the thirteenth throne

chapter 2: The Dragon's choice

The forest fell silent.

Not the peaceful silence that came with dawn.

This was the silence of fear.

Eleanor's breath hitched as she stared at the enormous creature standing before her.

its scales reflected the moonlight like polished black stone, while streaks of molten gold flowed beneath them like though fire flowed through its veins.

The dragon was ancient.

Older than kingdoms.

Older than the stories her father used to tell.

its golden eyes never left her.

Her fingers tightened around the Alpha Gem hanging on her neck.

Then, the Alpha Gem came alive bathing the forest in a soft blue light.

The dragon lowered its head.not to attack ,to observe.

"No..."Eleanor whispered, taking a cautious step backward."Please..... stay away."

The beast did not move. instead, it closed its eyes for a brief moment.

When they opened again, they glowed brighter than before. then a voice echoed inside Eleanor's mind.

"Bearer of the Alpha gem...." She gasped.

the dragon's mouth had not moved, yet the voice was unmistakable.

Deep, ancient, and powerful.

"W-who are you?"

she asked.

The dragon tilted its head.

"Am the last guardian."

Before Eleanor could ask another question, the sharp blast of a hunting horn shattered the silence.

"They're over here!"

Torches flickered between the trees.The royal hunters had found her.

Captain Darius stepped into the clearing sword drawn.

"There she is!"

His eyes widened as he saw the dragon . for a heartbeat, even the fearless captain hesitated.

Then his face hardened."The queen ordered us to retrieve the Alpha Gem at any cost." He raised his sword. "Archers!"

A dozen bows were lifted. the dragon growled, and the sound growled through the forest like distant thunder.

"Fire!"

Arrows filled the air. Before they could touch the dragon, an invincible golden barrier shimmered into existence.

Every arrow struck the golden shield and fell harmlessly to the ground.

The hunters starred in disbelief.

"Magic!"

Captain Darius whispered.

The dragon spread its wings, and the wind exploded outward, knocking soldiers from their feet.

Horses screamed in terror, trees bent under the force, and Eleanor struggled to stay standing.

The guardian took one step forward, and then another. Golden flames escaped of its mouth. The hunters fled, even captain Darius turned and ran.Within seconds, the clearing was empty. Only Eleanor and the dragon remained.

The guardian looked towards the eastern mountains. His voice echoed once more inside her mind.

"The path has opened."

"What path?"

No answer came. Instead, the Alpha Gem pulsed again.

This time, Eleanor saw something. A vision.

Thirteen magnificent thrones stood in a vast hall beneath a sky filled with stars. Twelve were occupied.

The thirteenth...... was empty. Then, the vision vanished. Eleanor stumbled backward, her heart pounding. "What was that?"

The dragon took another step towards her.

Its eyes filled with something she never expected.

Respect.

Suddenly, a slow clap echoed throught he trees. "Beautiful."

A woman's voice carried through the smoke.

"I've searched for that Gem for years......."

Princess Seraphina emerged from the darkness, dressed in dark armor trimmed with silver. Moonlight danced across the blade she carried. she smiled coldly.

"You've always had the talent of attracting attention,Eleanor."

Eleanor's stomach tightened."Seraphina"

the princess laughed.

"it's been a long time." her smile disappeared.

"When we were children, everyone praised you."

"They said you were kind," "They said you were brave."

"They said you deserved everything."They were wrong."

She slowly lifted her sword.

"Tonight..... I'm going to prove it."

The dragon growled. and Seraphina's smile widened.

"So...." The guardian has chosen a side."

She pointed her sword directly at Eleanor.

"Kill the dragon."

Eleanor's face drained of color.

she and the guardian were surrounded.