The hearth slab shuddered, and fissures spread rapidly across its surface. Light seeped through the cracks, glowing brighter with each pulse. The air vibrated. Then, with a sharp snap, the stone split apart. Chunks of rock lifted slowly, suspended mid-air as if caught in the grip of unseen hands.

Beneath the broken slab, a single object glowed—a smooth, oval shape nestled in radiant energy.

An egg.

Its surface shimmered with colors shifting like firelight and cast dancing patterns across the walls. A low hum filled the kitchen, and a deep, resonant sound echoed in Catty's bones.

The girl bent over, and her heart was racing. The bracelet on her wrist pulsed in response, flaring in rhythm with the egg's glow. Catty reached out, and her fingertips trembled. The moment her skin brushed the egg's surface, a surge of heat shot up her arm. Light exploded around her, enveloping her in a golden aura. She gasped as the force almost knocked her back.

The bracelet responded instantly, and its glow merged with the egg's light. Then, the transformation began.

First, scales appeared on her fingers, and pink and gold hues rippled across Catty's skin. They spread along her arms and neck, ran through her breasts and tummy, and finally unfurled across her entire body, transforming the girl's skin into a radiant armor.

Catty's eyes burned, and her irises shifted to a brilliant gold. Her hair flowed like flame, each strand alive with the storm of magic coursing through her veins.

Every part of the body buzzed with energy as if the girl were a vessel too small to contain the power rushing through her. The power felt wild and dangerous, yet it was… hers.

Landom watched, eyes wide, mouth open. He understood the girl he'd seen was gone—her fingernails had become formidable claws.

Catty's breathing steadied, and she turned, her gaze locking on Landom. Her resonant voice carried a weight that sent chills down his spine.

"You're with me?"

It wasn't a question. Landom swallowed hard. He was staring at the Child of Dragons.

Fear gripped the boy, but something in her gaze—something unbreakable—drove him to nod.

At this moment, a shrieking alarm sounded in the kitchen. The walls trembled, and Landom staggered back, clutching his ears. The roar reverberated through the enclave.

Protective sigils were activated. Thin lines of light burst from the floor and spread outward like a spider's web. The luminous threads raced along the walls, crisscrossing the ceiling, and connected to every surface. Each pulse sent shockwaves through the air, humming with a rhythm that set Catty's teeth on edge.

Then, an enormous eye appeared amid the kitchen in a flash of blinding white. Its gaze swept across the room, cold and unblinking. The eye scanned every corner. The luminous web intensified when it locked onto Catty, focusing around her.

Intruder! Violation!

Landom's heart raced as he took in the sight of the eye. He'd never seen the wards activate like this. His throat tightened. This was the highest level of the enclave's defenses, set to protect against true threats. The boy knew instantly—the Sect would stop at nothing now.

"Gods… they're seeing us," Landom whispered, voice shaking. "They'll tear us apart."

The hum grew louder, building into a sharp, vibrating pitch. The web of light stretched and tightened, reacting to the girl's presence. It pulled toward Catty—the entire ward structure was trying to converge on her.

The alarm sounded again, and a wave of fury reverberated throughout the enclave. Guards and disciples across the stronghold would be here soon.

There would be no hiding now.

Catty took the egg. The instant she lifted it, the hearth trembled. Before the girl could react, a swirling vortex of shimmering energy erupted from the floor. Golden waves of light shot outward, weaving together into the shape of a doorway. The edges flickered, holding the energy in place.

A portal.

The girl didn't know what was waiting beyond the threshold, but it was the only escape route that led beyond the Sect's reach.

"You're coming with me!" Catty stepped toward the boy and extended her hand to him. Landom's eyes darted toward the kitchen door as it rattled under the blows of the guards.

"No!" the boy shook his head. "They'll catch us both if I leave. You… you have to go now!" He took a deep breath, standing straighter.

The door buckled under a powerful blow. Shouts filled the corridor outside.

Catty hesitated, eyes locked on his. "Landom…"

"Listen to me!" the boy exclaimed. A smile broke through his fear. "You're the Child of Dragons. You have to save the egg. This is my choice."

