They rose, and suddenly, the harsh sunlight was the least of Meera's concern. Aksha had understated the number of dragons that had come. The sky was filled with dragons of all shapes, sizes, and colors. It was a sight to behold, and she would have sat there and marveled at them if they weren't here to kill her.

But none of the dragons compared to the brothers that sat on the palm. They had a majestic beauty about them, like a tiger and a panther. That was the closest comparison Meera could think of. The only thing was that this tiger and panther were uncaged, the size of buildings, and would swallow her whole.

Ignis Sunbreath was even more handsome up close than the last she had seen him on the hill in Drurith. His scales were an exact match to that of a tiger, even down to the white underbelly. It was a feat that he was even larger than his brother, who stood to his right. Both dragons must have been over a hundred feet from snout to tail and half as tall as that. It was a testament to Akhessai's size that both could stand on her petrified palm. She quickly used Identify on Ignis, as she already knew Tigris's tag.

[Regal Sun Dragon – Level ????]

Of course, why did I expect a different result?

Remembering her lesson about the raw essence in the air, she quickly Identify'd as many dragons flying about them as she could and did not like what she saw. Despite her recent growth, she paled in comparison to most of them. But one good thing came out of it—she heard a notification bell, which meant she must have gained a level or two in Identify.

Veridiana moved first, with Aksha right behind her, and Meera was not ashamed to admit that she did not want to get any closer to the dragons than she already was. But still she moved, hoping the Sovereign's presence would restrict the brothers from making any drastic moves.

Veridiana spread her arms and spoke in a voice that sounded like she had a stone stuck in her throat. It took Meera a moment to realize she was speaking the language of the dragons. She was impressed, but given her history with the archdragon they were standing on, it was no surprise.

Tigris stomped his massive foot, making the whole arm shake, threatening to break it off. "Do not dirty our tongue with your vile voice, sorceress, and you lost the right to call us that when you killed our mother." His menacing eyes glowed red, and Meera instinctively touched her abdomen, where his lasers had pierced her.

Veridiana looked undeterred. "You may not think of me as that, but I helped you hatch from your eggs. I, not some dragon, so by your customs, that makes me your Raasai, your second mother—your mother in a past life. You can deny it, but it will not change the fact that I helped raise you from little hatchlings who couldn't even see till you could walk and hunt on your own."

Tigris trembled with rage. His brother gave him a look, and that alone was enough for him to settle down. He scoffed and snapped his head to the side.

"I remember," Ignis said, his voice strong and commanding like a king's. If he commanded her to snap to attention, Meera would do so in a heartbeat.

"I remember it all," he continued. "When I think back on that time, I cannot help but smile, as those were some of the happiest days of my life. You worked tirelessly for our benefit even when you were not of our kind. For the better part of my youth, I thought you were a dragon who had shape-shifted into a human. The bond between you and Mother was so fierce that I saw her go to war for your honor and you for hers." His eyes turned to Aksha. "I even remember when little Aksha was born. I stood watch over you in the weeks after she was born. We used to play with her as if she were one of my little sisters. I did not think any less of her. All happy memories…sullied by your ambition. By your greed for our mother's power."

"Then do you not remember who charred Tigris," Veridiana said with a hint of irritation. "And do you not remember how she attacked her own children? How you two fought to defend your brothers and sisters but couldn't stop your mother's wrath. I told you then, and I tell you, it was Agniaz herself who told me her true name. Who asked me to stop her, by doing this. Do not think you were the only ones who felt the sting of loss that day."

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"And did she give you permission to parade her true name to the worlds?" Ignis asked, voice rising in anger. "Did she give you permission to reveal the secret of our true names to the world?"

Aksha stepped forward. "Brother Ignis, that fault lies with me. It was my decision to call us that as a tribute to her."

"Do not call him brother, human," Tigris growled.

Aksha looked to Ignis, who said nothing to contradict his brother. She looked down, and Meera couldn't believe her eyes. Tears were glistening in Aksha's eyes. She turned when she noticed Meera staring.

