High above the trees of Ryker’s Outer Sector, a raven perched on a thick branch of an ancient banyan tree. Its ink-black feathers absorbed the afternoon sun, providing absolute camouflage against the dense foliage.The shadow raven's glowing red eyes were locked onto the market square below. From its vantage point, the magic construct recorded every single detail of the unfolding chaos.Once the entire incident was captured, the black bird spread its heavy wings. Silently, it launched into the air, cutting through the cloud cover and flying north across jagged mountain ranges and toxic valleys.The Dragon Fortress stood in grim grandeur atop the peak of an active volcano. The massive black-stone citadel was blanketed in a thick layer of grey ash and sulfurous haze. Inside the dark main hall, lined with towering stone pillars carved with dragon scales, the atmosphere was suffocatingly cold.CAW! CAW!The magic raven glided through a high arched window, sweeping down to land smoothly on

Doran poured every ounce of his young strength into shoving his mother's wooden wheelchair deep into the thick brush along the edge of the border forest. The wooden wheels creaked softly against exposed tree roots, making Lyra hold her breath. Lilia huddled beside her mother in sheer terror, her small hands clutching tightly to Lyra's worn dress.Lilia looked up toward the sky. Through gaps in the canopy, a cluster of massive black shadows cut straight through the light clouds."Doran, look up. There are big, armored birds," Lilia stuttered, her voice shaking uncontrollably.Lyra froze. Though sightless, her ears and dragon-mana perception picked up the distinct heavy thrum of leather wings and the hot, raspy breath she knew all too well. A wave of bone-chilling intent rolled off the figure leading the formation."Kaelen..." Lyra whispered, her pale lips trembling as she breathed the name.Doran snapped his head toward her. "Kaelen? Who is Kaelen, Mommy? Is he a bad guy?"Lyra kept qu