He walked with difficulty, still feeling the effects of the transformation his body had undergone. His gaze was determined, but there was a trace of doubt as he spoke to the mage:

— Vaermere... It's an ancient place, filled with buried secrets. What exactly are we looking for there?

The mage, with an enigmatic smile, looked at him as they traversed the rocky terrain:

— An egg, prince. A dragon egg, buried deep within Vaermere. It's said that the ancient kings hid these eggs, waiting for someone with old blood to return... someone like you.

He frowned, his mind still processing the recent revelations:

— My blood... I never thought it could be tied to something so ancient, so powerful. What if you're wrong? What if there's nothing there?

The mage laughed, a sound that echoed ominously through the surrounding mountains:

— I don't make mistakes, prince. I've felt the call of these eggs for years, but I never found anyone worthy of awakening them. Until now. Do you have doubts, prince? Are you afraid of what you might find?

He looked directly into her eyes, his expression dark:

— Fear? Maybe. But it's not of dragons or ancient secrets. It's of losing control. Of becoming something I don't recognize. What else haven’t you told me?

The mage leaned closer, her lips almost brushing his ear as she whispered:

— There are many secrets yet to be revealed, my prince. But not all at once. If you knew everything, the journey would lose its charm, don't you think?

He drew back slightly, suspicious:

— I don't like riddles. But I have no choice, do I? I need answers. I need to know why I'm here, why you chose me.

The mage smiled wickedly, her voice full of provocation:

— I chose you because you're different, prince. You're strong, but there's a darkness within you, a flame that can set this world ablaze. And I... I want to see that fire burn. I want to see what you can become.

He kept his gaze fixed on her, feeling a mix of fascination and revulsion:

— You speak as if I'm a weapon to be wielded. What do you gain from this, besides satisfying your own curiosity?

The mage laughed again, a sound that sent shivers down his spine:

— Oh, prince, you still don’t understand, do you? I seek power, just like you. But unlike you, I have no throne or name. I only have my magic... and you. Together, we can shape the future. Or destroy it, if we wish.

He pondered her words as they continued toward Vaermere:

— Shape or destroy... It's a heavy burden, but maybe a necessary one. Volcrist is on the brink of collapse. If this dragon egg really exists, it could be the key to changing everything. Or sealing our fate.

The mage looked at him with a gleam in her eyes, pleased with his response:

— Exactly, my prince. And that’s why you and I must work together. Because in Vaermere, you won’t just find an egg... you’ll find your true purpose.

He nodded slowly, still digesting her words:

— And if I refuse? If I decide this path isn’t for me?

The mage paused for a moment, looking deep into his eyes:

— Then you’ll be throwing away the only chance you have to truly understand who you are. But I know you won’t do that. You’ve already passed the point of no return, prince. Now, there’s only forward.

During the journey to Vaermere, the atmosphere between the prince and the mage becomes more intimate and revealing. The conversation, which initially focuses on dragons and the search for the egg, gradually shifts to more personal topics.

— And so, princess of shadows, have you always been this... mysterious? — he asks, trying to ease the tension while still feeling the lingering pain in his transformed body.

The mage, with an enigmatic smile, responds:

— Everyone has their secrets, prince. But some are more interesting than others.

Curious, he continues:

— What about your family? Who are they? Where do you come from?

She hesitates for a moment before replying:

— I am from House Dravenmoor, an ancient and powerful lineage. But power comes with sacrifices.

He notices the change in her tone, less playful and more serious:

— Sacrifices? What do you mean?

— Do you know what it’s like to lose everything you’ve fought for? — she asks, her eyes darkening with the memory. — Dravenmoor was destroyed by those who feared our power. Nothing remained... except the desire to rebuild what was lost.

Still struggling with the physical pain, he feels a connection to his own situation:

— I know what it’s like to lose, but what do you plan to rebuild?

She looks at him, her smile returning:

— Something greater than any empire ever seen. And you, prince, are a part of it. With your ancient blood and the strength I’ve awakened in you, we can bring the dragons back to the world. Vaermere will be just the beginning.

He absorbs her words, the idea of being part of something so grand fascinates him, but it also leaves him apprehensive:

— And what if it all goes wrong? — he asks, finally voicing his uncertainty.

— Then we’ll both be dead. But I’d rather risk everything than live in a world without dragons and without the power that once belonged to my house. — she responds coldly.

They continue riding in silence until he, curious, breaks it:

— Why did you never tell me your name before?

The mage turns her face towards him, her eyes glinting in the darkness:

— Because names have power, prince. But now, you may call me Lilith Dravenmoor.

The revelation of her name makes Aemon realize the depth of what's involved. He now understands that Lilith, like him, is willing to risk everything for an uncertain but grand future. And with Vaermere in sight, their mission was about to begin.

In the sub-Dominion of Vaermere, the village buzzed with excitement for the local tournament. Warriors from all corners gathered to test their strength in the central arena, each driven by different goals: honor, wealth, fame. The clash of swords and cries of victory filled the air as each competitor sought to achieve their dreams. Yet, few knew the true purpose behind the tournament.

