Eclipsed

Chapter 15

Chapter Title: A Choice Among the Clouds

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the forest below turned from shadowy shapes to sprawling fields of green, bathed in the warm glow of morning. Rhaegar’s powerful wings sliced through the air with rhythmic precision, carrying the group steadily forward.

Kael stirred awake, groaning softly before blinking at the rising sun. He glanced around, his confusion growing as he noticed the dragon they were flying on. “What the hell? Where are we?” He leaned forward slightly, looking past Alina, who sat behind Ren.

Ren glanced over his shoulder, his silver hair catching the sunlight. “While you were snoozing, we decided to bring you and your sister along for the ride.”

Kael furrowed his brow. “Why? What’s going on here?”

Alina leaned toward her brother, her voice gentle but firm. “Listen, Kael. I told them everything. They saved us. It’s the least we can do to help them in return.”

Kael’s jaw tightened. “Great. So now we’re in debt to these two?”

Ren shrugged casually. “No one’s forcing you to do anything. You’re free to leave anytime you want. Or... you can choose to fight the Malgorath with us.”

Kael crossed his arms. “Well, I choose to leave. I’m not getting dragged into a battle that isn’t mine.”

Alina’s expression softened, but her tone held a quiet urgency. “Kael, this is bigger than just us. If they hadn’t stepped in, we’d still be in that hellhole. We owe them at least this much.”

Kael scowled, avoiding her gaze. “Look, he’s giving us a choice, and I’m not about to jump headfirst into another mess. I’m done being in anyone’s debt.”

Alina pressed on. “Please, Kael. Think about it. If the Malgorath isn’t stopped, they’ll come for everyone eventually. We’ll never have peace.”

Kael sighed heavily, running a hand through his tousled hair. He finally turned to Ren. “Alright, silver locks. What the hell is this ‘Malgorath’ anyway?”

Ren’s expression darkened slightly, his tone taking on a serious edge. “They’re a group of twelve—each one a force of destruction. They’ve built an army so massive it could wipe out every human in existence if they aren’t stopped.”

Kael raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. “Twelve people? That’s all?”

Ren nodded. “They’re not ordinary. Each one commands powers and armies that rival kingdoms. The threat is real.”

Kael frowned, his skepticism fading. “And how come this is the first I’m hearing about them?”

Ren glanced at the horizon, his voice quieter now. “Because it’s kept a secret from the general population—to avoid widespread panic. But trust me, they’ve been moving in the shadows for years.”

Kael looked to Alina, who nodded grimly, then back to Ren. “So... how do you and Sleeping Beauty back there plan to take down something like that?”

Valen, half-asleep but clearly eavesdropping, stirred and chimed in. “That’s why we’re gathering allies. The more people who stand with us, the better our chances.”

Alina added, “And if they’re as much of a threat as Ren says, it’s only a matter of time before they find us. It’s better to face them head-on than to wait for the inevitable.”

Kael sat in silence for a moment, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Finally, he looked at Ren. “Alright, I see your point. But if I join you, it’s under one condition.”