Eira's heart pounded as the crimson light faded from her hands. The dragon-shaped mark on her wrist burned faintly, as if responding to the ancient magic. Kael's sharp gaze never left her, but the silence in the room felt heavier than the air.
Seren leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "You didn't mention you were marked," she said coolly. "That changes everything."
"I didn't know," Eira admitted, her voice tight. "Until now."
Kael frowned. "That mark… it's not ordinary magic. Only the Dragon's Chosen bears it the one destined to unite the dragons and defeat the darkness."
Eira's chest tightened. "Destined? I never asked for this."
Ryven chuckled from the shadows, his violet eyes gleaming. "Destiny rarely asks for permission."
Eira shot him a glare. "You sound awfully relaxed for someone who's supposed to be locked up."
His smile widened. "Because now I know why they want you so badly."
Kael stepped forward, blocking Ryven from view. "What do you know?"
Ryven tilted his head, his tone teasing. "Why rush? You freed me. I'll help but on my terms."
Eira's hands curled into fists. "We don't have time for games."
Ryven's smile faded, his voice dropping to a serious note. "That mark binds you to the dragons but it's also a beacon. The Dark Sorcerer will sense you now, whether you like it or not."
The weight of his words sank in. If the enemy could track her… everyone around her would be in danger.
Seren broke the silence. "Then we need to move. If they're coming, we can't stay here."
Kael nodded. "There's an old sanctuary in the Shadowvale. It's hidden by wards strong enough to block the sorcerer's magic."
Ryven laughed softly. "Shadowvale? Dangerous choice. But fitting."
Eira ignored him, focusing on Kael. "Can we trust this sanctuary?"
"It's our best chance," he said firmly. "But we'll need to move fast."
Without another word, Eira turned toward the exit. "Then let's go."
As they stepped out of the ancient chamber, the cold wind stung her skin. Yet, the burning mark on her wrist reminded her that the real danger had only just begun.
And in the shadows, Ryven's smile faded into something darker because he knew a secret about the Dragon's Chosen. A secret that could destroy them all.