Simon put away the empty cases and brought out the dragon egg.
It settled before him on the cultivation platform, its cracked black shell rising almost to his chest while he sat. He brushed some dust from its surface and placed his palm against it.
There was no heartbeat and no warmth.
Only the essence Lilith had sensed.
Devour
Black strands spread through the cracks beneath his fingers. A piece of shell crumbled, and its remains disappeared into his palm.
Warmth travelled up his arm.
Simon watched another fragment break away, then frowned as the absorbed essence reached his muscles and bones.
His body was growing stronger.
The increase was small, but it was there.
This dragon had died before hatching. Much of its essence had already faded, yet the remnants could still strengthen him even if it was only slightly.
He looked at the egg with renewed interest.
"How strong would you have become?"
There was no answer, of course.
He continued absorbing.
