I ran barefoot through the soft grass, my toes sinking into the cool earth with every step. The wind rushed past me, ruffling my dark hair, the air carrying the faint scent of flowers and fresh rain. Before me, Valentina's laughter rang out- a sound as sharp and mischievous as she was. I could hear her boots thudding against the ground, always faster, always one step ahead, no matter how hard I tried to catch up.
"Come on, Evander, you're too slow!"
She taunted, her voice lilting through the trees.
"Only because you cheat!"
I shot back, grinning despite myself. Valentina darted through the woods, her movements light and quick. The black tangle of her hair whipped behind her like a shadow, her red eyes gleaming with the thrill of the chase. Her face was freckled- a feature that somehow made her even more striking, those red eyes always burning with an intensity I could never quite match. We both shared the same jet-black hair, but while my eyes were a deep blue like our mother's, hers blazed with the same fiery hue as our father's. It made her look dangerous. She loved that.
Valentina was the embodiment of chaos, with her wild spirit and her dragon blood always simmering just beneath the surface. Like me, she bore the royal lung dragon features that marked us as descendants of the ancient rulers of Drakhelm. Small, golden scales traced the sides of her neck and arms, glinting in the sunlight. Mine had a silvery hue to them, more visible in the moonshine. I could feel the faint hum of magic under my skin as I ran, the same power that connected me to the sky and the land. It was a constant presence, it is part of who we were as royal dragons- the rightful rulers of Drakhelm. But in moments like this, it was just a thrill, a rush of energy that made the world seem alive.
"Catch me if you can!"
Valentina's voice echoed ahead as she leapt over a fallen log, her dark hair flashing in the light that filtered through the trees. Her grin was wide, her freckles catching the sunlight in an almost playful challenge. I pushed harder, muscles burning as I sprinted after her, determined not to let her win this time, I may be fast- but somehow this little devil manages to always be even faster. The forest was thick here, the trees gnarled and ancient, their roots twisting through the earth like the veins of a sleeping giant. The canopy above was alive with the sounds of birds and the rustle of leaves, and for a moment, the world felt so far removed from the cold stone walls of the castle.
Finally, I broke through the edge of the trees, and I saw her standing on the hill, overlooking the sprawling expanse of Drakhelm's floating lands. The islands stretched out before us like giant stone ships, suspended in the sky by ancient magic. Each one was covered in fields and forests, connected by stone bridges and swirling mists that made it look like something out of a dream. Far under us was a cloud layer we called the Cloudsea, it was a thick layer of white fluffy clouds. Nobody dared to pass through it, it was said to keep the bad out of Eldoria. Under there was supposed to be a evil land nobody dares to enter, mother once said if I would take a step through the layer I would be erased from existence, forgotten like a small wildflower with no purpose. Tho I must admit, these clouds look like perfect cotton candy-
"Still too slow,"
Valentina teased, folding her arms across her chest as I caught up. I rolled my eyes, bending over to catch my breath.
"One of these days, you'll slip up,"
I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. Valentina was faster and fiercer than I was. She always had been. Despite her being three years younger her then me. She smirked, her red eyes glinting with amusement.
"Not today, though."
As I straightened, something caught my eye in the sky above. A flicker of movement—like a shadow, too fast to be a bird. I squinted, scanning the horizon, but there was nothing there now, just the endless expanse of blue.
"You see that?"
I asked, my voice quieter now, unsure. Valentina followed my gaze, her brow furrowing.
"See what?"
"I thought I saw something… in the sky."
She rolled her eyes, flicking her dark hair over her shoulder.
"You're always imagining things, Evander. Probably just a cloud. Or one of the whales."
I wasn't so sure, but I let it go. The unease settled in my chest, a familiar feeling lately, but it was hard to explain. Valentina didn't feel it, that much I knew. She was always so sure, so fearless, while I… I always had questions. Before I could say anything else, a voice called out from behind us, gentle but with an undeniable authority.
"Evander! Valentina!"
We both turned to see our mother, Queen Seraphina, standing at the edge of the woods. She was carrying our youngest sister, Lirael, in her arms, cradled like a precious bundle. Mother looked radiant, as always. Her long, light-blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her blue eyes sparkled with warmth. She, too, had the royal dragon features: white scales adorned her neck and shoulders, blending seamlessly with her fair skin, and when she moved, there was a grace that only the pure dragons of our bloodline possessed.
"Your father is waiting,"
she said, her smile warm but tired.
"It's time for your lessons."
I saw Valentina's shoulders sag a little at the mention of lessons, but I didn't mind. I always enjoyed the time we spent with our mother, even if it meant training under our father's cold gaze. Seraphina walked toward us, the sunlight catching the scales along her neck, soft and delicate. She held Lirael close, her tiny form bundled in soft blankets. I swear one of those was mine once! Our baby sister was so small, her eyes barely open as she stirred in our mother's arms. She was the youngest of us, too young to understand anything yet, but already the subject of so much love and protection.
