Chapter 1
Aureldor had become a sanctuary once more—a land where humans, elves, and dragons lived in fragile but enduring harmony. Since the last reunion of Dragon King Kael and Queen Delayra, half-dragon and half-elf, peace had woven itself into the very roots of the realm.
Chapter 1:
Inside the silver-lit halls of Moon meadows, Lunara sighed quietly. She had heard this tale countless times—this was the third time today alone.
“Please, Father,” she said at last, rubbing her temples. “I’ve listened to this story so many times.”
Across the chamber, her younger sister gasped, cheeks puffed in protest. “No! Father, please continue,” Nari said, clinging to his robe.
Neyxar—known across the realms as Nyx, the High Mage of Moon meadows and elf king of the region—chuckled softly at their reactions. His silver eyes sparkled with amusement as he looked at Lunara.
“Hmmm,” he mused, “it seems my elder daughter is bored. Tell me then—what does entertain you, Lunara?”
She straightened instantly. “Magic,” she said without hesitation. “I want to learn more. I want to become like you—the High Mage of Moon meadows.”
Neyxar’s smile softened, pride flickering across his features. He brushed a hand over her hair. “You will, my love. But for now, your mother worries too much. Don’t upset her. Help her with the household chores, and in return…” He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “I’ll teach you some very interesting spells.”
Lunara’s eyes widened. “Really? That’s all?”
He nodded.
Without another word, she spun around and hurried off, already searching for her mother.
Neyxar laughed under his breath, then he place a hand on Nari’s shoulder . “Come, little star,” he said gently. “It’s time to go.”
Neyxar wave to Nari her mother brushing her hair he leaned in to press a soft kiss to his mate’s forehead. Zubeia smiled, her silver-blue eyes glowing faintly beneath the moonlight.
“Story time finished already?” she asked.
He chuckled. “Almost. Though Lunara didn’t seem very interested.”
Zubeia sighed, adjusting Nari on her hip. “She wants to learn magic seriously, Nyx. But I’m afraid she’s still immature. Last time she tried casting a thunder spell in her room…” She gave him a pointed look. “You remember the damage she caused.”
Neyxar smiled, unbothered. “Practice is what turns chaos into mastery, my love. And I’m not afraid.” His gaze softened as it rested on her. “After all, her mother is a powerful lunar dragon—always ready to protect her.”
Zubeia shook her head, though a smile curved her lips. “You always say that.”
From down the corridor, Lunara’s voice rang out brightly. “Hey, Father! I’ve cleaned my room and prepared mine and Nari’s beds. Tomorrow morning, you’ll teach me the spell you promised—don’t forget!”
Neyxar laughed, the sound echoing warmly through the halls. “Yes, yes,” he called back. “I promise.”
Aureldor — The Palace
He pulled the mask higher over his face and wrapped the oversized cloak around his small frame. One last glance—guards posted, lanterns dim—then he eased the window open.
Silent as a shadow, he slipped out, tiptoeing along the ledge. Moonlight caught his blue eyes, making them glow faintly in the dark. The silver of his earrings shimmered as he closed his eyes and whispered a spell.
In a blink, he vanished.
He reappeared beyond the palace walls, behind a cluster of ancient trees. Another cloaked figure waited there, shifting impatiently.
“Shh—over here, Prince Keden,” the boy whispered.
Keden hurried to him. “Where’s Storm?” he asked.
Tyson sighed. “As usual—afraid of his parents.”
Keden rolled his eyes. “What about the patrol? Did Uncle Hesper leave?”
Tyson nodded with a grin. “Of course. How do you think I got out this late?”
“Good,” Keden said firmly. “Then don’t waste a minute. Moon meadows is far—and it’s better if we start flying now.”
Together, they turned toward the clearing.
Two massive silhouettes stirred as their dragons lifted their heads, scales glinting beneath the moon. With a rush of wings and whispered laughter, the boys took to the sky—vanishing into the night.
—
Lunara jolted awake from a dream she couldn’t remember—only the lingering unease it left behind. She turned her head. Nari slept peacefully beside her, breathing soft and steady.
Careful not to wake her, Lunara slipped from the bed. She padded to the small table, poured herself a glass of water, and sat down, trying to calm the strange flutter in her chest.
Tap.
She froze.
Something struck the glass of her window. Lunara stared at it, heart pounding.
Another stone hit—harder this time.