Everything seemed to freeze momentarily—the portal swirling beside the girl, the guards hammering on the door. Only Landom's gaze held her in place, steady despite the fear in his eyes.

"Damn it, Landom… you really got the short end of this, didn't you?"

He smiled, eyes darting to the door. "Yeah… already regretting it."

Catty turned, stepping into the portal's light. When it began to disappear, the door crashed open, and the guards stormed in. Landom grabbed a heavy iron ladle and squared his shoulders, the fear in his eyes replaced by grim determination.

"I remembered why I hate this already," he shouted. "Let's get it over!"

The boy swung the ladle clumsily, a defiant smile tugging at his lips. He lunged forward, buying precious seconds as the portal sealed shut behind the girl.

He knew he wouldn't win. But it was worth it if Catty had a chance to escape.

She turned, catching one last glimpse of the kitchen behind her.

Landom fought the guards. He tried to dodge blows, but they rained down on him one after another.

The girl's heart tightened. "Landom!" she exclaimed, but the fight swallowed her voice.

Then the portal snapped shut.

Catty was alone, standing in the middle of the cavern.

It was larger than any space she'd ever seen. Crystals of sapphires, rubies, and amethysts jutted out from the walls and ceiling, glowing with vibrant colors—deep blues, fiery reds, and shimmering purples. The light they emitted cast long shadows along the jagged walls.

A pool of water lay in the center. Its surface was smooth like a mirror, reflecting the crystals' brilliance. Stalactites hung high above, their dark silhouettes contrasting with the radiant hues.

Catty stepped forward. A narrow path winded around the crystal formations. They were filled with energy and pulsed, responding to her move.

The girl froze as she spotted a dragon.

An immense dragon lay in the cavern's center, curled atop a stone rise. His powerful body seemed a part of the rock. Scales the color of midnight shimmered softly under the crystal light. The creature's vast wings were folded neatly along his back.

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The dragon's head rested on his foreclaws, eyes closed in a deep slumber. Curved horns touched the stalactites. The long tail coiled around his body, and the tip barely twitched as it breathed slowly.

The dragon's presence filled the cavern as if the entire space revolved around his slumber. Catty felt small and fragile.

This was no ordinary dragon. This was the Lord of Dragons.

The cavern was silent, and he lay still, a sleeping giant.

Catty gripped the egg tighter. Her heart raced, and the girl hesitated, eyes locked on the creature's head. Then, summoning her courage, Catty moved closer. Her footfall was barely heard on the stone floor. The girl knelt beside his folded paws.

The egg vibrated faintly in her arms. Its rhythm was steady, like a heartbeat, and warmth spread through her fingertips.

"I need your help," Catty whispered. "Please… wake up."

The egg grew warmer in her hands, its glow intensifying. The light flickered, sending a gentle pulse through the cavern. Catty held her breath and felt the energy ripple outward.

The dragon's nostrils flared slightly, a puff of warm breath escaping. Catty froze. The faintest tremor ran through the massive body—one claw shifted, then another.

A deep rumble filled the cavern, and the crystals flickered brighter. Slowly, the dragon's eyes opened, and two orbs of dark gold glowed in twilight. They focused on the egg first, then met Catty's gaze.

For a heartbeat, everything was silent.

Then, with a great shudder, the dragon stretched his neck, shaking loose dust and fragments of rock. Wings unfurled, casting shadows across the walls.

When the dragon spoke, his voice was a rumbling river that filled the cavern.

"Hey, gotta hand it to you, darling. Takes guts to walk in here like you own the place."

The words echoed through the air and made Catty's chest tighten. She didn't back down and met the dragon's gaze with all the strength she could muster.

"I need your help," the girl said softly.

The dragon regarded her for a long moment, then lowered its head, nostrils flaring as it sniffed the egg.

"Help?" the creature murmured. "The Child of Dragons… seeks help?"

Catty held her ground as the great eyes fixed on her once more. "Yes," she said, her voice steadier now. "It's time for the egg to hatch."