Valentina reached out and gently poked Lirael's cheek.
"She's going to be a handful when she grows up, just like me!"
she said with a smirk. Mother laughed softly.
"Let's hope she's a bit calmer than you."
"Oh don't worry Lirael-deary! I will teach you my ways! I promise you."
I smiled as I watched them. There was a peace that came with moments like this, a sense of balance that made the world feel right. Our mother, always so gentle, so full of love. It was hard to believe she shared a throne with our father, whose very presence seemed to darken the world. Don't get me wrong, I love my father, but mere to the aspect he is part of the reason I exist. Other then that I am not unhappy if he sadly doesn't make it to the dinning table.
"Where is Father?"
I asked, not out of excitement, but more to know what mood to expect. Seraphina's smile faltered ever so slightly.
"In the great hall, waiting for you both. He's already spoken with Alaric."
Alaric. The mention of our older brother's name sent a chill through me. Alaric was different from Valentina and me. He hadn't inherited the dragon features that marked us as royal. No horns, no shimmering scales. Instead, Alaric took after our father. His skin was pale, and his black hair wasn't hair at all- it was a swirling, dark mass that looked like smoke, always moving, always giving him an unsettling appearance. His eyes, like Father's, were a deep, unnatural red, glowing with a darkness that felt cold and distant. He wasn't a dragon, and because of that, he couldn't be the heir to Drakhelm. The tradition was clear: only those of the dragon bloodline could rule. It was something Alaric resented deeply, and it showed in the way he looked at me, the heir, the one who was allowed to be everything he could never be. I knew it just too well, he always makes sure I know how deeply he holds a grudge against me.
Seraphina shifted Lirael in her arms, her expression softening again as she looked down at us.
"Come, your father doesn't like to be kept waiting."
We followed her through the gardens and across the bridge that connected the floating island to the castle. The towering spires of Skyreach Citadel loomed ahead, casting long shadows across the land as we approached. I could already feel the weight of the place pressing down on me-the history, the power, the expectations. Inside, the grand halls of the castle were cool and dark, the air filled with the scent of old stone and burning torches. The tapestries that lined the walls told stories of our ancestors, of dragons soaring through the sky, and battles fought in ages past. It was a reminder of the bloodline we carried, the responsibility that came with it. As we entered the great hall, I saw him,our father, King Azaroth, standing at the far end of the room. His presence immediately filled the space. He has a strong aura surrounding him, following him everywhere. His aura stinks. Like rotten flesh. He was tall and imposing, with long, black robes that seemed to absorb the light. His black hair, or what appeared to be hair, wasn't like ours. It wasn't normal. It was like dark clouds, swirling around his head, shifting and moving as if it had a life of its own. Maybe that's another reason why I don't like Alaric, he looks so similar to the man I somehow hate the most. His face was pale, almost sickly, and parts of it were obscured by that same dark mist, giving him an aura of shadow and death. Azaroth's eyes were the worst- those cold, red eyes that seemed to pierce through everything and everyone. There was no warmth in them, only the cold, calculating gaze of a man consumed by dark magic. His connection to necromancy was strong, and it was no secret that the dark powers he wielded were what kept him alive.
"Late again,"
Azaroth's voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. He didn't raise his voice, it is naturally loud, it was enough to make the hairs on my arms stand on end. His eyes flicked briefly to Valentina, then to me, before resting on Lirael in our mother's arms. I will never get other this disgust I can see shining in his eyes, I sometimes wondered if I just want to believe there is this evil shine since nobody else seemed to notice it.. but I am pretty sure that guy was even darker then he already appeared to be.
"Father,"
I said, bowing my head slightly, Valentina following suit, tho lacking the enthusiasm. Alaric stood beside him, his arms crossed, a smirk playing on his pale lips. His eyes met mine, and I could feel the weight of his resentment, though it was hidden behind that familiar smirk. I could puke.
"You've been enjoying the forest, I see,"
Azaroth said, his voice devoid of any real interest.
"Yes, Father,"
Valentina answered, her voice a little too quick.
"We were just—"
"I don't care for excuses,"
Azaroth interrupted, I hate how he treats my little sister like a worthless being. His gaze shifting to Seraphina.
"You should not indulge them so much. They have responsibilities."
Mother's smile remained, but I could see the tightness around her eyes.
"They're still children, Azaroth."
"They are royalty,"
he replied coldly. His eyes flicked back to me.
"And you, Evander, will soon be king. You cannot afford to waste time."
I swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling over me like a cloak. I wanted to protest, to say something, say that I wasn't ready for all of this. But I knew better than to argue with him. Azaroth didn't care for weakness and any sign of hesitation was enough to earn his disdain. I would like to keep my dessert for the rest of the week.
