Echoes of Betrayal

Chapter Twelve Karyna

As the day wore on, the weight of the shadow's warning lingered in the back of my mind like a persistent ache. Despite my best efforts to focus on my studies, my thoughts kept drifting back to the cryptic encounter in my dorm room, leaving me restless and on edge.

With the final bell signaling the end of classes, I made my way to the dragon stables, seeking solace in the company of Shadowbane. As I approached his stall, I found him waiting for me, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intelligence that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Hey, boy," I murmured softly, reaching out to stroke his sleek scales. "How are you doing today?"

As I caressed Shadowbane's scales, his response echoed through the depths of my mind, a soothing melody that spoke of ancient bonds and unbreakable ties. I am well, Karyna, his voice reverberated within me, resonating with the warmth of a thousand suns. And you, my dear friend?

Surprised by his response, I paused for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. "I'm... I'm doing okay," I replied hesitantly, unsure of how to articulate the jumble of emotions swirling within me.

But before I could gather my thoughts, Shadowbane continued, addressing the question that had been gnawing at the edges of my mind. As for what Alexander said... It is true, in a way, he confessed, his words tinged with a hint of mystery.

Confusion clouded my thoughts as I struggled to make sense of his cryptic response. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Shadowbane's gaze bore into mine, his eyes alight with an otherworldly wisdom that seemed to pierce through the veil of reality itself. I am bound to you, Karyna, he explained, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency. But our connection goes beyond that of mere familiar and mage. We are linked by destiny, by the threads of fate that weave through the fabric of time itself.

His words sent a shiver down my spine, the weight of his revelation settling over me like a heavy cloak. "But... how is that possible?" I whispered, my mind reeling with the implications of his words.

Shadowbane's response was a mere whisper in the depths of my consciousness, a fleeting glimpse of the truth that lay hidden within the recesses of my mind. That is a question that only time can answer, my dear friend, he murmured softly.

As the echo of Shadowbane's words lingered in the air, a sudden shift in the atmosphere heralded the approach of another presence. I turned, my heart skipping a beat as Alexander's figure came into view, his expression a mask of cool composure.

"What are you doing with my dragon?" he asked, his tone firm yet tinged with curiosity.

I hesitated, meeting his gaze with a mixture of uncertainty and determination. "Shadowbane isn't just your dragon, Alexander," I replied, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my chest. "He's... he's also a part of me."

Alexander's brow furrowed in contemplation, a flicker of recognition dancing in his eyes. "I know," he said quietly, his voice tinged with an unexpected softness. "I've felt it too."

Surprised by his admission, I searched his face for any sign of deception, but all I found was a rare vulnerability that spoke of truths left unspoken. "You have?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Yes," he said simply, his words carrying the weight of unspoken understanding. "But that doesn't change the fact that he's my dragon."

I nodded, a pang of disappointment tugging at my heartstrings. "I understand," I murmured, though the ache of longing still lingered beneath the surface. "But... but he chose me too. Can't you see that?"