Darian stood frozen as Oryn's hand rested on the dragon egg. The chamber felt alive, thrumming with energy, and the carvings on the walls seemed to shimmer in the dim torchlight.
"This is your moment, Darian," Oryn said softly, his eyes never leaving the egg. "The bond between dragon and rider begins now. Step forward."
Darian hesitated, his heart pounding in his ears. Every fiber of his being told him to run—to flee from the responsibility that had been thrust upon him. But there was another voice, deep inside, urging him forward, whispering that this was where he was meant to be.
Taking a deep breath, Darian stepped closer until he stood directly before the egg. Its surface was warm, radiating a gentle heat that seeped into his skin. He reached out, hesitating only a moment before pressing his palm against it.
The moment his hand made contact, the egg pulsed with light, sending a shockwave of warmth up his arm. Darian gasped, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he felt a strange, comforting presence—a sense of familiarity, as though he were meeting an old friend.
Oryn began to chant in a language Darian didn't understand, the ancient words echoing off the chamber walls. The light within the egg grew brighter, flickering like the embers of a dying fire, until it was almost blinding
Suddenly, Darian felt a sharp pain in his palm. He tried to pull his hand away, but he couldn't. It was as if the egg were holding him in place. The pain intensified, and he gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out. Then, just as quickly as it had come, the pain vanished, replaced by a warmth that spread through his entire body.
The egg began to crack.
Darian's breath caught. Thin lines appeared along its smooth surface, glowing faintly. With each crack, a low hum filled the chamber, rising in intensity until the egg shattered with a sound like breaking glass.
From the fragments emerged a small, shimmering dragon. Its scales were a brilliant silver, and it looked up at Darian with eyes that blazed with intelligence and curiosity. For a moment, the two stared at each other, neither moving, neither speaking. Then, to Darian's amazement, the dragon stepped forward and pressed its forehead against his palm, exactly where the pain had been moments before.
A voice filled Darian's mind, not spoken aloud but felt, like a whisper in his thoughts.
I am Sumner, and I have waited for you.
Darian's knees went weak. He felt the dragon's presence merge with his own, like two rivers joining into one. He could feel Sumner's heartbeat, could sense the dragon's thoughts, emotions, and memories. It was overwhelming, but it felt… right. As if he had found a missing part of himself.
"I… I don't understand," Darian whispered aloud, his voice trembling.
Oryn watched with a look of deep satisfaction. "You have awakened the bond, Darian. You and Sumner are now one. As the last dragon, he has chosen you to be his rider."
Sumner's eyes never left Darian's. We are bound, you and I. Our fates are intertwined. Together, we will face the darkness that comes.
Darian nodded, even though he didn't fully understand what lay ahead. "What do I do now?"
Oryn stepped forward, placing a hand on Darian's shoulder. "Now, you must learn. There is much to prepare for, and little time. Forces far greater than you can imagine are moving against us."
Darian looked down at Sumner, who blinked slowly, as if to reassure him. "I'm ready," he said, though uncertainty lingered in his voice. "I'll do whatever it takes."
Oryn's expression softened. "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength to face it. And you will need all the courage you have, Darian. For you are no longer just a boy—you are the Dragon Rider, the last hope of this world."
Darian felt a chill run down his spine, but the warmth of Sumner's presence gave him strength. He took a deep breath and nodded.
"Then let's begin."