Chapter Seventeen - Ava
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world into darkness. The glow of the palace lights faded behind me as I slipped through the grand gates, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Tonight, I would embrace my true self—as the Moonlight Dragon—and escape the confines of my human disguise, even only for a short time.
The air was cool as I navigated the path toward the Dark Forest, the ancient trees looming like silent sentinels against the night sky. I had to be cautious; this forest was filled with dangers, but it also held a world of magic and freedom that called to me. The whisper of the wind through the leaves urged me onward, guiding me to where I truly belonged.
Once I reached the edge of the forest, I glanced back at the palace, its imposing structure standing tall and unyielding. A part of me felt a pang of sorrow for leaving behind the facade of a maid, but the thrill of transformation surged within me. I closed my eyes, allowing the energy of the night to envelop me.
With a deep breath, I let go of my human form, feeling the familiar tingling sensation that coursed through my body. My bones shifted, my skin rippled, and within moments, I was no longer Ava the quiet maid in the palace. I was the Moonlight Dragon, a magnificent creature with shimmering silver scales that reflected the light of the stars above. My wings unfurled, stretching wide as I embraced my true identity, and the night air filled my lungs with invigorating energy.
I took to the sky, the thrill of flight coursing through me as I soared above the treetops. The cool breeze caressed my scales, and I reveled in the freedom that only my dragon form could bring. The world below became a blur, the dark outlines of the forest and hills mingling with the moonlight that guided my path.
As I glided through the night, I felt a surge of magic thrumming in the air. It was a feeling I had not experienced in ages—the presence of another dragon nearby. My heart quickened, and I changed course, following the pull of the familiar energy.
After a few moments of flight, I spotted a flash of brilliant gold among the treetops. The Sunlight Dragon, an old friend of mine, was waiting for me, perched on a rocky outcrop bathed in silvery moonlight. I landed gracefully beside him, my wings folding against my sides.
"Is that really you, Ava?" he asked, his voice a harmonious blend of warmth and light. He shifted from a relaxed posture to a more upright one, his golden scales glimmering like the first rays of dawn. "You've grown even more beautiful since we last met."
I couldn't help but smile, my heart lifting at the sight of him. "Arin! It's so good to see you! I've missed you." The warmth of our friendship felt like a comforting embrace, reminding me of the times we had spent soaring through the skies, exploring the world beyond the kingdom.
Arin's golden eyes sparkled with mischief as he took a step closer. "What brings the Moonlight Dragon to the Dark Forest? I thought you had given up your old ways."
I sighed, the weight of my double life pressing down on me. "I wish I could say it was for a joyous reunion. The truth is, I'm being hunted. Asher, that annoying prince, is after me. He believes the Moonlight Dragon is a monster, and I need to be ready for anything."
Arin's expression shifted from playful to serious. "The prince? You're in danger, Ava. He's determined and clever. Have you considered revealing your identity to him?"
I shook my head, a sense of dread flooding my veins. "No! I can't. If he learns who I truly am, he'll see me as a threat—an enemy. I mean, we're already enemies, I won a good fight with him recently. But he's already made it clear how he feels about dragons. But it's not just him. I received a letter from the king himself."
"What did it say?" Arin asked, concern etched on his face.
I took a breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "It's a threat. The king demands that I pay taxes, taxes that I can't afford. It's like they're hunting me for sport, wanting to strip away any semblance of a life I have. I can't let him find me; I can't let them expose who I really am."
Arin stepped closer, his golden scales shimmering in the moonlight as he spread his wings. "You've always been strong, but you don't have to face this alone. Your Dragon is a symbol of hope and power. You should not have to hide."
I turned my gaze away, staring into the depths of the forest, the shadows flickering like memories long forgotten. "I've made my choice. For now, I must stay hidden. There's too much at stake. If Asher finds me, he won't hesitate to strike."
With a thoughtful expression, Arin moved closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Then let me help you. You don't have to face this alone. We can work together, find a way to protect yourself and the kingdom. You are not just a dragon; you are a friend, a powerful ally in this fight."
His words ignited a spark of hope within me, but doubt still clung to my heart. "How can I trust anyone with this? If the truth is revealed, the consequences could be catastrophic. I could lose everything. We could lose everything."
Arin studied me, his golden eyes searching mine for answers. "I've faced my own battles, Ava. I know what it's like to carry a burden that feels insurmountable. But trust is a bond forged through understanding and respect. Together, we can create a plan, ensure that your true identity remains hidden while we prepare for whatever may come. You don't have to do this alone."
I took a deep breath, weighing his words against the reality of my situation. The thought of standing against Ash and the dangers he posed was daunting, but perhaps I needed a friend by my side now more than ever.
"Alright, let's do it," I finally said, determination surging within me. "But we have to be careful. If word gets out..."
"It won't," Arin assured me. "We'll keep this between us. Together, we will outsmart the danger that looms over you."
As we stood side by side, I felt a sense of resolve solidify within me. In the heart of the Dark Forest, with the stars shining overhead, I was no longer just a maid hiding her true self. I was the Moonlight Dragon, and I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, alongside a trusted friend.
The only trusting friend I had left...
----------------------------------------------------
A/N: So? What do you guys think of Arin? And how often should I publish new chapters?
Don't forget to comment, vote and follow!
~𝕄𝕠𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥✨
----------------------------------------------------
YOU ARE READING
𝒜 ℋℯ𝒶𝓇𝓉 ℴ𝒻 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓁ℯ𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒮𝓉ℯℯ𝓁
Viễn tưởng"You kept all these secrets from me...I trusted you, Ava." he says as he took a step closer. "Was it all a lie...?" "It was better for the both of us..." I said, my voice calm and cold. "You should go before I kill you, like I did to your father." A...
