began to take hold, each passing day amplifying her anxiety. Oddly enough, she encountered no perilous beasts near her cabin. In time,

y were guardians of her modesty, providing a silent vigil. The larger of the pair, in particular, seemed ever-present. This observation led Esthela to alter her routine

by the creatures and advanced towards them with cautious steps. The deer regarded her, their ears occasionally

branch she proffered. Suddenly, the girl locked eyes with him and fled. Baffled, the d

did she take to her heels in such alarm?" Prince Erick inquired of his companion, bemuse

s indeed an enigm

e was so perturbed. I was merely observing her because she began to sing a melody that was once

turned red?"

rimson hue of their own accord when I'm taken

t your behest. Perhaps that's what alarmed her. Have you ever espied any of the creatures they're accustomed to

t was the cause?"

r the humans accompanying her have met their demise, so

n?" Prince E

r beholding your vermillion gaze. Ha, ha, ha... Your 'pet' is indeed qu

well, let's engage the barrie

ded into the sky and conjured a protective barrier around the hut. This enchantment barred any outsider from entering

ted the trio still shrouded in healing energy, a sign of their vitality. Oryun regarded them with asto

s not strike you as pe

salve was applied to them to expedite their recovery?

Its provenance is a mystery to me. Moreover, it's green, a hue I've never before encountered.

nomaly with them," Prince Erick respon

recuperation, particularly this robust one. Draw nearer! Behold, it is he who radiates that verdant energy fro

on his limbs, some freshly daubed with his own sanguine essence. Prince Erick was confounded by this tableau. What could it portend? What manner of man was Loth

n posed, eyeing them with a mix of wonder and scepticism. "I

deniably her kin or, at the very least, shared a domicile. Armed with this knowledge, Prince Erick resolved to devote his energies to Lotha, who seemed the most formidable and compelling of the tr

eathless!" Oryun exclaimed, his voice tinged with a

e assimilates it!" Prince Erick declared, marveling at Lotha's capacity to imbibe his energy. More than that, he sensed a

epositioned Lotha and ceased to shroud him with the restorative energy, thereby cutting off their connection. De

ns and certain otherworldly entities. Yet, I detect no dragon's essence within," Erick mused aloud. "Moreover, it formed a bond w

nce from us?" Oryun conjectured. "If that's the case, then your human companion would a

n lineage," Prince Erick contemplated. "Just witness their continual regeneration. And beyond that, see the aura he emits whilst safeguarding the younger ones. They are without question beings of

account for his vehement protection of them. Did I not impart to you their distinctiveness? So,

my human in my absence. Upon our return to the palace, we shall delve into the existence of humans who can withstand our healing energies," Prince Erick resolved. "I shall engage with Grandfather directly on this issue, circumventing my fat

e inevitable. He forewarned me to eschew human interaction. Might these individuals rep

sper of dragon's essence within them. It's something wh

gures. He then secured the cave's entrance, ensuring none would inadvertently discover them. His

k into deer; the shock might ter

ropose we do?"

side, yet we must take care that she doe

ep your hue constant and maintain a distance, she might reg

eer I am fondest of. It affords me a certain comfort,

d. You'll see, in time she'll shed

ies and the dance? I've no wish to incur Father's

e our arrival. Recall, a month in human terms, yet merely

sire to forgo the spectacle of the dragon procession. Allow

hs by human measure, but only seven days have transpired. We are afforded ample time," the prince declared, observing his companion's look of astoni