The Hidden Enemy

The cold stone walls of the Valdris castle seemed to close in as Eira, Kael, Seren, and Ryven moved swiftly through the secret passageways. The weight of the journal tucked beneath Eira's cloak burned in her thoughts.

"The first Dragon's Chosen was betrayed by someone in the kingdom… and history is repeating itself."

Kael's voice was low but tense. "We can't stay here. If Prince Alric alerts the king, we're trapped."

Seren, leading the way, glanced back. "We need more than an escape. If the kingdom is working against us, we need proof."

Ryven smirked faintly. "Or we could burn the place down and call it a day."

Eira ignored him, her mind racing. "The royal archives there must be more. If the kingdom betrayed the dragons once, they may have hidden the rest of the truth there."

Kael frowned. "Breaking into the royal archives is suicide, Eira."

"And waiting for the dragons to kill me isn't?" she shot back.

For a moment, the air was thick with silence. Then Seren gave a small nod. "The archives are beneath the throne room. Guarded but not impossible."

Without another word, they moved.

The royal archives were buried deep under the castle an iron door reinforced by ancient magic barred the way. Seren knelt, pulling a thin dagger from her boot as she worked on the lock.

Kael stood beside Eira, his body tense. "If the dragons or the kingdom come for you, I won't let them take you."

His words sent a flicker of warmth through her fear, but there was no time to respond.

The lock clicked. Seren pushed the door open, revealing shelves of scrolls and faded books stretching into the shadows.

Eira scanned the shelves, searching for any sign of the first Dragon's Chosen or the kingdom's betrayal. At last, she pulled free a leather-bound volume marked with the dragon's crest.

As she opened it, her heart pounded. What she found inside chilled her blood.

The kingdom had forged a secret pact long ago one that allowed them to harness dragon magic in exchange for their loyalty. But when the first Dragon's Chosen grew too powerful, the king turned against her, binding her magic and sealing her fate.

And the pact had not been broken.

"They're still controlling the dragons," Eira whispered, her hands trembling. "They're the reason the dragons fear me. The kingdom has always been manipulating them."

Kael's expression darkened. "If the kingdom controls the dragons… they can destroy you."

A sudden noise heavy footsteps echoed through the hall.

Seren cursed under her breath. "They found us."

The door burst open, and Prince Alric stood at the entrance, flanked by royal guards. His cold smile sent a chill down Eira's spine.

"I told you not to return," he said calmly. "And now, you won't leave alive."

Kael drew his sword in a flash. "Get behind me."

But Eira refused to hide. Fire surged through her veins, golden light burning at her fingertips as she faced Alric.

"I'm not running," she said, her voice steady. "Not from you. Not from anyone."

Alric's smile faded. "So be it."

He raised his hand, and a surge of black magic exploded toward them.

Eira countered with a blast of golden flame. The clash of their powers shook the walls, sending ancient scrolls crashing to the floor.

Kael and Seren sprang into action, striking down the guards while Ryven, still leaning against a shelf, sighed dramatically. "I suppose I should help." With a flick of his fingers, dark fire coiled through the air, swallowing two more guards.

Eira pressed forward, her flames clashing against Alric's magic. "You can't hide the truth forever!"

Alric laughed bitterly. "The truth doesn't matter when you're dead."

His magic surged but before he could strike, a tremor shook the castle. Deep, primal magic rippled through the air, sending a chill down Eira's spine.

Kael's eyes widened. "The dragons… They're coming."

Alric staggered back, his expression twisting in panic. "No… Not now!"

The castle trembled again as a deafening roar echoed through the stone walls.

Eira's heart pounded. Whatever was coming it was just the beginning.