AVELINE The Duke's words echoed in my mind as I paced my chambers. "Be prepared to leave for the North Wall tomorrow." My first official battle—an honer I had trained for tirelessly, but now the thought of it left me trembling. What if I made a mistake? What if I disappointed the duke?

I couldn't stay here with my thoughts spiralling. Instead, I make my way to Elryx's lair, hoping her steady wisdom could calm my nerves.

Elryx greeted me with a low rumble as I enter, her massive form coiled gracefully around her lair. Her violet eyes glowed softly in the dim light, exuding both warmth and authority.

"Little one," she greeted, tilting her head. "You seem troubled"

I approaches her, resting a hand on her warm, iridescent scales. "I'm nervous, Elryx," I admitted. "Tomorrow, I'll lead my first battle." What if I fail? What if I let the Duke down?"

Her tail flicked lightly against the stone floor as she studied me. "You doubt yourself," she said calmly, "yet you've proven your strength time and time again. Tell me, Aveline—do you know why you are able to speak with me?"

Her question caught me off guard. "No... I've wondered, but I don't know. Why ask me that now?"

She lowered her head so her eyes were level with mine. "Do you know who your mother was?"

I blinked, confused by the sudden shift in the conversation. "My mother?" I hesitated. "No, not really. She died when I was born. Everyone says she was just... a commoner."

Elryx reared her head back in visible shock, her eyes narrowing. "A commoner?" she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Who told you this nonsense?"

"My stepmother," I explained hesitantly. "Diana. She's always said my mother was just a commoner and that I'm illegitimate."

Elryx let out a low, guttural growl, her scales glinting in the firelight. "Diana? Diana from the House of Roselton?"

"Yes," I replied, frowning. "How do you know her?"

Elrys snorted in disdain. "Diana Roselton is nothing compared to your mother. Your mother is Luna Skyefyre, a magical dragon tamer and the last heir of the Skyefyre house."

I stared at her, my breath catching. "Skyefyre? The Skyefyre family? The legendary noble house of dragon tamers?"

"Yes," Elryx confirmed, her voice firm. "Your mother is no commoner. She was one of the most powerful dragon tamers in history, a descendant of the greatest bloodline connected to dragons. But something happens—I can't tell you further but it is enough for you to know that she is forced to marry your Harry."

I struggled to process her words. "If that's true, why does Diana called mother a commoner?"

"Out of jealousy," Elryx growled, her claws scraping the stone beneath her. "Your mother knew that Harry had Diana—a woman he refused to give up—and children he had with her. Yet she has no choice and she endured it."

I clenched my fists, anger and confusion swirling in my chest. "She endured that...?" And she died giving birth to me."

"Yes," Elryx said, her tone softening. "But you must know this: your mother's love for you was greater than anything else. She left you her legacy and her magic. You are her greatest treasure."

I wiped at the tears welling in my eyes. "How do you know all this, Elryx?"

"I served her," Elryx said, lowering her head to nuzzle my shoulder gently. "Your mother tamed me with her kindness and strength. She was my mistress and I was her loyal companion. Now, I am yours."

I swallowed hard. "What was she like?"

Elryx's voice softened with fondness. "You are her reflection, little one. You have her white hair and white eyes, marks of her noble blood. Such traits are rare and beautiful, tied to those who share a bond with dragons."

I run my fingers through my hair, a habit born from years of trying to hide it. "Back in the Thorne family, they always called my hair and eyes weird. They said I looked unnatural and bullied me for it."

Elryx let out a sharp snort, her tail flicking in irritation. "Fools, blind to what they cannot comprehend. Your white hair and eyes are symbols of your strength and heritage. They mark you as one who carried the blood of dragons. Be proud of them."

Her words kindled a small ember of pride in me. "So... I really have the blood of the Skyefyre family?"

"Yes," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "That is why you can speak with dragons. Your mother's power flows through you, and it is a gift unlike any other. You are meant for greatness."

Her eyes locked with mine, glowing with a fiery intensity. "Do not fear tomorrow, Aveline. You are more than the daughter of Harry Thorne. You are the child of Luna Skyefyre, the last of her line. You have her strength, her magic and her courage."

I took a deep breath, Elryx's words striking into me like armour.

"Remember," she said, her voice fierce and unwavering, "you are the mother of dragons now. You will lead with the fire of your ancestors burning within you."

I straightened, wiping my tears and griping the strength Elryx had given me. "Thank you Elryx. I won't let anyone down. I'll prove to everyone that I can do it."