Zyrthalla soared through the cool night sky, her hair trailing behind like a banner of blue and silver. Below, Loxzua slept, safe under her vigilant watch. She ruled the heavens, a white star, untouchable and serene. Atop Qorzillux, her magnificent white dragon, she was one with the cold, a living embodiment of Qoryxa's beauty, power, and compassion.
Her thoughts drifted to her daughter, as they often did. Knowing Zyryxa was prepared for the trials of the wilderness warmed Zyrthalla’s heart. Tradition dictated she let go, but love left an indelible mark. Their bond was as eternal as the stars, as strong as Duilahir, the dragon Zyryxa would one day ride. Though she might never call Zyryxa daughter again, their love would shine whenever they soared through the night sky together.
Suddenly, fire exploded across the sky, igniting the air. Five massive maws unleashed torrents of flame, melting the evening and heralding death’s arrival in Loxzua. Qorzillux roared, sending out telepathic calls for aid to the other dragons roosting in the city. Exedox and Crystalyx would rouse their knights, Gaeliz and Tynzx, if the roars of the fire dragons did not. Despite her disdain for Hatrox, Zyrthalla had Qorzillux send for Coryza and his rider, knowing they’d need him to keep the city safe.
Ice and fire clashed in the night like two lovers turned bitter foes because of one man’s unrequited love. Zyrthalla felt tragedy and sadness as she fought against her northern kin. Still, she fought fiercely, driving the flames away and protecting the city and her allies. The moon migrated across the sky, and still, no relief from Riverwatch. Damn it, Hatrox!
Outnumbered five-to-three with a city to shield, the battle grew desperate. She intercepted the small red Infyriux descending upon Crystalyx, driving it and its young knight, Rivux, into the ocean. The little red’s flames doused, Rivux had no choice but to flee north.
The gambit was costly, leaving Qorzillux exposed. Zyrthalla urged the great white to ascend, avoiding Ferrax’s flames. Suddenly, the stars glowed a millionfold brighter. A golden underbelly shone like a nocturnal sun above her. Qorzillux veered to the side, only to drift from the clutches of one claw into another. The golden dragon Auryxion, with its beautiful rider, seized Zyrthalla and lifted her from Qorzillux.
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She fought against its grip as Bellax, the foulest fire knight, assaulted her riderless Qorzillux atop his red Hydrix. Auryxion ascended, twirling through the sky to evade Gaeliz and his blue Exedox. The gold dragon’s claw dug into Zyrthalla’s armor, clutching her tightly as they soared over the sea. Zyrthalla knew a fall from this height in her armor would mean certain death.
Qorzillux’s cries echoed in her mind and in the air as she was bombarded by two fire dragons. She cursed Hatrox and his tardiness as Saevah flew golden Auryxion northwest toward the Frostmelt. If killing was the goal, Saevah could have dropped her into the ocean. Was she to be taken prisoner? To be offered to Faxiq as a prize, a consolation for losing Syrixza and a placeholder for the runaway Syraxyz? Compelled to challenge Vaztyma and end the war? Or, merely to keep the people Saevah cared for safe, including Zyrthalla herself? Whatever the reason, Zyrthalla had no choice but to submit, for now. She released her handaxe and accepted her situation.
Zyrthalla, forever linked to Qorzillux, told her to abandon her. Live to fight another day, my beloved. We will—
A flash of darkness collided with Auryxion, claw and tooth sinking into the fire dragon. Auryxion spiraled out of control, its claws opening in the chaos.
Zyrthalla desperately reached for a handhold but found nothing but thousands of feet of air. She plummeted toward the ocean, panic surging through her bond with Qorzillux. The dragon fought desperately to reach her, despairing as she was struck in the rear.
The impact with the water was brutal, driving her to the depths. Weighted by her armor, Zyrthalla struggled to retain consciousness as darkness surrounded her. She reached for the clasps at the back of her armor, unable to free them. She tried to swim, rising foot by foot, exerting herself to the extreme. Zyrthalla screamed through her bond for Qorzillux, knowing the dragon had also hit the water.
Qorzillux’s desperation pulsed in her mind, the dragon engaged in battle beneath the waves. Zyrthalla fought against the weight of the water and her armor, yearning to help her dragon, desperately trying to survive, but she sank toward the ocean floor, realizing this was the end.
Her eyes flickered as her breath depleted. She saw little Abbacyx and hoped he would find his place in this harsh world. She saw Zyrxine, passionate and angry, and hoped she would channel her energy into greatness rather than destruction. She saw Abbaz and hoped his heart would beat again, that he would become the hero she knew he was. Fighting for a few more moments, she thought of Zyryxa, her dearest, and prayed to Qoryxa that she would always remain compassionate, powerful, and beautiful, forever her champion.