The One Shaped by Lichfire

The wind shifted.

They felt it before they saw it—

a ripple in the air, distant at first, then growing stronger.

Argolaith slowed slightly, his stride never faltering, but his hand dropped to the hilt of his sword.

Malakar turned his head to the sky. "Incoming."

Kaelred, still sore from days of magical shadow travel, looked up with a groan. "Oh come on, now what?"

Overhead, something large streaked across the pale-blue sky—wings wide as sailcloth, a body long and sinuous, like a serpent bound in plated armor. Its scales shimmered dark bronze and forest green, and as it drew closer, sunlight danced off jagged horns crowning its head.

But what caught Argolaith's attention most—

Was the collar.

Wrapped tight around the creature's neck was a thick, dark-metal band engraved with glowing runes.

Malakar's eyes narrowed. "Not feral."

Kaelred squinted. "That's a… that's a dragon?"