DRAGON'S CURSE

The Royal Revelation

My right arm was burning, an intense heat spreading through my skin as if something was trying to break free. I clutched it, confusion swirling in my mind. What was happening to me?

I glanced up and my eyes locked with his—Lucas. His expression was calm, but something in his eyes told me he was feeling it too. 

"What the hell is this?" I thought, but Lucas remained silent, his eyes still on mine, like he understood everything without a single word being exchanged. The burn grew stronger.

Lucas sat down on the chair opposite me, his piercing gaze never leaving mine.

the large wooden doors at the front of the room creaked open. The room immediately fell silent, every student sitting up straighter. The king walked in.

He was an imposing figure, tall and regal, with a long, dark cloak that trailed behind him. His presence commanded attention. His silver hair shimmered under the dim lights, and his eyes—sharp and piercing—scanned the room like he could see through everyone.
The queen followed by his side, graceful and poised. Her long, emerald gown sparkled with every step, and her warm, but powerful, presence was undeniable. Her eyes, the color of deep forest green, observed us all with a silent intensity.

As he walked past, a wave of respect and fear seemed to ripple through the room. Even Lucas, who moments before had been so calm and collected, straightened his posture, his expression hardening. The king stopped at the front of the room, turning to face us all. His gaze lingered on me for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Welcome to the Dragon Academy," his deep voice echoed through the room. "You are all here for one reason: to unlock the true potential within you. But make no mistake, not all of you will succeed."

After the king's speech, he turned and walked toward a group of teachers who were seated at a long table at the front of the hall. The queen followed closely behind him, her gown trailing gracefully along the polished floor. The moment they sat down, the tension in the room eased, and a hushed murmur swept through the students.

Then, as if a signal had been given, large trays of food were brought out by the academy's staff. Plates were piled high with roasted nuts fresh vegetables, and pastries that looked like they belonged in a royal banquet. The aroma of the feast filled the air, causing everyone's stomachs to rumble.

I glanced around, noticing how quickly everyone shifted their focus from the king's ominous words to the food in front of them. The students at my table eagerly grabbed plates and started passing dishes around. Even Lucas, who had been sitting stiffly beside me, relaxed just enough to grab a plate of food.

I reached for some bread, trying to blend in, though the stares hadn't stopped completely. I could still feel the weight of their eyes on me, especially Lucas's. His intense gaze lingered longer than the others, like he was trying to figure me out. But I didn't let it get to me. I forced myself to smile politely at Sophie, who handed me a plate of sliced fruit.

I excused myself from the table and headed to the washroom. My mind was buzzing with everything that had happened so far. As I washed my hands, trying to calm down, I noticed the door creak open. I froze. The queen walked in. The queen.

Panic immediately set in. My heart started racing. What do I do? Do I bow? Do I curtsy? Do dragons even curtsy?! I quickly glanced around, hoping to find some guidebook on "How to Behave Around Royalty," but nope—just sinks, mirrors, and soap.

I decided to do a little half-bow thing, but my nervousness took over, and I bent way too low, nearly smacking my head on the sink. Trying to recover, I stood up too fast, knocking the soap dispenser with my elbow, sending it flying. It hit the wall and squirted soap everywhere like some sort of chaotic hand sanitizer explosion.