The night fell heavy and dark.
A crimson flare spread across the sky as the shadows crept in — slowly, yet with an unshakable silence. Behind the palace walls, the wind howled, and the ancient pillars groaned like dying trees.
By the fire, Noa and Lilia sat in silence.
The flickering flame painted their faces with shifting shadows — filled with pain and words left unsaid.
From afar, heavy footsteps echoed — slow at first, then closer… louder.
Lilia flinched; her wings quivered with tension.
> "Brother… someone's coming," she whispered.
Noa narrowed his eyes, turning his face away from the fire — not because of the heat, but because of the cold within.
From the darkness emerged soldiers clad in black armor, the emblem of the Black Dragon Clan burning on their chests.
> "Finally, we've found you," one said with a venomous tone.
"So, the great Noa — just another soldier who dares to speak in our name?"
Lilia stepped forward in anger, but Noa caught her wrist.
> "Don't interfere, sister."
> "No! They insult you — I won't stand by!"
The soldiers closed in, forming a circle. The firelight flickered in their cold, merciless eyes.
Noa rose to his feet. His gaze was calm, but resolute — as if this path had been chosen long ago.
> "If it's a fight you want," he said quietly, "then this time, I won't run."
Lilia's heart clenched. If they touch him, she thought, I'll fight too. I'm not just his sister anymore… I'm his shield.
The fire hissed and crackled, sparks leaping upward as the shadows drew near.
---
One of the soldiers stepped forward.
> "Not running, huh? Good."
He lunged with his dagger.
Noa drew his own and met him head-on. The first strike came fast — Noa dodged, grabbed his wrist, and pulled him in, but the soldier's strength held.
Noa pivoted, stepped to the side, and struck his chest. The enemy twisted, deflecting the blow and countering with a fierce swing.
Noa dropped low, kicked his opponent's knee, and pulled back.
Raising his blade, Noa muttered,
> "Didn't expect less from you."
He lunged — his blade flashed forward.
The soldier parried, but before he could react, Noa swept his legs. The man fell, and the dagger flew into the air.
Noa caught it mid-spin and slashed rapidly — small, precise cuts, again and again.
> "Aaahhh!" the soldier screamed, blood dripping from his arm.
He staggered up, clutching his wound.
> "It's not over! You'll pay for this!"
But his comrades hesitated. They could have attacked together — yet after seeing him lose one-on-one, none dared.
A cold, half-smile crossed Noa's lips — half threat, half amusement.
> "Then disappear."
The night fell silent once more. Only the crackle of fire remained.
Lilia stared at her brother, whispering in awe:
> "Brother… you're incredible."
Noa turned away, his voice heavy.
> "He got careless. Next time, it won't be that easy."
> "But how? How did you defeat him?"
Noa drove his blade into the ground, exhaling slowly.
> "I studied dragon anatomy — every tendon, every joint. Each has its weak point. My cuts targeted his nerves and tendons. If I'd severed them completely, he'd have kept fighting — but this way, he can't."
Lilia smiled softly.
> "My brother's gotten strong, huh?"
Noa didn't smile back. His gaze was cold — but behind it, a spark of pride gleamed.
> "To survive… reading books alone was never enough."
The fire dimmed. Shadows stretched long, and silence reclaimed the night.
---
Near dawn, Noa finally spoke:
> "Tomorrow will bring trouble. We should return. The farther you stay from sight, the safer you'll be."
Lilia stepped closer, her tone gentle.
> "Then stay in my room tonight. Be with me — just for a while."
Noa hesitated, then shook his head.
> "No. If anyone sees us, they'll misunderstand."
> "Misunderstand? How?"
His voice turned cold.
> "They'll think you're mine. Rumors spread fast — and they destroy faster."
Lilia smiled faintly, but her eyes stayed firm.
> "Let them talk. You deserve respect, brother. I'm not afraid of gossip."
> "I won't allow it," Noa said sharply.
> "Why? Are you ashamed to sleep in the same room as your sister?"
Noa gave a small, pained smile.
> "If Rion hears that, he'll chop me in half. Hah… go rest."
Lilia's smile faded.
> "He wouldn't… you know that," she whispered.
Noa's gaze hardened.
> "Since when did you stop obeying me?"
The words struck her like a blade.
She lowered her head, wings trembling.
> "...Alright," she murmured.
Unfolding her wings, she took to the sky.
Against the crimson horizon, her silhouette grew smaller — until only the sound of wings remained.
She looked back once, eyes glistening with tears.
> "You've changed, brother. You're not the dragon I once knew."
Below, Noa watched in silence.
> "At last, she's gone," he muttered, staring into the dying fire.
He was alone again.
In the fading light, his shadow stretched long — quiet, yet filled with pain.
He had pushed Lilia away with cold words, but in his eyes, a silent plea still burned.
Was that coldness his shield?
Or had exile and pain truly turned his heart to stone?