Days passed as Lyria led Kai deep into the mountains, her pace unyielding. The terrain was harsh, and the weather unforgiving. Finally, they arrived at an ancient monastery, its stone walls cracked with age but still holding traces of the magic that once flowed through them.
"This is where the Dragon Heirs were trained," Lyria explained, her voice reverent. "The last remaining sanctuary of the bloodline. If you're to survive what's coming, you must learn to control the bond with your dragon."
Kai felt a deep unease at the thought. "What if I can't do it? What if I fail?"
Lyria's gaze softened, but only for a moment. "You don't have a choice, Kai. Your enemies are already hunting you. If you can't control your power, you won't live long enough to find out what's truly at stake."
The days blurred as Lyria pushed him beyond his limits. He was forced to train with his dragon's energy, the bond growing stronger but also more volatile. Each lesson seemed to peel back layers of his own strength and fears, revealing a power that terrified him.
While in the monastery, Kai uncovered texts that spoke of an ancient artifact: the Dragon's Heart. It was said to hold the power to reshape the world, and only a true Dragon Heir could unlock it.
"Why didn't you tell me about this before?" Kai asked one evening, frustration creeping into his voice.
"Because it's missing," Lyria replied bluntly. "If Darius finds it first, there will be no stopping him."