What if Qibli accepted Darkstalkers' offer?

WINTER

"Are you coming?"
Those words pounded in Winter's head. I shouldn't. I shouldn't bond with the Nightwing I am perhaps falling in love with. He thought, but on the bright side, it might bring my best friend back. And maybe Moon will choose me for good. Winter had always thought Moon was going to choose Qibli, but ever since he accepted Darkstalker's offer, he wasn't so sure anymore.

Winter took a deep breath and took off alongside Moonwatcher.

"Where are we going?" Winter asked.

"To the Kingdom of Sand," Moon responded. "Qibli's most likely going to visit the Stronghold, so that's where we're going too."

They arrived at the Stronghold. The air was blistering hot. Not how Winter liked it. Beside him, Moon walked up to the Stronghold and knocked on the door. The door swung open, and a large, handsome Sandwing greeted them.

"Who are you, and what are you here for?" The large Sandwing grunted. "King Qibli doesn't take visitors at the moment I'm afraid."

"We're good friends of his," Moon explained. "I'm sure he would be glad to see us-"
"Wait, did you say King Qibli?" Winter interrupted. Moon's eyes widened and waited for the Sandwing's response.

"Yes," the Sandwing finally said. In a lowered voice, he told them, "But I still prefer Queen Thorn. She was an excellent ruler."

"Oh!" Moon's expression softened. "You're Smolder! One of Thorn's advisors! Where's Flower?"

Smolder's expression was blank. "Um, who's Flower?"

That was when Winter had it. How DARE QIBLI TOY WITH OTHER DRAGONS THOUGHTS? Winter barged in, ignoring Smolder's protests.
"Get back here!" Smolder cried.

"Winter! Wait!" Moon hurried after him.

All the guards in the Stronghold chased after him and Moon, but he attacked any dragon that was in his way.

"Moon!" Winter turned back and realized that she couldn't keep up. Without thinking, Winter turned around and unleashed his frost breath at maximum temperature, hoping he wouldn't hit Moonwatcher. All the guards shrieked and scampered away running for shelter. Winter offered Moon a talon, and they were off to the throne room.

They rushed in and saw Qibli on the throne, with Thorn next to him offering him some dates. When Qibli saw them, he smiled the biggest smile ever.

"Moon! Winter! You made it!" Qibli said brightly, adjusting his crown.

"How. Dare. You." Winter growled, pointing a claw at him. "You said you were sorry when I pointed out messing with other dragon's thoughts was not OK!"

Qibli blinked a few times then chuckled.

"Winter, I'm all right. Smolder didn't want Flower in the way anymore, so he asked me to forget about her. I would never do such a monstrous thing."

Winter calmed down. He eyed Qibli suspiciously and thought how did he know I was talking about Smolder specifically? And scanned the room. Everyone looked content, well-fed, and were peaceful. All right, so maybe most things are looking good so far.

"Yes indeed. See, Moon? Things can be better now. And I promise I will never turn evil." Qibli said, stepping down from the throne to meet them. He then whispered to Moon. "Just give me a chance. Give us a chance, please?"

"YOU CAN READ MINDS NOW WITHOUT SKYFIRE NOW?" Winter inhaled sharply.

Moon shook her head. She then asked, "Qibli, why are you King? And where's Darkstalker? Thorn wouldn't have stepped down so easily. You must have-" She got interrupted by Thorn.

"Moonwatcher. I am fine with your concern. Qibli would make a great king. And don't worry, he enchanted my Eye of Onyx to be safe from any harm. Including his animus magic." She smiled, touching her necklace.

"No," Moon cried. "There must have been an exchange to this. Qibli, be honest. What did you do?"

"Darkstalkers in the Night kingdom situating everyone." Qibli shuffled on his feet uneasily. "And I, uh, sort of made everyone adore me as king. Including Thorn before I gave her that extra enchantment. But don't worry, I made sure she was basically my second in command."

"Qibli! What did I just tell you?" Winter lashed his tail. "This has gone too far. I don't want to do anything with you anymore. Our friendship is over."

Qibli opened and closed his mouth a few times. He looked at Moon pleadingly. Moon shook her head again.

"Sorry Qibli, but I'm with Winter now."
Qibli shut his eyes and turned away. "Fine," he finally said. "Then leave."

"Wait, what?" Moon said. But before she could protest any longer the floor pushed them back to the entrance.

Winter tried flying but his feet were glued to the floor.

"QIBLI! THIS ISN'T OVER." Winter roared. But before he could get a reaction out of him, the floor pushed them back outside, making them land on the hot sand outside. Beside him, Moon looked worried. She buried her snout in her talons and Winter wrapped his wing around her. Qibli, Winter thought, what have you become?