Above the arena, in a luxurious box adorned with Vaermere's banners, Lady Cerys watched the carnage with a calculating gaze. Her lips curved into a cold smile as her eyes tracked every movement of the fighters below. At her feet, a ragged, disfigured man lay prostrate, almost like a pet, obedient to her every whim.

Cerys slowly crossed her legs, murmuring to herself: — Power isn't given; it's taken. If Cedric really believes he can hold the throne without resistance... well, he underestimates how far I'm willing to go.

She looked at the fighters in the arena, seeing in them not just competitors, but pawns in her game of usurpation. In a low, seductive voice, she addressed the man at her feet: — I need strong, loyal warriors who can do the dirty work without question. This tournament... — she paused, watching one combatant brutally take down his opponent — ...isn't just to entertain the masses. It's to find those willing to do anything for a taste of power and wealth. Those who, with the right guidance, could be the force that topples Cedric.

The man trembled, whether from the coldness in Cerys's gaze or the cruelty implicit in her words. She noticed and, with a casual gesture, pushed him back with her foot, making him retreat further.

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— He thinks his coronation will make him invincible, that his lineage will protect him. — Cerys's voice was soft but laced with venom as she spoke to herself, her eyes lost on the horizon. — But every throne comes at a price, and I'm willing to pay whatever it takes to claim what's rightfully mine. Cedric may have the crown for now, but it's only a matter of time before he falls. And when that happens, I'll be there to take what's mine.

As the tournament continued, Lady Cerys's attention never wavered. Each victory, each defeat, was a piece she carefully placed in her larger plan. The blood spilled in the arena today would be the same that fueled her rise to power.

With a final look at the arena, Cerys instructed her servants to keep the tournament winners under close watch, preparing them for the real battle to come. The arena might be the stage for the day, but the true battlefield would be Cedric's throne. And Lady Cerys was determined to emerge victorious, no matter the cost.

Upon arriving in Vaermere, Aemon and Lilith encountered an unusual commotion. The normally quiet village was in full swing, bustling with the excitement of a tournament. Numerous heralds roamed the streets, announcing the competition that was drawing warriors from all over.

As they attempted to pass through the gates leading to the town center, one of the heralds stopped them, pointing towards the arena:

— Today is a special day. We're in the midst of the great tournament of Vaermere. If you wish to continue, you'll need to wait until the competition is over or participate in it.

Lilith, always alert to opportunities, glanced at Aemon with a mischievous smile.

— Perhaps this isn't such a bad thing, Prince. How about testing your newfound abilities? — she whispered, the excitement evident in her voice.

Aemon, feeling the newly awakened power coursing through his veins, considered it for a moment before agreeing with a nod. He felt an urgency to test what he had become, and a competition like this seemed the perfect opportunity.

— Where do I sign up? — he asked the herald, his voice filled with determination.

The herald, surprised by the sudden decision, observed them for a moment before nodding and gesturing for them to follow.

— Follow me, I'll take you to the registration area.

As they walked, Aemon and Lilith exchanged glances. She, with an enigmatic smile, seemed to know exactly what lay ahead. Aemon, on the other hand, felt a mixture of anxiety and excitement. Whatever awaited him in that arena, he was ready to face it.

Upon arriving at the registration area, Aemon and Lilith attracted the attention of everyone around. It was impossible not to notice the imposing presence of the man with hair as white as snow, and a physique sculpted like ancient gods. Beside him, Lilith exuded an equally magnetic aura. Her sun-golden hair and graceful curves seemed designed to both seduce and intimidate.

As they approached the registration desk, the man in charge of the records looked up, clearly impressed. Lilith, with a subtle nod, suggested that Aemon use a false name. They didn't want to draw unwanted attention.

— What's the name? — asked the registrar, still absorbed by the figure before him.

Aemon, maintaining a firm and controlled tone, responded with the name Lilith had suggested. After registering the name, the registrar pointed to a tunnel to the left.

— Go through there. When it's your turn, we'll call you.

Aemon nodded and was about to head towards the indicated path, but Lilith called out before he could take the first step.

— Aemon — her voice, soft yet authoritative, made him turn to face her. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and wickedness. — Don't hold back.

For a moment, they locked eyes. Aemon could feel the energy and anticipation in Lilith's gaze. He gave a faint smile, a smile that indicated he was ready to unleash all the potential he now possessed.

— Don't worry — he replied, his voice filled with determination.

With that, he entered the tunnel, leaving Lilith behind, who watched him with a satisfied smile. She knew that what was about to come would be memorable.

After Aemon entered the tunnel, Lilith quickly made her way to the stands, her gaze sharp as she observed every movement around her. The stands were packed with eager spectators, their voices creating a mix of excitement and anticipation. She found a spot near the edge, giving her a clear view of the arena.

