It's an illusion,

The next day dawned bright and calm, almost mocking how tense everything felt inside the palace. Ren and Lyra ate breakfast on their balcony, neither saying much. They didn't have to. Each knew the other was listening for that first sign — the rush of wings, the low roll of power moving across the land.

And just after midday, it came.

A wind swept through the gardens below, so strong it bent entire rows of silver trees. The sky darkened, not with clouds, but with the shadow of something huge passing over the sun.

Lyra stood quickly, her eyes flashing silver. Ren rose beside her, his hand finding hers.

"That's them," he said quietly.

Lyra's jaw tightened. "Good. I'm done waiting."

They went down to one of the outer courtyards. Spirits scurried to get out of the way. Even Saphira was already there, standing with her hands folded, her long purple dress trailing behind her. Her calm mask was back, but her eyes were sharp.

Above them, the air rippled. Then three dragons landed in a line across the courtyard. Their claws hit the stone with a sound like cracking mountains.

The first dragon was deep green, his scales edged with gold. The second was sleek and black as midnight, eyes glowing faint blue. But it was the third — a dragon of bright silver, so polished he almost seemed made of mirrors — who stepped forward first.

He shimmered, then shifted. Where a huge dragon stood only a heartbeat before, now there was a tall man with long silver hair and eyes that glowed faintly. He wore simple robes, but power rolled off him in waves.

"Ren Zian," he said, his voice smooth, almost friendly. "And Lyra, goddess of bloom and wrath. We've heard your story even in the highest peaks of our kind."

Lyra's power rose instantly. She didn't hide it — strands of silver light danced up her arms, crackling through her hair.

"And what do your peaks want with us?" she demanded.

The dragon man smiled, sharp teeth showing. "Only to see. To understand what has so many other courts whispering. Is it truly that your bond cannot be touched? That even demons and frost queens couldn't slip between you?"

Ren stepped forward. "Try it. You'll learn the same thing they did."

The dragon tilted his head, studying them both. "So quick to challenge. Good. We admire that."

Then he raised one hand. A faint glow spread from his palm, and suddenly the entire courtyard changed. The palace walls fell away, replaced by wide skies and high cliffs. It felt like standing on a mountain ledge, with cold winds rushing around them.

Lyra's power jumped, but Ren squeezed her hand. "It's an illusion," he said softly. "A test."

The dragon smiled. "Yes. Walk with me. Let us see if your hearts hold steady when tempted with what you could have."

Ren felt Lyra tense beside him, but they followed. The illusion shifted with each step. First they stood in a hall of gold, with servants bowing, offering crowns heavy with jewels.

"This is one future," the dragon said. "A kingdom richer than any mortal ever dreamed. All yours, Ren. If only you let her go."

Lyra laughed, low and sharp. "You're wasting your breath."

Ren didn't even look at the gold. His eyes stayed on Lyra. "Not interested."

They stepped again, and the world changed. Now they were in a lush garden, trees heavy with fruit. A gentle river wound through it, voices singing sweet songs from somewhere unseen.

"Or perhaps this," the dragon offered. "Peace. A life without war or throne. But only if you take it alone."

Lyra's hand went stiff in his. Ren turned, pulling her close. "I wouldn't want peace that didn't have you in it."

The dragon's smile faded slightly. "Very well."

One last step, and the world shifted again. This time they stood on high rocks above crashing waves. Lightning split the sky, and Ren felt power humming through the air.

"This is the power of dragons," the silver dragon said. "To rule by storm, to bend realms under your will. We could make you one of us, Ren Zian. Give you strength that no god could stand against."

He paused, eyes sharp. "But only you. Not her."

Lyra let out a hiss, her power bursting in a bright flare. "Try it. Try to separate us and see what happens."

But Ren didn't even give the dragon time to reply. He pulled Lyra into his arms, kissing her hard, right there on the high rocks. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead on hers.

"You'd be wasting all that power," Ren told the dragon calmly. "Because I wouldn't take it without her. And if you tried to force it, I'd destroy it myself."

The illusion broke. They were back in Saphira's courtyard. The other two dragons watched with careful eyes. The silver dragon stood there, his expression now serious.

"You truly would turn down everything. Wealth. Peace. Power beyond any mortal's dream."

"For her?" Ren said. "Every time."

Lyra's laugh was bright and dangerous. She leaned into Ren, wrapping her arm around his waist. "Now do you understand why your tests are pointless?"

The dragon looked at them a long moment. Then he gave a small bow. "We do. Which means our interest is satisfied. You've proven stronger than most kings and gods we've known. And more loyal."

He stepped back, shifting again. In an instant, the tall man was gone, replaced by the shining silver dragon. With a beat of giant wings, he lifted into the sky. The other two dragons followed.

When they were gone, Saphira let out a long breath. "I didn't know which way that would go. Dragons don't usually leave empty-handed."

Lyra smiled, her power finally settling. "That's because they've never met us before."

Saphira laughed, shaking her head. "No. I suppose they haven't."

Later, alone in their rooms, Ren sat by the window while Lyra stood behind him, combing her fingers through his hair.

"You didn't even flinch when they promised you all that," she said quietly.

"There was nothing tempting in it," Ren told her. "Because none of it had you."

She leaned down, kissing his neck. "Good answer."

He reached up, pulling her into his lap. "It's the only answer I'll ever give."

Outside, the sky was clear again. But far beyond, in realms they hadn't yet seen, new courts were already whispering. Ren could feel it. Each test only spread their legend wider. Each queen or dragon who failed to steal him only made others more eager to try.

And that was fine.

Because with Lyra beside him, he was ready for whatever came next.