Chapter 5
BEFUDDLEMENT
Following Kayser's body being laid to rest three weeks afterwards, Liam, weary from his role as the crowned prince, detested the thought of shouldering the kingship in the future, but Skylar's assistance brought about a positive change. In Liam's bedroom quarters, Liam was occupied with paperwork designed to prepare him for his future role as king. Seated at his desk next to the dragon egg, wrapped in a pink throw, Skylar hummed a tune while attending to her hair on Liam's bed.
'' Hey...Liam..''
'' ...mhm? ''
'' Do you remember what happened after we finished, when we ran off while your brother's burial was taking place? ''
'' ...''
The silence was so loud as the both of them didn't move any movements. '' ...I..don't know, maybe we went inside. '' a hint of pain in his voice, Skylar placed her brush at the bed and hugged Liam in behind, '' ...don't over stress yourself, Liam..'' , He stopped writing and looked at her at above, '' ...Thank you for being here with me...'' A tear coursed down his face as the pain deepened within him.
'' ..This world really mess us up, huh. ''
'' ...not only us, everyone in this world, where humans and creatures lives. ''
'' ...History is shit, isn't? ''
'' ..yeah. ''
They locked eyes and saw a faint romantic gleam within their gazes. It was as if they were in a celestial setting, with only the two of them in existence. As Skylar inched towards a kiss, their lips almost making contact, the egg's movement startled them, leading both to react with surprise as their attention shifted to it. '' ..Did the egg just- '' before she could continue her words, The egg crack and the aura was spreading.
Both of them choked up as the aura spread through the room like a fog. '' S-..SKY..? '' As he stood up and starts looking for Skylar. '' ..ngh..Sky, where are you..? '' the aura was staring to vanish while he walks further the egg.
'' ...hey, Liam..''
'' ..Sky..? where are you- ''
As he shifted his position to address Skylar, she stood with a hand pressed to her mouth in surprise, her eyes fixed on an item on the desk veiled in a purple mist. Half of the eggshell broke open, displaying a baby dragon—a petite, onyx creature, adorned with soft scales and a venerable aura, nestled within the egg. '' ..awrgghh..! '' A bellow aimed at the egg exposed the dragon's tail and wings, displaying the dragon's violet eyes with yellow diamond-shaped pupils, encircled by an aura of immense peril.
'' Is that...''
'' ...A DRAGON..! IT HATCHED- ''
'' WHOAA..! ''
A bellow aimed at the egg exposed the dragon's tail and wings, displaying the dragon's violet eyes with yellow diamond-shaped pupils, encircled by an aura of immense peril. Skylar's enthusiasm turned to thrill as she approached the dragon, petting it gently like a cat, marveling, '' Wow, his fur feels so soft!' A light chuckle directed at the young girl, Liam glanced at the dragon, which was licking her fingers, its eyes shining. '' Is it really safe to cradle a... newborn dragon? '' he asked, tilting his head to the side.
" What...? Are you worried it might nip you? '' she inquired, nonchalantly shrugging. The dragon glanced at Liam, ''...queek..! '' Startled, it flinched and shielded its nose. '' Haha! Even a young dragon can catch your scent,'' he chuckled, humorously remarking to Skylar. Liam felt a twinge of embarrassment as he caught a whiff of himself. '' Im not that smelly! I just showered,'' he stated, giving the dragon a slightly annoyed stare.
'' Are you seriously going to fight a newborn dragon? ''
'' It doesn't speak doesn't it? ''
'' ...there's other dragon can and can't but this one can. ''
'' dammit. ''
Skylar took a glance on the dragon and felt uncomfortable feeling again, '' ..We can raise this dragon secretly. '' as Liam walks closely to Skylar, '' ...yeah..'' a hint of concern from Skylar, Liam went back to his desk and continue studying. '' ...Do whatever you want with that dragon, I'm going back to studying. '' the page of book flip. '' ...yeah..'' Moving slowly towards the bed, she lifted the dragon into the air, meeting its gaze. '' ..you have such a beautiful...pupil..'' a whisper from Skylar.
