The blistering desert wind tore at Edward's face. He raised an arm, shielding his eyes from the stinging grains of sand.
"Where is everyone?" he muttered, exhaustion thick in his voice. "It feels like I've been walking for hours," he murmured. "And I still can't find anyone…"
"It's fine." the Crow replied calmly. His voice carried an odd steadiness, unshaken by the harshness of their surroundings. "We'll find someone eventually. Someone who can help."
Edward sighed, dragging his feet through the endless sand. His body felt heavier with every step. But then he stopped.
His eyes locked on the horizon, narrowing as he focused. In the distance, three figures appeared.
They were riding something—a hulking beast that looked like a strange mix between a rhino and a lion. Its claws gouged deep trenches in the ground as it lumbered closer, each step sending faint vibrations through the ground.
A knot formed in Edward's stomach. His unease grew as the figures came into view.
They were armed, and their weapons were pointed directly at him.
No, This isn't how I die. The thought burned through his mind as panic surged. Without another moment of hesitation, Edward turned and ran. But it was no use as the beast was faster. Far faster.
It closed the distance with terrifying ease and then the creature slammed into Edward, sending him sprawling into the dirt.
Pain shot through his body as he hit the ground. The breath was knocked from his lungs, leaving him gasping.
Dazed, Edward tried to move, but he couldn't. His vision blurred as footsteps approached, slow and deliberate.
"Should we kill him?" one of the riders asked, their tone casual, almost bored.
"I could use a meal." another replied.
Before either could act, a third figure stepped forward.
He crouched beside Edward, his sharp gaze studying him intently.
"No," the man said firmly. "Dragon would kill us if we did."
Edward's mind raced. Who is Dragon?
"How would he even know?" one of the others asked, doubt laced in their voice.
"Are you stupid?" the third man snapped. His voice was sharp and cutting. "Dragon has eyes on every inch of this district."
The first man hesitated.
"So… what do we do?" he asked quietly.
"We take him to Dragon," the third man replied coldly. "Then well see what happens from there."
Edward tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come. His body refused to move as the men hoisted him onto the beast's back.
Its claws dug into the sand as it began to move. The pounding rhythm of its steps echoed in Edward's ear until he went unconscious.
**********************************
"Wake up, you dumb, stupid idiot." The voice of a deep feminine voice said.
"What you said doesn't even make sense, Briyt." another voice grumbled in irritation.
"Shut up, Coeus!"
Edward's eyes fluttered open. His senses flooded with disorientation. His hands were bound, and he was in a massive throne room that glittered with wealth. Gold, diamonds, and other unfamiliar gems on the walls, their dazzling brilliance almost blinding.
Three figures stood before him. To the right was a frail man with neatly cropped blue hair. He clutched a heavy book, the sheer size of it was almost comical compared to his small, thin frame.
On the left was a man of average build. His striking red hair matched the hilt of the sword resting at his hip, his posture casual but alert.
But in the center stood a towering woman. She loomed over the others, easily seven feet tall. She had broad shoulders, and hands so massive they looked capable of crushing skulls like fruit.
"Well, look who's awake," she sneered, her arms crossed as she gazed down at Edward.
Edward swallowed hard.
"Are you… Dragon?" he croaked, his voice dry and weak.
Everyone laughed simultaneously.
"Dragon?" she repeated, a smirk tugging at her lips. "You're funny."
"How?" Edward asked. His voice shook, his confusion obvious.
None of them answered. Instead, they stepped aside. Behind them, a golden throne came into view.
It was encrusted with jewels, even more extravagant than the room itself. Sitting in it was a figure covered in a blanket of darkness. Then, they stood, stepping into the faint light.
Edward's heart skipped a beat as nervousness took over his body. But then, the nervousness was quickly met with confusion.
It wasn't the monstrous overlord Edward had imagined. Instead, it was a boy, no older than 15.
His long hair fell over his shoulders. His piercing gray eyes locked onto Edward with an intensity that still gave Edward a jolt of fear.
The room fell silent as the boy stepped forward. The others bowed down, their heads meeting the ground.
The boy stopped just short of Edward, tilting his head slightly as if examining him.
"And who are you?" he asked, his voice quiet but razor-sharp.