Thalamus

Chapter 3

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"Wake up, Ryuu..." my thoughts stirred, bringing me back to consciousness. My body felt heavy and ravenous—how long had it been since I last ate? I missed breakfast, but this hunger seemed excessive. Additionally, I felt a deep soreness akin to the aftermath of a rigorous workout. Opening my eyes, I realized I was in an unfamiliar place—Valin's home, presumably. The room was small, containing a bed, a dresser, and a nightstand beside the bed. The blanket enveloping me was luxuriously soft, and I found myself comfortably ensconced in the bed.

The dawning light revealed a view of Vendra city's rooftops, swaying gently in the morning breeze. My gaze shifted to the treetops, pondering my connection with Ryuu. What type of egg housed me? The egg itself had transformed, its surface now adorned with a marbled pattern of red lines. The door creaked open as I marveled at it, and Valin entered. His age showed in his dark eyes, a lifetime etched in his silver hair. Clad in a green tunic and black leather pants, he seemed to have witnessed countless wars.

"You're awake, I see. I'm sure you're brimming with questions, but let's start with this—how do you feel?" Valin asked, his smile gentle as he leaned against the wall near the door.

"I'm famished and achingly sore. It feels like I haven't eaten in years. This is unbearable. I don't understand—why wasn't I warned about what would come? I also heard a voice in my head. Maybe I'm losing my mind. A little warning from you would have been nice," I retorted, frustration and confusion boiling within me. Being thrust into this bewildering situation without explanation left me perturbed.

"Mind your tone, Sairu," Valin's voice held a stern edge. "You must show respect to Titan and me. We will be your guides your mentors. Both of you should address us as Master. The egg you hold is the last known dragon's egg. It is on the verge of hatching. Prepare yourself to meet your new Bonded Partner." His words were delivered with firmness, his gaze unwavering.

"A dragon's egg? That's absurd. During the dark war, all the dragon's eggs were destroyed. There's no conceivable way this egg could contain a dragon. What is happening?" My gaze shifted between Valin and the egg, a wave of incredulity washing over me.

Valin drew closer, sitting beside the bed, his hands resting on my shoulders and the dragon egg. "This is undeniably a dragon's egg. Its origin is shrouded in mystery. We stumbled upon it in the forest as though the very earth conspired for us to find it. A bond's magic envelops it, but it has yet to select a partner. The Queen and I devised a plan, inviting all elves of Vendra to touch the egg, hoping for a reaction. When no one was chosen, apprehension set in. We expanded our search to the outskirts, testing a handful of elves, but the egg remained unresponsive. Your home was the final one we considered. We feared it might never hatch." Valin's voice carried a mix of curiosity and concern, his grip on the egg tightening as he spoke.

"Tell me, what does it mean to be Bonded?" I inquired, my attention divided between Titan's gaze through the window and the enigmatic egg in my hands.

"Dear one," Titan's voice resonated within my mind, its tone controlled and penetrating. "You and the dragon inside this egg are bound by your souls. Thoughts and emotions will flow between you. Your pain will be its pain, and vice versa. It is a bond unbreakable, lasting for the span of your lives. Cherish and protect it." Titan's voice faded as he moved away from the window and settled himself.

"Yes, Titan," I responded aloud, my voice touched by reverence. Valin's smile returned as he handed the egg back to me.

"Now, focus on the egg. The time for hatching is upon us. What hue does it hold?" Valin's presence lingered at the door.