"Now,"
he said, turning toward the center of the room, where a large map of the kingdom lay spread across the table.
"You two still have a lot to learn."
As we moved closer, I caught Valentina's eye. She rolled her eyes subtly, her lips quirking into a small, defiant smile. It was her way of saying, ‚Don't let him get to you'. But as I looked back at my father, his dark aura radiating through the room, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was already shifting beneath the surface. Something far more dangerous than I could ever understand.
I prepared myself mentally for the next several hours of pressing knowledge into my brain as Valentina groaned, her earlier excitement evaporating.
"Do we have to? Can't we just stay outside?"
I instantly raise my head, ready to charm in as I see the eyes of my father darken to a look that feels like death in it's purest form, just as I wanted to step in and help my sister out I get stopped by the soft voice of my mother. Seraphina chuckled softly.
"Your swordsmanship lesson is today, Valentina. Surely you don't want to miss that?"
Valentina's entire face lit up. I relax my muscles again and breathe, my mother saved us from a round of yelling- and even worse- a week of no dessert. Sword lessons were her favorite, and she never missed a chance to remind me how good she was with a blade. She practically dragged me forward. Pass my father and his copycat sidekick.
"Come on, Evander! Hurry, or they will start without us!"
I glanced back at our mother as we walked toward the castle, her smile never fading. She waved us on, her gaze lingering on us with that familiar mix of affection and expectation.
As we made our way across the wide courtyard and into the shadow of the Skyreach Citadel's towering walls, the world seemed to shift. Inside the castle, everything felt different. The warmth of the sun was replaced by the coolness of the stone, the halls lined with dark tapestries and flickering torches that cast long shadows on the walls. It was like stepping into another world entirely—a place of tradition, power, and, occasionally, darkness. Our father and his presence immediately filling the space, I know he is following us. I slow down my pace some, it gives me a complaining grunt from Valentina but also the view of this devil following us, he turns around the corner as our eyes meet once again. He stood tall and imposing, he was cold and distant, his very being touched by the dark magic that fueled his existence. As an undead, there was something unsettlingly eternal about him. I slightly narrowes my eyes and quickened my pace again, I knew he is going to watch us train again. I also knew he wouldn't bet a single eye for my sister and only stare at me. He never noticed the other ones, not even Alaric gets his attention despite him really trying hard to impress father. I never tried to do that- but still.. his eyes settled on me, and I felt the weight of his gaze, heavy and judging. Despite his power and presence, I had always found it hard to connect with him. It wasn't fear, exactly- more a sense that I could never quite measure up to his expectations.
We entered the training chamber, a vast stone room lined with weapons and banners from battles long past. In the center of the room, Sir Garrick, our swordmaster, stood waiting. His grizzled face broke into a rare smile as we entered, his massive arms crossed over his chest. He had been training us for years, and though he was tough, he was fair. He was some sort of grey wolf, I liked him. He was demanding but knew we had our limits. He is a great mentor in terms of fighting techniques.
"Let's see if you two remember anything from last time,"
he said, tossing a wooden practice sword to each of us. Valentina caught hers easily, already bouncing on her toes with excitement. I gripped mine a little tighter, focusing on the task at hand. Here, in this room, things felt simple. The movements were clear, the focus direct. It was just me, the sword, and the rhythm of the strikes.
But even as I trained, I couldn't shake the strange feeling that had settled over me. That shadow in the sky I keep seeing lately, the way my father keeps looking at me- it all left a knot in my chest, tight and unsettling.
As the day drew to a close, Valentina and I made our way back to the courtyard. The sun was setting now, casting long shadows across the floating islands. The sky was painted in brilliant hues of orange and purple, the stars just beginning to twinkle in the growing darkness. I was sweaty and felt how tight my muscles were. I felt stressed out, I felt that way a lot in the last years. I may be eight by age- but believe me. In Eldoria you don't age nearly as fast as you humans do. According to your age calculations I would be a couple hundred years old at that point of time.
Valentina flopped down onto the grass, exhausted but grinning, her earlier excitement finally spent. I sat beside her, my gaze drifting toward the horizon. The islands floated serenely, untouched by the troubles of the world below. From up here, everything seemed peaceful. But there was a tension in the air, something just beneath the surface, waiting to break free.
"Do you ever think things won't always be like this?"
I asked softly, not really expecting an answer that would calm my feelings, I just wanted to get it off my chest and speak it out for once. Valentina glanced at me, her brow furrowed.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know,"
I said, shrugging.
"Sometimes, it feels like something's coming. Something big."
She rolled her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips.
"You're overthinking things again, Evander. Nothing's going to change. We're safe here… and we've got each other."
I smiled at her, but inside, the unease remained. I couldn't explain it, but something about the way the shadows stretched across the sky made me feel like the peace we had always known couldn't last forever.
But for now, as the stars blinked into view and the world quieted, I let myself believe her.