Lena's POV:Although Frost said he would "think" about trusting me, I felt relieved. At least now I had a chance to convince him to help me. That evening, I kept myself busy tidying the tent I shared with Frost. He never stayed inside for long, always conferring with his men or scouting the area. I was shaken from my thoughts when I heard the loud rumble of the warriors' vehicles starting up. I stepped outside the tent flap to see what was happening. The entire camp seemed to be mobilizing for some mission. I stopped a lean, teenage warrior who was rushing past. "Excuse me, what's going on?" I asked. He turned and gave me a hesitant smile. "Oh hi, I'm Jax. Commander Frost is taking the bulk of our forces to spy on that dragon warlord's fortress you mentioned. Scar, I think you called him?"I tensed at the name but tried not to show it. "I see. Do you know when you all will return?"Jax shook his head apologetically. "No telling with these covert ops. Could be a few hours, could be

Lena's POVAfter sitting in the supply wagon for days, I was glad to finally set my feet on solid grounds. I stretched my body as we filed inside to a flurry of activity. Warriors broke off to the barracks to stow their gear and reunite with comrades. Jax hopped down beside me, flashing a grin. "Welcome home! C'mon, I'll take you to Frost's hall. Don't worry about your things, they'll be delivered."I followed apprehensively as we crossed through throngs of people to an expansive mansion of stone and dark wood. My nerves mounted when I realized this must be Frost's personal estate. What awaited me here?Jax left me standing awkwardly in the grand foyer. Around me, warriors came and went, paying me little mind. Feeling utterly out of place, I lingered by a carved column until I heard loud footsteps approaching."Ah, so good to be home!" Freya exclaimed, face flushed from the cold. "I'm absolutely dying for a hot bath. Lena dear, I'll have the maids draw you one as well after our long

Scar's POVThe harsh clang of swords rang in my ears as I faced off against Brandon, one of the oldest warriors in my service. We were alone in the training arena as twilight fell, having sparred for the past hour. With a final mighty lunge, I knocked Brandon's blade aside and swept his legs out from under him. He hit the dirt hard with a pained groan before lying still, thoroughly bested.I stood over him, chest heaving and vision tinged red. The savage fury simmering within me for days begged for release. But footsteps behind made me turn with a snarl."Peace, Scar," Hermes said, raising his hands cautiously. My oldest friend and adviser studied me with concern. "That is enough violence for today. Come, let us return to the manor."I growled in frustration, the dragon in me straining against its bonds. "Do not command me! I must have an outlet, or..." I trailed off ominously, hands clenching.Hermes considered me a moment. "Very well. If you require exertion, spend your energy on t

Scar's POVThe silence within my private chambers was suffocating, pressing in on me from all sides. Since the shock of Lena's betrayal and missing book, I had cloistered myself away, interacting with others as little as possible. I could not bear to see the fearful glances or sense the simmering unease within my people whenever I approached. Not when my own spirit was so violently churning.Though I kept up a stoic front, inside I alternated between rage and profound grief at all that had been ripped away. My incompetence had cost dragonkind dearly. Our history and knowledge were gone, our unity shattered. And the gnawing void where my heart once resided seemed to be slowly consuming me from within.For days, the changes had been subtle - sleepless nights staring into the darkness, spells of dizziness, a vague sense of fragility. But this morning upon glimpsing my reflection, the differences had become impossible to ignore. My complexion had turned sallow, cheeks gaunt and shadows ri

Frost's POVI sat rigidly behind the heavy oak desk in my private study, brow furrowed in thought. My second-in-command Flint had just finished briefing me on the skirmish with unknown assailants beyond our northern border. From his account, they did not seem to be the work of the dragon Scar or his forces. Their fighting style was different, more ruthless and chaotic. Humans, perhaps a renegade warband. But we had been at peace with the local villagers for some time now.I waved a hand, dismissing Flint for the evening. "Double the patrols for now, but do not engage unless provoked. And keep this quiet - no need to alarm anyone unnecessarily." Flint bowed. "Of course, Commander. I will inform only the sentry captains.""One more thing," I added as he turned to leave. "Do not let Lena know of this incident. She has enough to fret over as things stand."Flint nodded in understanding before departing to relay my orders. Alone again, I sank back in my chair, rubbing my temples wearily