The dragon's eyes narrowed, a spark of something—recognition, perhaps—flashing in its depths. The massive creature settled back leisurely, and its wings folded neatly along its sides.

He looked at the egg, then back at Catty.

"So… a tiny thing like you brought that here?" Each word rumbled through the cavern. "You know what this means, don't you?"

"Well… I'm supposed to hatch it?" Catty swallowed, but she didn't look away.

The dragon's laughter reverberated through the cavern, shaking the ground beneath her feet.

"Hatch it?! Oh, darling. You think you can crack it open like a breakfast egg and a nice little lizard outpops?"

Catty tightened her grip on the egg. "What do I need to do?" she demanded, voice edged with determination.

The dragon leaned in, lowering his big head until his golden eyes were level with hers. The heat of his breath washed over the girl, carrying the scent of fire and something ancient.

"You think there's a checklist for this? No, darling… You gotta feel it and make it yours. That's the only way. Not doing, but being."

He paused, the words linger in the air. Then continued. "That egg... It has its own will and desires. What it needs isn't a caretaker. It needs a partner. A soul that can match its fire."

"A… partner?" Catty blinked and repeated slowly.

"You heard me." His eyes studied the girl as if searching for something hidden beneath her fragile human exterior. "Only someone willing to burn away everything—every fear, every doubt—can make it hatch. Only someone ready to pour last breath into it and still stand alive."

The dragon huffed, and a stream of smoke came out of his nostrils. "So, tell me, little human… are you really that person?"

Catty's throat tightened. She bit her lip, resisting the urge to look away. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely more than a whisper. "But I'll try."

"Try?" The word came out as a low growl reverberating through the cavern. He leaned back slightly, shaking his head in slow disbelief. "That's the problem with you mortals. Always trying."

The dragon paused, then fixed the girl with a stare that pierced right through her. "Bullshit! It's either yes or no. You think that egg's going to respond to 'I'll try'? It's going to laugh at you—when it could laugh."

Catty took a deep, shaky breath, and when she spoke again, her voice was stronger. "Fine. Yes. I'll do it."

The Lord of Dragons tilted his head, a glimmer of curiosity flickering in his dark eyes. "Really?" His voice dropped, softer now as if coaxing a confession from her. "You'd give everything? You'd risk your soul for what might not even survive?"

"Yes!" Catty snapped, the single word echoing through the cavern. "I would."

Silence stretched between them, thick and heavy. The dragon weighed every word, every breath. Then, he slowly nodded.

"Hmm. Maybe you do have some fire in you after all." His eyes had a shadow of something like hope. "Remember, you're making a bond that lasts a lifetime. If you will break it..." his gaze snapped back to her, sharp and intense.

Catty's grip on the egg tightened, and she felt its warmth pulse like a second heartbeat. "I won't break," she said quietly, but there was steel in her voice now.

The dragon stared at her for a long moment, then huffed, a sound like a chuckle.

"Bold words," he rumbled. "Let's see if you've got the bite to back 'em up."

His lips curled, showing his enormous fangs. "Then, Child of Dragons… let us begin."

Catty knelt, clutching the egg close to her chest, her eyes fixed on the dragon. A silver mist swirled at her feet, rising from the pool. The cavern vibrated around the girl, and waves of multi-colored light ran through the crystals, reflecting on her face.

The only thing that mattered now was the fragile shell cradled in her hands. The egg was heating up as if drawing energy toward it. The bracelet glowed softly in response, connecting to the egg.

Heat spread through Catty's hands; it was slightly painful. She bit her lip, fighting the urge to pull back. The sensation was overwhelming—like standing on the edge of a cliff and knowing one wrong step could send her tumbling. Emotions washed over the girl—not her own, but the tiny creature's inside: impatience, curiosity, and a fierce will struggling to break free.

Catty squeezed her eyes shut, feeling her resolve waver. What if I'm not strong enough? The thought clawed at her, sharp and relentless. What if I fail? Images flashed through her mind: Landom facing the guards alone, Fitzmaria swinging the sword, the Widow smiling evilly. And also Rutger cooking, Eldric laughing, Vexara's sad look...

