My blood burned with determination. I wouldn't retreat. Dragonlords didn't flee—they fought, they conquered. I would prove my strength, no matter the cost. I surged forward, swinging my fist toward my opponent, aiming to land a blow. But they moved faster than I'd expected, dodging with ease, and countering with a kick that sent me flying.
My body crashed through branches and shattered trees as I flew backward, landing hard on the forest floor. I could feel the bruises forming, the ache in my muscles, but I didn't stop. I scrambled to my feet, my mind racing.
In the distance, I spotted a cave I had noticed earlier, a place where a bear had made its den. Without hesitation, I turned and bolted toward it. I could hear my opponent following, their footsteps close behind. They mocked me, their voice taunting as they called me a coward, urging me to fight. But I wasn't running out of fear—I was thinking, planning.
When I reached the cave, I pulled back my magic, compressing it within me to mask my presence. Then, with a quick jump, I landed atop the cave, hiding among the rocks and shadows. I forced myself to remain still, my breathing slow and steady, as I listened to the sounds around me. The other dragonlord slowed, sensing the change, their eyes scanning the area. They couldn't see me, and for the first time, I felt a surge of excitement.
As I crouched atop the cave, hidden among the rocks, my heart beat steadily in my chest. The thrill of this encounter had awakened something primal in me. My instincts sharpened, my senses extending to pick up even the faintest sounds: my opponent's steady breath, the cautious crunch of leaves underfoot, and the low, rumbling growl from within the cave beneath me where the bear lay in uneasy slumber.
The rival dragonlord scanned the forest floor below, their gaze piercing as they tried to find me. I felt the invisible bond between us—a powerful magnetism pulling us toward each other, bound not by kinship, but by an unspoken challenge. They were older, stronger, and their very presence seemed to radiate a deadly intensity. But I knew my advantage lay in my cunning. I was no longer the fledgling dragonlord they'd likely expected.
I closed my eyes and focused on the energy within me, keeping it tightly bound, the way I had when hunting with the eagles. Then, as the other dragonlord drew closer, I let out the faintest whisper of magic, a spark barely strong enough to draw attention, just enough to catch their senses and pull them toward the cave. It worked. I watched, keeping myself hidden in the shadow of the rocks, as their head turned in my direction, curiosity and suspicion flashing in their eyes.
They stepped forward, and with each step, my pulse quickened. Just a little closer…
Then, from the depths of the cave, the bear stirred, roused by the unfamiliar presence intruding on its territory. It lumbered into view, its massive frame blocking the entrance, and let out a thunderous roar that shook the ground. The other dragonlord took a step back, their focus split between the threat of the bear and the magic they sensed lingering around them. For a moment, I almost laughed at the unexpected ally.
Seizing the opportunity, I gathered my energy and leapt from my hiding place. I launched myself at my rival, feeling the magic surge through my limbs as I barreled into them with all the force I could muster. My opponent, caught off guard, staggered backward. I saw surprise flash in their eyes, quickly replaced by rage, as they caught their balance and retaliated with a sweeping kick that I barely managed to dodge.
We locked eyes, neither of us saying a word. This was a fight that required no words, only strength and willpower. We both knew that only one would emerge victorious. I felt the pulse of raw power between us, a silent promise of what lay ahead for the winner.
The bear, drawn into the chaos, charged toward us, its roar reverberating through the trees. My rival's attention shifted again, and in that split second of distraction, I struck. A blast of pure magic erupted from my hands, hitting them squarely in the chest and sending them sprawling. But they were resilient, and with a growl of frustration, they forced themselves back up, their eyes blazing with renewed determination.
This fight was far from over.