Silence reigned within the cave. The thick black walls and Rion's heavy breathing echoed in the darkness. The damp air and water droplets seeping from the rocks deepened the gloom.
Rion looked at Noa, lying unconscious beside him. His crimson eyes slowly opened, then closed again. Rion asked in a low voice:
Rion: "What did you say?"
Noa's lips barely moved. His voice was so faint that, even in the cave's deadly silence, only Rion could hear it:
Noa: "We... need to leave now... I'll explain everything later... but for now..."
Rion stared at him for a moment. His face showed a mix of seriousness and hesitation. Then he closed his eyes. At that instant, a powerful tremor spread from his broad shoulders downward. Moments later, two enormous wings burst from his back, shaking the cave and tearing through the air with a deafening roar.
Rion: "I never wanted you to see me like this—in this exhausted state. This aura empowered me," he whispered, eyes blazing. "The moment I reveal my wings, they'll find me. But... it doesn't matter anymore. They're already watching."
He gently lifted Noa onto his shoulder. His body was strong, yet he carried him with utmost care, heading toward the narrow passage ahead. Each step made the rocks groan beneath his weight.
Emerging from the dark cave, a vast forest unfolded before them. Towering trees stretched toward the sky, their leaves whispering in the wind, while the night spread its enchantment. Thousands of stars glittered above—Siamond and Ruya. Siamond glowed closer and lower in the sky, while Ruya burned higher and farther away, radiating an aura of dominion.
Rion raised his head to the heavens. His heart sank for a moment: these had always been omens for dragons. Near and far, warm and cold—they had always stood opposed.
*(Rion thought)* Perhaps the path ahead for us will be just as divided.
He drew a deep breath, bent his knees, and pushed off with immense force. His crimson wings spread wide, launching him skyward with tremendous power. The gust churned, rustling the branches below.
Noa lay limp on his shoulder, still unconscious, yet a faint crimson light continued to radiate from his body. Those lights unsettled Rion's heart.
*(Rion to himself)* "What kind of power is this...?" He frowned.
The higher he climbed, the stronger the wind lashed against him. The trees below shrank in size.
As he soared, black clouds drifted beside him, storm winds clawing at his wings. No matter how high he rose, he could not shake the heaviness within.
*(Rion murmured)* "Noa... you're growing stronger... but if you become too strong, don't leave me behind."
Noa, half-conscious, seemed to hear his voice. His lips parted, and a faint whisper escaped:
Noa: "I... will take it all... this world..."
Rion narrowed his eyes. There was no cruelty in his gaze, only burning resolve. He smiled faintly.
Rion: "Very well. First, we'll find a safe place."
His crimson wings stretched across the endless night sky, carrying them toward an uncertain path.
---
**Inside the Castle**
At that very moment, the soldiers who had fallen behind finally reached the fortress. Their faces were pale, eyes bloodshot with fear. They fell to their knees and rushed to speak over one another:
—"My lord, we saw him... He is no ordinary dragon!"
—"His aura... it was terrifying. A thirst for blood!"
—"We cannot stand against this power, my lord! His desire to kill is overwhelming!"
The lord remained silent for a long time. His face showed no expression, yet a spark of memory flickered in his eyes.
Lord: "A crimson aura, you say?" he asked slowly.
"Yes, my lord! Just like yours... but twisted toward bloodlust."
The lord's lips trembled. He turned toward the window. Outside, Ruya and Siamond burned in the sky. He whispered to himself:
*(Lord to himself)* "The boy once called talentless and cursed... the exiled prince... has awakened such power? I thought they would take him away quickly. That was why he was sent here. So... he is still alive..."
The soldiers exchanged confused looks, unable to understand his words.
The lord rose and strode heavily out of the hall, his gaze cold, his heart filled with rage.
*(Lord thinking)* "If this boy is truly who I think he is... he must never be allowed to live. Because he could threaten the future itself."
---
**In the Sky**
Rion continued flying. Over towering mountains, across vast valleys, above dark forests he soared. The wind lashed his face; his wings strained but did not falter.
Noa slowly opened his eyes. His crimson gaze held exhaustion, but also deep torment. He looked up at Rion's shoulder.
Noa: "Rion... are you okay?"
Rion tried to smile, but the seriousness on his face remained.
Rion: "I'm fine."
Noa fell silent, lifting his eyes to the heavens. Siamond and Ruya seemed to gaze back at him.
Noa (softly): "I... must go to the palace ahead."
Rion nodded slightly.
Rion: "All right. Wherever you want, that's where we'll go."
The wind howled; clouds rolled over the snowy peaks. Rion descended, landing gently at the foot of the mountains. Noa still lay on his shoulder, breathing deeply.