All of them led to this moment—this fragile life cradled in her hands.

Catty pressed the egg to her breasts. "I'm here," she whispered, voice trembling. "I won't let go. I won't let you be alone." The words were meant for both—herself and the little dragon within. She took a slow breath, steadying herself.

The bracelet reacted instantly, its rose-colored glow deepening. Light wrapped around the girl's body, armored in scale, like an embrace, then flowed into the egg.

Catty focused on the creature inside, pouring all her energy and intent into the egg.

'Feel me,' she thought. 'I'm here. I won't back down.'

The egg pulsed in response. The heat was almost unbearable now, but Catty didn't flinch. She let the pain wash over her, welcoming it. If this was what it took, she would endure it. She had to. Because this baby was worth it.

Fine cracks splintered across the shell, and glowing lines spread in rapid, jagged patterns. The magic inside was struggling to break free. The bracelet on her wrist flared brighter, feeding into the egg's growing power.

When the cracks began to extend wider, a surge of fire burst from the egg—wild, scorching flames that wrapped around Catty's hands. She cried out, the heat biting her skin, even through the scale armor.

The flames licked up her shoulders, coiling around her neck and chest. It was a living, burning force that consumed everything. Catty's vision blurred, spots dancing before her eyes. It hurt. It hurt so much. She felt the blaze burning inside her like it was trying to fire off everything weak.

Her instinct screamed to pull back, to throw before the flames devoured the girl. But she clenched her jaw, gripping the egg tighter.

The Lord of Dragons watched in silence. His gaze never left Catty as the fire wrapped around her. The air buzzed with energy, and the cavern trembled when she was forging the connection.

The dragon straightened, and his wings unfurled in the air. "Yes," he said, his deep voice reverberating from the wall, filled with satisfaction. "You can do it, Child of Dragons."

The flames roared higher, scorching Catty through the scales. She would have burned to the ground if it weren't for her armor. The heat was intense to make the metal of her bracelet glow white-hot. Tears welled in her eyes, but she didn't back down.

"Come on," she snarled through gritted teeth. The fire swirled around her, an inferno of blinding light, and Catty felt something shift. The pain didn't fade, but the girl could feel the little dragon's presence, feel him pushing back against the shell, fighting as fiercely as she was.

They were in this together.

"If we have to burn, then burn us!" Catty screamed, the sound ripped from her throat, but she didn't let go.

The Lord of Dragons inclined his head, the faintest nod—a gesture of recognition.

"You have the fire," he rumbled approvingly, his eyes gleaming.

"The dragonling chose well," he added with profound respect.

The egg trembled in her hands. A faint scratching sound reached her ears—tiny claws scraped against the inside, testing the barrier that held them back. Catty held her breath, eyes wide, as she stared at the shell. The light pouring through the cracks intensified and became blinding.

The egg shuddered harder now, a power building within. Catty felt the little dragon—his confusion, a desperate will to break free. 'Hold on. I've got you,' the girl thought, giving every bit of her strength.

The entire cavern seemed to vibrate. A surge of energy exploded outward, forcing Catty to grit her teeth and tighten her grip. The mist around her swirled violently as if drawn by a powerful magnet. Colors shifted wildly—blue, crimson, violet—flaring in time with the egg's frantic rhythm.

Catty's body in the scale armor burned under the barrage of light. She felt the little creature's will bleeding into her—its fierce determination, raw strength, and an unstoppable drive to break free. The bond between them strengthened, and each beat of the dragon's heart resonated within her chest.

The shell began to burst. The light grew even brighter, forcing Catty to squint. Her heart raced with a wild and erratic beat. She knew the moment was close.

And then, the egg exploded with brilliant energy like a fireball.

Catty cried out, eyes squeezing shut. The light was so bright it burned behind her closed eyelids. The sound of shattering crystals filled the cavern.

She felt the egg shattered, releasing the life inside.

Pieces of the shell lifted from her hands and then disintegrated into a shower of sparkling dust. Catty opened her eyes.