The night grew heavy and dark.
A bright crimson light spread across the sky as shadows slowly but relentlessly drew closer in silence. Beyond the castle walls, the wind howled, and the ancient pillars groaned like dying trees.
By the fire, Noa and Lilya sat in silence.
The flickering flames painted their faces with shifting shadows.
From a distance came the sound of heavy footsteps — at first slow, then growing louder and closer.
Lilya startled; her wings trembled with tension.
"Brother… someone's coming," she whispered.
Noa narrowed his eyes and turned his face away from the fire.
From the darkness emerged soldiers clad in black armor, the emblem of the Black Dragon Clan glowing on their chests.
"Finally, we've found you," said one of them in a venomous tone.
"So the great Noa dares to speak in our name?"
Lilya stepped forward in fury, but Noa grabbed her wrist and held her back.
"Stay out of this."
The soldiers advanced, forming a circle around them. The firelight danced coldly and mercilessly in their eyes.
Noa rose to his feet. His gaze was calm yet resolute — as if this path had been chosen long ago.
"If you want a fight," he said quietly, "then come."
Lilya's heart tightened. If they touch him, I'll fight too, she thought. I'm no longer just his little sister… I am his shield.
The fire crackled, sending sparks flying upward as the shadows closed in.
One of the soldiers stepped forward.
"You're not running? Good."
He lunged with his dagger.
Noa drew his own dagger and met the attack. The first strike came fast — Noa dodged to the side, grabbing the man's wrist and pulling, but the soldier's strength was greater.
Noa spun, stepped sideways, and struck at the soldier's chest. The enemy turned, blocked the blow, and delivered a powerful counterattack.
Noa ducked low, kicked the man's knee, and pulled back.
Raising his dagger—
He struck. The blade flashed.
Before the soldier could react, Noa dropped low and swept his legs out from under him. The soldier fell, his dagger flying into the air.
Noa caught it mid-air and slashed swiftly — precise, repeated cuts.
"Aaaahhh!" the soldier screamed, clutching his bleeding hand in a fist.
He staggered to his feet, gripping his wound.
"It's not over yet!"
But his companions hesitated. They could have attacked together — yet after seeing their comrade defeated one-on-one, none of them moved.
The night fell silent once more. Only the crackling of the fire remained.
Lilya looked at her brother in awe and whispered:
"Brother… you were incredible."
Noa turned away, his voice heavy.
"He was careless. Next time it won't be so easy."
"But how? How did you beat him?"
Noa drove his dagger into the ground and exhaled slowly.
"I studied dragon anatomy."
Lilya smiled softly.
"My brother has grown strong, hasn't he?"
Noa did not return the smile. His gaze remained cold — yet behind it burned a spark of pride.
"To survive… it seems reading books alone is not enough," he said.
The fire slowly died. The shadows stretched longer, and the night reclaimed its silence.
As dawn approached, Noa finally spoke:
"We should head back."
Lilya moved closer to him, her voice gentle.
"Then spend tonight in my room. Stay with me — even if just for a little while."
Noa hesitated, then shook his head.
"No. If someone sees us, they'll misunderstand."
"Misunderstand? How?"
His voice grew colder.
"They'll think you're mine. Rumors spread quickly — and destroy even faster."
Lilya gave a faint smile, but her eyes were determined.
"Let them talk. You are worthy of respect, brother. I'm not afraid of gossip."
"I won't allow it," Noa said sharply.
"Why? Are you ashamed to sleep in the same room as your sister?"
Noa stood up as he spoke.
"If Rion hears about this, he'll cut me in half."
Lilya's smile faded.
"He wouldn't do that… you know that too," she whispered.
Noa's gaze hardened.
"Go. Now."
Without a word, Lilya spread her wings and rose into the sky.
Against the crimson horizon, her silhouette grew smaller — until only the sound of her wings remained.
She looked back once, tears gleaming in her eyes.
"You've changed, brother. You're no longer the dragon I once knew."
Below, Noa watched in silence.
"Finally, she's gone," he whispered, staring into the dying fire.
He was alone once again.