I pressed my palm to the center of my chest and reached outward—not for one dragon, but forallof them.
The connection did not spark like it did when communicating with one singular dragon.
It was heavier like a field of hot energy.
That familiar tingling feeling in my palm was intensified like a layered hum, overlapping and grinding against each other. It was the life force of many dragons.
-Hearme,I sent.
The cavern stilled.
I didn’t speak aloud. I let the words ride the current in my mind.
-Mount Orid holds the Dagger of Destiny.
A ripple moved through the keep. Wings shifted. Smoke curled thicker.
-Without it, I cannot release the God Dragon.
Many wings scuffled in response.
-There will be an invasion that will destroy all Fire-kind, Fae, and dragon. Releasing the God Dragon, Eloria, is the only way to stop what is coming.
A long pause. Then—
A voice deeper than the rest pushed forward, ancient, and bitter.
"Fire kind has survived before".
"Why should we burn for a Fae war?"
“Yes,” I answered aloud this time. “But not like this.” My voice cracked, and I didn’t try to hide it.
“Folliade will come. His armies will level everything from coast to coast. And if the God Dragon stays dormant, we will lose.”
The cavern grew hot with irritation. Another mind cut in—sharp and suspicious."Orid kills dragons."
A third:
"Many have entered. None returned."
A forth:
"Orid devours dragons."
A younger dragon growled,"It devours all."
I let their doubt wash over me. “I know.”
My palm began to sting, sensing the life force of them all—so strong, so vibrant. Every single one of them was a pulsing furnace of existence.
“I am not your master, and I command nothing.” I took a breath, “I am asking.”
My words echoed.
A dragon near the back gave a low, derisive huff.
"You are mortal."
