In the library, as the dust danced in the slanting light filtering through the high windows, Rutger turned to Catty. His eyes reflected the weight of his words even before he spoke them, a severe expression clouding his usually unreadable face.

"Before we go any further, there's something crucial you need to understand," Rutger began, his voice steady and clear. "It's about the prophecy concerning the dragon's heritage. Catty, this is ancient history that concerns you directly."

After sorting through a stack of dusty tomes, Catty stopped and looked at the old man with apprehension.

"A prophecy? Why would it involve me?"

Rutger sighed, the lines on his face deepening.

"Not just about you, but yes, you are a significant part of it. Your parents weren't only dragon tamers, Catty. They were the guardians of a lineage so old that most tales don't even recall its origin. And they left something behind for you."

"The bracelet?" Catty asked, touching the piece of jewelry encircling her wrist.

"Yes, that bracelet is part of it, but there's more," Rutger stepped closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "The prophecy speaks of a 'Child of Dragons,' destined to unite the ancient divides and awaken the slumbering guardians. This child is said to bear the Mark of the Drakon, a direct line to the first dragon tamer."

Catty blinked, taking a moment to absorb the magnitude of Rutger's words. "And you believe that's me? Because of this bracelet and... what? My parents?"

"It's everything your parents prepared for and why they protected you. They left clues, safeguards, knowledge—all meant for you to find when you were ready."

"Why me? I'm not... I don't feel like some 'Child of Dragons' or anything grand like that. I'm just... Catty," her voice faltered.

"That's exactly why it is you, Catty. You don't have to feel grand or be born into greatness. It's about the choices you make and the courage you show when faced with the unknown," Rutger's tone was firm, meant to instill confidence. "And it's about accepting who you are, not who you think you should be."

Catty looked down, her mind racing with images of dragons, the battle from her dream, and now, prophecies tying her to a destiny she'd never imagined.

"So, what now? What does this prophecy say I'm supposed to do?"

"That's what we need to find out next. The answers might be in the repository," Rutger's hand motioned towards the back of the room. Catty noticed a faint, shimmering outline like the rippling surface of a calm lake.

"Are you ready?" Rutger looked into her eyes. The portal's glow became fully visible in the corner, its edges flickering with a silvery light that pulsed rhythmically as if breathing. The center of the portal swirled with a mix of deep blues and purples, drawing the eye into its mesmerizing depths.

Nodding slowly, Catty straightened her shoulders, a resolve settling over her. "Let's do it. I need to know. For them, for myself."

"Great!" Rutger smiled. "Remember, you're discovering yourself, not the dragons or the past."

They approached the portal. Rutger uttered a hushed incantation, and the air before them waved like a disturbed mirror. Stepping forward, they passed through the veil between worlds, leaving the dusty confines of the library.

As Catty stepped through the portal, she found herself in an immense hall that stretched endlessly in every direction. The floor beneath her feet gleamed like polished obsidian, reflecting a vaulted ceiling adorned with constellations that slowly shifted.

Rutger and Catty moved under the celestial vault, and the girl's eyes were wide when she saw relics floating in the air around her. Stunned, Catty turned around, and her gaze swept across a panorama of artifacts: celestial instruments and magic tools, scrolls and runes, weapons and armor. Each item floated in the space, casting subtle glows, and was filled with ancient power promising incredible opportunities.

"Who are you, Rutger?!" Catty exclaimed.

"I'm retired," Rutger smiled, "an ordinary pensioner living out my days in Eterna."

"And what did you retire from?"

"I used to be a head."

"A head of what? You make it sound like you were a king or something."

"Not quite a king. I led a sect," Rutger smiled again. "I was the head of the Dragon Sect. Once. Many years ago. Ever heard of them?"

"What?!" Catty's eyes widened. "Wait, the Dragon Sect? Come on... Why'd you leave?"

"It's a long story, but let's just say the role wasn't fitting anymore. Too many rules, too little room for what needed to be done."

"That sounds silly. Did they kick you out?"

"Even dragon leaders need a career change," Rutger chuckled, "but seriously, it wasn't just needing a new job."

"So then what? Got tired of dragons?"

"Never tired of them, but I did stumble upon a prophecy. And you know, once you find a prophecy, it's all downhill from there."

"A prophecy that involves me, doesn't it?" Catty didn't lay off.

"It involved a young girl and a dragon egg. Had to make sure the right pieces fell into place. And, here we are."

"And I'm a pawn in your dragon chess game?"

"More like the queen," the old man said, becoming sad. "I left the sect not because I was pushed out. I knew I needed to ensure that this prophecy was fulfilled. That meant stepping away from the sect, power struggles, and old ways."