Her fingers curled into fists as instinct took over. Protective spells whispered through her mind, each one memorized, each one ready. Moving slowly, she crossed the room and opened the window just enough to peer outside.
Two cloaked boys stood below, both around her age.
She frowned.
One of them stepped forward. He pulled the mask from his face, revealing sharp blue eyes that gleamed even in the dark. With a confident gesture, he motioned for her to come down.
Lunara folded her arms and tilted her chin defiantly. With her thumb, she gestured no way—then shut the window firmly.
She turned away.
Crack.
A stone struck the glass again, louder this time.
Nari stirred in her sleep, turning onto her side.
Lunara spun back, fury flashing in her eyes. She yanked the window open. “Wait,” she hissed.
Below, the boy—Keden—gave a single, solemn nod, his expression unreadable as stone.
Lunara sighed softly and glanced down the corridor. Her parents’ chamber doors were still shut, the palace wrapped in deep silence.
If I open the main gate now, Father will wake, she thought. Better to teleport.
She whispered the spell, and moonlight folded around her.
In the next heartbeat, she stood outside.
She walked toward him, arms crossed. “What brings you here, Prince Keden?”
Keden’s expression remained stoic. “I don’t particularly like this place,” he said calmly. “But I respect it. This is where my mother was born—her homeland.” His blue eyes sharpened. “Tonight, I came to remind you of our challenge.”
Lunara arched a brow. “What challenge?”
“You’ve forgotten already?” he asked. “Last time, you defeated me with a lightning spell. Tonight, I’ve come to defeat you.”
“At this hour?” she scoffed. “You want to wake everyone?”
“No,” Keden replied. “We’ll go somewhere safe. In daylight, our parents would never allow us to use spells.”
A slow smile curved Lunara’s lips. “If you’re defeated again, make sure you don’t show me your face after tonight.”
Beside them, Tyson swallowed hard, glancing nervously between the two.
Keden stepped closer, eyes blazing. “No,” he said coolly. “Only if I win, I’ll make sure I never have to see your ugly, crying face again.”
“So,” Lunara asked, folding her arms, “where’s your safe place?”
Keden shrugged casually. “You tell me. Or is there no free land left in Moonshadow?”
Tyson finally spoke up. “I’ve seen a place,” he said. “The old grounds of the late king’s broken palace. It’s abandoned—no one goes there anymore.”
Lunara’s eyes lit up. “Perfect.” She smiled at him.
Tyson returned the smile, clearly pleased.
Keden noticed—and rolled his eyes.
They made their way across the quiet land, moonlight guiding their steps.
Keden glanced at Lunara and smirked. “Are you sure you can fight dressed in your stupid pink cat pajamas?”
Lunara didn’t miss a beat. “Oh? His Majesty isn’t ready to fight a girl in pajamas? And by the way, you didn’t even arrive announced.”
Tyson nodded eagerly. “She has a point.”
Keden shot him a sharp look and his expression hardened.
“Well,” he said coolly, “as your merciful future king, I can give you time. Do you want your armor… or your father’s robe?”
Lunara lifted her chin. “Unlike you, I have my own robe. But I don’t need it right now. A mage is always ready.”
Tyson burst out laughing. “I’m sorry—but whose cloak are you wearing?”
Keden stiffened. “A guard’s cloak,” he admitted. “I stole it. Mother took my own and restricted my escape.”
Lunara smirked. “Of course she did. She’s an elf queen—and Aunt knows her son too well.”
Keden groaned. “Will you please shut up and move faster?”
Tyson pointed ahead. “We’re almost there.”
As they reached the broken palace grounds, Tyson quickly scrambled up a massive boulder, settling himself at a safe distance.
Keden turned to face Lunara, lightning already flickering faintly around his fingers. “Are you ready?”
She met his gaze without hesitation. “As ever.”
In the same heartbeat, they both cast the spell.
Lightning erupted from their palms, colliding midair with a blinding flash. The force locked them together, spell against spell, neither willing to yield. Wind exploded outward in a violent wave, tearing at the ground and whipping through the ruins.
The night fell unnaturally silent—then came the low, terrifying voice of thunder, rolling like a storm awakening.
From his perch, Tyson watched with wide eyes. “Careful, guys!” he shouted, gripping the rock.
Magic crackled, the earth trembled, and under the broken palace’s gaze, something far greater than a simple challenge began to stir. ⚡🌪️
