The Dragon's Chosen

The eerie black mist twisted around Eira's ankles, cold and heavy despite the heat still crackling in the air. Her heart pounded as she turned toward the High Dragon, who stood watching the spreading darkness with narrowed eyes.

Kael shifted closer to her, his sword still drawn. "What is that? It's not dragon magic."

The High Dragon's voice rumbled through the courtyard. "No… This magic is older. And far more dangerous."

Eira swallowed hard. If even the dragons feared it, whatever was coming would be worse than anything she had faced.

Seren crouched beside the mist, her fingers brushing the ground. "It's seeping from beneath the castle. Something was sealed here."

Ryven tilted his head, his crimson eyes glinting. "Sealed… or buried?"

A sudden sharp pulse of magic struck Eira's senses cold and unfamiliar. She gasped, stumbling back as an icy voice echoed in her mind.

"You think the dragons are your only enemy? Foolish girl…"

Kael caught her arm, his face tight with worry. "Eira what's wrong?"

She shook her head, trying to push the voice away. "Something… or someone… is trapped beneath us."

The High Dragon's gaze sharpened. "The kingdom's sins run deeper than you know. Long ago, they struck a bargain with a power beyond their control."

Seren's expression darkened. "And they buried the truth to protect themselves."

Before Eira could respond, the mist thickened and from the shadows, a figure began to emerge.

A tall, armored figure stepped forward. Their face was hidden beneath a cracked, silver mask etched with ancient runes. Long, silver-black hair fell in tangled waves over their shoulders, and a jagged sword hung at their side.

The High Dragon tensed. "No… it cannot be."

Kael moved in front of Eira instinctively. "Who is that?"

The figure's voice was smooth and chilling. "I am Malgrin, the Bound One sealed away by the cowards who feared my power. And now, thanks to you…" His gaze burned into Eira. "I am free."

Eira's breath caught. "Bound One?"

The High Dragon's tone grew grim. "Long ago, Malgrin was a sorcerer who sought to bend both dragons and humans to his will. When he failed, the kingdom sealed him beneath the castle. If he's free… the balance between our worlds will shatter."

Malgrin laughed softly. "And I have you to thank, Dragon's Chosen. Your battle with the dragons weakened the seal. Now, I will reclaim what was stolen from me and no one will stand in my way."

Without warning, he raised his hand. A pulse of black magic shot toward Eira. Kael pulled her out of the way just in time as the blast shattered the ground where she had stood.

Eira's golden flames flared as she faced Malgrin. "I won't let you destroy everything!"

Malgrin smiled faintly. "Brave words but you are nothing compared to what I once was."

Kael tightened his grip on his sword. "You'll have to get through us first."

Seren and Ryven flanked Eira, their magic sparking to life.

The High Dragon lowered its head. "We are not your enemies, Dragon's Chosen. If you wish to stop Malgrin, you will need allies stronger than you can imagine."

Eira clenched her fists. "Then I'll find them. No matter what it takes."

Malgrin's laughter echoed through the ruined castle as he faded back into the mist. "I will be waiting."

As the last trace of his magic vanished, Eira's determination burned brighter than ever.

The dragons were no longer her biggest threat.

And if she wanted to survive what was coming, she would have to find those who had been lost to history and make them fight by her side.