Episode 18
764 Words
The Shadow Dragon's roar shook the mountain with terrifying force.
Chunks of stone crashed from the ceiling as everyone looked up in horror.
Its enormous wings stretched across the opening above the temple, blotting out the moonlight. Black scales covered its body, while its crimson eyes burned like living fire.
Even Alpha Darius stepped back.
His confidence disappeared.
The young guardian whispered in fear.
It is real.
Lyria looked at him.
What is it?
The guardian swallowed.
The Shadow Dragon is older than every werewolf kingdom. It only awakens when the balance between light and darkness is broken.
The Alpha King never took his eyes off the creature.
Then the prophecy has reached its second stage.
Darius tightened his grip on the Blade of Fallen Kings.
No.
I was promised control over the dragon.
The dragon slowly lowered its massive head.
Its burning eyes settled on Darius.
For a brief moment, Darius smiled.
Serve your master.
Instead of obeying, the dragon let out a deafening roar.
A wave of black flames burst from its mouth.
Darius barely rolled out of the way.
The flames struck the chamber floor, melting solid stone within seconds.
The enemy warriors screamed as several were swallowed by the fire.
Panic spread through the temple.
It is attacking everyone.
Run.
The surviving warriors fled in every direction.
The Alpha King rushed to Lyria's side.
We have to leave.
She looked at the dragon.
If we run, it will destroy the temple.
Before the Alpha King could answer, the Crown of Light on Lyria's head began to glow.
A gentle voice echoed inside her mind.
Do not fear the guardian.
Guardian?
Lyria looked back at the dragon.
The creature lowered its head again.
This time its crimson eyes slowly changed.
The red faded away.
Brilliant silver replaced it.
The dragon stared directly at Lyria.
Then, to everyone's astonishment, it bowed.
The entire chamber fell silent.
The young guardian dropped to both knees.
It recognizes her.
Alpha Darius stared in disbelief.
Impossible.
The dragon belongs to no one.
Lyria took a cautious step forward.
The Alpha King reached for her arm.
Do not go near it.
She gently pulled away.
It is not trying to hurt me.
The dragon released a deep rumbling sound.
Images suddenly filled Lyria's mind.
She saw the dragon standing beside the first Luna thousands of years ago.
She saw ancient kings riding into battle on its back.
She saw the fall of the Moon Kingdom.
Then she saw the hooded man from her earlier vision.
He was standing before the dragon, holding a black crystal.
The crystal released dark smoke that wrapped around the dragon's body.
The creature roared in pain as its silver eyes slowly turned crimson.
The vision ended.
Lyria opened her eyes.
Someone corrupted it.
The Alpha King frowned.
What did you see?
The dragon is not our enemy.
Someone enslaved it with dark magic.
Darius's face darkened.
Enough.
He lifted the Blade of Fallen Kings and charged toward Lyria.
If I cannot control the dragon, neither will you.
The Alpha King intercepted him.
Their swords and claws collided with explosive force.
The battle resumed.
Lyria looked at the dragon.
Please.
If you can hear me...
Help us.
The dragon slowly raised its head.
A beam of silver light burst from its mouth.
It struck the Blade of Fallen Kings.
Cracks spread across the cursed weapon.
Darius looked down in horror.
No.
The blade cannot be destroyed.
Another blast hit the sword.
With a thunderous c***k, the Blade of Fallen Kings shattered into hundreds of pieces.
Silence filled the chamber.
The Alpha King's wounds immediately began to heal.
His strength returned.
Darius backed away in disbelief.
Years of planning...
Gone in a single moment.
The Alpha King slowly walked toward him.
Now you have nothing left.
Darius smiled.
You still do not understand.
He reached into his cloak and removed a small black crystal.
The moment Lyria saw it, she recognized it from the dragon's vision.
The crystal pulsed with dark energy.
The dragon roared violently.
Its silver eyes flickered back to crimson.
Lyria's heart sank.
The corruption had returned.
Darius laughed.
You destroyed my sword.
But this...
This is the Heart of Shadows.
He crushed the crystal in his hand.
A massive wave of darkness exploded through the temple.
The dragon let out a cry of agony.
Its body twisted as black smoke covered its scales once more.
Then it slowly turned its blazing crimson eyes toward Lyria.
This time...
It did not bow.
It opened its jaws and charged straight at her.
- Writer
