The atmosphere inside the ancient temple was thick with lingering energy. Talon could still feel the remnants of the dragon soul coursing through his veins, igniting a warmth that settled deep within his core. Lyra watched him carefully, concern and curiosity etched across her face.

"Are you sure you're okay?" she asked, her voice echoing softly against the stone walls.

Talon took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I think so," he replied. "It's like a door inside me just opened. I can feel the power, but it's... different. More focused."

Lyra tilted her head. "Can you control it?"

He flexed his claws and concentrated. A faint glow enveloped his hand, and sparks of energy danced between his fingers. It felt natural, as if he'd always known how to summon it. "I think I can," he said with a small smile. "But I need to test it."

Before Lyra could respond, a low rumble resonated through the temple. The ground beneath them trembled, and dust fell from the ceiling above. The murals along the walls began to glow faintly, the dragons depicted within seeming to stir to life.

"We should get out of here," Lyra suggested, her eyes darting around nervously.

Talon nodded. "Agreed."

They hurried toward the entrance, but as they reached the threshold, the massive stone doors began to grind shut. With a surge of adrenaline, Talon dashed forward, pushing Lyra ahead of him. "Go!"

They slipped through just as the doors slammed behind them, sealing the temple once more. Outside, the sky had darkened, heavy clouds rolling in and casting the island into shadow.

"That was too close," Lyra panted.

Talon gazed back at the sealed temple. "It's almost like it wanted to trap us inside."

"Why would it do that?" Lyra wondered aloud.

"Maybe to protect what's inside—or to keep something from getting out," Talon mused.

A distant roar interrupted their thoughts, followed by another tremor that rippled through the ground.

Lyra's eyes widened. "What now?"

Talon spread his wings, scanning the horizon. In the distance, dark shapes moved against the backdrop of storm clouds—several large creatures heading their way. Their silhouettes were ominous, with wings stretched wide and tails lashing behind them.

"Dragons?" Lyra asked, squinting to get a better look.

Talon's heart skipped a beat. "No... something else."

As the creatures drew nearer, their features became clearer. They were wyverns—dragon-like beasts but lacking the intelligence and majesty of true dragons. Their scales were a dull gray, and their eyes glowed with a feral hunger.

"They don't look friendly," Lyra noted, taking a defensive stance.

Talon felt the newfound energy stir within him. "This might be a good time to test these new powers."

Lyra glanced at him. "Are you sure you're ready?"

He met her gaze, confidence steadying his nerves. "I have to be."

The first wyvern let out a piercing screech and dove toward them, talons extended. Talon reacted instinctively, leaping into the air to meet the creature head-on. He summoned the energy within, focusing it into his claws.

As they collided, Talon swiped at the wyvern, and a burst of elemental force erupted from his claws. The wyvern shrieked as the energy struck it, sending it spiraling away and crashing into the forest below.

Lyra watched in awe. "That was incredible!"

But there was no time to celebrate. Two more wyverns descended upon them. Lyra took to the sky, drawing one of them away from Talon. She weaved through the air with agility, the wyvern snapping at her heels.

Talon engaged the other, dodging a stream of noxious breath that scorched the air around him. He countered by unleashing a bolt of energy from his jaws—a nascent form of elemental breath. The blast struck the wyvern square in the chest, knocking it backward.

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Below, Lyra led her pursuer into a narrow canyon. As the wyvern struggled to navigate the tight space, she looped around and struck its wing with her tail. The wyvern lost balance and crashed into the canyon wall, debris tumbling down upon it.

"Nice move!" Talon called out.

"Thanks!" Lyra replied, her eyes shining with excitement.

The remaining wyverns circled above, wary after seeing their comrades defeated. They regrouped, hissing and snapping at each other.

"Why are they attacking us?" Lyra wondered.

"I'm not sure," Talon said. "But we can't let them pin us down."

One of the wyverns broke from the group, diving straight toward the temple entrance. It landed and began clawing at the sealed doors, as if trying to force its way inside.

"They're after something in the temple," Talon realized.

"Maybe the dragon soul you absorbed?" Lyra suggested.

"Possibly." Talon's mind raced. If these creatures sought the power within the temple, they couldn't let them succeed.

"We have to stop them," he declared.

Together, they swooped down toward the wyvern at the temple doors. Lyra unleashed a piercing roar, drawing the creature's attention. It turned just in time to see Talon descending upon it.