Many months had passed. Liam's mornings were filled with tutoring, and his afternoons were dedicated to fun with Skylar and the dragon. On June 12th, Skylar found herself in Liam's room and later on the balcony, perched at the edge. The dragon soared before her as Skylar's arm floated below the flying creature. The open creak of the door announced Liam's appearance, clad in formal attire. Skylar caught his scent, turned under the sunlight, and smiled radiantly like an angel as her hair swirled softly in the breeze. '' ...Liam..! '' a celestial voice called out to her. Liam was mesmerized by her beauty, pausing as he sensed a shift within him, a smirk forming on his face. '' Greetings, Skylar,'' he responded with charm.
'' what's with the formal attitude? ''
'' ..well my tutor said, Conduct yourself with decorum towards an enchanting woman. ''
'' oh you think i'm enchanting woman, huh? ''
'' ..very. ''
Skylar grinned as she descended to the balcony, embracing Liam while the dragon rested on her shoulder. "Took you quite a while to finish, huh?" she teased, nudging herself to meet his gaze. " The teacher is so frustrating, as if I'm clueless," he rolled his eyes. " Come on, I've got something to show you! " she said, taking his hands and guiding him to the bed, where an open book and maps were spread out at the edge. Liam furrowed his brow, perplexed by her words, '' What's going on? Why are all these useless items on my bed-'' She cut him off, glaring at him with irritation, '' They're not useless, and you'll use them in the future! '' Sitting on the bed, she positioned herself as the dragon rested on her knee, studying the map. ''...If it's meant for the future, why show it to me now? '' A hint of exhaustion laced his voice.
Skylar was poised to disclose information and gestured towards the map illustrating the world of Eirlys, the realm of demons. Liam observed it and walked to the edge of the bed, ''...Eirlys? '' he questioned softly. '' Yes, this is where Kayser...'' he interjected, crossing his arms. ''...I know, no need to reiterate,'' a touch of sorrow in his voice. Skylar regarded him with a worried look, releasing a sigh. '' Well...I had hoped that in the future, we could journey...''
" 'Journey...?' he contemplated, observing the map of Eirlys covered in dark hues. ''Yes, I had been hoping we could journey there and...investigate,' a hint of nervousness in her tone as she tried to meet Liam's gaze. '' ..well...we could-' Skylar then stood up from the bed, raising her voice, ''Alright then! Once we turn eighteen, we'll begin our travels!' She hopped onto the bed and dashed under the desk, revealing a sling brown bag. ''...hmm, it looks like the dragon is excited,'' he chuckled as the dragon settled on Liam's shoulder." She giggled while swaying her hair and getting to her feet, ''Absolutely, Kwan will be thrilled. He's the one who gave me the news!'' a proud countenance revealing her emotions as Liam looked perplexed, '' Gave you news? This dragon gave you news? And when did he get a name?'' The dragon yawned, observing them.
Chuckling, she scratched her head, ''...I actually named him...before I took him.'' She laughed, while the dragon seemed annoyed. Liam looked worried but rolled his eyes at her silly behavior. 'Well...since when did Kwan start talking?' he tilted his head as Kwan whispered in his ear, '...kungh kuhh!' Liam flinched and glanced at Kwan, 'This dragon needs to work on its manners!' he pouted.
" 'Oh, come on, that dragon is just a little one, let my baby Kwan be like that!' Concluding the packing of items into the small brown bag, she rose and lifted Kwan by its body. '...whatever...that dragon gave me the shivers!' Liam hugged himself, gradually leaning back, trembling simultaneously." Tight in Skylar's embrace, Kwan struggled to catch his breath. '' What could possibly unsettle Kwan? He's such a sweet dragon!'' her voice carried warmth. Liam was surprised as each night, in Skylar's absence or even during her slumber, Kwan would stare at him. Kwan would murmur quietly, and Liam could perceive a shadowy aura, though its essence remained mysterious.
