The dragon's fiery breath tore through the Shadow King's army, sending creatures scattering in all directions. Its massive wings buffeted the air, creating gusts that knocked down entire ranks of enemies. Aelric stared in awe as the majestic creature circled above, its scales shimmering in the moonlight.
The dragon landed with a thunderous crash just outside the city gates, its golden eyes glowing with ancient power. It lowered its head, and from its back slid a figure clad in armor, their face obscured by a helmet.
The figure approached the gates, and as they removed their helmet, Aelric's breath caught in his throat. The rider was a woman, her hair as red as fire and her eyes blazing with determination. She moved with the confidence of someone who had seen countless battles, and yet there was a grace to her that made her seem otherworldly.
"Who are you?" Aelric asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The woman's gaze met his, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, she spoke, her voice clear and strong. "I am Seraphina, last of the Dragon Riders. I've come to fulfill the ancient pact between the dragons and the people of Eldoria."
Aelric's eyes widened. He had heard tales of the Dragon Riders, warriors who had once fought alongside the dragons to protect Eldoria. But those stories were from long ago, from a time when magic still flowed freely through the land. He never thought he'd meet one in his lifetime.
"The Shadow King's forces are closing in," Seraphina continued, her eyes hardening. "The dragons cannot ignore the threat any longer. We will fight with you, but we cannot do it alone."
Aelric felt a surge of gratitude. With the dragons' help, there was a chance, however slim, that they could turn the tide of the battle. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with relief. "We need all the help we can get."
Seraphina nodded, then turned to her dragon, which had remained vigilant, watching the enemy with keen eyes. "Our enemies will not stop until they've destroyed everything we hold dear. But with the dragons by your side, you have a chance to reclaim what was lost."
The sounds of battle still echoed in the distance, but for the first time in days, Aelric felt a glimmer of hope. With the dragons' strength and Seraphina's leadership, perhaps they could stand a chance against the Shadow King's overwhelming forces.
As dawn broke over the horizon, casting a golden light over the battlefield, Aelric stood with Seraphina and Lyra atop the walls of Elanor. The battle wasn't over, but with the dragons' pledge, they were no longer fighting alone.