The next morning, Darian woke to the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance. He blinked groggily, still half-lost in the dreams of fire and dragons that had filled his sleep. Sumner lay beside him, his body curled protectively around Darian's small camp. The dragon's silvery scales glistened faintly in the early light, and his breathing was slow and steady.
Good morning, Sumner's voice echoed in Darian's mind, still sleepy but alert.
"Morning," Darian replied, stretching his sore muscles. "Did you sleep at all?"
I watched over you. Dragons don't need sleep the way humans do, Sumner said with a hint of pride. Besides, I feel it's my duty to make sure you're safe.
Darian smiled, a warmth spreading in his chest. Despite the uncertainty and danger that loomed ahead, there was a comfort in knowing he wasn't alone. Sumner was more than just his partner; he was becoming his closest friend.
As Darian was packing up their camp, Oryn emerged from the cave's entrance, his robe rustling softly with his movements. "It's time," he announced, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We're moving deeper into the mountains today. There's something I need to show you."
"What is it?" Darian asked, trying to hide the nervousness in his voice.
"The world beyond this cave is not as you've known it," Oryn replied cryptically. "There are forces at play—dark forces—that seek to control Sumner's power. It's time you saw what you're up against."
With that, Oryn led them through a narrow trail that wound up the mountainside. The air grew colder, and the mist thickened as they ascended, clinging to Darian's skin and obscuring the path ahead. Sumner moved silently beside him, his scales shimmering faintly in the gray light. As they climbed, Darian couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
Finally, they emerged onto a plateau, and Darian froze. In the distance, nestled in the valley below, lay the ruins of an ancient city. Its crumbling towers rose from the mist like skeletal fingers, and the once-proud walls now lay in shattered heaps. The entire landscape was draped in shadows, and the air was thick with a sense of foreboding.
"This… this was once a great kingdom," Oryn said quietly, his voice tinged with sadness. "Long ago, it was ruled by those who understood the bond between dragons and humans. But that bond was broken, and the darkness took root."
"What happened to them?" Darian asked, unable to tear his eyes away from the ruins.
"They were betrayed," Oryn replied, his eyes narrowing. "There are those who seek to control the dragons, to use their power for their own gain. They twisted the bond, turning it into something corrupt, something monstrous. And when the last dragon was slain, their kingdom fell into ruin."
A chill ran down Darian's spine. "You mean… that could happen to us?"
Oryn turned to face him, his expression grave. "If you are not careful, yes. There are those who will stop at nothing to claim Sumner's power. Already, they are searching for you. And if they find you, they will destroy everything you hold dear."
Darian clenched his fists, his heart pounding. "Then we'll fight them. We'll make sure they never get that chance."
A faint smile crossed Oryn's lips. "Spoken like a true rider. But know this, Darian: power is not just about strength. It is about control, about understanding who you are and what you stand for. That is the only way you will defeat the darkness."
Suddenly, Sumner stiffened, his eyes narrowing. Something's coming.
Before Darian could react, a shadow moved in the mist. He spun around, searching the haze, but he saw nothing. Another flicker of movement, this time closer, and Darian's heart leaped into his throat.
"Who's there?" he shouted, his voice echoing off the rocky cliffs.
A low, sinister laugh answered him, and a figure emerged from the fog. Cloaked in black and carrying a twisted staff, the stranger's face was hidden beneath a hood, but Darian could feel the malice radiating from him like a cold wind.
"So, the last dragon awakens," the figure sneered, his voice like nails scraping over stone. "I must say, you've caused quite a stir, boy."
Darian took a step back, his hand moving instinctively to Sumner's side. "Who are you?"
The stranger tilted his head, and Darian could see a glimmer of red eyes beneath the hood. "I am the Shadow Weaver, a servant of those who would reclaim the power you now possess. And you, boy, are standing in my way."
Oryn stepped forward, his staff glowing with a faint blue light. "You will not have him."
The Shadow Weaver chuckled, the sound echoing through the mist. "We shall see."
Before Darian could react, the air grew cold, and tendrils of shadow erupted from the ground, twisting toward him and Sumner. Darian felt a rush of panic, but Sumner let out a furious roar, and flames burst from his mouth, incinerating the shadows before they could reach them.
"Focus, Darian!" Oryn shouted. "You must control the fire!"
Gritting his teeth, Darian reached out with his thoughts, merging with Sumner's mind. He felt the dragon's anger, his fear, and he pushed it aside, replacing it with calm, with resolve. The flames grew brighter, hotter, driving the shadows back.
The Shadow Weaver snarled, his eyes flashing with fury. "This isn't over," he hissed before vanishing into the mist, leaving only the echoes of his laughter behind.
Darian collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath. Sumner stood protectively over him, his scales still glowing with the heat of their shared fire.
Oryn approached, kneeling beside him. "You did well, Darian. But the real battle has just begun."
Darian looked up at him, his eyes filled with determination. "Then we'll be ready."
Sumner's voice echoed in his mind, a steady, comforting presence. Together, we will face whatever comes.
Darian nodded, his fear melting away. They had faced the shadows, and they had won. But he knew that the darkness was far from vanquished.
And as he stared out into the mist, he vowed that he would be the light that would drive it away.