AVELINE We concluded our breathtaking performance amidst thunderous applause. The dragons circled the imperial plaza one last time before preparing to descend. I steadied myself on Elryx, her powerful wings cutting through the wind with precision.

"Now, prepare for a perfect landing," I commanded, my voice carrying authority.

Elryx led the descent, her figure majestic against the sky. One by one, the other dragons followed, their riders maintaining formation. The knights of the First Squad dismounted smoothly, their movements sharp and disciplined.

I dismounted Elryx gracefully, brushing my cloak aside as I strode forward with purpose. Together with the knights, we knelt before the royal dais, our heads bowed low.

"We greet the sun of the empire, His Majesty the Emperor, and the future of our empire, His Highness the Crown Prince," we declared in unison, our voices ringing out firmly.

The plaza quieted as Emperor Roland stepped forward. His presence commanded absolute attention, the weight of his authority palpable.

"Citizens of Quesaria," he began, his voice resonating across the plaza. "Today is a day of great pride for our empire. As we stand united in celebration of our history, I present to you a legacy reborn—a name long thought lost to history, now standing before us with strength and grace.

"Lady Aveline Maeve, known henceforth as Mother of Dragons, is the surviving bloodline of the noble Skyefyre family. Her mother, Luna Skyefyre, was the last dragon tamer of her line, a woman whose legacy lives on in her daughter. Today, we honor not only Lady Aveline's heritage but also her unwavering loyalty to Quesaria."

The crowd gasped in awe, murmurs of shock and wonder rippling through the plaza. The Skyefyre name carried immense weight, its legends entwined with the empire's most glorious and mysterious tales.

I bowed deeply, my head held high despite the gravity of the moment. "It is my honor to receive this title, Your Majesty. I vow to serve and protect Quesaria with all my strength."

As I straightened, a sudden tremor shook the ground beneath us. The plaza stilled, the joyful atmosphere replaced by a chilling silence. The sky, once bright and clear, darkened ominously, and a guttural roar echoed in the distance.

My gaze snapped to the emperor, who remained calm but alert. Our eyes met briefly, and his subtle nod was all the confirmation I needed.

"It's the real show time, Lady Aveline," Emperor Roland said, his voice low but resolute.

Without hesitation, I swung onto Elryx's back. "Knights! Dragons! Prepare for battle!" I commanded, my voice cutting through the rising tension.

The plaza erupted into chaos as citizens scrambled to safety, the imperial knights moving swiftly to shield them. Prince Xavier, his sword already drawn, stepped forward. "I'll lead the knights. We'll gather the citizens and nobles to safety!"

"Be careful, Xavier," I called to him, my heart tight with worry.

"You too, Aveline," he replied, his eyes meeting mine briefly before he turned away to rally his men.

Elryx launched into the air, her wings slicing through the thickening gloom. Below us, the First Squad coordinated with the dragons to intercept the emerging threat. I spotted Duke Edric Lytheryss commanding his own forces amidst the chaos.

"Elryx, let's scout for anything unusual," I urged. "Sir Edward, Sir Derrick, lead the First Squad. Use the dragons to strike down the monsters!"

Elryx's sharp gaze scanned the horizon, and she suddenly growled. "THERE! There's Duke Brown!"

My eyes locked on Cedric Brown, standing defiantly at the edge of the plaza. His expression was smug, unbothered by the chaos around him. But beside him stood another figure—one far more ominous.

A tall, imposing man with long white hair that gleamed even in the dim light, horns curling from his head, and crimson eyes that glowed with malevolent power.

"Who is that?" I asked, a sense of dread creeping over me.

"As expected," Elryx snarled, her tone laced with fury. "Malzareth."

My breath caught. Malzareth—the Demon King himself. So, Cedric Brown truly made a contract with him.