Reign Of The Dragon Lords

The night breeze, a strange mix of cold and heat, whipped across Elsie's face. She closed her eyes, her heart pounding in her chest. "Someone..." she whispered, her voice trembling. "Please, save me..."

Elsie gasped as the scorching heat vanished, replaced by a cool breeze gently caressing her skin. The sound of rustling wings startled her. With her eyes squeezed shut, she felt her body slam into a rough, complex surface. She opened her eyes to a breathtaking sight: she was lying on the back of a massive, jet-black dragon, soaring through the clouds.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Elsie whispered, her voice trembling. She looked up, her gaze drawn to his deep blue eyes. His jet-black hair whipped in the wind, contrasting sharply with his tanned skin, which gleamed in the twilight. Prince Gaspard had just saved her life.

Gaspard fixed Elsie with a sharp gaze. "You owe me, Lady Larousse," he hissed, his voice rough and menacing. It was as if his act of kindness was a debt that demanded immediate repayment. Elsie was stunned by the prince's words, lost in thought.

"Life debt..." Elsie murmured, her fingers tightening into fists on her lap. "What in the world can I possibly give him?" Elsie's mind whirred. With all his arrogant bluster, Prince Gaspard would undoubtedly demand something in return. "No use worrying about it now," she said, unconcerned.

Elsie took a deep breath and slowly climbed onto Gaspard's dragon, her fingers trembling as they brushed against the cold, hard scales. She closed her eyes, picturing herself soaring with Esaess above the clouds. But the beautiful vision shattered as the dragon roared, its body tense. Elsie gasped, her hand slipping from the rough scales. Gaspard quickly pulled her to him, seating her in front of him.

"Easy there, Ezzyss," Gaspard soothed, gently rubbing the dragon's hump. "She's a friend, not a foe."

Elsie nervously bit her lower lip. "Forgive me, Your Highness," she whispered.

Gaspard chuckled, a mocking glint in his eyes. "For troubling me?"

Elsie snorted with disdain. "I'm sure your dragon wouldn't appreciate being treated so carelessly."

"It's good to know."

Elsie gently stroked the dragon's neck, then whispered, "I'm so sorry for what I did..."

"She apologized for carelessly touching you, my friend," Gaspard said to his dragon, paraphrasing Elsie's words.

Elsie swallowed hard, her eyes narrowing as she watched the gray clouds slowly dissipate below them. When the dragon's feet finally touched the ground, her heart leaped into her throat. Onyx. The legendary landing site for dragon riders returning from their aerial adventures. The ground was as black as midnight, strewn with jagged rocks that glinted faintly in the moonlight, now obscured by a thick fog.

Gaspard carefully dismounted Elsie from the back of his massive black dragon. He removed his leather gloves, wiping the sweat from his brow. Their eyes met, and Gaspard offered a slight smile. "Quite a sight, isn't it, Lady Larousse?" He lightly touched her forehead with his index finger, a gesture only they understood. "Don't forget, you owe me one." With that, he turned and rejoined the other riders already preparing to lead their dragons into the cave for rest.

"ESAESS!" Elsie cried out, searching for her dragon, who had vanished somewhere during her near-death experience.

A single strand of hair, freed from its restraint, danced in the wind. Elsie spun around just as a pair of magnificent wings unfurled behind her. Esaess landed gracefully on her shoulder. "You know I almost died?" she exclaimed, a hint of annoyance in her voice. Esaess snorted softly, burying his head in Elsie's brown hair. The dragon felt unusually heavy, surprising Elsie.

Elsie carefully lowered Esaess to the ground, her gaze sweeping over his body. Esaess's sturdy legs touched down with a soft thud. Elsie stroked his rough scales, her brow furrowed. "You're getting heavier, aren't you?" she murmured, a touch of exasperation in her voice. "Have you been sampling my father's dragon meat?"

Esaess growled, making Elsie chuckle. However, her laughter quickly faded. Marcus rushed towards her, engulfing her in a tight hug. Relief washed over him as he released her and scrutinized her face. "Thank goodness you're safe, my dear…" Marcus whispered, his eyes brimming with gratitude. He frantically searched her body, ensuring not a single scratch marred his only daughter's skin.

"I'm fine, Father, thanks to Prince Gaspard. There's no need to worry," Elsie replied firmly.

Marcus rubbed his face in frustration. "I'm sorry. Your dragon seems to be bothered by Belzra's presence." He glanced at Esaess, then continued, "Tell him I'm sorry."

"Esaess..." Elsie called, crouching to stroke the red dragon's head with a smile. "My father and Belzra, his dragon, apologize for their behavior."

Esaess coughed a small puff of fire and then looked down as if agreeing to apologize to the general and his orange dragon, making Marcus sigh of relief. A fleeting smile touched his lips, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

Elsie raised her gaze, looking at Marcus expressionlessly. "Next time, please ignore me if you see me on top of the Backdoor," she pleaded a hint of desperation in her voice.

Marcus frowned in astonishment. "You know that place is dangerous. How can I ignore you?" he snarled in frustration.

"Aren't you already an expert at ignoring me? It shouldn't be difficult to do it again, should it?" Elsie retorted sarcastically.

Marcus growled in frustration. "What do you mean by that?" he demanded, his voice rising.

Elsie looked around, her eyes glazed over. "You all hate me, don't you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. She stood up, facing Marcus. "That's why you've always been so cruel to me."

Marcus was silent for a moment, then shook his head vehemently. "Who said that?" he asked, his voice exasperated. "I don't hate you, Elsie. Magnus doesn't either, and—"

"Titus said you all hate me, Father," Elsie whispered, her voice trembling. Tears welled up in her eyes, which she desperately tried to blink back. "So, please... let me do whatever I want. Even if it means risking my life again on that bridge."

Elsie turned and walked away, her steps unsteady, following Esaess, who had already gone.

"Esaess..." Elsie whispered, her voice trembling with unshed tears. She blinked rapidly, then breathed, trying to cool the heat rising in her eyes. The red dragon turned, fixing her with an intense gaze. Elsie met his gaze, then continued, "Please don't breathe fire on my father, even if he makes me feel threatened and uncomfortable."

Elsie halted, facing Esaess directly. Reaching a little finger towards the dragon, she pleaded, "Promise me..."