The morning arrived peacefully, different from the silent tension of the previous night. The light filtered softly through the curtains, reflecting off the golden details of the room and creating an atmosphere that felt almost too calm for what was to come. Even so, that pause was necessary. It was not time to fight. It was time to observe.
I woke up early. When I stepped onto the balcony, the sky was already clear and wide, with a few dragons crossing the horizon in free flight. The city was beginning to awaken, and even from a distance, it was possible to see movement forming in the streets.
"Already awake."
Lyannis's voice came from behind me.
"Yes."
She approached, looking in the same direction.
"You never slow down."
"It's not about slowing down. It's about making use of the time."
She gave a slight nod.
"Today is the best day for that."
"Why?"
"Because tomorrow... everything changes."
I didn't answer. I didn't need to.
Not long after, the others began to appear. Liriel still looked half asleep, but it didn't take long for her to recover her usual mood.
"So... we're really going out there as if nothing is happening?"
"Not as if nothing is happening," Elara said, adjusting her hair. "But as if we still have a choice."
Scarlett crossed her arms.
"This is preparation too."
Vespera agreed with a small nod.
"Observing the environment. Culture. Structure."
Rai'kanna looked at me.
"And also... understanding better where we are."
"Then let's go," I replied.
It didn't take long for a servant to appear, ready to guide us. But before he could say anything, another presence appeared in the hallway.
Kaelira.
"I'm coming with you."
The servant hesitated for a moment.
"Princess, perhaps that is not—"
"I know what you're going to say," she interrupted. "And I've already thought about it."
Lyannis took a small step forward.
"We can solve that."
Kaelira looked at her.
"How?"
Lyannis raised her hand slightly, gathering mana in a controlled manner.
"A simple spell. Presence concealment and a slight alteration of appearance."
The princess observed with interest.
"You humans have some curious things."
"It's not exclusive to us," Lyannis replied. "But we've refined it well."
Kaelira nodded.
"Then do it."
Lyannis approached and lightly touched her shoulder. Mana flowed precisely, without waste. Gradually, the princess's appearance began to change. Not completely, but enough that she would not be easily recognized.
Her eyes lost their characteristic glow, her hair changed shade, and her presence became more discreet.
Elara watched carefully.
"It worked well."
Vespera analyzed it.
"Stable control."
Liriel gave a small smile.
"Now we can actually take a walk."
Kaelira looked at her own hands, then at a reflection on a nearby surface.
"Interesting."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"You're still you. Just... less noticeable."
"That helps," Kaelira replied.
With everything ready, we left.
As soon as we departed from the castle, the difference became even more evident. The city of dragons was alive, vibrant, yet organized in a way that was uncommon. The buildings were large and solid, many of them featuring details that resembled scales or natural forms.
The streets were crowded, but not chaotic.
"It's... very different," Elara commented.
"Yes," I replied.
Liriel looked around curiously.
"They really do like gold."
"It's not just wealth," Lyannis said. "It's tradition."
Vespera agreed.
"And symbolism."
Scarlett observed more carefully.
"And power."
Rai'kanna walked in silence, taking in the surroundings.
Kaelira, now unrecognized, seemed more relaxed.
"They're more natural like this," she said. "Without formality."
We passed through markets, training areas, and spaces where dragons in humanoid form talked and interacted like in any other city. Even so, there was something different. The feeling of strength was constant, even in the simplest actions.
"Look at that," Liriel said, discreetly pointing.
Several dragons were training in an open area. Their movements were direct, without exaggeration, but clearly impactful.
"Control," Scarlett commented.
"Discipline," Vespera added.
"Instinct," Rai'kanna said.
"All together," Lyannis concluded.
We continued walking.
At times, dragons in their original forms crossed the sky. The contrast between forms seemed natural to them, as though there was no real difference between being one thing or the other.
Kaelira observed my reaction.
"You're still not used to it."
"It's not something common to see."
"It is for us," she replied. "But I understand."
Elara moved closer to her.
"You grew up here?"
"Yes."
"And you never wanted to leave?"
Kaelira thought for a moment.
"I've considered it. But I never had enough reason."
"Do you have one now?" Liriel asked with a slight smile.
Kaelira didn't answer immediately.
"Maybe."
We continued through a few more streets until we reached an area with more commercial activity. Stalls, vendors, item exchanges. The organization was different from human cities, but still recognizable.
"No adventurer's guild," Vespera observed.
"Not here," Kaelira said. "But there is a demi-dragon base."
"That makes sense," Rai'kanna commented.
Lyannis looked around.
"They don't depend on that."
"No," Scarlett said. "They are the system itself."
We spent some more time exploring. There was no rush. It was a day for understanding, not for action.
When the sun began to descend, we returned.
The trip back was quieter. Not because of discomfort, but because of reflection.
As we entered the castle again, the feeling changed. The weight returned, though more controlled.
Kaelira stopped before parting ways.
"Thank you."
Elara smiled softly.
"It was nice."
Liriel crossed her arms.
"It was interesting."
Vespera nodded.
"Productive."
Scarlett simply looked at her.
"Now you understand better."
Rai'kanna added,
"And that matters."
Kaelira looked at me.
"Have you seen enough?"
"At least for today."
She nodded.
"Then... until tomorrow."
"Until tomorrow."
She walked away, disappearing down the corridors.
We returned to the room.
The atmosphere was calm again, but different from the previous day. Now there was more clarity.
"So..." Liriel said, dropping herself into one of the chairs. "Strong kingdom. Strong culture. Strong king."
"A simple summary," Lyannis commented.
"But accurate," Vespera added.
Elara looked at me.
"And you?"
I remained silent for a moment before answering.
"Now it makes more sense."
Scarlett nodded.
"Good."
Rai'kanna approached the balcony.
"Because tomorrow... there won't be any room for doubt."
I looked toward the horizon one last time.
The city was still alive out there.
But now, for me, everything had been reduced to a single point.
The fight.
And I was already ready for it.