A deafening roar resounded through the sky, causing every animal within a hundred miles to tremble with fright. Those unlucky enough to be directly below the roar, each froze in fear gazing up into the dark clouds.
Time seemed to freeze as the entire camp watched the sky, waiting for their impending doom. Suddenly the clouds shifted as an enormous majestic creature was revealed. Golden scales covered the dragon, with a pair of golden piercing eyes, a body that must be a length of at least one hundred meters. It flew through the air gracefully, flying straight towards the camp before opening its mouth revealing huge sharp teeth before spewing red flames through the sky in their direction.
Lana quickly grabbed both Ali and Kailen and jumped backward with as much strength as she could muster. Kailen was flabbergasted at the insane distance her leap covered which brought them behind a large black rock.
Incredible heat covered the three as they heard the screams of the sword disciples engulfed in the flames. Even from behind the rock, they were extremely uncomfortable with the heat that seemed to only increase. After a few moments that felt like forever, the screams of agony ended leaving only the sound of wings beating through the sky.
Kailen could see a couple of other members of the camp had successfully escaped behind other rocks in the vicinity. Lana quickly pulled them towards the mountain heading for a nearby cave, her speed once again caught them off guard as they flew through the air.
More screams followed by the heat of the flames resounded behind them, they continued to run together deeper into the cave system. The light became increasingly dim as they continued, soon they were unable to see anything at all as they continued slowly further. The rumbles of the mountain eventually seemed to die down as they proceeded through the cave.
"What do we do now?"
Ali asked with a trembling voice. Neither Lana or Kailen replied as they continued grimly through the cave. After what seemed like forever, a faint light could be seen in the distance. A red glow slowly enlighting the entire cave accompanied by increasing heat. Eventually, they reached the end of the cave and what appeared before them was a large open space covered in large red fire spirit stones.
Kailen looked upwards and saw that he could see the dark clouds which were illuminated by a dark red glow. He grew uncomfortable as he realized where it was they were currently standing, he looked over at Lana's face to confirm his thoughts and sure enough, she had an ugly expression present on her face.
"Lana I think we need to lea-"
His question was interrupted as they were covered by a large dark shadow, they simultaneously looked into the sky and sure enough, there was the golden dragon slowly descending into the cavern with its eyes locked onto the trio.
Kailen thought it was mainly staring at him, though he couldn't tell due to its size. It gracefully landed before them still staring at them as it slowly opened its mouth to speak in a slow rough voice.
"Why do you intrude here?"
There was silence for a moment before Lana stepped forward and bowed towards the dragon and replied respectfully.
"We meant no disrespect Senior, we came here to find some Fire spirit stones to help us cultivate. We shall take our leave."
"Stop."
The dragon interrupted as Lana turned to walk back through the cave. Eyebrows furrowed she turned back around, awaiting its decision.
"You will leave the boy here, then you can leave."
The dragon's words shocked them all as they struggled to comprehend the meaning. Kailen was especially shocked, he couldn't believe his ears. Lana's face transformed into a scowl as she replied in a sullen voice.
"Senior, it's not that I wish to purposefully displease you but we can't leav-"
"You will leave him here or I will burn you all."
The dragon interrupted a terrifying look appearing in its beautiful golden eyes. Kailen was silent, a conflicting look appearing on his face before transforming into a determined one. He turned to face Lana and spoke steadily.
"Lana, I will stay here you will take Ali to leave. I will come and meet with you in the future if fate so decides."
Although such a decision would most likely result in his death, his debt and feelings towards Lana helped to confirm his decision.
"After all, she is much too radiant to die out here."
He thought inwardly with a peaceful smile and gentle gaze as he observed her. Lana's expression showed her unwillingness and frustration, she faced the dragon with determined eyes and spoke.
"I refuse, I will not allow you to keep him here."
"Lana Stop. I have made my decision and you will leave."
Kailen stepped in front of her staring into his eyes, hoping to transfer his feelings and determination. It seemed she finally accepted his decision after staring into his eyes for a long period, her eyes glazed slightly as she turned and walked out pulling Ali along.
"I will wait for you at the Oxford Family villa, you must come or I will hunt you down."
Lana spoke loudly without turning back to look at him. Lana had faith that he would not die so easily, after all, his destiny was too bright.
After staring at the departing figures of Lana and Ali, his emotions growing wild he eventually steeled his will and turned to face the dragon again. His eyes widened at what he saw, sat in the corner of the cave between the soft red glow of the spirit stones sat a young girl around 19 years old with beautiful bewitching golden eyes with long silky golden hair. She wore a golden scaled dress that exposed her shoulders and legs, she sat and stared at him for a good few minutes before addressing him.
"Who are your parents?"