask my mother for help. I know you don't trust her, but she isn't like the other dragons. She's been working tirelessly to ease tensions between our families. She truly wants peace. I swear on my name—she is trustworthy."
Aelira exhaled sharply, trying to rein in her frustration. "I will speak to my husband."
Elva apologized several more times before the call ended.
---
When Aelira returned, she spoke directly into Zavrok's mind through telepathy.
"She won't be back in time. She wants us to take her mother's help instead. What do we do? I'm worried about Zhavrik… I don't want to waste more days waiting."
Her voice trembled in Zavrok's mind, filled with the gnawing fear of a mother.
Zavrok gave a firm nod and turned his gaze to the queen. Raising his hand, he silently erected a soundproof barrier before meeting Astrid's eyes.
Astrid Draken sat poised, as though she had been expecting this moment all along. Her confidence was unnerving, her golden eyes watching Zarvok with calm anticipation.
"Dragon Queen," Zavrok said coldly, his voice echoing like steel against stone, "we are not here as Thaloreins. We are here as parents. We have chosen to place our faith in you—but for your sake, do not betray it. A parent's wrath is something even a dragon cannot endure."
The weight of his words filled the chamber like a stormcloud.
For the first time, Astrid's smile faltered. She had anticipated resistance, perhaps even a veiled warning. But Zavrok's killing intent, unleashed so openly in her own hall, made her narrow her eyes. Anger stirred in her heart at the audacity, yet… the truth of his words gave her pause.
He was not here as Duke of Thalorein, but as a desperate father.
And that made him far more dangerous.