An Alternate Dimension: The Language of Dawn

Chapter 14- Claire

Weeks had passed since the day Aaron won. Now, instead of one dragon fighting while the others watched, they all picked partners to train with. As Claire walked out onto the sand for yet another day of training, she couldn't help but think that Callum seemed particularly interested in her. Sure enough, he walked up to her.

"Hey, what's up?" He said in a friendly yet slightly nervous tone.

"Duh, battle training?" She replied.

"Yeah, of course, battle training." His cheeks grew pink. "Uh, so, about that, I was wondering if you would want to be my training partner? It's okay if you say no, it's just that I've already trained with all the boys and I don't want to repeat and stuff."

Claire thought about it. She had wanted to go with Misha today, but she had gone with her the day before yesterday. Callum was definitely up to something. Claire decided that she should get to know him better.

"Yeah, sure, no problem, just don't cry when I beat you." She teased.

Callum's face immediately brightened up, making her feel good.

The afternoon passed by quickly. Claire had won, but she had a feeling Callum wasn't fully concentrating on the fight. Maybe she hadn't been either. She suddenly realised that she was going to have to live that down with Arani teasing her about it for the rest of her life. She shook her head and was going to head towards the fire and see what was for dinner, but Sabina called everyone back to the beach.

"Don't go just yet!" She called out. The dragons returned to the sand, forming a circle around her. Claire realised that Callum was standing right beside her. Was this a coincidence? The crowd was squished together very tightly, after all, and they had headed back from the same direction. Callum caught her gaze but quickly looked away, blushing again. Claire could feel her cheeks growing hot too, so she hoped no-one noticed.

"Right, so I know that you have a prophecy and stuff to fulfill, and that requires you to de-throne the reigning queens." Sabina said. "And I think you're all ready, but I would like to join you as well."

This shocked Claire. Sabina was risking being put in prison!

"Why?" Jacob asked. Justin nodded.

"Because then I can help you achieve your goal. I hear that the Queens are planning another meeting in the Grand Castle tomorrow. Last time they had a meeting, the Desert Queen nearly burned the building down out of rage! This time, it might start an all-out war!" She replied.

Chestnut whined in puzzlement, so Sabina quickly explained the system to him.

"This land is ruled by 3 queens: The Desert Queen, the Forest Queen, and the Mountain Queen. Each wants to rule over the whole continent instead of the area they have, so each has been capturing wandering dragons, and forcing them to become soldiers by threatening them with death. This upcoming meeting might spell the death of countless dragons!"

Chestnut barked.

She turned back to the Shade of Dusk. "I'm coming with you guys, and so is Chestnut."

Timber whined.

"Are you sure?"

A bark.

"And Timber's coming along as well," Sabina finished.