Ever since she left Sunvar City, Larice didn’t notice anyone from the imperial army riding south. The Emperor didn’t want to chase the dragons, she knew, so he might’ve been planning something else against them.Looking up, the dark clouds covered the sight of the stars in the night sky. The last time she spotted the dragons—they were flying towards the southeast. They might’ve gone to the mountain ranges of Palav, near the eastern shores of Drava.Larice galloped through the drylands of the Jahara Desert with the night wind against her. Her mind was troubled, wondering how she would talk to them when they would meet. She knew how much Raeherys hated her. He might not listen to her or even give her the chance to speak. But she would still try … no matter what.It was a long ride. She wanted to stay in the inn and live a peaceful life with Faran and her kids. But something felt missing for her—some

Larice stood, gazing at the night sea with the waves trying to touch her feet. Her black hair danced with the strong rhythm of the breeze. In a few hours—the red dawn would finally come to paint the skies with blood and chaos. She believed it signified the end … but what end?The end of the dragon realm?The end of the Empire?Or the end of their lives?Larice mesmerized at the ends of the horizon while reflecting if they could survive the red dawn … or not. The odds were completely against them as they lacked in numbers and strength. Little chances they had, she knew. But they’re still gambling on it, since this would be their last chance to save everyone. She found herself remembering Faran. She promised she would return to the inn to live with them … but that promise was already walking on a tight rope; she feared.“Are you alright?” Estevan came and stopped beside her, facing t

The Sun Palace shook and trembled. Chandeliers swayed above the ceiling, and the glass windows cracked and broke from the screeches of the dragons outside. Larice, Estevan, and Myrdin rushed through the long hall, their bodies, garments, and boots all dripping wet from the rain while leaving tracks on the quartz floor. Her thoughts gathered on Raeherys worriedly. She couldn’t believe she just left him there facing that skilled Grand Hunter. With that wounded and bloody condition, Raeherys wouldn’t stand a chance against Lorath, she thought. And she could never forgive herself if something bad would happen to him again.They encountered more Palace Guards, five of them, heading their way in the hall. Larice didn’t give them the opportunity to make their stance, so she advanced in a flash, driving the point of her sword straight through the eyehole of the guard’s golden helm.The man shrieked and died as Larice pulled out th

The air in the long hall was burning hot. Larice could feel the growing heat as they approached towards the end—their wet bodies and garments from the rain slowly drying out. Then she turned to Estevan. He was using his shield in front of him to hide from the heat waves as his sweat broke on his blushed skin.“We’re close,” he said.Larice nodded. She could feel the intense power radiating ahead of them. The wall at the end of the hall glowed in orange light as if there was fire awaiting them. Now that she had thought of fire, she tried to give herself more courage. She shouldn’t be afraid now. She shouldn’t let her fear take over her this time.“Come hide in my shield. Aren’t you affected by the heat?” Estevan asked.

“COME NOW, MY DEAR WHITEWIND,” her father said, reaching out both hands. “We will tell you everything you wanted to know … every memory we’ve made during your childhood. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted? It’ll be fun.”Larice found herself standing in the middle of a vast meadow, watching her parents ahead of her, surrounded by checkerblooms and red lilies. Behind her parents was a cliff—but connected to a bed of clouds, extending beyond far into the blue horizon. Cool breeze brushed against her face. She blinked twice. Seeing the clouds made her recall of something very familiar … like she’d been over those white beds of cottons before … with someone.Her eyes traveled around, almost turning her head, but then her mother spoke, “Don’t look, Larice … Don’t look.” A smile lingered on her lips.  “What do you mean&md