Throne of Ashes (Fire And Blood Saga I)

Chapter 1: Fire, I

Thank you for all your comments, I really appreciate it.

Once again, I'm not a native English speaker, so even if I got help with this chapter, it can contain mistakes.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.

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The peaceful morning of Cassel's tenth birthday ended just seconds after it began. As tender rays of light welcomed a new day, and the sun made its first timid appearances that morning, a colossal figure rose in the distance.

It was just an instant, a barely perceptible blink, and the calm was shattered as a deafening noise shook the earth, making the ground tremble beneath the feet of the guards who watched over the walls. On the horizon, a huge shape emerged between the sun's rays, approaching them at a dizzying speed.

Shouts echoed.

"A dragon!" a soldiers yelled, running towards the watchtower to sound the alarm. "Dragon on the horizon! We're under attack!"

Soon, a scorching heat enveloped the citadel, as if hell itself had been unleashed upon Laurentia. Blasts of fire illuminated the citadel as the air filled with smoke and ash, and the smell of burning spread into every corner of the city.

The unfortunate people of Laurentia were torn from their slumber by the beast's mighty roar, shock filled their hearts as understanding sank into their minds. The city, a safe haven just a few moments ago, was now a hell of fire and destruction.

Screams and panic began to spread, as the inhabitants of Laurentia tried to comprehend the magnitude of the catastrophe in front of them.

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Cassel opened his eyes in alarm, fear flooding his body as the walls shook and the oppressive heat almost suffocated him. He got up hastily and ran to the window with his heart racing, his breath caught in his throat at the sight before him.

Fire was consuming the buildings as smoke rose, making its way to the sky. And then he saw it, the huge black figure looming over Laurentia, its shiny scales and red eyes seeming to devour everything in its path.

"Emberion," he exhaled, his voice trembling with a mix of awe and terror. Legend says that the Great Dragon was the largest dragon to have ever flown over the earth. And now, in front of him, over the city of Laurentia, stood a creature that could easily be its successor, leaving a trail of destruction and death in its wake.

Cassel felt his heart stop, as if time itself had frozen. His legs suddenly felt weak, but before he could fall, a distressed cry was heard through the room.

"Get away from the window, Cass!" His father rushed in, his face showing terror. "Come on!"

Cassel was so, so confused, he felt tiny while he let his father guide him through the castle corridors. His mind was a blank as they ran.

He wasn't even wearing shoes, the hot stone felt almost unbearable under his bare feet, like walking on burning embers.

They keep running, while Cassel could feel the heat increasing more and more. The castle shook violently, making it hard to stay upright. His father grabbed his arm and pushed him toward a door, and Cassel just watched, his eyes opened in horror as the ceiling collapsed where they had just been.

Cassel stumbled forward, his heart racing, feeling like they had been running for hours with no escape.

The castle, once a symbol of majesty and greatness, had turned into a nightmare. Its high walls, which had seen him grow up, now loomed over him like a threat. The smell of smoke became more and more overwhelming, while the corridors seemed like endless and confusing mazes.