What do you know, even this monster has some human emotions.

"I knew this day would come," Veridiana stated. "When you were strong enough to avenge your mother." She smiled. "And my, how strong you two have become. I'm sure your mother would be as proud as I am."

It was hard to read the expression on the dragons' faces, but Meera felt they were conflicted as well. Given their history, they must've felt some affection towards the sorceress, even if she did kill their mother.

"No matter what I feel about you, Raasai," Ignis said. "This must be done. Even if we didn't come here for you. Not at first, but what sort of an example would I set if I didn't avenge my mother's death?

"I understand, son," Veridiana replied in a motherly voice.

"If you didn't come here for Mother, then what have you come here for?" Aksha asked.

"There is more than one here that has slain my kin." Ignis's head swiveled to Meera.

"You escaped me last time," Tigris growled. "But this time, I won't be sending a bunch of pups after you. This time, I'll ensure all those who have raised a hand towards my kind lie in a heap of ashes."

Ignis stepped forward. "You can give us her and forestall your doom for a while. Refuse, and we will unleash such devastation upon your kind that the worlds will shudder in remembrance."

Veridiana looked at Meera, and for a moment, Meera thought she was considering giving her up. Meera readied herself to take off at that very instance. She didn't know if she could outfly the dragons, but she had to do something.

The sorceress turned back to her nephew. "No, son. I will not be giving her up."

Ignis sighed. "So, you chose your kind, after all. Then I sever all bonds of the past with you, Raasai. When next we meet, it will be as mortal enemies."

The dragons spread their wings, and Meera was once again awed by their majestic beauty. Their wingspan made them look even bigger than they were. She didn't know how they could fight them and win. Maybe Veridiana could, but she wasn't sure about the other sorceresses around Meera's level.

"You may have severed your bonds with me, but I do no such thing," Veridiana said. "For you are as much my children as my own blood, and I will love and cherish you till I breathe my last. And know that no harm will come to you from my hands, for I have spilled enough blood of the ones I love. If I fight, it will only be to defend my sisters."

The brothers paused. Ignis said nothing, and once again, it was hard for Meera to read his expression, but she felt he was about to change his mind or say something of the sort.

Tigris scoffed. "Only a fool will show such mercy to their enemies. It is long past we put our mother to rest." Then, a vicious grin spread his lips. "A parting gift. A reminder of what's to come in the coming days."

He threw something he had been holding in one of his clawed fingers. A head rolled on by to stop at Veridiana's feet. A bloodied head of a beautiful woman with green hair. Meera gasped.

It was Arvena, Kalrina’s sister.

She liked to annoy the woman but didn't want this fate for her, even if she had chosen the sisterhood over her flesh and blood. She could only imagine what they had done to the rest of her. Both sorceresses said nothing and simply watched Arvena's head silently, though Meera could feel the anger bubbling inside Aksha.

The brothers flapped their mighty wings and took to the air. The winds whipped past Meera, and it was like standing close to a helicopter. As they flew off, Ignis turned his long neck to take one last look at Veridiana before they plunged into the forest below. And he looked sad. Meera was sure of that. The rest of the dragons followed them, and at once, the sky cleared, and for a moment, it seemed the danger had passed.

Veridiana bent down and gently wrapped Arvena's head in one of the folds of her dress. She turned to Meera. "You will not like what I suggest next, but it is for your own good, as I want nothing but to protect you."

Uh oh…here it comes.

"Meera, it is best that you return to my chambers and remain there until this matter is settled one way or another," Verdiana said. "Unfortunately, I will not be able to train with you as I will be busy leading the defenses. As long as I stand, I promise you no harm will come to this place or you."

Meera kept her face as steady as she could, but on the inside, she was anything but steady. "I understand. If you need me to fight, I'm ready."

So, you're putting me in prison again. A nice, comfy prison, but it's still a prison. It's time to make my escape.