"So you traded your position for... what? Looking for me?" Catty was surprised.

"In a way, yes. Looking for you and making sure the necessary pieces are in place for the prophecy to unfold."

"Seems like you gave up everything for this."

"We all play our parts, Catty. Some on grand stages and some in the shadows. My role needed to change for the prophecy to succeed."

"Funny, Rutger. But this is all... a lot," Catty sighed.

"Life's a lot, especially when dragons are involved. But don't worry, you're not in it alone."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Catty reached out to a crystal orb that hung before her, pulsing with a soft glow. Tentatively, she extended her hand towards it. The moment her fingertips made contact, the orb erupted in a cascade of brilliant light, enveloping her in its radiance.

Suddenly, Catty felt she was no longer in the repository. She saw the world from high above—the world as witnessed by the dragons. The girl soared over ancient cities whose spires glittered like jewels against the fields, rivers winding through them like silver threads. The terrain shifted rapidly beneath her: lush, verdant forests gave way to sprawling deserts and then to icy tundras that sparkled under the glow of a vibrant sky.

The perspective shifted, diving towards the earth as the dragon whose memories she shared hunted, its eyes sharply focusing on the ground below. She felt exhilaration as mountains and valleys rose and fell rapidly, the wind rushing past her face, almost feeling the beat of mighty wings on her back.

Catty saw a chaotic battlefield. Below her, legions of figures surged across the land like a dark tide. She felt a profound connection as the dragon, guided by its rider, swooped down with fierce determination.

They moved as one. Catty felt the dragon's raw power and the rider's steely resolve as they carved through the enemy ranks. The dragon's flames were destructive and protective simultaneously, creating barriers of fire and shielding allied warriors.

Each beat of the dragon's mighty wings, each fiery exhale, resonated with purpose. The rider's commands were clear and confident, communicated through a bond that transcended simple commands—a deep, instinctual understanding between two beings united against a common foe.

The vision faded as quickly as it began, and the light dimmed. Catty stood in the repository again, her hand still resting on the glowing orb. The echoes of the dragon's memories lingered in her mind, a profound reminder of the ancient and powerful bond between dragons and their riders.

"Unbelievable," the girl whispered, still overwhelmed by the visions.

"This is the Dragon's Eye Orb," Rutger explained. "It contains the memories of the dragons who once guarded our realm. You witnessed echoes of their past, seen through their eyes."

"These memories," the old man continued, "link to the essence of dragonkind, wisdom, and insights preserved across centuries. For those destined to connect with dragons, it serves as a bridge through which they can understand and harness the powers that once ruled these skies."

Rutger's eyes met Catty's. "Each vision, each feeling you experienced, is part of the legacy that will be yours to embrace. The Dragon's Eye shows you the past and awakens the dormant dragon spirit within you, preparing you for the role you are meant to play."

After the visions from the Dragon's Eye Orb, Catty's attention was drawn to a soft, flickering light emanating from a corner of the repository. Floating amidst other artifacts, a modest lantern glowed quietly. Simple and unadorned, its frame was forged from ancient metals.

Rutger followed her gaze and nodded approvingly.

"That there is the Dragon Flame Lantern," he said softly. "Its flame was kindled by the breath of the first dragon, the ancestor of all dragons. It's a testament to the bond between dragons and those of true lineage."

Drawn to its warmth, Catty cautiously moved closer. The flame shifted colors—from a deep, blazing orange to a brilliant, pulsating blue. The air around it vibrated subtly with the power of ancient magic.

Reaching out, Catty let her hand hover near the flame. It flared brightly, bathing her in a serene blue light that felt invigorating and familiar. There was no heat, only a comforting warmth that welcomed her presence.

"The flame recognizes you," Rutger explained, watching the interaction with awe and pride. "It reacts to a true dragon heir. See how it changes? It has not burned this blue in many generations."

Mesmerized, Catty could only ask, "This flame... it accepts me?"

"Yes," the old man confirmed. "It's acknowledging you as the rightful heir destined to bridge the gap between humans and dragons again. The lantern is now yours, a symbol of your connection and duty."

As Catty slowly withdrew her hand, the flame continued to glow a steady, vibrant blue, casting a light that endorsed her new role. The simple lantern had become a beacon of her destiny, guiding her on the new path.

Continuing through the repository, Rutger gently took Catty's hand, leading her toward a tall slab of polished black stone. It appeared impenetrable, absorbing light rather than reflecting it.

"This is the Mirror of Draconic Truth," the old man said, "though it might not look much like a mirror at first glance."

