Mirael nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "Of course. We're all feeling it. But we've got each other, and we've trained hard for this. We just have to trust in ourselves.
Isabel appreciated Mirael's words, finding comfort in the shared experience. The uncertainty remained, but so did the support of her friends. They were in this together, and no matter what happened, they would face it side by side.
Kaelan looked at Isabel and couldn't stop the wild beating of his heart. He tried to ignore it, to keep his expression neutral, but he couldn't control himself.
Throughout the conversation, his eyes kept drifting back to her. Isabel was eating quietly, not engaging much, only asking the questions she was genuinely interested in. He noticed how her brow furrowed in concentration, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.
As the evening progressed, Kaelan observed the subtle changes in her demeanor. When she tasted something particularly delicious, her expression became delighted, a small, genuine smile playing on her lips.
She wasn't a big drinker, but tonight, as they all sipped their drinks, her small, jade-like face became flushed, adding a rosy hue to her cheeks that only made her more captivating in Kaelan's eyes. He couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was, even more so than the last time he had really taken the time to look at her.
Her long white hair fell gracefully down her back, shimmering softly in the light of the candles that adorned the table. Each strand seemed to catch the light, creating a halo-like effect around her head.
Her hair framed her face perfectly, accentuating her delicate features. Her eyes, a deep and magnetic purple, sparkled with a mix of excitement and apprehension, drawing him in like the depths of the ocean.
Isabel's beauty was not just in her appearance but in the way she moved, the quiet confidence she exuded despite her nerves. There was a grace to her, a fluidity in her movements that spoke of the countless hours of training and the discipline she maintained.
He watched her as she leaned forward to ask a question, her curiosity evident in her expression. The way she furrowed her brow in thought, the slight tilt of her head as she listened intently, made her seem even more endearing. And when she smiled, truly smiled, it was like watching the sunrise—radiant and full of promise.
Kaelan found himself captivated by her presence, unable to tear his gaze away. He noticed how her flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes made her look even more enchanting. It was as if, in that moment, all the worries and doubts she harbored were forgotten, replaced by the simple joy of being surrounded by friends.
There was something about her that drew him in, something he couldn't quite place but felt deeply. Maybe it was her quiet strength, the way she carried herself with a mix of grace and determination. Or perhaps it was the vulnerability she tried to hide, the self-doubt that he could see flickering in her eyes.
"Kaelan, what do you think?" Eamon's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present. Kaelan blinked, realizing he had missed part of the conversation.
"Sorry, what was that?" he asked, trying to cover his distraction.
Eamon grinned, shaking his head. "I was asking what you think about our chances. Do you really believe we could be chosen by the dragons?"
Kaelan glanced at Isabel again before answering. "I believe we all have a chance," he said, his voice steady. "We've trained hard, and we've proven ourselves in battle. The dragons will see that. We just have to be ready and open to the bond."
Mirael nodded enthusiastically. "Kaelan's right. It's about being open and showing our true selves. The dragons can sense that."
Isabel looked up, her eyes meeting Kaelan's for a brief moment. He saw the flicker of doubt still there, but also a spark of hope. She gave him a small, appreciative smile before returning her focus to her food.
As the night wore on, Kaelan found himself stealing glances at Isabel more frequently. He watched her as she interacted with their friends, her face lighting up with excitement whenever the conversation turned to dragons. Despite her earlier nervousness, she seemed to be finding a new sense of resolve, and it was inspiring to see.
The night ended with laughter and camaraderie, each of them dreaming about the possibilities that lay ahead with the upcoming ceremony and the chance to forge a bond with one of the majestic dragons of Valareath.
"To the dragon choosing ceremony," Mirael said, raising her glass again.
"To the dragon choosing ceremony," the others echoed, clinking their glasses together.
By the time the meal was over, Isabel's cheeks were flushed from the wine, and her eyes shone with a mixture of anticipation and agitation.
Kaelan felt a swell of affection for her, a desire to reassure her, to let her know that she wasn't alone in her fears. But he held back, not wanting to overwhelm her with his feelings.
As they all stood to leave, heading towards their quarters for the night, Kaelan found himself walking beside Isabel. He took a deep breath, deciding to say something before he lost his nerve.
"Isabel," he began, his voice low so only she could hear, "I just wanted to say that I believe in you. We've been through a lot together, and I know how strong you are. Whatever happens tomorrow, just remember that."
Isabel looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise. For a moment, she seemed at a loss for words, but then she smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile that made Kaelan's heart skip a beat.
"Thank you, Kaelan," she said softly. "That means a lot to me. And I believe in you too. We're all in this together."
He nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him at her words. They continued walking in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts about the ceremony to come.
As they reached their quarters and bid each other goodnight.
When he lay down to sleep, Kaelan couldn't shake the image of Isabel from his thoughts. Her beauty, her grace, and her quiet strength filled his dreams, giving him a sense of peace amidst the uncertainty of the days to come. And he drifted off.