2. Zoldryn

2

ZOLDRYN

" L ook over there."

I patrol the coast of Fouuer Island, my wings slicing through the humid air. The sun dips below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the lush vegetation that covers the base of Bloodstorm Peak. The island's volcanic activity keeps the peak hot and covered in ash, but the surrounding area is a tropical paradise.

My obsidian scales glint in the fading light as I scan the waters below. The magical barrier that once kept us hidden is gone, and now we must protect our home from unwanted visitors. Trade ships from other races occasionally pass by, drawn by the island's mysterious allure.

I spot a ship in the distance, its sails billowing in the wind. It's too far away to cause any concern, but Vorak glides up beside me anyway, pointing in its direction.

It used to be that only we could see them, but now, with the glamour torn and damaged… we run the risk of being discovered.

"What do you make of it?" Vorak asks as we both come to perch on the treetops.

"Looks like a fishing boat to me," I say, my eyes narrowing as I study the vessel. "No need to worry about it."

Vorak shifts beside me, his wings rustling against the leaves. "Still, we should report it to The Elder. You know how he feels about outsiders."

Just the mention of The Elder's name makes my blood boil. He hoards resources and riches, leaving the rest of us to fend for ourselves. And now, with the barrier gone, he's more paranoid than ever.

"Fine," I grumble, launching myself into the air. "I'll tell him."

I soar toward Bloodstorm Peak, my wings beating against the wind. The heat from the volcano warms my scales as I approach the underground city. The tunnels are carved into the rock, leading to a vast cavern where the dragons reside.

We aren't many, not anymore. But we still like to live grand.

The heat from the lava caresses my scales as I land in front of The Elder's lair. The sight of the massive, obsidian fortress never fails to fill me with awe. The intricate carvings and the sheer size of it all speak to the grandeur of our people.

But as I approach, I am stopped by Nindre. Her eyes flicker with jealousy, and I can't help but feel a pang of guilt. She is a beautiful dragon, with her sleek, sinewy body and her obsidian scales that shimmer in the light. But she has never caught my eye.

"Zoldryn," she says, her voice laced with a hint of sultry. "I have something to discuss with you."

I pause, my shoulders drooping slightly. I know what she wants, and I know I can't give it to her. Mating is a sacred bond, and even if I was interested in her, it's one that is only allowed by the Elder.

"I'm busy, Nindre," I say, trying to keep my voice even. "I need to see The Elder."

Nindre's eyes narrow, and I can see the fire in them. She is a fierce dragon, one who will not take no for an answer.

As quickly as they narrowed, Nindre's eyes return to their normal, seductive shape and she sashays closer, trying to lend me her services. "Zoldryn, let me help you relax after your patrol," she purrs, her voice dripping with honey.

I ignore her and sigh, striding into the building. The Elder's lair is a maze of tunnels and chambers, each one more opulent than the last. The walls are lined with gold and jewels, a testament to his greed.

I make my way to the throne room, where The Elder sits on his obsidian throne, surrounded by his loyal followers. He is a massive dragon, with horns that curl around his head like a crown. His scales are a deep, dark black, almost invisible in the dim light.

"Zoldryn," he growls, his voice echoing off the walls. "What do you have to report?"

I bow my head in respect. "There is a fishing boat off the coast, but it poses no threat. It's too far away to cause any concern."

The Elder's eyes narrow, and I can see the suspicion in them. "Are you sure?" he asks, his voice low and dangerous.

"Yes, Elder," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "I saw it with my own eyes."

The Elder nods, his expression unreadable. "Very well," he says. "Keep a close watch on the waters. We cannot afford to let any outsiders discover our riches."

I can't help but feel a bitter taste in my mouth as I watch The Elder dismiss me with a wave of his hand. His obsession with hoarding riches is suffocating our people, and it's becoming harder and harder to ignore.

As I make my way out of the throne room, I can't shake the feeling that there's more power to be had in the world. Power that could be used to expand the reach of dragons and defeat the vrakken as The Hearthkeeper had designed us to do.

But The Elder is too focused on his own treasure to see the potential in the world beyond our island. He's content to let our race dwindle, as long as he can continue to amass wealth. I love my treasure as much as the next dragon, and I'd die before parting with it. But there's something infuriating about The Elder's particular brand of selfishness…

I clench my fists as I stride through the tunnels. It's infuriating to see our leader so blind to the needs of our people.

As I emerge from the tunnels and take to the skies, I scan the horizon for any signs of danger. The fishing boat is still too far away to be a concern, but I can't shake the feeling that there's something else out there.

Something that could change everything for our people.

I push the thought aside and focus on my patrol, my wings slicing through the air as I soar over the lush vegetation below. But even as I do my duty, I can't help but feel a growing sense of unease.

There's more to the world than The Elder wants us to believe, and I'm determined to find it.

Even if it means going against the leader of our people.