Catty peered curiously at the smooth stone surface, which gave back no reflection. But as she stepped closer, the stone began to change. The dark surface was gradually transforming into a clear, mirror-like reflection.

"It reacts to those of dragon blood," Rutger continued, watching as excitement spread across Catty's face. "To all others, it remains just a slab of stone, but to those with the true lineage, it reveals itself—and more."

Now fully a mirror, the surface showed Catty her reflection. Filled with trepidation, the girl peered into the deep.

Initially, she stared back—eyes wide with curiosity and apprehension. But then the mirror began to shimmer, transforming her reflection with fleeting images of her life.

The first vision showed her atop a craggy peak, silhouetted against a fiery sunset with a mighty dragon by her side, their gazes locked on the distant horizon. Another flash came, and she was in the heart of a bustling crowd, her hand raised in a gesture that called for unity, faces around her looking up with hope and admiration.

Then, the mirror shifted, revealing a breathtaking vision of Catty standing in a realm beyond the ordinary—woven from the very fabric of myth and splendor.

Majestic figures loomed before her, gods arrayed in splendid attire that shimmered with golden light. Their forms were resplendent and formidable, adorned with ornate armor and jewels that glimmered like the radiance of a thousand suns. They stood dignified and commanding, their eyes glowing with divine power and their postures exuding authority and wisdom.

Celestial mists swirled around Catty's feet, shrouding the ground beneath her. Above, the sky swirled with vibrant colors, painting a backdrop of cosmic beauty.

Amidst these towering deities, Catty stood firm, her expression one of determined calm. Though smaller in stature, she did not waver under their gaze. Her simple presence commanded respect as if she were a chosen envoy destined to bridge the world of mortals with these divine custodians.

Her eyes, bright with reverence and resolve, met those of the deities as an equal—she was destined to walk a path foretold by prophecies as old as the stars.

As the divine tableau faded and the celestial mists dissolved, Catty found herself back in the repository. The mirror returned to its original stone state, leaving Catty again staring at a dark slab. Her heart was still racing, her mind reeling from the magnificence of what she had just witnessed. However, her eyes carried a new depth—a resolve born by the visions of a future.

"I... How is this possible?" she whispered in disbelief. "They were so real, so powerful. Is that really my future?"

Rutger, observing her shaken demeanor, offered a comforting smile.

"What you saw is a destiny that could be yours if you embrace it. These visions are invitations—to become what you've seen."

Catty nodded slowly to the mirror, now just reflecting her image.

"This mirror shows you what you are and reveals what you might achieve. It guides those brave enough to face their destiny, showing the greatness within reach."

Catty took a deep breath, the weight of the visions pressing upon her.

"It's all so overwhelming," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "To think I could be part of something so... grand."

"It is," Rutger agreed, reassuringly squeezing her hand, "but remember, it only shows possibilities. The path to those futures is yours to chart, and how you walk it will define the reality of those visions."

They stood at the edge of the emptiness, the space around them dimly lit by the shimmering relics. Rutger watched Catty with a knowing glint in his eye.

The only thing missing is the fire crackled softly in the hearth, the girl thought.

"There's a piece ahead, Catty. Not just any piece, though," Rutger began, his voice calm and steady.

"Another artifact?" Catty's brow furrowed.

Rutger nodded. "The very heart of this place. More than just an artifact. It's... special. Perhaps the most powerful thing here."

"You're being cryptic now."

"Some things need to be seen to be believed," Rutger replied. "Mysteries are what make an adventure, aren't they? This one, you have to experience for yourself to understand truly."

Catty felt a chill run down her spine. "Is it dangerous?"

"Oh, all the best things are a bit," Rutger replied with a twinkle in his eye. "Its danger lies more in what it gives us than any harm it might do."

She paused, contemplating his words. Then, with a newfound resolve, she asked, "Am I ready for this?"

Rutger's gaze softened. "You do. However, it's not about what I think."

"Then what?" Catty asked, taking both determination and doubt.

"It's about what you feel. Are you ready to face it?" Rutger asked, his eyes searching hers.

The girl took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment.

Rutger's expression softened. "That's something only you can answer. But from what I've seen, I believe so."

"What if I'm not?" Catty's voice wavered slightly.

"When you see it, you'll understand why it's kept here, at the heart of all this."

"Yeah, I think so," the girl asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "And then?"

"Then you decide what comes next. It's all part of your journey," Rutger explained.

"I'm kinda scared."

"That's normal," Rutger reassured her. "It means you understand the stakes."

Catty nodded, her resolve hardening. "Lead the way, then."