Carl took a deep breath, letting the cold mountain air fill his lungs. Every nerve in his body was alive, every sense screaming that the path ahead was dangerous—but he didn’t care. Sophia’s safety demanded it.“Prepare yourself,” Master Aiden said, his voice low but firm. “The Core Flame… it’s not something you can fight blindly. Jackson’s not the only one waiting for you.”Carl’s gaze sharpened. “I know. But I have no choice. I can’t wait any longer.”He started descending the mountain, each step measured, yet swift. Below, the world of Velmora sprawled before him—a city of lights, shadows, and whispers. Somewhere in the maze of streets and skyscrapers, Jackson—and the Council of Embers—were moving their pieces.Hours later, Carl arrived near a sprawling industrial district at the outskirts of the city. The scent of machinery and oil hung heavy in the air. He could feel it—the pulse of energy, raw and dangerous. Someone had set up a staging ground for something massive.From the sha

Carl didn’t even wait for the dust to settle. Sparrow Mountain was only a temporary refuge; he knew he needed a permanent solution to stabilize Sophia’s Dragon Blood. The memories of her pale, trembling body haunted him as he drove through the misty mountain roads, the early dawn painting the sky in pale streaks of gold and gray.“Stay with me, Sophia,” he whispered, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. Her eyelids fluttered weakly, a faint moan escaping her lips. Her hand barely twitched in his, but it was enough to remind him she was still fighting, still clinging to life.When they reached the hidden chamber deep within Sparrow Mountain, Master Aiden was waiting. The old master’s eyes softened as Carl gently laid Sophia down on the reinforced medical table.“She’s worse than I thought,” Aiden muttered, examining her closely. “The Dragon Blood… it’s unstable. The injection Seraphine gave her triggered a resonance within her system, but it’s not naturally harmonized with he

Night had fallen over Sparrow Mountain, and the air was thick with tension. Carl and Sophia stood at the ridge, surveying the approaching figures in the darkness. Shadows moved with unnatural speed—Dragon Vessels, Seraphine’s newest recruits, their eyes glowing faintly under the moonlight.“Carl… they’re strong,” Sophia whispered, her enhanced senses picking up their every movement. Her hands glowed faintly, veins pulsing with the Dragon Blood inside her.“I know,” Carl replied, his jaw tight. Dragon Flames danced along his fingers, ready to ignite at a moment’s notice. “But we’ve prepared for this. Stick to me. Focus your power—it’s our only advantage.”The first wave struck without warning. Vessels with weapons ablaze leapt toward them, and Carl responded instinctively, sending out streams of Dragon Flame that scorched the ground and shattered the attackers’ formation. Sophia followed, channeling her own controlled bursts of energy, creating barriers that blocked incoming blows.A p

The canyon trembled under the force of Carl and Sophia’s combined power. Smoke and flame twisted together, illuminating the jagged rocks with an eerie orange glow. The remaining Dragon Vessels hesitated, sensing the overwhelming surge of energy radiating from the pair.Seraphine’s voice echoed from above, cold and sharp. “You think you can defy me? You’re nothing but children playing with forces you cannot control!”Carl’s eyes burned as he faced the barrier she conjured. It wasn’t just a wall—it was a living shadow, writhing like a dark serpent, attempting to choke off their energy and crush their will. “Sophia… we have to combine fully. Now.”Sophia swallowed hard, fear flashing across her face, but she nodded. “I trust you.”Carl reached for her hand, and as their palms touched, a brilliant aura exploded outward. It wasn’t just dragon fire—it was the essence of the Dragon Clan, pure, ancient, and untamed. The glyphs in the canyon walls resonated with their energy, glowing brighter

The pain hit them like a shockwave.Carl dropped to one knee, clutching his chest as the Dragon Blood inside him roared violently—as if something had just called to it.Sophia cried out, collapsing beside him.“Carl—what’s happening?!” Ana shouted, rushing toward them.Master Aiden’s expression darkened.“…He’s found you.”Carl’s head snapped up, flames flickering wildly in his eyes.“Jackson…”The name came out like a g