15. Tiamat

Chapter 15

Tiamat

Back in the Ice Dragon Court…

With Nikita's help, she opened several portals, depositing everyone where they needed to be. My mates were sent back to the Bronze Dragon Court, my mother and I went back to the Ice Dragon Court. I needed to speak to my father and grandfather and to see my children again.

Standing on the balcony of our ancestral home within the Ice Dragon court, I feel the weight of centuries of history bearing down upon me. The icy winds whip around me, carrying with them the whispers of the past and the echoes of my ancestors' struggles.

My mother stands beside me, her presence a comforting anchor in the tumultuous sea of my thoughts. Together, we have faced countless trials and tribulations, but now, as I gaze out over the snow-covered landscape, I cannot shake the feeling that we are being used as pawns in a larger game.

Oberon, the master manipulator behind the scenes, has orchestrated our lives with a cunning hand, weaving a web of deception and deceit that stretches back through generations. We have been his instruments, his weapons in a war that spans realms and dimensions.

But now, as I look down at my hands, shifting between the armored gauntlets that symbolize my dragon heritage and the delicate fingers of my human form. I cannot help but wonder what our true purpose is. Are we nothing more than tools to be discarded once our usefulness has expired?

The thought sends a chill down my spine, and I know I cannot ignore it any longer. I need to speak with my mother, to share my fears and uncertainties with her. Together, we must confront our family's legacy head-on.

Turning to her, I see the determination in her eyes, the same fire that burns within my heart. She nods solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation, and together, we make our way to a secluded chamber where we can speak freely.

As we enter the room, I am struck by the sense of history that hangs heavy in the air. The walls are lined with tapestries depicting scenes from our family's illustrious past. But now they serve as a reminder of the burdens we carry and the choices we must make.

Taking a seat opposite my mother, I draw in a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation that lies ahead. My grandfather and father sit nearby, their expressions grave as they await my words.

"I cannot shake the feeling that we are being used," I begin, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging within me. "Oberon has manipulated our bloodline for generations, and now I fear we are nothing more than tools in his hands."

My mother's eyes widen in understanding, and I can see the same fears reflected in her gaze. "It is true," she agrees, her voice tinged with sorrow. "We have been pawns in a larger game, but that does not mean we must continue to play by Oberon's rules."

My grandfather nods in agreement, his weathered face a mask of determination. "It is time we took control of our own destinies," he says, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom. "We cannot allow ourselves to be manipulated any longer."

With a sense of purpose burning within me, I turn to my father, seeking his guidance and support. "What do you suggest we do?" I ask, my voice echoing through the chamber.

He smiles sadly, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and regret. "We must forge our own path," he replies, his words a beacon of hope in the darkness. "We must stand together as a family and face whatever challenges may come our way."

As Ladon rushes into the sitting room, his embrace offers a momentary comfort amidst the storm of uncertainty swirling within me. His presence is reassuring, a steadfast protector in our family's time of need. "What do you need me to do?" Ladon's voice is filled with concern as he searches my face for answers. I meet his gaze, grateful for his unwavering support, but I know that this burden is mine alone to bear.

"Nothing, Ladon," I reply, my voice soft but resolute. "I need you to protect the family. Keep them safe while we confront this threat."

My father's attention is drawn to my words, and he moves closer, his eyes reflecting a mixture of worry and determination. He takes my hands in his, his touch grounding me during the turmoil. "What are you sensing, Tia?" His voice is filled with fatherly concern, and I can sense the weight of his anticipation hanging in the air.

Closing my eyes briefly, I draw in a deep breath, searching for the words to convey the urgency of our situation. "I know what we need to do," I begin slowly, my mind racing with possibilities. "But I'm not sure how to do it." A soft sigh escapes my lips as I lower my gaze, grappling with the enormity of the task that lies before us. The solution eludes me, slipping through my fingers like grains of sand.

"It may be unconventional, but I believe I have an idea," Nicodeamus interjects, his voice cutting through the heavy silence that hangs over the room. He moves to sit before me, his expression grave but determined.

"We need to seek out Elka," he continues, his words carrying a sense of urgency that cannot be ignored. "They are the only dragons that the Fae cannot control."

My grandfather's words hit me like a bolt of lightning, igniting a spark of hope within me. Elka, the elusive and enigmatic Farie dragons rumored to possess powers beyond comprehension. If anyone can help us break free from the Fae's influence, it is they. The fire in my grandfather's eyes mirrors the determination burning within me, and I know that this is a path we must pursue without hesitation.

Rising to my feet, I meet my father's gaze with unwavering resolve. "We must act swiftly," I declare, my voice unwavering. "Elka may hold the key to our salvation, and we cannot afford to waste a moment."

With a shared understanding passing between us, my family gathers their strength, ready to embark on this perilous journey. Together, we will face whatever challenges lie ahead, united in our quest to reclaim our freedom and protect those we hold dear.

As my grandfather confirms our destination, a surge of anticipation courses through me, mingled with a sense of urgency. I grip his hand, drawing strength from his presence as we prepare to embark on this crucial mission.

"I do, and it will be quicker if you fly us all there," he responds, his voice resolute. His words fill me with a sense of pride, a reminder of the trust and confidence placed in me.