He scanned the area. It was quiet. Only a small stream flowing from the mountain and a distant sound like a leopard echoed. Rion carefully set Noa on the ground and began searching for safe shelter.
Soon, he found an old stone cave. Its entrance was half-open, and the inner chambers were sheltered from the wind. Rion carried Noa inside and felt the chill of the stone walls—better than the bitter gusts outside.
He gathered branches and dry leaves. Holding his palm upward, flames ignited in his hand. He lit them, and a small fire flared to life. The cave filled with light; shadows danced along the walls as if hiding secrets.
Noa stirred slightly in the warmth. A soft breath escaped his lips.
Rion (quietly): "Your aura has drained your strength. You need to rest."
Noa did not reply. The flames cast his face in crimson and pale light.
---
**The First Day**
At dawn, a white mist cloaked the mountain's foot. The air was cold and damp, carrying the scent of snow. Rion rose early. Noa still slept deeply.
He stepped outside. Birds chirped faintly among the trees. At the stream, he splashed cold water on his face and filled his flask.
*(Rion muttered)* "We need to gather enough strength."
Returning to the cave, he sat by the fire, gazing at Noa's face. Though his eyes remained closed, his color seemed slightly improved. Rion allowed himself a faint smile.
Rion (softly): "You're still so young, yet the world refuses to leave you in peace."
Throughout the day, he gave Noa water, gathered wild berries and roots, and cooked a simple soup using the heat of his dragon breath.
By nightfall, thousands of stars shone above; the snowy peaks glowed silver. Rion sat at the cave's mouth, gazing at the heavens.
*(Rion thinking)* Noa always looked at the stars... He truly loved the sky. Even I never watched it with such care.
---
**The Second Day**
At dawn, Noa awoke. His crimson glow was calmer than the previous days. He tried lifting his hand, though his body still felt heavy.
Noa: "Rion... where are we?" he asked weakly.
Rion: "At the foot of the mountains. A safe place. We'll rest three days, then continue our journey."
Noa nodded faintly, then fell silent, his eyes fixed on the fire.
Rion: "What was that aura?"
Noa: "I don't know... I couldn't control it... Is it against me?"
Rion sat beside him, placing his hand on his shoulder.
Rion: "The aura isn't against you. It's simply a part of you. You cannot defeat it. You can only understand it—and control it."
Noa looked at him quietly. Then a faint smile curved his lips.
Noa: "You understand me more than I ever expected."
That day, Rion didn't push him to walk. Instead, he guided him through small exercises: deep breathing, halting the aura's flow, listening to his heartbeat. Slowly, Noa began to gain control.
That night, they sat side by side, holding their hands to the fire as cold winds blew. Storms raged on the peaks; lightning flashed across the sky. Noa lifted his eyes to the heavens.
Noa (softly): "Whenever I think my parents rest beneath these stars... my heart aches."
Rion said nothing, only clenched his fist tightly.
*(Rion thinking)* I will bring you to the palace and stand before you no matter what. That is my vow.
---
**The Third Day**
Noa awoke feeling stronger. He stepped outside. The air was still cold, but a spark of life had returned to his eyes.
By the stream, he washed his face. Seeing his reflection—crimson eyes, weary features, and the lingering power pulsing in his chest—he shivered inwardly.
Rion appeared beside him.
Rion: "It's time we continue. The hidden gate to the capital lies beyond these mountains."
Noa looked at him.
Noa: "A gate? What kind of place is it?"
Rion's lips tightened, and he fell silent for a moment.
Rion: "An ancient dragon legacy—a teleportation gate. I came through it quickly before."
Noa nodded; his resolve was firm.
Noa: "I'm ready."
After three days of rest, they prepared once more for their journey. Rion spread his wings, gazing toward the sky. The wind seemed to call him; the mountain peaks watched in silence.
*(Noa thinking)* These three days were a trial. But now—I will no longer run.
And so, they were ready to set out toward the capital.
---
**Inside the Castle**
In the hall where soldiers had gathered, the doors opened. A tall, broad-shouldered man entered—hair cut short and black, eyes dark. He wore black-and-gold-trimmed armor. He was the lord of the castle.
He looked over the soldiers.
Lord: "The exiled prince... Noa, the dragon. He killed two young soldiers and escaped. You must capture him—and when you do, kill him. It must appear as an accident."
Soldiers: "Your command is our honor, my lord!"
*(Lord thinking)* No other choice... What shame to be forced to kill my own prince...
---
Dear readers,
The lord is being forced to kill the prince... but why? Who gave him such an order? Why does he feel shame in carrying it out?
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