The scratching comes again. Deliberate. Rhythmic. I should stay inside. Should lock the doors and windows and wait for Drayke to return. That would be the smart thing to do. The safe thing.
But I’m tired of being afraid. Tired of waiting for other people to protect me. Tired of being the helpless human in a world of monsters.
I have fire now. Let’s see what I can do with it.
The night air is cold against my skin as I step onto the porch. The moon is full, casting everything in silver and shadow. The forest is quiet—too quiet. No insects. No night birds. Just the silence of creatures holding their breath.
Fresh scorch marks scar the trees at the edge of the clearing. Claw gouges deeper than the ones I found that first night. Something has been here. Something big.
“I know you’re there.” My voice doesn’t shake. Small victory. “Show yourself.”
A hiss from above. “Fire-Bringerrr.”
I look up.
Eyes glow in the darkness between the branches. Multiple pairs—three, maybe four—watching from different angles. The outline of wings blocks out the stars. Massive. Leathery. Definitely not Drayke.
“Our master wants to meet you.” The voice is a rasp, damaged and wet. “He has such plans for your blood.”
My grip tightens on the sword. “Tell your master I’m booked solid with dragon-slaying lessons. Maybe next century.”
Laughter. Low. Grinding. The sound of stones scraping in an ancient throat.
“Brave little flame.” The shapes shift in the trees. “The Guardian King cannot protect you forever. Sooner or later, you will be ours.”
“Want to test that theory?” I raise my free hand. Let fire bloom in my palm—small but steady. “I’m just learning what I can do. Would love some practice targets.”
The glowing eyes blink. The shapes go still.
“She awakens.” A different voice now, deeper, more distant. “The master will be pleased. Soon, Fire-Bringer. Very soon.”
Wings beat the air. Branches crack as massive bodies launch skyward. Within seconds, the forest is empty again, the glowing eyes gone, the oppressive presence lifted.
I stand on the porch, sword in one hand, fire in the other, and try to convince my legs to stop shaking.
They were scared of me.The realization hits like cold water.Or at least cautious. My fire means something to them.
I extinguish the flame. Head back inside. Lock every door and window.
The prophecy journal is still open on the coffee table. I sink onto the couch and stare at Grandma’s words until they blur.
Fire-Bringer awakens the dragon and begins the prophecy.
Drayke wasn’t trying to control me. All those warnings, all those orders to leave—he wasn’t being a domineering ass. He was trying to protect me from... this. From rogues who want my blood. From a prophecy I don’t understand. From powers I’m only beginning to discover.
I look toward the dark windows. Toward the forest where I just taunted a group of dragons and told them exactly where to find me.
Smart, Selene. Really smart.
He returns just before dawn.
I’m still awake—haven’t slept at all, too wired from adrenaline and the residual heat of magic in my veins. When I hear the heavy footsteps on the porch, I’m already at the door, sword in hand.
But it’s Drayke who steps into the torchlight. Drayke, looking like he’s been through his own kind of hell—jaw tight, eyes shadowed, tension radiating from every line of his body.
He takes in the sword in my hand. The fresh scorch marks visible through the window. The way I’m standing guard in my own cabin like I’m expecting an invasion.
“What happened.” Not a question.