Lilith took her seat, her eyes fixed on Lady Cerys, who was positioned above the arena. Cerys's presence was unmistakable — with her haughty posture and a gaze that combined disdain with pleasure. She was standing over a poorly dressed man, who seemed to serve as a sort of pet. The spectacle was both grotesque and captivating.

As she watched, Lilith furrowed her brow. Something felt off. She knew the tournament wasn't scheduled for this time of year; this was out of the ordinary. Her mind began to race, connecting dots and forming hypotheses. If the tournament was happening out of season, it was likely that something more significant was at play.

Lilith couldn't ignore the sense that there was a deeper plot hidden behind the apparent festivity. With a calculating look, she scrutinized Lady Cerys more closely. There was a glint in her eyes that wasn't merely due to the pleasure of the tournament; it was a spark of something more sinister, something Lilith felt was key to understanding what was truly happening.

As the crowd around her cheered and rooted for the competitors, Lilith remained vigilant, her mind trying to unravel the secrets concealed beneath the façade of the seemingly trivial tournament. She knew the answer lay in Cerys's behavior and the unusual circumstances of the tournament. And she was determined to uncover the truth

As the tournament in Vaermere unfolded, the castle of Volcrist was immersed in frantic preparations. Anticipation for Cedric's coronation dominated every aspect of life within the castle. In the luxurious corridors, where the glow of chandeliers reflected off the stone walls, Fianna spoke with Edric about the turbulent situation that had arisen.

— I can't believe it all ended like this — Fianna said, her tone heavy with frustration and exhaustion. — A simple treaty trip turned into a crisis nobody expected. Now, in just two days, Cedric will be crowned.

Edric, with a serious face and concerned expression, nodded in agreement. He was equally unsettled by the rapid escalation of events.

— It's true, Fianna. We never imagined that a simple diplomatic mission could lead to this. Aemon's absence and Cedric's impending coronation have caused considerable unrest among the main dominions. Many of them are unhappy with the idea of Cedric taking the throne.

Fianna sighed, running a hand through her hair in frustration.

— What worries me most is the lack of alternatives. With Aemon presumed dead and no sign of him being alive, options are dwindling. Cedric, though he is an heir, isn't the choice of many of the dominion leaders. And there's not much we can do now.

Edric moved closer to Fianna, trying to offer a glimmer of hope amid the despair.

— There is still time. Perhaps we can find a way to intervene before the coronation. There's always room for negotiation and change, even in the most seemingly inevitable events.

Fianna looked at Edric, her eyes reflecting a mix of hope and skepticism.

— Maybe. But time is running out. And every minute that passes brings us closer to Cedric's coronation, something many fear and disapprove of. We need to act quickly if we want to alter the course of events.

The ensuing silence was heavy with the weight of responsibility and urgency. Both knew they were on the brink of a precipice, and the solution seemed ever more elusive. As preparations for the coronation continued at full throttle, a shadow of uncertainty hung over everyone in the castle, and Volcrist's future seemed more uncertain than ever.

The atmosphere in the Vaermere arena was charged with tension and excitement. The crowd was in a frenzy, their voices echoing through the stands as they watched the fighters clash in intense bouts. Lilith was impatient, observing with disdain the weaker opponents fighting in the arena. Her expression showed clear irritation at the lack of worthy challenges, making her yearn even more for the moment Aemon would finally enter the fight.

The roars of the crowd quieted as the official called the next name. Lilith straightened in her seat, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

— Maelion of... — The official hesitated for a moment, checking the list before completing. — Maelion of Arilith!

The name sounded like a promise of something more thrilling, and Lilith smiled, a grin that mixed anticipation and satisfaction. She knew Aemon was the fighter she had been waiting for, and now his time had come.

Aemon entered the arena, his imposing presence and striking aura immediately drawing attention. His white hair, gleaming under the sunlight, made him stand out among the other competitors. Dressed in light armor, he held two sharp daggers, his chosen weapons for the fight. Aemon's presence was almost hypnotic, and the crowd could not take their eyes off him.

On the other side of the arena, Aemon's opponent was a veteran soldier, known for his combat experience. His eyes showed a mix of disdain and caution as he observed Aemon. He was a warrior who had survived many battles, but now faced the unknown with an enigmatic and formidable opponent.

Meanwhile, Cerys, in her elevated position in the arena, watched with great interest. Aemon's beauty and skill had fascinated her from the moment he entered the arena. Her eyes fixed on him, Cerys analyzed every move and gesture, completely absorbed by the performance of the white-haired fighter. She knew Aemon's appearance and abilities could change the dynamics of the tournament and was curious to see how he would perform in combat.

Lilith watched Cerys with a satisfied smile as Aemon prepared for the fight. She felt that this was the moment she had been waiting for — the true test of his skills and a chance for Aemon to showcase his new strength.

The atmosphere was charged with expectation as the official signaled the start of the fight. The arena erupted in cheers and applause, the crowd was in ecstasy, and Lilith leaned back in her seat, eager to see what Aemon would do.

The fight was about to begin, and all eyes were on the white-haired fighter, eager to witness the battle that would unfold in the Vaermere arena.