With Liam lost in his reminiscences involving Kwan, a gentle knock echoed from outside, followed by a soft voice reminiscent of a maid, "Greetings, young master. The king requests your presence." Liam and Skylar directed their attention towards the door, where he sighed in frustration while she smirked gently, placing Kwan on the desk. "You should go now, Liam," she advised, gesturing for him to leave. Liam nodded in understanding, making his way out of the room. As Liam departed, Skylar chuckled, picking up the history book and leaping onto the bed, leaning over the edge as she started reading. Meanwhile, Kwan gazed out the window, letting out a small sigh.
EMBERCLAW
Upon feeling the searing pain in his face and waking up to the light, he tentatively opened his eyes. As he rose swiftly to his feet, he was met with his reflection in a large mirror, unveiling a prominent scar on his face. This sight triggered a hazy recollection, stirring up a mixture of emotions within him. Suddenly, a warm touch on his face sent shivers down his spine, causing him to confront his inner fears and uncertainties. Upon reflecting on his scar and the accompanying memories, he grappled with a surge of disgust and hatred towards his own emotions. An unfamiliar voice resonated from beside him but seemingly distant, "Oh dear, you're awake?" Kayser turned towards the source only to be taken aback by the sight of a strikingly handsome man with the visage of an angel. This man possessed a radiant tan complexion, vivid yellow hair, and piercing blue eyes reminiscent of the sky. Shifting from shock to anger, he demanded, "Who are you...and where am I?!" in a raised voice.
The handsome man chuckled sinisterly as his blue eyes gleamed like a devil, raising his head with his hands resting on his lap. "Well, don't you smell so good, young master?" His voice carried a hint of manipulation. A cold shiver ran down my spine as I glared at him. Suddenly, a creak from the door announced the arrival of a 6ft tall man, his presence emanating a sickening scent that made me recoil. Hastily covering my nose, I glared at the man as he advanced towards me. Another man joined him, and miraculously, the nauseating odor vanished. The foul smell, a mixture of dirty rats, caused my vision to blur as I struggled to make sense of the situation.
" ...who are you?" I inquired calmly, attempting to compose myself. The 6ft tall man approached slowly, leaning in towards my face. As the blonde man stood up and retreated, another figure resembling a human with a sorrowful expression emerged. "I am Rei, the one who rescued you from the blood moon attack last night," he announced. Tipping his head, he revealed a wolf ear and crimson eyes, exuding a hint of hunger that instilled fear within me.
I couldn't help but flinch upon seeing the wolf ears and the piercing red eyes. "Please... let me go! I'm just a kid," I pleaded with a tone of concern. However, Rei smiled, revealing his sharp teeth, with a hint of human blood lingering on them, and a cold aura emanating from behind him. "Stop resisting, Kayser Jeong. Your expression betrays you," Rei stated as he shifted slightly away. Two butlers approached, one helping him remove his coat, while the other human remained fixed on me. I returned his gaze with a look of confusion. "Hmm, it seems the kid has quite a crush on your wife, my lord," he remarked with a smile, the beautiful creature beside him adding to the conversation. I observed that he lacked any wolf ears and emitted no distinctive scent at all.Rei's intense gaze pierced through me, sending shivers down my spine as I sensed the chilling and dangerous aura surrounding him. Despite feeling intimidated, I stood my ground and met his glare with one of my own. As he approached and lifted my chin, he remarked, "What a brave boy; you truly have the makings of a knight." His grin displayed an intrigued expression. Meanwhile, I noticed the slight distance between the beautiful man and the human. "I'm not your toy," I retorted firmly. His response caught me off guard as he stated, "I'm not asking you to be my toy. You will be my son from now on." The weight of his words made me gulp in apprehension.