Regal looked at Jacob with calm eyes, continuing to eat his meal. The tension at the table was thick, but Regal appeared unbothered, focused on finishing his plate. He finally spoke, his voice steady. "Eat first, Jacob. I'll explain everything later."
Jacob picked up a piece of meat, inspecting it with a skeptical eye. He hesitated, then placed it back on his plate, crossing his arms. "How can I believe you? For all I know, you could have poisoned this food." His voice was edged with suspicion, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this could all be an elaborate trap.
Druid, perched beside Jacob, let out an exasperated sigh. "Jacob, are you even thinking straight? The serving plate in the middle was for everyone. Look, they're eating the same food."
Jacob glanced around the table. Regal's family continued eating, unbothered by Jacob's accusation. Regal's little sister, who had been hiding behind her wings, peeked out cautiously, watching Jacob with wide, innocent eyes. Jacob finally let his guard down, sighed, and picked up his fork again. He took a cautious bite of the meat, its flavors rich and unfamiliar but undeniably delicious.
After dinner, the atmosphere had relaxed somewhat, but questions still weighed heavily on Jacob's mind. Regal noticed the uncertainty lingering in Jacob's eyes and gestured for him to follow. They stepped out of the igloo, Druid scurrying close behind, and Regal led them up a narrow path that wound its way to the top of a nearby hill.
The night air was cool, and the stars above Ditivas shone brighter than Jacob had ever seen on Earth. The sky was alive with colors, streaks of green and yellow blending together in the cosmic dance. When they reached the top, Regal spread his wings and took flight, signaling Jacob and Druid to follow. Regal's powerful wings flapped rhythmically, carrying them higher until they cleared the ridge.
As they descended on the other side of the mountain, Jacob's eyes widened at the sight before him. Nestled in the valley was a bustling market, glowing with the warm light of lanterns strung between wooden stalls. Dragons of various sizes and colors moved through the market, their scales catching the light and casting iridescent reflections on the cobblestone streets below. Other creatures mingled among them—Elves, Nymphs, Cat Purrsons, and many more—all blending together in a vibrant, harmonious crowd.
Regal landed gracefully near a soda shop, its windows glowing softly. Jacob and Druid followed suit, landing somewhat awkwardly in comparison. As they entered the shop, the air was filled with the sounds of laughter and casual conversation. The dragons inside greeted Regal warmly, acknowledging him with respectful nods and friendly smiles.
"Commanding Chief!" a dragon with emerald green scales called out, raising a glass. Others joined in, echoing the greeting. Regal nodded in acknowledgment, his demeanor humble yet confident. Jacob arched an eyebrow, intrigued by the recognition Regal received. The dragons treated him not as an outcast but as someone of importance.
Jacob sat down at a table, feeling a mix of curiosity and unease. He listened to the conversations around him, trying to piece together the true nature of this place. It was strange to see dragons laughing, chatting, and sharing drinks like any other group of people. They were nothing like the vicious creatures he had been led to fear.
A burly dragon with sapphire scales approached their table, setting down glasses filled with a bubbling, sweet-smelling liquid. "For our guests," he said warmly, his voice deep and resonant. Regal thanked him, and the dragon went back to his work, his tail swaying contentedly.
Jacob sipped his drink, the cool liquid fizzing pleasantly on his tongue. He glanced at Regal, who sat across from him, calm and composed. Jacob couldn't hold back any longer. "What's going on here, Regal? You're some kind of leader, aren't you?"
Regal leaned back, his expression contemplative. "I was," he admitted. "I served as Commanding Chief when Lord Naga ruled over the dragons. He was a wise leader who valued peace and maintained treaties with all the races on Ditivas. But when he died, his son, Ryulong, took the throne. Ryulong... he's nothing like his father."
Jacob listened intently as Regal continued, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Ryulong declared dragons the ruling race of this world. He ended all treaties, believing that dragons should dominate and that all others should serve or perish. Those of us who opposed him—those who remembered Lord Naga's vision—were exiled to these barren plateaus, the Dragon Hills."
Jacob absorbed the story, understanding the weight of Regal's words. The dragons at the market were not rebels by choice—they were exiles, punished for standing against a tyrant.
"I didn't know," Jacob said quietly, his voice filled with remorse. He had judged them too quickly, blinded by fear and preconceived notions. The dragons here were just trying to survive, just like everyone else.
Regal gave a small, understanding nod. "It's alright. But you must understand, Jacob, that we don't have much time. Ryulong is planning something big"
Jacob's eyes widened in shock as he absorbed Regal's words. The room felt colder, the air heavier as the implications of what he had just heard sank in. "How... how do you know about Ryulong's plan?" Jacob's voice trembled with a mixture of fear and disgust.
Regal's expression hardened, his eyes dark and serious. "I overheard a conversation, one I was never meant to hear. They spoke of the death of the last dragon female in the Dragon Hills. The way they spoke... it was as if it marked the beginning of something sinister."
Jacob felt a shiver run down his spine. "What do you mean, the last dragon female? What are they planning?"
Regal sighed, the weight of his knowledge clearly burdening him. "I don't know the full details, but what I do know is horrifying. Ryulong is trying to ensure the survival of the dragon race by... by using females from other races. Somehow, through dark magic, he plans to make them give birth to dragons."
Jacob's face contorted in horror. "What? That's... that's monstrous!"
Regal nodded grimly. "It is. My spies within the Dragon Hills have passed along this information, but they haven't been able to uncover the full extent of Ryulong's plans. What they do know is that this ritual—this abhorrent practice—will be conducted through dark magic, a ritual that will forcibly impregnate these females with dragon offspring. It's said to be an ancient tantric practice, something out of the darkest corners of our history."
Jacob felt bile rise in his throat. The very thought of such a thing was repulsive beyond words. "Why would he do this? Why would anyone think this is a solution?"
"Ryulong believes that by spreading dragon blood through the other races, he can cement his rule. He doesn't just want to dominate; he wants to make dragons the dominant species by any means necessary. Even if it means violating the most basic laws of nature and morality."