Released

The sun dipped low over the rolling hills surrounding our estate, casting long shadows that stretched across the sparring grounds. I wiped the sweat from my brow, glancing over at the charred remnants of the training dummies I'd just incinerated. My fire-breathing had improved, though it still took a lot out of me. The real challenge, though, had been learning control, not just in battle, but in every aspect of my life. Ever since my mother's betrayal, I'd had to reforge myself—mind, body, and spirit.

My wings shifted restlessly at my back, their leathery membranes twitching as if ready to launch me into the sky at a moment's notice. I'd grown into them—massive, powerful things that gave me an advantage in combat but also served as a constant reminder of my dragon heritage. I'd always known I was different, but since escaping from Eleri's hellish grasp and recovering at home, I had fully embraced what I was.

The Lyric—my mother—stood at the edge of the training grounds, watching me with sharp, calculating eyes. Altheneir, they called her. A name as old and cold as the high winds that blew down from the mountains. She hadn't said much since I returned, but I could feel her presence, always calculating, always plotting. I used to think I was free of her, but it was clear now that even when I ran away, she had never truly let me go. She kept tabs on me, orchestrated things from the shadows. I had spent years resenting her, but now, I understood the game better. And if I wanted to win, I had to play it.

"Your form is improving," Altheneir said, her voice like ice, cutting through the silence of the grounds. "But you're still holding back."

"I know," I muttered, tightening my grip on the practice sword. "I'm not done."

She didn't respond, but I could feel her approval simmering beneath the surface. For all her coldness, she had always pushed me to be stronger, harder. But I wasn't here to simply fulfill her expectations. I had my own plans.

I turned my attention back to my sparring partner—one of the royal guards, an older, seasoned warrior who had been assigned to train me. He was a hulking man, built like a fortress, and even without dragon wings or fire, he was a force to be reckoned with. I raised my sword, taking a defensive stance as he charged at me. His movements were slow but deliberate, each step calculated to test my reflexes.

I met his blade with mine, the impact sending a shockwave up my arm. He pressed forward, trying to overwhelm me with brute strength, but I wasn't the same boy I had been. I had trained for months, learned to anticipate, to read the flow of battle. With a swift motion, I parried his strike and brought my wings into play, using them to push myself backward and away from his next attack.

He grinned, his teeth flashing in the dim light. "Using those wings now, eh? About time."

I didn't respond. Instead, I lunged forward, my sword sweeping low to catch him off guard. He blocked it, but I was already moving, twisting around and using my wings to lift myself off the ground. With a burst of speed, I soared over him and came down hard, slashing at his back. He spun just in time to block, but the force of my attack sent him stumbling.

I landed lightly, breathing hard. The guard shook his head, wiping sweat from his brow. "Not bad, Dragonir. Not bad at all."

I barely heard him. My mind was already elsewhere, thinking of what I had to do next. I was tired of running, tired of letting others control the narrative of my life. For months, I had watched Seraphina's rallies from afar, silently supporting her in every way I could. But my mother had made it clear that she had no interest in helping me, or anyone I cared about, unless it served her goals.

Which is why I had to make her an offer she couldn't refuse.

After the sparring session ended, I approached Altheneir, my body still buzzing from the fight. She regarded me coolly, her expression unreadable as always. 

"There's something I need from you," I said, my voice steady.

Her eyebrow arched, but she remained silent, waiting for me to continue.

"I'll continue with the training, take the role of General, as you've always wanted," I said, feeling the weight of the words as I spoke them. It wasn't a role I wanted, not really. Leading an army had never been my dream, but if it meant I could protect Seraphina and Gwen—if it meant I could finally fix the mess my life had become—then I would do it.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, sensing there was more.

"But only if you help me clear Seraphina's name," I added. "Her warrant, the charges against her—they need to disappear. Permanently."

There it was. My terms.

Altheneir didn't react immediately. She merely stared at me, her mind undoubtedly working through the implications of my demand. I knew she could do it. She had the influence, the power. But whether or not she would... that was another question entirely.

"And why," she finally said, her voice dangerously soft, "would I waste my resources on a criminal when you've already agreed to become General?"

I clenched my jaw, refusing to back down. "Because I won't be your puppet. I'm not doing this just because you want me to. If you want a General you can rely on, then you'll do this for me."

For a long moment, we stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. I knew how much my mother despised losing control, but I wasn't the same naïve boy who had run away all those years ago. I had learned her game, and I wasn't afraid to play it.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Altheneir smiled. It was a cold, calculated smile, one that didn't reach her eyes. "Very well, Dragonir. I'll make sure her warrant is cleared. But remember this: I'll expect much more from you in return."

"I know," I said, my voice hard. "I'll deliver."

As I walked away, my wings folding tightly against my back, I couldn't help but think of Seraphina and Gwen. It had been months since I'd heard from them, but I knew why. They were keeping their locations a secret, staying hidden from the authorities. And from Eleri.

But that wouldn't last forever. Once I had the power to protect them—once I had fulfilled my part of the bargain—I would find them. And this time, I wouldn't let anyone stand in our way.