AVELINE The Imperial Plaza stretches before us, the air thick with anticipation. The moment is finally here. Elryx and I stand hidden behind the grand marble columns, the concealment magic cloaking us as the final preparations unfold in the distance.

I turn to Elryx, my heart racing with excitement. "Are you ready, Elryx? Once His Majesty gives his speech, we'll make our grand entrance."

Elryx scoffs lightly, her voice rich with amusement. "Heh, I was born to be in the spotlight anyway." Her sharp, glittering eyes twinkle as she shifts slightly, making her presence known despite the magic that hides her.

I laugh softly, admiring her confidence. "I see your friends are also very excited. Though they're still young, they're strong."

Elryx hums approvingly. "Of course. They've never had a human riding them for such a long time. They're eager to prove themselves."

As if on cue, I glance over to the younger dragons gathered nearby—each one pacing eagerly, wings fluttering with excitement. They are Elryx's friends, and they can feel the energy in the air. It's adorable how they look at us, their eyes wide with curiosity. Even though they're younger, I know they're more than capable.

I turn my attention to my knights, Sir Edward and Sir Derrick, who are busy preparing. I can see them adjusting their gear, trying to maintain composure despite the nerves that are practically palpable in the air.

"How are you feeling, Sir Edward? Sir Derrick?" I ask them lightly, my tone playful yet knowing the pressure they must be feeling.

Sir Derrick is the first to speak, his voice laced with uncertainty. "I'm lowkey nervous. How do you even ride a dragon?" He glances at Elryx, who towers over him even in her docile state, and I can see his apprehension.

I give him a reassuring smile. "It's not as hard as it seems. Just trust Elryx, and let her lead."

Sir Edward, sitting confidently on one of Elryx's friends, lets out a small chuckle, though I can see his own nerves hidden beneath the surface. "Don't be scared, Derrick. It's just a dragon."

Derrick shoots him a look, trying to mask his unease. "Right, just a dragon."

I shake my head, amused by their banter, but I can feel the weight of the moment bearing down on us all. Today isn't just about spectacle; it's about making a statement.

"Remember," I say, my tone serious now, "we're here to show them that we won't back down. Trust your dragons, and trust yourselves."

As I finish speaking, I give Elryx's side a gentle pat, and she hums, lowering her massive head slightly. The excitement and readiness in the air are thick now—everything is about to change. I know what's at stake, and I trust that we are ready.

Today, we make our entrance.

***

EMILIA I sit next to Lady Margaret at the Paragon, the lavish hall filled with the quiet hum of noble conversation. The grand event is about to begin, but something doesn't sit right with me. The moment my eyes sweep across the room, I realize—there's no sign of Aveline.

"Margaret, I don't think Aveline is here," I say, my voice low but laced with curiosity.

Margaret turns her gaze from the stage, her eyes narrowing in mild surprise. "Right, I did not see her at all."

I lean in slightly, lowering my voice even further. "Did she know our plans and run off?"

Margaret snorts dismissively, a flicker of irritation in her eyes. "There's no way she'll know. It's not like she has spies watching us."

I nod, though I can't shake the nagging feeling that something is off. Why isn't she here? I wonder. But before I can linger on the thought, Margaret's voice breaks through my musings.

"I heard that His Majesty has prepared a special performance for this year's Founding Day," she says, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "I bet he has no idea that this Founding Day can also be the ending day."

Her words send a chill down my spine. Margaret's tone is confident, too confident, as if she's already seen the outcome in her mind.

I can't help but shiver at the thought. The Founding Day meant to celebrate the strength of the empire could indeed mark its downfall if our plans succeed. But something tells me that Aveline is a wild card we hadn't anticipated, and I can only hope she's not about to ruin everything.