Above them, Eryndor circled once, wings glinting in gold and emerald, before descending toward them.
But as the dragon landed, a soft glow surrounded him. Scales shimmered and stretched, light curling around his massive frame, and before Aelira's astonished eyes, the enormous dragon shifted into a tall human form.
He had sharp features, emerald eyes that glimmered like his scales, and hair that flickered gold at the tips. He stood straight and bowed slightly to Kaeltherion before turning to Aelira.
"You… startled easily," he said, his voice rich, smooth, and carrying a hint of amusement.
Aelira's jaw dropped, and her wide peach-colored eyes stared in disbelief.
"Y-you… you can… talk… and… you're human?" she stammered, her hands trembling slightly.
Eryndor's lips curved in a faint smile.
"I can take this form when I wish. It allows for easier… conversation."
Kaeltherion watched silently, crimson eyes sharp but calm. A faint corner of his lips lifted—amusement barely contained—as he observed Aelira's reaction.
"Eryndor," he said, his tone even, almost teasing, "do not go frightening the humans or the Fatekeeper will think badly of you."
The former-dragon chuckled softly, a sound like low bells:
"As you wish, my king."
Aelira, still wide-eyed, took a small step closer to him, curiosity now battling her initial fear.
"I… I thought all dragons were terrifying," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
"Some are," Eryndor replied with a faint grin. "But others… can be quite charming, if they choose to be."
Aelira's lips twitched into a small, shy smile. She glanced at Kaeltherion, whose crimson eyes met hers, calm and unreadable. Yet even he seemed to allow a rare flicker of satisfaction at the small interaction.
This realm… it's alive in ways I never imagined, she thought, watching Eryndor's glowing human form, feeling a quiet sense of awe and wonder threading through her chest.
Kaeltherion stepped forward, gesturing toward the carriage.
"Time to leave," he said softly. "Do not get too comfortable with creatures outside my command."
Eryndor bowed once more, golden hair catching the last rays of sunlight.
"Of course, my king," he said, then turned to Aelira. "Do not be afraid. I will accompany you… for now."
Aelira nodded slowly, still amazed by the magical beings surrounding her and the quiet authority of the Demon King. For the first time, the world outside the palace felt alive, dangerous, and yet… strangely safe.
Night settled heavily over the Demon Realm.
Deep within the inner chambers, steam curled slowly into the air.
Kaeltherion sat partially submerged in the vast stone bath, dark water rippling faintly around him. A glass of deep red wine rested loosely in his hand, the liquid catching the dim light.
His expression was calm.
Too calm.
The doors opened without warning.
Eryndor stepped in.
"You're unsettled," he said.
Kaeltherion did not look at him.
"You assume too much."
Eryndor scoffed lightly, walking further in.
"You never bring anyone to the lake."
Silence.
"And yet… you brought a fairy."
Kaeltherion's grip on the glass tightened slightly.
"She is not just a fairy."
Eryndor tilted his head.
"No… she's the one."
Kaeltherion's red eyes lifted—sharp, dangerous.
"Choose your words carefully."
Eryndor didn't flinch.
"Then deny it."
Silence stretched.
Then—
"There is a link," Kaeltherion said finally.
Eryndor's expression shifted, more serious now.
"What kind?"
"I feel her," Kaeltherion replied quietly. "Her pain… her weakness… even her heartbeat."
Eryndor's eyes narrowed.
"That's not a simple spell."
"The physician knows nothing."
"Of course he doesn't," Eryndor muttered. "That kind of connection isn't made… it happens."
Kaeltherion's gaze darkened slightly.
"Speak clearly."
"Ancient bindings. Soul-ties. Fate interference."
A pause.
"None of them are harmless."
Silence fell again.
Then Eryndor spoke, quieter this time—
"You do realize what this means."
Kaeltherion did not respond.
"If she is weak… she is a vulnerability."
A ripple spread across the bathwater.
"And if your enemies find out…" Eryndor continued, "they won't come for you."
A pause.
"They'll go through her."
The words settled heavily.
"In this predicament," Eryndor added, "you could be killed through her."
Kaeltherion set the glass down slowly.
The soft sound echoed.
He rose slightly from the water, his presence shifting—cold, decisive.
"Then we remove it."
Eryndor's brows lifted faintly.
"Find a way to break the link," Kaeltherion said.
His red eyes locked onto him.
"Three days."
Silence.
"Search everything. I want it gone."
Eryndor nodded slowly.
"As you wish… my king."
He turned toward the door—
Then paused.
"And the girl?"
The question lingered.
"If the link is broken… what will you do with her?"
A brief pause.
Then—
"I will kill her."
Flat.
Certain.
Unwavering.
"She is a liability."
Eryndor said nothing this time.
He turned to leave—
But suddenly—
Kaeltherion froze.
A sharp pulse struck his chest.
Once.
Then again—
Faster.
His brows furrowed.
She's close.
Eryndor turned back immediately.
"What is it?"
Kaeltherion's gaze shifted toward the far wall.
Then—
A faint sound.
A soft stumble.
Barely there.
Eryndor's expression hardened.
"Someone's there."
Silence.
Knowing.
Without moving, Kaeltherion lifted his hand.
The air warped—
And suddenly—
Aelira appeared.
Right in the center of the chamber.
She stumbled forward, catching herself, her breathing uneven—
As if she had been searching.
Listening.
Her peach-colored eyes met his—
And whatever softness once lived there…
Was gone.
Replaced by resentment.
Eryndor's gaze flicked between them.
Understanding.
She heard.
"Leave," Kaeltherion said.
Eryndor hesitated briefly, then nodded and exited, the door closing behind him.
Silence swallowed the room.
Aelira's hands clenched faintly.
"So…" she said quietly.
"That's what I am to you?"
No response.
"A liability. A weakness…"
Her voice trembled for just a second—
But steadied.
"Something to be removed."
She took a step back.
"And after that…"
A pause.
"You'll kill me."
Not a question.
The truth.
Kaeltherion met her gaze.
Calm.
Unreadable.
But the pulse in his chest—
Loud.
Unsteady.
Aelira shook her head faintly.
"I should've stayed in that prison."
The words fell heavy between them.
And this time—
She meant them.
Silence filled the chamber once more.
But now—
It was no longer empty.
It was breaking.