A smile plays at the corners of my lips as I nod in agreement. "Of course, let's get going." With a determined stride, I move to leave the room, eager to set our plan into motion.

Before I can take another step, my mother's voice stops me in my tracks. Her hand tightens around my wrist, drawing my attention as she fixes me with a serious gaze. "Do you need to feed?" Aurora's question hangs in the air, her concern evident in every word. It's a question that weighs heavily on my mind, a reminder of the primal instincts that lurk within me.

Oddly, the hunger that once gnawed at my insides seems to have abated, replaced by a newfound sense of balance. "No," I reply, a sense of wonderment coloring my words. "I think I am adjusting to my new form, and I fed heavily in the Drow's dungeon."

My mother's smile is both reassuring and proud as she nods in understanding. "Okay, be ready to leave in twenty," she declares, her voice filled with determination. With that, she turns and leaves the room, leaving me to contemplate the journey that lies ahead.

As I stand alone in the room, a whirlwind of emotions swirls within me. The weight of our mission presses down upon my shoulders, a reminder of the stakes at hand. But alongside the apprehension, there is also a glimmer of hope, a beacon guiding us toward a brighter future. With renewed resolve, I gather my strength, ready to face whatever challenges await us on our journey.

As the twenty-minute mark approaches, time seems to speed up, slipping through my fingers like grains of sand. With a sense of urgency, my mother's voice cuts through the air, commanding our family to assemble and prepare for departure.

Stepping out into the courtyard, I cast a glance around, taking in the familiar surroundings that once served as the backdrop to my carefree youth. Nostalgia washes over me, mingling with a tinge of sadness for the innocence I left behind.

My transformation begins slowly, a gradual shift that ripples through my form as I grow in size, my dragoness emerging from within. With each passing moment, I tower over the courtyard, my massive form dominating the surrounding space.

As my family gathers below, I watch as my mother, father, and grandfather approach, their faces set with determination. With practiced ease, my grandfather and parents climb my scales, finding purchase amidst the ridges and crevices of my armored hide.

I feel their weight settle upon me, a reassuring presence amidst the chaos that surrounds us. Together, we are a formidable force. With a powerful beat of my wings, I lift off from the ground, the rush of air whistling past as we ascend into the sky.

Beneath us, the courtyard shrinks into insignificance, a mere speck in the vast expanse below. Ahead lies our destination, a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty.

As we soar through the clouds, I can't help but feel a sense of exhilaration coursing through my veins. The wind rushes past, carrying with it the promise of adventure and possibility.

With each passing moment, the landscape shifts beneath us, a patchwork of forests and mountains stretching out as far as the eye can see. Below, the world continues to turn, oblivious to the struggles that unfold in the skies above.

As my grandfather positions himself between my horns, his words hang heavy in the air, laden with the weight of centuries of knowledge and experience. I absorb his wisdom like a sponge, allowing Gallus's memories to fill in the gaps, painting a vivid picture of the challenges that lie ahead.

"The Faire dragons are elusive and dangerous," he begins, his voice tinged with a hint of caution. I nod solemnly, fully aware of the formidable adversaries we are about to face. Despite their diminutive size, Faire dragons are renowned for their cunning and guile, making them a formidable foe even for the most seasoned of warriors.

"Our battle against the Fae will not be easy," my grandfather continues, his tone betraying a hint of doubt. It's a rare moment of vulnerability from a dragon who has faced countless trials and tribulations throughout his long life. Yet, even in the face of uncertainty, his resolve remains unshaken, a testament to his unwavering determination.

Leaving my mates behind to tend to their fathers' remains was a prudent decision. As much as I trust their abilities, their volatile tempers could easily provoke the ire of the Faire Dragon leader, Elka. In such a delicate situation, diplomacy, and tact are our greatest weapons, and I cannot afford to risk any missteps.

With a sense of determination, I steel myself for the challenges that lie ahead, drawing strength from the unwavering support of my family. Together, we will face whatever trials await us, united in our quest for justice and redemption.

As we soar through the skies, the landscape below unfolds like a tapestry, a patchwork of forests and mountains stretching out as far as the eye can see. In the distance, the silhouette of the Faire Dragon's domain looms ominously on the horizon, a stark reminder of the perilous journey that lies ahead.

With each passing moment, the tension in the air mounts, anticipation mingling with apprehension as we draw closer to our destination. Yet, despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, I cannot help but feel a sense of excitement coursing through my veins, fueled by the promise of adventure and discovery.

As we descend towards the heart of the Faire Dragon's territory, I brace myself for the challenges that await us. The air crackles with energy, charged with the power of ancient magic that permeates the very fabric of this otherworldly domain.

With a deep breath, I steel myself for what lies ahead, drawing upon the strength of my ancestors and the unwavering support of my family. For we are more than just individuals — we are a force to be reckoned with, united in our quest to confront the darkness that threatens to engulf us all.

With a mighty roar, I signal our arrival, announcing our presence to the Faire Dragons and their enigmatic leader, Elka. As we touch down upon the hallowed ground of their domain, I can't help but wonder what trials await us within the shadowy depths of their lair.

But one thing is certain—no matter what challenges lie ahead, we will face them together, as a family.