Chapter 40 - Black Fire and Crimson Scales

Silence cloaked the forest like a thin fog holding the world's breath. No sound, no movement—as if time itself had frozen to witness the silent duel between two beings who were never meant to stand as equals: a woman and a dragon.

Ashtoria stood motionless, her crimson eyes locked onto the sky, where the winged giant hovered—graceful, yet menacing. Their gazes clashed—sharp, cold, and unwavering. Like two flames trying to consume each other without ever touching.

Then—

A voice pierced the stillness—not through her ears, but directly into her mind. Heavy, echoing, and clearly not human.

**"Human... are you the one who stole my child?"**

Ashtoria didn't move. Only her eyes narrowed slightly, her breath steady but deep. She answered without speaking, her thoughts cutting back like a sharpened blade.