Jacob filled in Regal and his allies on what they had learned from the captured guard. The Hall of Molt was where the girls were being held. The urgency of their mission grew palpable; the stakes were higher than ever.
They reached the Hall of Molt, its intimidating structure looming ominously before them. Regal's group and the newfound allies gathered at the entrance, each aware of the potential danger that lay beyond. The dragons exchanged looks of steely determination, while Jacob and Zede's expressions mirrored a shared resolve. This was it—the moment that could make or break their mission.
Kylan, always the voice of caution, raised his hand. "We should scout first," he suggested. "We don't know what's inside. It could be a trap."
Regal nodded, glancing at Tatsu, his young, fiery-scaled friend. "Tatsu, you're the fastest. Check it out, but be careful."
Tatsu nodded confidently, his scales reflecting the flickering light of the molten lava that flowed around the hall. He moved swiftly and silently, his wings barely making a sound as he entered the hall. Inside, he spotted the girls tied to a pole, their expressions fraught with fear and desperation. He moved closer, intent on freeing them, but as he approached, a faint rumbling echoed above him.
Without warning, molten rock began to pour from hidden vents in the ceiling. Tatsu's eyes widened in horror as the lava cascaded down, and despite his quick reflexes, he was unable to escape the deadly flow. His agonized roar filled the hall, a sound that sent chills through everyone waiting outside.
Regal's heart sank, his expression a mixture of rage and profound sorrow. Jacob and Zede stared in horror, the reality of their mission's danger hitting them with full force. They had lost one of their own, and the weight of that loss hung heavily in the air.
"We can't lose anyone else," Regal said, his voice breaking slightly but resolute. "We have to be smarter, faster, and more careful. Tatsu's sacrifice won't be in vain."
Jacob nodded, his jaw clenched. This wasn't just about a rescue anymore—it was a battle against time, against Ryulong's tyranny, and against their own doubts. Together, they would fight, and together, they would ensure that no more innocent lives were lost to the darkness that threatened their world.
The air was thick with tension as the eerie laugh echoed across the volcanic landscape of Dragon Hills. It was a laugh laced with cruelty and mockery, one that sent a shiver down Jacob's spine. The group—Regal, Zede, Kylan, and the dragons—shifted their stances, bracing themselves for what was to come. Each of them could feel the weight of the moment, knowing that the fight ahead would determine not just their survival but the fate of those trapped in Ryulong's sinister scheme.
From the shadows of the molten rocks emerged Cypher, the towering Commanding Chief of Ryulong's army. His scales were a deep obsidian, reflecting the red glow of the molten streams around them. His wings, massive and sharp-edged, cast a dark silhouette as he approached with slow, deliberate steps. The grin on his face was one of pure malice.
"Well, well, well," Cypher sneered, his golden eyes gleaming as they fell on Regal. "Look who's come crawling out from exile. Regal, the forgotten chief, once a star of the Dragon Guard, now reduced to leading a ragtag group of misfits." Cypher's laughter rang out again, this time louder and more condescending. "Thrown out of power the moment Ryulong took the throne, and now you think you can play the hero?"
Regal's face remained stoic, but Jacob could see the faint flicker of anger in his eyes. The other dragons standing with Regal bristled at the insult, their wings fluttering in agitation. Druid, still perched on Jacob's shoulder, tightened his grip on his friend's collar, sensing the rising tension. Zede and Kylan exchanged wary glances, both of them inching closer to Regal, ready to back him up.
Cypher wasn't done yet. He tilted his head back slightly, surveying the group with a mocking smile. "I hope you realize you're surrounded. I've deployed my forces, and they're waiting for my command to strike. It'll be a massacre—one that I'll enjoy watching."
At Cypher's words, the group glanced around them. Hidden behind the jagged rocks, they could now make out the shadows of Ryulong's army, dragons lying in wait, their eyes glowing with the reflection of the molten lava. They had been outnumbered and outflanked without even realizing it.
Regal stepped forward, his broad wings unfolding, casting a wide shadow over his companions. His voice was calm but carried an edge of defiance. "I wasn't thrown out, Cypher. I left because I have something you never will—honor. I earned my place in the Dragon Guard with my ability to lead, not because of some childhood connection to the king. I earned my rank with blood and battle, while you've earned yours through flattery and deceit."
The dragons at Regal's side smirked, their confidence in their leader growing. Cypher's lip curled in a snarl as he noticed that even some of his own soldiers, hidden among the rocks, exchanged uneasy glances. A few stifled grins betrayed their amusement at Regal's sharp words. The tension grew thicker, with each second bringing them closer to an inevitable clash.
Cypher's golden eyes blazed with fury. "Enough!" he roared, his wings flaring as he commanded his army. "You'll pay for that insult, Regal. All of you will."
He raised a clawed hand, signaling the attack. The sound of dozens of dragons launching into the air, their wings beating powerfully, filled the sky. The rocks trembled as the hidden forces of Cypher's army emerged from their cover, charging forward with roars that echoed across the hills.
Jacob, Zede, Kylan, Regal, and the loyal dragons sprang into action, taking their positions. Regal's dragons fanned out in a practiced formation, ready for the coming onslaught. Regal, with the ease of a seasoned commander, barked out orders to his comrades, positioning them for defense and counterattack.