Chapter 13: The Dark Dragon Nocturnix

In the sacred groves of Silvanthria and Eclipsara, under the ancient village of towering trees, Princess Esperanza and Elara, the wise leader of the elves, convened in a secluded glade. The air shimmered with an ethereal glow as Elara prepared to unravel the enigmatic history of Nocturnix, the dark dragon.

Elara's voice resonated like a haunting melody as she spoke of a time when shadows and chaos in unison. "Nocturnix, born from the very fabric of the abyss, is a creature of primordial darkness. Its scales, forged in the essence of perpetual night, hold the power to bind and release curses."

As Esperanza absorbed the weight of the revelation, Elara continued, "Nocturnix possesses the ability to undo curses woven into the fabric of reality. It is the only entity capable of casting the spell that can free your knight, Corvin, from the shackles of the dark curse that plagues his right shoulder."

Esperanza, her eyes reflecting a blend of hope and trepidation, asked, "How can Lysandra wield such power? Is there no other way to break the curse?"

Elara's gaze, ancient and knowing, bore into Esperanza's soul. "Only the dark dragon Nocturnix can cast that spell, and to remove the curse, a drop of the caster's blood is required. Lysandra's blood."

A silent gasp escaped Esperanza's lips as the weight of the revelation settled upon her. In the recesses of her thoughts, she questioned how Lysandra could bear such a responsibility.

While Esperanza grappled with her inner turmoil, Elara spoke, "There is no other way. have woven this path, and the remedy lies in the blood of the one who conjures the dark arts."

Esperanza, her resolve firm yet burdened, said, "But, there must be an alternative. Lysandra cannot be expected to bear such a heavy toll."

Elara, her expression empathetic, began to share a different path—a way intertwined with both light and sacred rituals. However, before Elara could unveil the alternative, a knight, breathless and urgent, emerged from the shadows.

"Princess Esperanza," the knight panted, "Lysandra marches towards Seraphoria, and Captain Corvin readies for battle. The impending clash is imminent!"

Esperanza's heart quickened with worry, knowing that Corvin's cursed shoulder was vulnerable to the darkness that tainted his very being. In a flurry of determination, she gathered her troops, bidding Elara a swift farewell.

As Esperanza and her soldiers departed for Seraphoria, Elara's voice lingered in the air, "There is another cure—a holy water blessed by ten high-ranking bishops. Seek it, Princess Esperanza, for it may hold the key to mending the affliction that curse your knight's shoulder."

With gratitude in her heart, Esperanza thanked Elara, her thoughts echoing with determination, "Wait for me, Corvin. I am coming."