He focused his energy, channeling it into his claws and wings. As he struck, a shockwave of elemental force rippled outward, knocking the wyvern off its feet. Lyra followed up with a swift strike to its exposed underbelly, and the creature roared in pain before retreating.

The remaining wyverns, seeing their comrade defeated, exchanged glances before turning and flying off into the distance. The threat had passed, for now.

Talon landed beside Lyra, both of them catching their breath.

"That was intense," she said, a mixture of adrenaline and relief in her voice.

Talon nodded. "But we handled it. And I think I'm starting to understand how to control this power."

Lyra smiled. "You're becoming stronger every day."

He met her gaze, gratitude evident in his eyes. "I couldn't have done it without you."

She blushed slightly, the pink hue of her scales deepening. "We're a team."

Before they could say more, the ground trembled once again. They looked toward the temple as cracks began to form along its surface. The ancient structure groaned, and a faint light seeped through the fissures.

"What's happening?" Lyra asked, taking a step back.

The temple shuddered, and with a thunderous sound, it collapsed inward. Dust and debris filled the air, forcing them to shield their eyes. When the dust settled, the temple was reduced to ruins.

Amidst the rubble, a glowing figure emerged—a spectral dragon, its form composed of shimmering light. It regarded Talon and Lyra with ethereal eyes.

"Brave young dragons," the spirit spoke, its voice echoing in their minds. "You have protected the sacred sanctuary and proven your worth."

Talon bowed his head respectfully. "Who are you?"

"I am Eldros, an ancient guardian of the dragon souls. For centuries, I have watched over this temple, awaiting the one who could harness the power within."

Lyra stepped forward cautiously. "Why were those wyverns trying to enter the temple?"

Eldros's gaze hardened. "They are servants of darker forces—beings who seek to corrupt the dragon souls and unleash chaos upon this world."

Talon's jaw tightened. "Then this island is more dangerous than we thought."

"Indeed," Eldros agreed. "But you possess the strength to oppose them. Talon, the power you hold is unique. The souls you've absorbed grant you abilities beyond that of ordinary dragons."

"Can you help me understand them?" Talon asked.

"I can guide you," Eldros replied. "But the path ahead is fraught with peril. You must continue to unlock your potential and unite with others who can aid you."

Lyra glanced at Talon. "Others?"

Eldros nodded. "There are dragons across this world—some like you, some different—who will be crucial allies in the battles to come. Seek them out. Learn from them. Together, you can stand against the darkness rising."

Talon felt a weight settle on his shoulders. The responsibility was immense, but he knew he couldn't turn away. "We will do whatever it takes."

Eldros's form began to fade. "Remember, you are not alone. Trust in yourselves and in each other."

"Wait!" Lyra called out. "Where should we go first?"

The spirit's voice echoed faintly as it vanished. "Follow the path to the Eastern Continent. There, your journey truly begins."

Silence enveloped them once more. Talon and Lyra stood amidst the ruins, absorbing everything they had learned.

"The Eastern Continent," Talon murmured. Images of distant lands and unknown challenges filled his mind.

Lyra took a deep breath. "It looks like our journey just got a lot bigger."

He looked at her, determination gleaming in his eyes. "Are you ready for this?"

She smiled confidently. "As long as we're together."

Talon felt a surge of gratitude. "Then let's not waste any time."

They took flight, ascending high above the island. From this vantage point, the vast ocean stretched out before them, the Eastern Continent just beyond the horizon. The wind carried a sense of adventure, filled with the promise of new discoveries and the unknown.

As they flew, Talon contemplated the path ahead. The power within him was growing, but so was the darkness they would have to face. Eldros's words echoed in his mind—he needed to find others, to build alliances, to prepare for the battles to come.

"Lyra," he began, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

"Yes?" she replied, glancing over.

"Thank you—for everything. I couldn't ask for a better companion."

She laughed softly. "You're stuck with me now."

He chuckled. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Together, they soared toward the rising sun, leaving the floating island and its mysteries behind. Ahead lay the Eastern Continent—a land of humans, fire elemental creatures, and untold dangers. But also, perhaps, the allies they would need to face the looming threat.

The journey of a thousand miles had begun, and with each wingbeat, Talon felt more certain that they were on the right path. Challenges awaited, but so did growth, friendship, and the chance to unlock the true depths of his power.

As the first rays of dawn illuminated their path, Talon allowed himself a moment of hope. The echoes of the past were guiding them, and with Lyra by his side, he was ready to face whatever the future held.

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End of Chapter 7.