A flicker of movement in the shadows caught my eye, and I reached instinctively for the blade at my hip.
But then a form stepped forward, scales catching the moonlight.
For a moment, I thought he was black, shadow wrapped around flame, but then the silver light shifted, and the deep-crimson of his scales shimmered like dried blood.
Siergen.
“You startled me,” I breathed, hand still on my dagger.
He gave a faint hum, eyes glowing like coals banked in ash.
I am sorry princess,he said. And gods, I had missed that voice.
The moonlight gleamed off Siergen’s crimson scales, painting him in shadows and blood as he stood just inside the castle gates, tall and composed, his long tail curling slightly behind him like a question he hadn’t yet asked.
“I need to ask you something,” I said, stepping closer, keeping my voice low even though the path was quiet. “When you called merogue princessbefore… did you know? About my heritage, I mean.”
His head tilted, eyes gleaming.Yes
That simple word made my chest tighten.
I sensed your bloodline the moment I met you, he messaged, voice like silk draped over steel.Your power is quite… distinct.His gaze narrowed just slightly.And ancient.
I blew out a breath. “Keep the princess part to yourself, at least for now. Tae knows, but no one else needs to.”
He nodded once, solemn.I will not share your heritage.
A pause. Then,Was there something else you wished to discuss?
I hesitated, then nodded. “You’ve been traveling. You said you were looking for something. Are you still tracking the Varnari?”
I am.His wings folded in tightly, as if the weight of the topic pressed against his frame.Their origin is older than the records suggest. Something about their founding doesn’t align. The deeper I search, the more it feels… manufactured.
I swallowed. “Cyran is affiliated with the Crimson Sigil.”
Siergen’s gaze narrowed.That is useful information. Thank you.He dipped his head slightly, not as a bow, but as an acknowledgment.Their web stretches farther than I thought.
“You should be careful,” I said. “They’re not subtle. They will have no qualms about killing a dragon. They want your species… culled.”
I am stronger than I look. I assure you, no human can get the better of me, he replied.But I will not be staying long. I came to deliver supplies to Hatchling Isle.
I stepped in closer, voice softer now. “I went there. With Kaelith.”
I know,he said gently.
I hesitated. “She hasn’t spoken to me since. I don’t know what I did wrong.”
You frightened her. More specifically, your power did,he said, not unkindly.And you frightened yourself. But give hertime. There is much you don’t understand yet… and more that she does.
My chest ached.
“But will she ever trust me?”
Siergen looked toward the castle, the moonlight catching his eyes like twin embers.When she does, you’ll know. And when she chooses… you won’t have to ask.
He stepped back into the shadows, wings beginning to unfurl.
“Wait—” I started, but he was already moving.
