s across the floor. The morning was quiet, too quiet. Aria lay in bed, her mind racing wit

her strength. But now, in the Dragon Realm, things felt different. She felt torn, as though she was standing between two w

hing her away. The events of the past few days replayed in her mind, and she felt the ache in her chest deepen. She hadn't heard from him in two days,

tay in her chambers any longer. The walls felt too close, and the fire inside her needed an

he gazed out over the expansive view, the rugged landscape of the Dragon Realm stretching out before her. Far in th

door. She turned, the fire in her veins flaring ever so s

lled, her voice st

an was dressed in the robes of the fire acolytes, the red fabric shimmering like embers in the morni

ya said with a gentle s

ns. "No, I can't stop thinking about everything. The war, Kael, th

gling with the same thing many others struggle with when their lives are turned upside down.

ight of the world, and each path she considered seemed to lead to more questions than answers. Could she truly be the one to stop

ng enough," Aria admitted,

gth isn't about what you're capable of in any single moment, Aria. It's about how you face the things th

those words. "But how do I know what's

the end, the right choice will be the one that feels like

when she opened them again, the doubt still lingered. The fire inside

ssed. "I don't think I can keep waiting for Kael to make a decision.

s coming, and you must be ready. But you cannot wait for Kael to give you permission to be who you are. The

to grow within her. The fire was not just a weapon. It

-

rs of gold and red, the symbols of the dragon clan's long history. The room was filled with the murmurs of advisors and generals, all discussing the impend

r of authority, the weight of his crown resting heavily on his shoulders. But when his eyes met hers

anding beside him. She could feel the tension in the air b

oft but filled with a quiet aut

to be here. This war affects all of us, Kael. And I

voice barely above a whisper as he spoke, just for her ears. "This war isn't just about the dragons, Aria. It's abo

ace him. "And what sacrifices are you willing to make, Kael?

den he carried in his gaze. "I'll never choose between you and my peop

-

ound of distant thunder rumbled in the distance, a storm brewing on the horizon. But it wasn't the storm she feared

doubts intertwining. I will never choose between you

g: she could no longer wait for Kael to make a choice. She had to decide for her