AVELINE The roar of the crowd echoes from the Imperial Plaza as the emperor's announcement fills the air. The moment we've been waiting for is here, and a ripple of excitement courses through me. This is more than just a performance—it's a statement, a promise to the people of Quesaria that we stand strong in the face of any challenge.

I tighten my grip on Elryx's reins, her scales shimmering like molten silver under the sun. She lets out a low growl, more of anticipation than aggression. "It's showtime," I say with a determined smile.

"Finally," Elryx replies, her voice laced with playful arrogance. "Let's show these humans what real majesty looks like."

With a surge of power, Elryx launches into the sky, her massive wings slicing through the air with precision. Behind us, the other dragons follow, their forms casting dramatic shadows over the plaza below. The crowd gasps in awe as our formation comes into view—six dragons in total, each carrying a knight of Lytheryss.

"WOW, LADY AVELINE, THIS IS AMAZING!" Sir Derrick shouts from atop Draco, a sleek black dragon with piercing gold eyes. His voice is nearly lost in the wind, but his exhilaration is clear.

"RIGHT? DRAGONS ARE INCREDIBLE!" Sir Edward yells, his usual composure replaced by childlike excitement as he grips the reins of Rose, a crimson-scaled dragon whose fiery temperament matches her vibrant hue.

I can't help but laugh at their enthusiasm. These hardened knights, who have faced countless battles, are now grinning like children at a festival. "Are you having fun, Elryx?" I ask, glancing down at her noble head.

"Obviously," she responds with a snort. "Flying is one thing, but being the center of attention? This is my element, Aveline."

I smile, her confidence infectious. This isn't just fun—it's exhilarating. I glance down at the people of Quesaria, their faces turned skyward in awe. The cheers, the gasps, the sheer wonder in their eyes—it fuels me. I lift a hand, waving to them, and the cheers grow louder.

"Ready, everyone?" I call out to the knights, my voice firm and commanding despite the wind.

"Yes, Lady Aveline!" they reply in unison, their voices filled with energy.

I give a slight nod. "Get into formation. Let's give them a performance they'll never forget."

The dragons adjust their flight, splitting into two precise lines that weave through the air with practiced grace. The knights raise their weapons, saluting the crowd below, their movements synchronized as if part of an elaborate dance.

Elryx dives suddenly, a controlled and dramatic descent that draws gasps from the onlookers before she pulls up, soaring high again. The other dragons follow suit, their agile maneuvers leaving streaks of vibrant light in the sky, courtesy of the magic imbued in their scales.

"Impressive, as always," Elryx comments, her tone laced with pride.

"It's not just about impressing them," I murmur, though I can't hide my own sense of accomplishment. "It's about showing them hope. Unity. Strength."

As the performance reaches its crescendo, the dragons form a circle in the air, their massive forms encircling Elryx and me at the center. Rose lets out a burst of fire, Draco a stream of shimmering ice, and the others follow with their unique magical abilities, creating a dazzling display of light and power that lights up the sky like a living masterpiece.

Elryx tilts her head slightly. "Satisfied, little human?"

I laugh, exhilarated. "More than satisfied. This is perfect."

Below us, the crowd erupts into thunderous applause, their cheers shaking the very ground. For a moment, the looming shadows of war and treachery seem distant, replaced by the collective wonder of the empire.

As the formation begins its descent back toward the Imperial Plaza, I glance at Elryx. "We did it."

She lets out a rumbling laugh. "We did more than 'it,' Aveline. We reminded them who we are."

And as we land, greeted by the emperor's approving nod and the crown prince's faint smile, I know she's right. We reminded them that no matter the threats, Quesaria's strength endures.

***

EMILIA What the— A dragon? Where did that even come from?

My eyes widen in disbelief as the massive beast soars across the sky, its silver scales gleaming in the sunlight. The crowd erupts into gasps and cheers, but all I can feel is panic twisting in my chest.

"Is that... a dragon?" I mutter, half to myself.

"That dragon is so familiar," Lady Margaret says suddenly, her voice unusually serious. She narrows her eyes, as if trying to place a distant memory.

I glance at her, confused. "What are you talking about?"

Margaret stiffens, and her eyes widen in realization. "AH! IT'S ELRYX! THE DRAGON THAT LEADS!" she exclaims, almost loud enough to draw attention from the nearby nobles.

"Elryx?" The name is foreign to me, but the way she says it sends a chill down my spine.

Margaret looks at me like I've just crawled out of the stone age. "You don't know? Elryx is the legendary dragon said to have served alongside the noble house of Skyefyre, the famed bloodline of dragon tamers."

Skyefyre? My heart skips a beat. That name—it's familiar, painfully so.

"Wait..." I trail off, dread sinking in. "Skyefyre? Isn't that where Aveline said her biological mother was from?"

Margaret's expression twists into one of disbelief. "No way. You can't be serious. I thought she was an illegitimate child?"

"She is—or, well, she was. But..." My voice falters, my palms damp with sweat. I shouldn't say it. I really shouldn't. But the words come tumbling out anyway. "Aveline told me once that her mother was Luna Skyefyre, the last scion of the family."

Margaret's jaw drops. "WHAT? You mean Aveline is the daughter of the Skyefyre line?"

I nod reluctantly. "I didn't think much of it at the time. Honestly, I thought she was just making it up to sound... important."

Margaret stares at me as though I've just confessed to a crime. "WHAT AN INSOLENT FOOL YOU ALL ARE! How could you not realize what this means? The girl is practically a legend walking among us! And you thought she was joking?"

"I didn't think she'd have proof!" I protest, gesturing helplessly toward the dragon circling the plaza. "It's not like she ever acted like it mattered!"

Margaret rolls her eyes dramatically. "You nobles of lesser houses are so clueless. This changes everything. If Aveline really is a Skyefyre, then she's far more dangerous than we ever imagined."

My throat goes dry. "But... it doesn't matter, right? I mean, your father has a plan. Doesn't he?"

Margaret's eyes glint with something unsettling, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "Oh, don't worry about that. The demon will handle her."

The word hits me like a physical blow. "De—Demon? What are you talking about?"

Margaret leans closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Just wait and see. A dragon might be powerful, but a contract with a demon? That's real power."

I swallow hard, my pulse racing. I had underestimated Aveline before, but this? This is something else entirely. Dragons, demons, and bloodlines of legend—it's as though the stories we grew up with have come to life before our very eyes.

For the first time, I feel a cold wave of fear. Not just for myself, but for what might happen next. If Margaret is right, this so-called National Founding Day could become the start of something far darker.