a P

ed the lands of

sky like a dormant beast. Its black rock walls were embedded with massive, r

k dragon crystal, taller than a man, served as a boundary stone. Carved

black, heavy plate armor stood like statues before the gate, their leader, a

He returned moments later, his face pale. "They refuse us entry," he st

had already gathered at a distance, their whispers buzzin

ed from inside the carriage. "It's

ut my back was ramrod straight. I allowed a fraction of my true, ancient dragon aura to seep into th

He loomed over me, his gaze like ice from behind his helmet's slit. But

not loud, but carrying a piercing clarity

his castle will be welcomed by our lord himself. You, wo

rate, meant to strip

of House Beaumont. I am here by the

and pale, and sealed with the royal wax imprint of a fiery dragon. As my fingers touched

eal is to see the King. Lord Carlisle is a vassal to the Dragon King. Does he mea

d. Its authority was absolute. A ripple of fear went thr

high. A subtle sheen of sweat appeared on his brow, perhaps sensing the unna

his voice a low growl. "But our lord's orders

g a step toward the gate. "I am his bri

s flicking between the royal seal in

re looking increasingly uncomfortable. "Your mission

al decree, the Beaumont captain drew his sword with

guards made a half-hearted attempt to push for

the castle's depths. The grinding of chains beg

yone stared at the dark, y

voice, like stone grinding on metal, ca

ed between two lines of guards, their gazes a mixture of awe, resentment, and suspicion. They e

dragon crystals embedded in the high walls. At the far end of the

pressure that made the ancient dragon blood in my veins boil with an intense urge to fight. H

d casually, one hand resting on the arm of the t

Gideon

s mask did not hide. It was not the eye of a man. It was

idn't flinch. Instead, my own eyes reflected th