Chapter 33: The Myth Of The Drgon King
Asher froze.
Seraphina's face was inches from his. He could smell the faint scent of lavender soap she used. His face heated up instantly, turning a shade of red that rivaled a ripe tomato.
Seraphina frowned, tilting her head. "Asher? You're entirely red. Do you have a fever?"
Before he could speak, she placed the back of her cool hand against his burning forehead.
"Hmm, you feel warm..."
System Alert: Heart Rate Critical.
Asher scrambled backward like a startled cat, nearly falling off the bed.
"I-I'm fine! Just... hot! Need a bath!"
He didn't wait for a response. He bolted for the bathroom door and slammed it shut, leaving Seraphina blinking in confusion.
Lucas, who was sitting up in his bed reading, watched the bathroom door with a small, knowing smirk.
Dinner was a lively affair. Finn had prepared a roasted stew that filled the room with warmth. After they ate, the group gathered around the fireplace. The crackling fire set the perfect mood for a story.
"Tell us, Lady Seraphina," Elera asked, her eyes wide. "Is it true about the city's name?"
Seraphina smiled, her expression turning solemn and proud. "It is. The story goes back five hundred years."
She looked at the flames, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"Back then, the world was ruled by fear. A dragon named Valdos—the Calamity—terrorized the nations. No magic could scratch him. No army could stop him."
Asher leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. He was listening intently, analyzing the data.
"But then," Seraphina continued, "came Lady Elena Silvercross. She was the only one brave enough to face him alone. They fought for three days and three nights."
Asher raised an eyebrow. Three days? The history books usually exaggerate stamina.
"In the end," Seraphina said, clenching her fist, "Lady Elena struck the final blow. But she didn't stop there. To ensure the monsters never rose again, she forged armor and weapons from Valdos's impenetrable scales. With those weapons, she hunted down the rest of his kind. The mages of the Capital finished off the survivors."
"So... they're all gone?" Elera whispered, looking a little scared.
"Every last one," Seraphina confirmed. "Thanks to her, we are safe."
The room went silent.
Asher glanced at Lucas, who was staring blankly at the fire.
"Lucas," Asher asked quietly. "Do you believe that? A single knight hunting down an entire species?"
Lucas looked at Seraphina, then back at Asher. His expression was deadpan.
"If my sister believes it, then it is the absolute truth."
Asher sighed. Logic has no place in this family.